Main Characters: Annie and Paul Blaisdell

Guest Stars: None save for the song "Eternal Flame" by the Bangles.

Time Frame: Pre-pilot.

Song lyrics are used as parts of the story's dialogue.

Lyrics will be denoted with ( ~ ).

Songs in the Key of Fu: Eternal Flame

-Jennifer D'Agostino (c) May 1998

Comments and constructive criticisms (and some praise, please) can be sent to: MavnAlysse@aol.com

"All learning begins with these two phrases: I don't know. Let's find out!"

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Music played softly in the background as Annie felt for the candle and deftly lit the wick. Although blind, in her mind's eye she saw the flame flickering softly, bathing the dining table in its gentle glow. Paul would be home soon and she had prepared for an intimate dinner for the two of them for their first anniversary together.

Placing the plates on the table, she heard Paul come home. "Annie?"

"In the dining room."

Paul entered the room, his step light. He took her in his arms and kissed her. She leaned into it, enjoying the closeness, then broke away. "We should eat before it gets cold," she murmured.

"Where are the girls?"

"My sister agreed to take them for the night. Give us some time alone."

She heard the smile in his voice. "That could have interesting possibilities."

She kissed his cheek and whispered, "It sure could. Help me to my seat?"

Paul escorted her to her chair with a good natured groan and the two sat to enjoy their meal.

*****

Afterwards, they went into the living room. "May I have this dance?"

"I would be honored."

Annie felt Paul wrap his arms around her. She leaned against his chest, inhaling his scent. They swayed in time to the music. Paul stroked her hair and gently removed her dark glasses. He kissed her forehead, the bridge and tip of her nose, then claimed her lips with his. She shivered delightfully, luxuriating in his embrace, feeling safe and secure in his arms.

Suddenly, the music ceased and Annie felt Paul stiffen slightly. "What is it?"

"The electricity went out."

She grinned in the dark. "Remember those interesting possibilities you mentioned?" She stepped out of his embrace, acutely aware of her surroundings. "~Close your eyes.~"

"Why?" he asked a bit warily.

She pouted a bit. "Don't you trust me?"

A heartbeat later, "They're closed."

"~Give me your hand, darling.~" Carefully, she led her husband through the darkened house, up the stairs, and into the bedroom. Standing beside the bed, she turned to face him, her hand gently squeezing his. She whispered as she placed his hand over her heart. "~Can you feel my heart beating?~"

"Yes," he whispered back, his voice low with emotion.

She leaned closer and breathed into his ear, "~Do you understand? Do you feel the same? Or am I only dreaming?~"

"I understand," he said as he gently laid her down on the bed. "And you're not dreaming."

*****

Paul watched as the moonlight played along the length of Annie's body, highlighting her blonde hair, turning her skin a shimmering alabaster. Exhausted after their lovemaking, she lay sleeping - a soft smile upon her lips. Paul sighed, content, happy he had met this woman, even happier that she had consented to be his wife.

When he had finally drawn up the courage to ask her to marry him... Her response had taken his breath away. "~I believe we were meant to be, darling.~"

He looked back at his wife, '~I watch you when you are sleeping~' He traced the side of her face with his hand. '~You belong to me. Do you feel the same?~' She stirred, one hand moving restlessly until it found his, then clasped tightly. He smiled, giving her hand a squeeze.

She stirred again, blue eyes opening and - as if by magic - locking onto his. "Paul?"

He momentarily closed his eyes, savoring the sound of his name on her lips. '~Say my name - sun shines through the rain.~' She had the power to drive his demons back and away, a fact that he was eternally grateful for. "Yes?"

"What are you thinking?" She brought her other hand up and caressed his cheek.

He placed his hand over hers, savoring the contact. '~Life - so lonely. You've come to ease the pain.~' "How much I love you."

"I love you, too."

He wrapped his arms about her, drawing her close to him, taking comfort in her presence, just as she did of his. Both had the same thought. '~I don't want to lose this feeling.~'

The End