Chapter 14

Their routine is almost identical to before, only Ronon never leads her to the lab. In the morning he arrives at her door and escorts her – slowly for a time – to the mess hall. And every morning he does the same thing before they leave her quarters: removes the glasses from her face and sets them on the desk then takes her hand and leads her out. By the fifth day, she stops bothering to put them on at all.

After breakfast, they return to her quarters so she can rest for a few hours before he takes her to the gym for exercise. It's a light workout assigned by Dr. Beckett with stretches and limited stress on her abdominal muscles, though he does require her to do a few sets of minimal 'crunches'. The first time she manages three sets of one.

Following the exercises, they go to the mess for lunch. Alessa's appetite is slowly improving, though she's still not permitted certain foods and is going into withdrawals craving a hamburger and French fries. Ronon can only smile at her grumbles. It's a clear sign she's feeling better.

After lunch they return to her quarters so she can rest again or shower whichever she chooses. Most of the time he returns later to take her to dinner and she's lying on her bed reading one of the many novels Lt. Cadman brought back from Earth. Alessa can't seem to get enough of the stories. She simply loves the lead character: a young woman who becomes a bounty hunter because she needs money and can't get any other job. Occasionally he arrives to hear her laughing out loud at something she just read and the delight on her face makes his heart race.

The first time Ronon goes off-world, he and Carson determine the best person to take over the rehabilitation would be someone who might share an interest with Alessa: Laura Cadman. It only takes one afternoon for the two women to bond over the novels before they become inseparable. Ronon would often catch them talking about some dangerous incident only to realize that it actually took place in one of the books.

After missing out on being with her all day because of a mission, Ronon arrives at Alessa's door ready to take her to dinner only to find her gone. He goes to the mess hall anyway, spotting Alessa at a table with Laura and they're laughing over a page in one of the books. He's grateful she's having fun… but he's missed her so much and was really looking forward to spending a quiet dinner just watching over her.

It's eight weeks since her surgery. Four since he came to her with his offer of friendship…and nothing more. Every night for the first week she would fall asleep after the evening meal completely exhausted from her exercises and pain medication. Ronon would sit with her until he knew she was out and then he would kiss her lips as he had that first night and tell her he loves her.

The rest of the time he would restrain himself. It didn't take long for them to fall back into their previous pattern or for Alessa to relax around him again. It is familiar and comfortable.

But not enough.

Every time he has to go off-world, he feels his heart stop at the thought that she doesn't realize what she means to him… in case he doesn't come back.

And now, seeing her in the mess, laughing over a story, he wonders: what do I mean to her? She doesn't even seem to miss him when he's gone. Doesn't notice when he returns.

Was Carson wrong?

"Ronon!" His eyes widen when he realizes she's staring right at him. Not only that, she's waving him over. Ronon shakes his head no which only makes her more determined. Alessa comes over to his table, no longer shaky when she walks, and sits facing him. There's something different about her today. Her eyes are more prominent and the color of her lips is making him ache with want.

Laura joins them a moment later and he recognizes the same changes in her. They have painted their faces. Lined their eyes and colored their lips. Not overly done, barely noticeably even. The effect is striking on Cadman but illuminating on Alessa. She is simply beyond beautiful. That ache drops down to his groin when Alessa rests her chin on the back of her hand and stares at him, pouting slightly. "What's with the glower?"

He wrinkles his brows. "What do you mean?"

She motions to his face by pointing a finger and rotating it in large circles. "Mr. Glum face."

"Tired. Long day."

"Any fun?"

He shrugs. "Meet and greet. Boring really."

"Awe," Laura starts. "Didn't get to beat anyone up then I take it?" She raises her brows and smirks.

"Not today."

"Poor baby."

Ronon narrows his gaze on the soldier. "Wanna play?"

She laughs. "Nope. I… um." Her eyes drift between him and Alessa. "I actually have to be going." She grins. "Hot date."

"Oh…" Alessa grins in return. "Don't keep him waiting."

Laura smiles at Ronon and winks as she leaves. It's obvious that Carson has roped Laura into the conspiracy. But what good will it do if Alessa truly doesn't want him?

When Laura's gone, Alessa's hand drops onto his free one. The fork in his other stops halfway to his mouth. Her touch still gets to him. Will always get to him. But she doesn't even notice. Her eyes are bright and she smiles sweetly. "So…what's the real deal? What's up with you?"

Ronon sets his fork down and stares into her eyes. He can't wait anymore. He has to know. "I missed you."

"I'm sorry. I should've left a note on my door—"

"No." He covers her hand with his other one; his eyes still on hers. "I missed you."

She blinks. Her eyes widen and her smile falls as her face pales. "Ronon…" She pulls her hand from between his. She's out of her seat and backing away from the table. "I…" she shakes her head. "…can't…" then she's rushing from the mess hall.

She bumps into McKay as he enters, knocking the guy on his ass as she flees. Claps and laughter erupt in the room. "That's just great!" McKay grumbles.

"At least it's not your head," Ronon says as he stomps by. He hits the transporter just as Alessa disappears inside. There's only one place he knows she'll go to hide.

He's in the corridor, running toward her quarters and makes it to the door as it's closing. He slips inside. "What… get out."

"No."

"Ronon!" Without hesitating, he grabs her hand and pulls her into the bathroom. "What are you—" He gets behind her and turns her to face the mirror. "…doing?"

He points at her reflection. "See that? That is the woman I love."

She drops her gaze. "Please don't…"

He makes her face the mirror again. "She's beautiful. She's got the most amazing eyes I've ever had the pleasure of looking into." Alessa tries to turn away again, but he holds her firmly. "Her lips are so kissable it's torture not being able to touch them."

"It's just make-up."

"No. I don't see the paint, Alessa. I see you."

Tears well up in her eyes. "Why are you doing this?" she whispers.

Ronon turns her to face him so he can look into her eyes for real. "Because I love you and you won't believe me."

"I…" she pulls away from him and stomps back into her room. "You can't!"

"I can. And I do! Nothing you say is going to stop it or change it. I love you, Alessa. I always will."

Her hand shoots up. "Stop saying that."

"No."

Shaking her head, she spins on him. "What is this… did you already screw all the other women in the city and I'm the last on your to-do list? Or is there some new pool going on I don't know about?"

"Why can't you believe me?"

"As you pointed out, I have eyes, Ronon. And I see what's real! There is no way this is real. It can't be."

"You think I'm lying?"

"No…I… don't know."

"Yes you do." He grabs her by the shoulders rather roughly and gives her a slight shake. "Tell me you don't love me."

"Ronon…" she looks at the floor.

He lifts her chin with gentle fingers. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't love me, Alessa, and I'll walk out that door and never bother you again."

"We can't be together."

"That's not what I told you to tell me."

The tears finally fall as she looks him squarely in the eyes. "I…"

Ronon raises his brows, waiting. She simply stares at him, tears rolling down her face, unable to say anything more. Smiling, Ronon wraps his arms around her, lifting her up and kisses her. The moment his lips touch hers, she sobs lightly but her arms go around his neck and she doesn't pull away. It's a gentle kiss, like before. Tender and innocent until Ronon tickles her lower lip with the tip of his tongue. She gasps and her lips part giving him entry. He keeps it subtle, just wanting to taste her for a moment.

And a moment is all he gets because she pulls away and pushes both hands against his chest so he releases her. She steps back, a shaky hand covering her mouth, her eyes closing tight. "I wish I didn't," she murmurs.

"Didn't what?"

She does look at him then. "Love you."

Ronon reaches for her but she backs up again, her hip hitting the edge of the desk. "I won't hurt you."

"Yes… you will." Alessa shakes her head sadly. "I… I've seen the women you've been with, Ronon. I'm not like them… not even close."

"I know. They can't touch you. They are nothing compared to you."

Alessa hides her face in her hands and takes deep breaths before dropping her hands and looking at him again. "How can you stand there and say that? I know what I see in the mirror." She exhales hard. "And you're… whatever it is you feel for me… you'll get bored and the first pretty woman who comes along—"

Ronon's in front of her instantly, towering over her, keeping her locked in place against the desk. "You are the most beautiful creature in this or any other galaxy. I don't know how to get you to understand." He bends his knees so that they are closer in height. "I love you. I want you… I'll never be happy with anyone else. Don't you see that? Can't you feel that I'm telling the truth?"

Shocked by his declaration, she heaves another sob. "But—"

He cups her face, brushing the tears away with his thumbs. "There will never be anyone for me, but you. These eyes. Lips. This amazing, soft hair." He reaches down and picks up her hand, bringing it to his lips. "These fingers and hands." He stares at her again. "Remember the cave. I meant what I said. You're meant to stay with me… always." Alessa shakes her head. "Can't you see me? I mean really see what you've taken from me?"

"What I've…?"

"My heart, Alessa. You have it. I can't take it back. I don't want to take it back. It's yours forever. And my spirit cries out for you. Just as yours did for me. You came to me. I know you don't believe me… don't remember. But it's true. Our spirits are one with each other. We are meant to be together." He leans in to kiss her again. "Please… don't be afraid to love me."

She turns away and his lips land on her cheek. "I… I can't be what…"

"Yes. You can. I only want… need you. Nothing else. Just tell me you love me and that will be enough."

She sniffs and starts to weep. The tears rush from her eyes in a never-ending stream of pain. "I never wanted this to happen. Never thought it could. Not to me. I was perfectly willing to be alone… I accepted that's how I was supposed to be…But then you…Oh God, Ronon," she looks him in the eyes, hers flooded with tears. "I do love you. I love you so much… that's why I can't be with you."

"That doesn't make sense."

She tries to get free from him but he won't budge. With a deep breath she confesses. "It's because of the injury… I probably… most likely can't have children." She presses her hand to his cheek and he leans into it involuntarily, it's just so warm and soft, he can't help it. "I have nothing to give you."

Ronon wraps his arms around her again, this time pulling her against his chest and hugging her close. She buries her face in his shirt and cries until she can't breathe. Ronon guides her to the bed and sits her down before kneeling in front of her. Once again, he wipes her tears away, only to have more fall silently. He leans in and kisses her, first one corner of her mouth then the other before claiming her lips full on. She lets him, kisses him back even. He pulls back, stroking her cheek. "You love me?" Alessa nods, sniffing. "Then I already have everything I need."

"But—"

"I've been alone for seven years, Alessa. Running, living day-to-day, just surviving." He holds her gaze, feeling tears in his own eyes. "But I wasn't alive. Not until I met you." She sucks in a deep breath and whimpers. Ronon lets his tears fall, allowing her to see this weakness, knowing how important it is that she sees him. "When I had to cut you… I… it nearly killed me. In the cave, your pain was my pain. I felt it all, every bit of it as if I had been injured. And when you… died…" he closes his eyes at the thought and more tears slip down his face. "You came to me. I know you did because I felt it just as I felt your pain. You and I are one. Heart and spirit. We are family now. There is nothing to keep us apart. And if you try, I will fight you." He smiles through his tears. "And I will win."

"Ronon—"

He cuts her off with another kiss. He tastes her tears and wants to wash them away with his tongue on hers. She's inexperienced with kissing, but he loves that she is. Loves that she'll learn with him. He's wanted this for so long, he can't stop, doesn't ever want to stop kissing her, tasting her. Her lips are so soft and pliant, yielding for him. He nibbles on the thick bottom one, tugging on it, teasing. Her breath hitches and Ronon pushes for more, deepening, exploring her mouth as his passion rises. He runs his fingers into her hair and the feel of it sends him into a frenzy of desire. His pants tighten. She moans as he maneuvers her closer, bending her back until she's lying on the bed and he's hovering over her side, rubbing his trapped erection against her leg.

Finally, desperate for breath, he breaks off, pressing his forehead to hers. "I want you, Alessa. I've wanted you for so long."

She rolls away, sliding off the bed in an instant, standing and hugging her arms around her protectively. "That's… uh." She's clearly embarrassed and refuses to look at him. Ronon sits on the edge of the bed, letting his hands rest on his knees, trying to stifle a groan at the painful constriction in his pants. She starts pacing a little. "I'm not …"

"I know your secret."

She stops suddenly and stares at him wide-eyed. "What secret?"

Ronon raises his brows and smiles affectionately at her. "You're untouched."

"What!" The look on her face is a mixture of incredulity and horror. "I am not… well… I mean… Okay, technically…" She starts to pace again. "I've had sex," she says abruptly and Ronon's brows knit together. Her hands flutter in the air as she continues. "It's just that… well, um…" She stops with a heavy exhale and looks him in the eyes. "I just haven't had it with an actual… person… is all."

Ronon's feels his face contorting as he tries to understand what she just said. But he can't and he shakes his head. "What?"

Alessa drops onto the edge of the bed right next to him and folds her hands between her knees. "I'm thirty-two, Ronon. I've known about orgasms since I was ten… and…"

He chuckles lightly, delighted and even more turned on. "You know how to please yourself."

She doesn't look at him and the blush turns a brighter shade of red. "Even have help… of a mechanical kind." She glances at him only to look away quickly. "So… technically… I mean, physically technically… I'm not a virgin."

"Show me."

She's off the bed in a flash. "What?"

He's up and in front of her again, resting his hands on her shoulders and gently smoothing them up and down her arms. She shivers from the contact and he smiles, loving that he can elicit such things from her now. "Show me what pleasures you."

Alessa sucks in a deep breath and shakes her head. "Oh…nonononono… I couldn't… I mean that's…"

Ronon kisses her gently. He looks into her eyes. "Then let me pleasure you."

Alessa bites her bottom lip, but holds his gaze for a long time. Then in a soft, almost non-existent whisper, says: "Okay."

He leans in to kiss her again when she suddenly holds up both hands: "Wait!"

"What's wrong?"

"Just… give me a minute." She turns from him and goes to the desk where she pulls out a large candle and lights it with one of the Athosian torches. Then she turns off the lights.

"I want to see you," Ronon grumbles.

Alessa coughs, giggling slightly. "Candlelight is flattering to everyone, Ronon." She stands in front of him again, the golden light flickering over her dark hair. "I… I'm…"

He brushes the hair behind her ear so he can see her face. "Nervous?"

She giggles again, dropping her eyes to her fidgeting hands. "Terrified."

Ronon pulls her close, lifting her up onto her toes and pressing her to his body. She's soft and supple, melting against his hard muscle. "Trust me."

The candlelight dances in her eyes as she locks onto his gaze. "With my life." This time she kisses him, tentatively, innocently. Her soft moan of pleasure sends shocks straight to his already tight groin. His need for her is almost overwhelming.

Ronon scoops her up and carries her to the bed, laying them both down without breaking the kiss. He hovers over her side, letting his hands play along her body, mildly fondling atop her clothes. She trembles as his fingers skim the side of her breast but it's offset by the building passion he feels in her kiss.

He finds the hem of her shirt, letting his fingertips dance across her exposed skin, making her shiver again. Her soft flesh is calling to him to take more, explore more. Slowly, he pushes her shirt up, only breaking the kiss long enough to pull it over her head. Alessa gasps when he cups both her breasts in his large hands, playing his thumbs over the lace of the undergarment.

Ronon leaves her mouth, trailing kisses along her jaw and down her throat to that tendon in her neck. His kiss is hot and firm there and with a moan, she turns her head away, exposing more to his mouth. He always knew her neck and shoulders would be her sweet spot. All the tension she holds there every day just begging for loving attention. "Ronon," she pants, arching into his hands as he continues lavishing caress after caress on her full bosom.

He makes his way down further, pressing his lips onto the swollen flesh above his hands. Pulling back slightly so he can see as much of her as possible in the dim light, Ronon finds the clasp and releases her beautiful mounds. They're taught with desire, heaving with every breath. He pushes the garment up over her head only to wrap it around her wrists, binding them together.

"What…?"

Ronon grins up at her and the confusion in her eyes melts. "Don't worry about doing anything. Just feel. Feel me."

She nods slowly. Her wrists are not bound so tight that she can't break free if she wants. It's only an incentive for her to relax and enjoy. She's still nervous, he can tell. Afraid she won't be able to please him and that makes his heart hurt for her. She has no idea, no understanding that just being here, touching her, loving her makes him happier than anything in his life.

He's going to make her understand. With every kiss, every suckle and touch, he will make her understand that she pleases him to the ends of the world. Because she loves him. And she's letting him love her.

With slow, careful moves, he divests Alessa of the remainder of her clothes, leaving her vulnerable and naked before his eyes. She trembles with uncertainty, her eyes full of worry, afraid he doesn't like what he sees. Ronon kisses her warm cheek then takes her lips in his again before pressing his forehead to hers. "You are truly beautiful, Alessa. Believe that." Her body quivers under his scrutiny, but she smiles softly, releasing a held breath.

Ronon quickly sheds his own clothes then lies down beside her once again. She remains on her back as he lies on his side, one hand sifting through her hair as he draws the other down her body, learning every curve, enjoying the supple texture. "I've wanted to touch you for so long." He leans down and kisses her again. "I hope you don't mind if I take my time."

Alessa giggles. "Oh…um…not really." He can see fresh tears in her eyes but he knows they are from happiness now.

They kiss again, slow and sensual as Ronon's hand explores: cupping, squeezing, fingertips dancing along her body eliciting mewls filled with yearning for more. He rolls closer, letting his hard length press into her thigh and she gasps at the feel of it. "See what you do to me?" he asks breathlessly against her ear as he kisses his way down the other side of her neck to the opposite tendon. She arches into his hand again, moaning as his thumb flicks over the taught nipple.

Ronon works his way down until he finds that nipple with his mouth. He teases with his tongue, suckles it between his lips and grazes it with his teeth. All the while, Alessa wriggles under him, her eyes closed, teeth catching her bottom lip and a groan rumbling from deep within. He sees her hands, still bound, fisting around the lace. He lavishes the same attention on the opposite breast before continuing his explorations further down.

He stops a long line of hot kisses at her belly. Seeing the scar up close for the first time is very jarring. It pushes him back to his fight with the Wraith. He can see himself turning at the sound of her gasp, see her looking at him with that strange expression. He now realizes what it was: acceptance. As if she believed such a thing was inevitable… that she deserved such an injury. He can feel her collapsing into his arms but the harshest memory is his own heart breaking. At that moment, Ronon believed she was dying. If she had…

He runs a fingertip over the scar and Alessa sucks in a deep breath. He glances up, seeing the look in her eyes, the pain of knowing what this injury cost her. While still holding her gaze, Ronon kisses the scar from one end to the other. Her belly flutters under his lips. He abandons the scar, moving lower, but taking his time.

He parts her trembling legs, planting kisses on the inside of each thigh. "Ohmigod!" she pants, knowing what he plans to do to her. Ronon can only grin. He can smell her excitement and the thrill makes him even harder. He bites back the painful need to take her now. He will not give in so soon. Alessa will know so much pleasure before then that she will never regret gifting him with her innocence.

He opens her with his fingers. Lightly running the tips around the outside of her core, feeling how wet she already is. He blows a hot breath onto her sensitive skin and she sucks in an audible breath of her own. Then he finds the spot he wants and takes it into his mouth eagerly. The soft bud firms up with the attention of his tongue and Alessa writhes against him. "Ohhhhh," she coos.

Ronon drapes her legs over his shoulders and grips her hips to stabilize her because he knows she won't expect what comes next. He teases her opening with the tip of his tongue and she nearly shoots off the bed at the contact, bucking up against his mouth with a stifled cry of pleasure.

With one finger he continues stimulating her clit as he delves inside her with his tongue, as deep as he can go, lapping at her, tasting her secret self. The knowledge that no other man has ever known her like this sends his mind reeling. She's so sweet and tender. He's drowning in the scent and feel of her and barely hears her repeating chant of delight: "Ohmigod, ohgodohgodohgod!"

Alessa thrusts her hips against him as she tosses her head back and forth on the pillow, her never-ending chant urging him on until he feels her body shudder and quiver. "Ronon!" she cries and he takes her offering as her body erupts from within. He rides her through the climax, enjoying all her moans of bliss as she comes down from the high. He wipes his mouth on the bed sheet before sliding up along her body again, pressing his hardness against her, letting her know that it is just the beginning. He kisses her long and slow before lying to her side again, one of his legs between hers, keeping them open. "Now…" she gasps. "I know what all the fuss has been about."

Ronon chuckles and kisses her cheek. He rolls her slightly so that they can face each other. "We're not even close to done yet."

"Okay," she breathes.

It's another long, slow kiss as he lets his hand travel along her body again, finding her swollen and wet. He fingers her sensitized bud, making her breath catch, but not so much as when he sinks a finger deep inside her core just as he plunges his tongue into her mouth. She gulps back a whimper.

His free hand is overhead, linked with one of hers the entire time as he continues invading her with his fingers, first one then two and finally three, bringing her to another climax. Her body convulses again as more juices flow and she yelps from the intensity.

Suddenly her hands are free of restraint and on his face. Her eyes burrow into his. "Ronon… let's get on with it."

"You don't want—"

She kisses him hard, tugging at his bottom lip with her teeth, then breaks away. "I want you… inside me… now."

"You're sure."

She grins and there's desire in it. "Positive."

Ronon maneuvers her under him, settling himself between her legs. He refuses to simply take her. That's not going to happen. Every second of it will be them together… becoming one. Her legs come up around him, making his cock twitch with want. He's so swollen, so hard… but there's no pain in it. Not now.

Balancing his weight on his forearms, he leans in and kisses her again. Then stares into her eyes as he lowers himself ever so slowly into her. She's wet and hot, waiting for him, stretching for him, welcoming and ready. But Ronon wants to watch her accept him, wants to feel her take him in. Inch by inch he gently pushes forward until he sinks all the way, their hips meeting, her legs tightening around him and they both groan at the feel of completeness.

They stay like that for several moments, locked together, staring at each other. Alessa smiles as she traces a finger over his lips. "I love you, Specialist Ronon Dex," she says in the voice he loves.

Ronon grins, not sure if he can say what he wants around the lump in his throat. He swallows hard. "I love you, Alessandra Calogera Sienna Antonia D'Angelos."

She lets out a half laugh-half sob and tears slip over her temples.

He raises a brow. "Should I have said doctor first?"

Giggling, Alessa grabs his face and pulls him down for a fierce kiss. It's urges him to move and he pulls out. She whimpers at the loss until he pushes back into her and they both groan again. It's a slow, steady blending of two hearts and bodies. Something neither of them has experienced before, so in a way, Ronon thinks, they are both untouched.

As he pushes within her, Alessa starts to shift and counter him. She wraps her arms around his neck, pulling herself up against him, rubbing her breasts to his chest. It's enough to send his body into overdrive. Ronon drops down on top of her, crushing her into the bed and thrusts harder. She cries out, but not in pain. Alessa captures his shoulder with her teeth as her hands move over his back, squeezing, searching. "Ohgodohgodohhh," she starts chanting again.

The feel of her surrounding him, clenching around him, her heels digging into the back of his thighs increases his speed. He's harder than he's ever been before. He can feel blood pulsing through him, pounding in his ears in time with his thrusts. And she's matching him, grinding her hips into his, letting him in deeper.

She screams another release, clenching him so tight he howls at the pleasure, though he doesn't reach his destination yet. Rolling over, he pulls her on top of him, resting her on his hips, thrusting up inside her again. Alessa rides him, rocking and grinding, shifting and clenching, her eyes rolling back in her head as she runs her hands over his chest, teasing him with those delicate fingers.

Ronon touches her face and she looks down at him, smiling. She's so beautiful with her hair clinging to her sweat-stained face, her body writhing against him. Her eyes so wide and full of desire it makes his heart thud harder. She leans forward and kisses him then shifts again so that her breasts are dangling in front of his face. He eagerly takes one into his mouth, squeezing the other with his hand. She's gasping and moaning and it sounds so wonderful his cock surges with heat, getting even harder.

Suddenly, to Ronon's ultimate shock, Alessa rises and drops onto his staff so hard and fast his eyes roll back into his head. They cry out together, Alessa once again repeating her chant and Ronon making no sense whatsoever, simply grunting with the overwhelming sensations.

"Ohyes…yesyesyes!" she shouts. "Ronon!" And she shivers as another orgasm rushes through her body, tightening her around him so hard he can't control the final powerful thrusts he shoves inside hard and fast as his own release takes hold.

"Alessa!" He cums so hard over and over, filling her with his seed that she cries out again, matching his howl of bliss with her own. She collapses on top of him in a heap. She's trembling as he wraps his arms around her back and hugs her close. He's still buried deep inside her, not willing to relinquish his place for now. She's still pulsing around him, still coming down and it feels so good he doesn't ever want to lose it. He's the only man to ever hold her like this. And if he has his way, he will be the only man who ever does.

Reaching for the blanket, he pulls it over the top of them. She lifts her head wearily and kisses him. "Is it like that all the time?"

Ronon can't fight the grin. "It will be." He kisses her in return. "For us."

She sighs with exhaustion. "Wow."

He kisses her again then rolls so they are both lying on the bed, face to face, forehead to forehead and fall asleep in each others arms.