by Becky
Part 1
Stefan and Laura stood at the docks, a chance meeting that both of them had dreaded and hoped for at the same time. They eyed each other, while making sure to keep the safe distance between them.
“The docks can be dangerous this time at night,” Stefan finally broke the silence.
“Is that a threat?” Laura snapped, and instantly regretted it, seeing his wounded look, which quickly faded into resignation.
“I can’t keep having this discussion with you, Laura,” Stefan said wearily. “Your son has cleared me of all transgression, yet you still see fit to attack me at every turn.
“I don’t mean to. I don’t how to act around you anymore,” Laura admitted.
“Then there is really nothing more to say. It would be best for everyone if we avoid all contact in the future. There is less damage to be wrought that way. For Nikolas’ sake, I believe we should at least attempt to be cordial if the occasion arises in which communication is unavoidable.”
Laura nodded, not quite able to meet his gaze. She would not cry. “I agree.”
Stefan took out a small pendant from his coat. He still wanted her to have it. “Nikolas wanted me to give this to you. He thought you would appreciate its intricate pattern.”
Laura looked at the pendant he was holding out to her and felt a great sadness envelope her. They had come to this. She took it from his hand and her fingers grazed his. She looked up at him, and saw her feeling reflected in his green eyes.
‘I’m sorry,’ they both thought, but didn’t say aloud. It seemed to small a word to do any good.
Laura lowered her eyes again. “Thank Nikolas for me. Tell him it’s beautiful and that I’ll always keep it.”
“He will be pleased. Goodbye, Laura.”
“Goodbye, Stefan.”
Neither noticed the hesitation in the other’s movements as they slowly walked away, willing themselves not to look back.
*~*~*~*~*
Part 2
Stefan shifted awkwardly on the bed, trying to find a comfortable position. Why had Mrs. Landsbury chosen these coarse sheets? It was impossible, he wasn't going to get anymore sleep. He opened his eyes and immediately bolted upright. This was not his room! This was... Laura's room. He could barely make out anything, but the moonlight through the window allowed him to make his way to the bathroom. With his hand he searched for the light switch and found it. The bright light hurt his eyes as he made his way to the sink. They finally focused on the image on the mirror.
And he saw Laura looking back at him.
He took a step back as his mind refused to register what the reflection was telling him. He put a hand on the wall to keep himself grounded only to become more disoriented as he saw the feminine hand. He brought it close to his (her?) face and turned it around. He looked back at the mirror and turned his (her?) face sideways and back. He touched the reflection, then touched his (her?) face. Baby soft skin. This was real.
Stefan took a deep breath, trying to clear his thoughts. If he was here, then Laura had to be in Wyndemere. He debated for a minute whether to call or not. He finally decided to do so.
*****
Laura mumbled incoherencies as the first phone ring was incorporated into her dreams. She muttered a curse as the second broke through and awakened her. Who could be calling at this ungodly hour? She sat up as she thought it might be Lucky. She swung her legs over and banged one of them on the bed stand. Since when did she have a bed stand? She finally managed to grab the phone and asked, "Hello?” She gasped as she heard his voice come out of her mouth. She was going insane.
"Laura?”
She stopped breathing when she heard her name being uttered in her own voice.
"Laura, it's Stefan. I--"
She slowly took her hand off the hung-up phone and stared into the darkness. This was not happening. Any second now she would wake up. She closed her eyes and counted to ten. She let out a cry of frustration as she once again opened her eyes to the pitch black.
She got up, careful to avoid the bed stand this time. She ignored the fact that she knew exactly where the bathroom was. It was all a hallucination, anyway. She had wondered when she was going to crack up. Reality hit her in the face as she saw her, or rather HIS, reflection staring at her. She wasn't ready for it, so she turned and ran back to the bed, covering herself with the satin sheets. Reality could wait, and she didn't need to pee that badly.
*My apologies to Disney and Star Trek, but I figured this would be a good way for them to *really* understand where the other is coming from. :)
*~*~*~*~*
Part 3
Maybe he should close his eyes. He felt as though he were invading her privacy, but he (she?) needed a shower. He had watched the sunrise after Laura had hung up on him. He had tried to make sense of the situation, but it was impossible. There was absolutely no way this could be thought out in any logical manner.
He tried to keep his thoughts occupied as he clumsily shampooed her (his?) long hair. There were so many bottles, what the Hell was he supposed to do with all of them? He quickly cleansed his (her?) body and got out.
He liked being a man, he decided, as he opened the closet door and saw the amount of clothing. He sifted through the clothes, and smiled as he remembered when she had worn almost each and every one of them.
After he finished dressing, he looked in the full-length mirror and felt his heart skip a beat at the sight. He muttered a curse when he turned around and saw that the large wet stains on the blue blouse. How did she manage her hair everyday? His eyes wandered down to her (his?) behind and he shook his head in frustration. If he didn’t know better he would swear his mother was behind this. What better way to drive him completely insane than to trap him in the body of the woman who only had to look at him to… Gods. He made a mental note to avoid all mirrors.
He looked down at the rows of shoes and was dismayed to see that Laura had a fondness for those with heels. He picked a pair that seemed to match the outfit he had chosen and slipped them on, feeling utterly ridiculous. He stood and tried a few tentative steps... and landed right on his (her?) butt. He was finally able to walk with some semblance of grace after a few more attempts.
He took a deep breath and arranged his thoughts. It was time to go to Wyndemere. Laura would have to face what was happening whether she wanted to or not. He would not spend the rest of his life in her body.
“Laura! Breakfast is ready!” Lesley’s voice boomed through the bedroom door.
“I will be there shortly,” Stefan replied.
“Yes, madam,” Lesley laughed.
Mouthing a few meditative words, Stefan left the safe room and wandered into unfamiliar territory. He had been there before, but never as a real member of the house. He felt a pang of longing as he saw Lesley Lu helping Lesley set the table.
Lulu spotted who she thought was her mother, and ran to greet her. “Mommy!”
“Hi, baby,” Stefan said, using the word he had often heard Laura call her daughter.
“We made blueberry pancakes - your favorite!” Lulu said excitedly, her eyes wide.
“That sounds wonderful,” Stefan told her. He smiled at Lulu’s grin. The little girl’s enthusiasm was contagious.
“Sit down girls,” Lesley said, placing the plate of pancakes on the middle of the table.
Breakfast was a new experience for Stefan. Lulu dominated the conversation with talk of cartoons, friends, and other subjects Stefan had little or no knowledge about. It was enchanting listening to Laura’s child. Every now and then one of her mannerisms came through. She had her mother’s spirit.
The part that was even more foreign to Stefan was Lesley’s attitude towards him - as a mother. He had always been the recipient of her fearful or disdainful looks, but now she thought he was her daughter. He tried to remember Helena in Lesley’s place, but with no success. Lesley was a true mother. Helena did not deserve the title.
“Are you feeling better?” Lesley asked, after they had finished clearing the table.
Stefan nodded, that was the safest thing to do.
Lesley sighed. “It’s better this way, really Laura. He’s your son’s Uncle, that’s all. Luke is the father of your children.”
Stefan didn’t say anything. He didn’t know how Laura would respond.
“Just promise me you’ll think about it,” Lesley asked. “We’ll talk after Lulu and I come back.”
“If you wish,” Stefan said.
Stefan waited a few minutes after they had left and got ready to leave. This was his chance to go to Spoon Island. He was just out the door when Laura's sister appeared on the doorstep.
"Going somewhere?” Amy asked.
“Amy,” Stefan said. “It’s good to see you.”
“I would hope so, since we agreed to go to the movies today,” Amy said. “You’re not bailing on me, are you?”
“Of course not, I was just going to get something from the store,” Stefan lied.
“Great, let’s go!” Amy said.
“Great,” Stefan muttered. He locked the door and followed Amy to her car. He opened the car door and waited, until he remembered who he was supposed to be. He looked to Amy, who was looking at him strangely.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
”I’m fine, just preoccupied,” Stefan assured her.
“That’s understandable,” Amy said.
The car ride was short, much to Stefan’s relief. He had endured Amy’s endless chatter before, but it was even worse now since she believed him to be Laura. Even Amy hadn’t been so forward as to discuss her private life with her boss. He wondered if it would matter if he stopped paying attention.
The movie theater proved to be a distasteful experience for Stefan. As he followed Amy through the tacky building, he was disgusted to find that Laura's shoes were sticking to the floor.
Amy started laughing. “What is wrong with you? You act as if you’ve never been to the movies before. And stop looking around like that. You’re reminding me of Stefan Cassadine.” Misinterpreting her “sister’s” reaction, she said, “I’m sorry, I know that’s touchy subject with you.”
“Let’s just find a place to sit,” Stefan said, and looked around the crowded theater.
“Over there,” Amy said, pointing. “Come on, before they take them.”
Stefan hesitantly followed her and ignored the other people’s glares as he and Amy made their way to the empty seats.
Less than friendly eyes awaited him when they arrived. Lucky Spencer was there with Elizabeth Webber. “Lucky,” he smiled, as he knew Laura would.
Stefan was surprised by the coldness in Lucky’s eyes. His tone was even more so. “Are you stalking me now?”
Before he could answer, Amy spoke up. “She’s here because I invited her to come, Lucky. If you have a problem with that, there’s the door.”
“Amy...” Stefan began, though he didn’t know how to reprimand her when he wanted to congratulate the woman.
“No, Laura. You’ve put up with enough of his crap. He thinks he has the right to treat you like that, he’s wrong. Not my sister, young man, do you hear me?”
“Take it outside!” someone yelled.
“Let’s just watch the movie,” Lucky grumbled, and sank into the seat, not before shooting his “mother” an accusing look.
After the movie, Stefan managed to convince Amy to head back to Laura's. He kept dropping hints that he wanted to be alone, but Amy was not taking them. She settled into the couch, and Stefan had no choice but to sit as well, and listen to her.
Hours later, Stefan was becoming comatose. “Amy,” he pleaded, “Stop.”
Amy laughed. “I’m impressed, that’s longer than you’ve ever let me go on before. You’re becoming more patient, sis.”
“Thanks,” Stefan said, a bit of sarcasm coming through.
“So now it’s my turn to hear you. What’s been going on since the last time I saw you? I see things aren’t much better with Lucky,” she said gently.
Stefan sighed. “No, they aren’t.”
Amy leaned and took his (her?) hand. “I’m sorry, Laura.”
“Me too, but I’m not giving up on him,” Stefan stated firmly.
"Good for you," Amy cheered. "I know how hard this is for you, and you know you can count on me for whatever you need."
"Thank you," he said. "I just need some time to think. Alone."
Amy nodded and got up, Stefan following. "Okay, but just remember that you're pretty smart. Don't worry so much about what other people think. Believe me, I know what they think, and you don't want to take advice from those losers. Just live your life and know that I'll always be behind you." She hugged her sister.
Stefan returned her hug, genuinely touched and surprised by her sisterly affection. Beneath the superficiality and penchant for gossip, Amy Vining could be thoughtful and understanding. "That is sage advice, Amy."
"There you go reminding me of him again," Amy teased, as Stefan walked her to the door. "I'll tell you something, but you can't tell Les, or she'll have my hide."
"What?" Stefan asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I don't think he's that bad," Amy confided.
Stefan smiled. "You don't?"
"No," Amy whispered. "But here comes Lesley, so shush. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye," Stefan said, and waited for Lesley and Lulu to come in after greeting Amy.
“Lulu and I are going to take a nap,” Lesley yawned. "Did you have fun at the movies?"
"Yes, we did."
"That's good," Lesley mumbled.
"You go on upstairs... Mom. I'll take Lulu."
"Thanks, baby," Lesley said.
Stefan looked down at Lulu and smiled at her droopy eyes. He picked her up and followed Lesley up the stairs. He placed Lulu on her bed and sat on the edge.
“Wake me up to watch 'Sesame Street',” Lulu said sleepily. “I love you.” Seconds later, she was fast asleep.
Stefan placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I love you, too.” He stayed at her side for a few minutes. She was a beautiful child, so much like her mother. As his thoughts turned to Laura he quietly slipped out of Lulu’s room, taking one last look before turning off the light.
He made his way to his (her?) room and locked the door behind him. It was one of those times when he felt inspired to write.
He opened her closet, remembering he had seen a box of stationary at the top. He took it down and settled into the bed. When he opened it, his name written in her graceful handwriting immediately caught his eye. He really shouldn’t read it, even it if was addressed to him. As he placed the box on the bed, he heard a rattle coming from the bottom.
It was a familiar sound and he searched until he found the gold chain with the medallion. He had hoped one day she'd wear it again, but this time as his wife. That she would wear it not as a symbol of her imprisonment, but because it was a part of him. Foolish dreams, but his nonetheless.
He needed to know what was in that letter. He carefully opened the envelope, and was shocked to see that the letter was dated 1983. He and Laura had spoken about her leaving the Island a few times without anger or recrimination, but that had been in the present. This was something she had addressed to him during the time he had still had hope she would return. The words were faded, but he could still read them.
Stefan,
I'll probably burn this letter as soon as I write it, but part of me hopes that you will know what it says. Through the connection we share, that I still feel. Do you?
I'm sorry. How do I explain what happened when I don't even understand it myself? I thought the day I was off that Island would be the happiest of my life. And it wasn't. But I should have known Helena would have her true revenge. I thought it was to keep me away from Luke. Now I know, it's to keep me with him.
How can I be happy when I've left the two people I love the most? Yes, two. Because it doesn't matter if I say it now, because you won't hear it, and I can't bear not to say it in some way. I love you. More than I ever thought possible.
And my baby boy. Our baby boy, if God is so kind. I can't think of him without feeling that I'm being ripped apart. And I can't tell anyone, especially not... Please don't hate me. Please understand. Please.
Yours,
Laura Cassadine
Stefan's hand was unsteady as he flipped the page. There was more, but this letter had been written only recently.
Stefan,
It's almost twenty years later, and I'm again writing you a letter you'll never read. But this time I have no excuse. Helena isn't threatening to kill those I love. You're not thousands of miles away. There are no impossible circumstances keeping us apart.
Except ourselves. When I remember the times you looked me in the face and lied, when I wounded you with words that I regret now, it all seems so stupid. And still, I don't know how to make it better.
How do I tell you how sorry I am?
The letter ended there and Stefan placed the letters in the envelope and set it on the bed. His heart was pounding as his mind tried to sort with all the feelings. Maybe his dreams weren't so foolish, after all. With that small ray of hope carrying him, he headed for Wyndemere.
*~*~*~*~*
Part 4
Laura peeked out of the covers for the third time that morning and decided it was time to get out of bed. She was starving, and she really had to pee now.
She hurried to the bathroom and paused as she came to the toilet. Maybe she could wait… no, she needed to go. Quickly, she did her business and hurried out. She laughed, relieved. It hadn’t been so difficult and she had still managed to put down the seat.
She walked over to Stefan’s closet and opened it. A smile played on her lips as she saw the familiar wardrobe. Lots of black. It wouldn’t be hard to choose what to wear, she thought wryly.
After taking a very quick shower she wrapped herself in a towel. She toweled his hair and looked in the mirror. God, he was gorgeous. But he needed a shave. She looked at the razor with mistrust and decided he could do without it. He still looked gorgeous.
It certainly wasn’t going to be hard fixing her (his?) hair. She ran her hands through it, she hadn’t had hers this short in a long time. It was soft, just as she remembered it. She allowed herself to play with it, not without feeling a little self-conscious. She did love it when he left it alone. Grinning, she picked up the gel bottle and squeezed its contents in the sink. She smiled with satisfaction as it was cleansed away and threw the empty bottle in the wastebasket.
As she walked out, she caught her walking reflection in the big mirror. This was going to be harder that she thought. He walked with authority, and arrogance. After changing, she took a deep breath and made her way downstairs.
“I have coffee and scones set out for you, sir,” Mrs. Landsbury informed him as soon as he reached the last step.
“I’m feeling really hungry today, could you please make me some scrambled eggs and pancakes?” Laura asked.
“Of course, sir,” Mrs. Landsbury said, giving him a weird look as she left. Was he toying with her? He had almost seemed… nice.
Laura gave herself a mental kick. She had to speak, sound, and act like Stefan. Still, Mrs. Landsbury had seemed rather jumpy.
“What eating bug bit you?” Alexis’ voice asked.
Saying a silent prayer, Laura turned around. “Excuse me?”
Alexis narrowed her eyes as she noticed his fresh look. “Did you just get ready? It’s nearly nine!”
”I’m aware of that, and yes.”
“Since you have always been the early bird, I’m assuming you didn’t get any sleep again. I don’t see how you do that. Are you ready to talk about Lucky Spencer?”
“I wouldn’t have asked you here otherwise,” Laura stated. Seeing Alexis’ wounded look, she softened her (his?) voice. “I didn’t mean it that way. I’m not feeling myself today. It’s good to see you.”
Alexis smiled. “That’s okay. I know how preoccupied you’ve been with Lucky and Laura. But you know, even God took a day off.”
Laura felt her heart pounding. What had Stefan summoned Alexis to do? “I want to make sure the boy is well.”
“I know, I know. You want to make sure Lucky is okay so you won’t have any more debt with Laura. Not that I think you owe her anything, it was all Helena’s doing.”
“That’s correct.”
“Okay, and then you can finally move on. I never thought she was good enough for you anyway.”
Laura pushed her indignation down. “I don’t care to discuss Laura with you,” she said tersely. “You’re right, this can wait. Unless you’ve made any significant progress?” She congratulated herself as she elongated the “o.”
“You don’t have to get testy every time I mention Laura. You were the one who told me it was over with her and that YOU were over her.”
Laura felt the breath go out of her. “Yes, and I meant it.”
Alexis rolled her eyes. “Right, well, call me when you’re in a better mood.”
Laura felt the tears sting her eyes, and was glad to see Alexis leave. She certainly couldn’t hold in her feelings like Stefan did. Was he really over her? After all they had been through…
She sat down and waited for breakfast to come, though her stomach was in knots. She frowned at Mrs. Landsbury’s stiff posture when the woman set the plate down in front of her. She really was acting strange.
“You may leave,” she said in her most authoritative voice.
She looked down at her food and picked at it. Avoiding the inevitable wasn't going to make all this go away.
“Uncle?”
Laura turned and smiled at her son. “Nikolas!” She stopped as her voice sounded entirely un-Stefan, and modified it so it did. “How are you?”
“I’m okay, I just wanted to see you and maybe take the horses for a ride?” he asked hopefully.
It took all her self-control not to smile or cry. She was glad to see Nikolas was in good terms with his father. Or was he? She realized she didn’t know, but if there was one thing she knew it was that Stefan loved Nikolas and would welcome him back in his life.
“You don’t have to,” Nikolas said in a small voice, looking down.
Laura remembered that she hadn’t answered him. She gave her son a small smile, and replied, “I would love to.”
Nikolas broke out into his mother’s smile and said, “Great! I’ll wait until you finish your breakfast.”
Laura motioned for him to take a seat at the table, and sat down. She was fairly hungry again. She looked at her son and noticed his nervousness. “Is something on your mind?” she asked.
“I just wish things were like they were before,” Nikolas sighed. “I know you accepted my apology for the way I’ve treated you, but it doesn’t feel like we’re back to normal.”
Laura took a bite to give her time to think. After taking a sip of her coffee, she said, “Things have changed, certainly. But that does not mean I don’t love you. I still think of you as my son, I always will. It will take time, but we are family.”
“Thank you,” Nikolas whispered.
“Nikolas, my darling.”
Laura tensed at her former mother-in-law’s voice.
Nikolas was the first to get up, not at all pleased to see Helena, either. “What are you doing here?” he demanded.
Helena smiled, “Now is that anyway for a Prince to behave? But what can I expect when you’ve been raised by him.”
Forcing herself not to react, Laura placed herself between Nikolas and Helena. “Leave,” she said.
Helena smirked. “My dear son, I would think you would want some visitors, seeing as how you’re all alone.”
“He’s not alone,” Nikolas fumed.
Laura turned to calm her son. “Nikolas, it would be better if we ride together at another time.”
“But--” Nikolas protested.
Laura took her son’s face into both her hands. “Please, Nikolas.”
Nikolas nodded.
Laura waited until he had left and braced herself for what was to come. “What do you want, Mother?” she nearly gagged on the word. She felt her neck hairs stand on end as Helena got closer, too close. Her perfume made her nauseous, and she resisted the urge to take a step back.
Helena smiled as she toyed with Stefan’s medallion. “My dear son, you know what I want.”
“And you know the answer,” Laura bluffed.
Helena’s face darkened. “You insignificant piece of trash. Why do you think you are all alone? Why do you think your precious Lasha threw you away as if you were nothing? Because you are nothing.”
Laura bit her tongue, feeling the rage begin to boil.
Helena leaned her face closer, her breath in Laura’s face. “I should’ve killed you the day you were born.”
“You heartless bitch!” Laura hissed.
Helena backed away, thrown by “Stefan’s” uncharacteristic outburst.
“Leave now,” Laura said more calmly.
Helena’s eyes narrowed as she tried to see what Stefan was up to. “I will, but not because you asked me to. This is not over.”
As soon as Helena was out of sight, Laura collapsed into the chair. A woman like that should never have borne any children. Her nerves were a wreck, she certainly was in no condition to leave just yet. She needed time to think.
Undoing the first button of her (his?) shirt, Laura trudged up the stairs. She entered the room and turned on the lights, decidedly pleased to see the huge, comfortable bed. She laughed tiredly as she thought of Stefan in her small bed, releasing a bit of the tension. She went to sit down, missed, and landed butt first on the floor. She laid down and splayed her arms and legs out, her left hand bumping with something. Quickly, she took it out from underneath and sat crossed-legged. She tapped the box with her (his?) fingers, pondering whether she should open it or not. After a few seconds, she took off the lid
They were poems. Stefan’s poems. She read them and smiled as she remembered the sound of his voice reading them to her on the Island, the way it had made everything else seem less grim. She came upon one that she had never seen or heard before.
I go and come as I please,
She remains here.
Yet I am more free in her arms,
To live without her is what I fear.
I may never hear those words,
The ones I yearn to say.
To do so would mean too much,
The price too high to pay.
In my silence I pray she feels it,
The love that I have given.
Though a fantasy it may be,
Her eyes keep it not hidden.
Do I love her enough to let her go?
This place is paradise and Hell.
I would give her anything,
Even my soul I would sell.
A sob escaped her (his?) throat. They had always been able to talk in code, and his poetry had been his way of revealing his feelings to her without actually saying them. Both had felt safe, yet also tormented, by their unspoken decision to never say anything too revealing. That was why he had never read this poem to her, she knew. It would have been too difficult to pretend it wasn’t about them. Laura wiped the tears that were falling down and blurring her sight. She went on to the next poem. It was another she had never seen before, but she saw it was because he had just written it.
I cannot escape her,
Her smile, her touch, enslaves me.
Would that I could love another,
But in any face it is only hers I see.
Her smile is etched in my mind,
And also her look of hate.
I both adore and fear her,
she has the power to dictate my fate.
I know not peace with her,
But without her it is the same.
One thing stands true throughout,
I knew not love until she came.
Now I am alone again,
Loving her no less.
One question remains unasked.
Was it worth it? Yes.
Laura gripped the bed to pull herself up, forcing her uncooperative legs to move. She knew what she had to do. She reached for the phone. “Wenders, have the launch ready.”
*~*~*~*~*
Conclusion
As Stefan reached the docks, he saw himself step off the launch. Their gazes met, both as unsure as the last time they had met there, but with the added awkwardness of their strange situation.
“Sit with me?” Laura asked, and pointed to the bench.
Stefan nodded, and they settled on the long seat, both making sure to keep their hands in their laps.
“I’ve learned a lot today,” Laura started.
“So have I.”
“I want to help you move on,” Laura stated in one breath.
Stefan closed his (her?) eyes to keep his deep disappointment from showing. “How kind of you, do you really?”
Laura sighed. “No, actually, but I don’t have much choice, do I?”
Stefan didn’t trust himself to answer and Laura continued, “I’ve had time to think recently, and it’s time I stop hurting those I love. I’ve said things to you that you may never be able to forget or forgive, but I am sorry, for whatever that’s worth now.”
“Laura-”
“Let me finish, please. You lied to me, you didn’t trust me, it was easy to focus on that and pretend I hadn’t done the same. Maybe we could have worked things out, but I never gave us a chance. There’s no use in talking about ‘what ifs’, is there? You probably don’t believe me anyway.
“I believe you,” Stefan said softly.
Laura looked up, startled. “You do?”
“Yes, I do.”
Laura smiled. “Good, I’m glad.” She turned to look at herself. “Why?”
“I found your letters,” Stefan admitted. “It helped me to understand many things much better than I have in long time.”
“I thought I was the only nosy one,” Laura teased lightly. “You must think I’m a coward, but I’m not the only one. I found your poems.”
“But my poems only reinforced what you already knew. My heart has always been exposed to you, Laura.”
Laura shook her head. “As exposed as a Cassadine can be,” she said, without recrimination. “There’s a lot I still don’t know about you, Stefan. A lot you still leave unsaid.”
“You know what is important,” he said.
“Maybe,” Laura accepted. “And maybe I’ve been afraid of it, because I couldn’t be that open with you without being forced to look at the choices I’ve made. I could only hope you knew how I felt.”
“At times I thought I did. Other times I struggled to understand why you did the things you did. I’ve tried to be the man you want me to be, yet it doesn’t seem to have been enough.”
“It is enough. I fell in love with the man you are today. You don’t have to hide yourself from me. I know what it’s like, it kills you inside. I always had to be careful with Luke, always had to be his angel. I remember telling Nikolas that he had to find someone who accepted all of him, because anything less was doomed to fail.”
Stefan nodded. “I agree. If you will remember, I told you once your true nature is something that need not be hidden from me. I meant what I said.”
“I remember. We’ve both gotten too good at pretending, it seems,” Laura said. “I’m so tired of it.”
“So am I,” Stefan agreed. He took her (his?) hand in an unconscious movement. It felt wrong not to feel her mole under his caressing thumb.
Laura felt the familiar feeling of his touch and knew she had to ask, or she would always regret it. “I know that I haven’t really given you a reason to open yourself to me completely, but do you think that maybe you can trust me enough to do that now?”
Stefan looked into his own eyes. They were his, but the soul radiating from them was clearly Laura’s. Her eyes had always been infinitely more revealing that his own. They were asking him to trust her, to let her into the places he himself didn’t dare tread too often. He knew what his answer was, would always be. “It would be foolish, I think, not to try.”
Laura bit her (his?) lip. “I think so too,” she whispered, her voice filled with barely contained joy.
They leaned closer and their lips met in one exploratory, almost chaste, kiss. 'I love you,' they thought together. They opened their eyes, and saw the right ones staring back.
“Where to now, Laura?” Stefan asked.
Laura laughed softly, loving the sound of his voice. “It doesn’t matter, just as long as we’re together.”
Stefan stood up and gently pulled on her hand to help her up. Never letting go, they walked together into their new life.
The End... of this story, for them it’s only the beginning. :)
