Murron left the beachouse when the scent of firewood drew her out onto the sand. A little ways from the shore, Crowley sat crouched before an impressive bonfire. He turned when Murron drew near and smiled up at her. "What's this?" she asked, taking a moment to admire the snapping flames. Crowley rose from the sand, brushed his knees free of the white grit, and took her hand.

"I'm told it's romantic to dance on the beach at sunset, especially when there's a fire going," he declared, pulling her, laughing, into his embrace. She linked her fingers with his, her other hand settling on his shoulder as his positioned itself on her waist. Slowly, he guided her in a kind of lazy waltz. They circled the space in front of the bonfire, their eyes never leaving the other's face.

The firelight danced across Crowley's features, illuminating his green eyes to a muted orange. Murron felt her heart swell with love for him and she released his hand to coil her arms around his neck. Their foreheads met as Crowley's hands cradled her waist, swinging her steadily throughout the waltz's timed steps. The warmth from the fire combined with the heat from the sand and the comforting closeness of him drew Murron into a sleepy lull and she closed her eyes gratefully.

It was still some time before her year was over. She wasn't sure what to expect when the time came, but so long as Crowley was beside her, she felt she could face anything. Her head shifted to rest on his shoulder, sighing happily when he pressed his cheek to hers. "Let me stay like this forever," she whispered.

"It could, if you really wanted it to," Crowley replied softly. "It's in my power. You need only ask."

"You know I can't," Murron reminded him, sadness entering her voice. Sometimes she hated her overbearing sense of fairness. She wanted to be selfish, wanted to stay in his arms until the stars burned from the sky and the moon crashed into the Earth. Every moment they'd shared, even the dangerous ones where she couldn't be sure they'd survive, had been worth her soul and more. But it wasn't worth giving up the principles that separated her from those others who'd made demon deals. She'd done it to have Crowley in her life for that single year, not chain him for ten. Love was accepting the one you cared about. It wasn't about trying to turn them into something they weren't and could possibly never be. She loved him precisely as he was. And, maybe, just maybe, some small part of him, hidden away in a corner of his heart, he loved her, too.

"What will happen to me in Hell? Am I going to be in the line?" she asked after a moment's silence.

"Not if you don't want to be."

"And if I don't want to be?" Murron pressed, smiling.

"Then I'll secret you away where nothing can get at you. Maybe I'll put you in a bell jar and look at you from time to time," Crowley teased lightly. Murron chuckled and squeezed him tighter to her. "My little witch, existing for eternity solely for my personal enjoyment."

"Will you be around that long?"

"Forever," he promised, turning his head to kiss her temple. "And ever and ever."

"And ever and ever," Murron echoed, nestling closer to his neck. The silence fell again, as comfortable as all the ones before it. It pleased and comforted her to know he would keep her safe in Hell and she'd be able to be with him for however long the universe lasted. "I like the sound of forever..."

"Good. Because that's how long you'll be mine."

Murron lifted her head to look him in the face. Her expression was earnest when she took a deep breath and said, quite simply, "I love you, Crowley."

"For how long?" was the demon king's response, his gaze warm and inviting.

"Forever," Murron swore, bringing their lips closer together. "And ever and ever."

"And ever and ever," Crowley murmured and kissed her deeply. Above them, the moon rose, casting a gentle silver glow over the water. Though it shimmered like mercury over the crashing waves, creating an ethereal atmosphere, the dancing lovers on the beach took no notice, content to only acknowledge the other and the time they had left.

- end