Klaus didn't have dreams. Not since the fire. His sleep was no longer peaceful because just beneath the surface of his slumber lay the ominous stench of the following day. Of waking up to the world.

A world without love.

A world without hope.

A world without her.

It was yet another fire. Another mysterious fire that had stolen her away. It was no accident, Klaus knew. But why? Why? What harm had she ever done to anyone? Who could, in good conscience, purposefully harm Isadora Quagmire?

Klaus took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Sleep did not come. She was there now. And she wasn't leaving. He could almost picture that night on the lake.

The moon's reflection shone on the waters of the lake creating an eerie light that was strangely comforting among two seventeen year olds trying to confess the same thing.

"Uh, Klaus?"

"Yeah?"

"Why did you take me here?"

Klaus paused, considering his lover's question. It was so hard for him to think straight and look at Isadora at the same time. She was so beautiful and majestic. He could look at her forever. She giggled and snuggled closer to him as the wind picked up. He smiled. She was the only one left to make him happy.

"Isadora?"

She smiled knowingly. "Yes?"

"I love you."

"Of course you do." She pulled him even closer and pressed her lips against his.

Klaus hated crying. The tears felt like burning acid slowing pouring down his cheeks. It was humiliating. He felt like a helpless child again. He wished he was a child again. He could scarcely remember a time when things were perfect. Sometimes he wondered if there were some people who actually led perfect lives. Was perfection a myth? No. No it wasn't. She was perfection.

In her bright red sundress and lime green flip flips, Isadora Quagmire was perfection itself. Her long dark hair was in two french braids that bounced around her head as she walked. Her lips looked so beautiful as they parted to reveal her perfect white teeth. She was perfect. And she was his.

Klaus looped one arm around Isadora's shoulder and she smiled at him. He had no idea why he had called her to see him. She must have seen the puzzled look on his face because she spoke up.

"What is it?"

"Isadora . . . do you love me?"

Isadora was surprised by the question and he was about to apologize when she gently placed a hand over his mouth. "Don't be sorry. I love you Klaus. With all my heart."