"Oh god, stop, stop." Julia pulled away, breathless. The man atop her fell away dejectedly onto the ground. Julia sat up, her blouse unbuttoned, the chemise underneath in disarray. "Is this what you want, is this love to you?"

Barnabas removed the arm that shielded his eyes. "It's passion which is a part of love yes. It's a very enjoyable part of love--"

"It doesn't last you know."

Barnabas rose up on his elbows. "You're pessimistic now? Isn't this what we've feared, that it wouldn't feel like that?"

She pulled up her knees, grasping onto them for support. "I don't know-I just didn't-"

Barnabas sat upright. "You didn't think I would reciprocate so readily, is that it?"
She regarded him coolly as he inched near her, his arm wrapping about her shoulder.
"I was unsure myself until you did that, I've wanted to 'explore' this for quite some time but was also afraid."

"Why were you afraid?"

"I'll be honest Julia. Afraid you wouldn't incite such desire in me, that I was too old a man to change, and that I wouldn't fulfill your desires. Also, because I'm quite elderly." He chuckled, a sound she had not heard from him before; one he hadn't elicited in nearly two hundred years. "I haven't felt this young and eager in so long-" His fingers gently danced under the dappled light along her cheekbone, down her neck to the bare area of her chest. He felt his heart and stomach churn as it did in his youth, the mere idea of a girl. He was human again, god be praised. "I was always a serious boy but I had my moments. I am a man again and I know now what I want. I want laughter in my life Julia, I want a woman who wants me as I want her, I want you to be free of body and mind to share in this. I want to stand beside you and support you as you've done me." Julia's head shook in disbelief or denial neither knew for certain. "I just want you, do you understand?" In the silence they gazed into one another's eyes hoping to find what each had sought. "Do you accept?"

There was no denying what just occurred. He returned her desire as ardently as humanly possible. It had been their mutual unspoken secret fear. That he would not or could not want her. But he did, he did! She could reveal herself, she would relish the passion between them. There was nothing now left to loose or fear. Twisting toward him, again her arms rose, surrounding his shoulders and neck, her lips finding his. The normal discreetness of their styles floated away as his fingers lightly peeled away her blouse, his hands nestled underneath the skirt and their bodies entwined. Julia's reticence quickly left, her own hands and lips becoming more acquainted with Barnabas than she dared dream. The sun set fully as they lay together, unashamed, somewhat shocked and exhausted.

"Are you cold my dear?" He felt small bumps underneath his fingers. He bent down kissing the rise of her belly.

"Not in the least." She whispered, almost unable to move or think. This was the last place on earth she'd have thought would be the 'consummation' point of her relationship with Barnabas. She handed him his shirt.

"It is dark, we can sneak out of here to the Old House for some brandy or tea." He perfunctorily buttoned his shirt quickly. His fingers itching to return to the body of his best friend.

Julia peered down to her clothing, twisted, turned, pieces shed altogether. Sneak was right. She reached up, feeling the small twigs and leaves in her hair. "What about Willie-"

Barnabas smiled in a superior way. "I rather like the idea of Willie catching us in disarray. Saves us from having to make any announcements."

"Gossip does travel well on Willie's lips."

"Sanctioned gossip that is." He nuzzled her neck. Under the protective canopy of the American Birch, Julia and Barnabas shoved aside their mourning and accepted love.

The End

Special thanks to Bobbi, Fran and Lynn for special assistance rendered. . .and to Nancybe for inspiration. . . rjj