Chapter 37 The remnant of the once-glorious house of Cassadine exit the small, stone Russian Orthodox church, the men sporting beautiful brunettes on their respective elbows. The day is beautifully sunny and clear, but still cold with the upstate New York temperature. The wind blows and Anna has to hold the veil on her head to keep it from flying away. The curls at the bottom of her long hair bounce away from her back in the wind and Stefan stares at her, enthralled by the picture, almost like a photograph, so poised is she and so perfect the smile she wears. Nikolas and Robin quickly head off their own way, tossing goodbyes over their shoulders and strolling off through the tiny cemetery toward the coffee shop across the street, hand in hand. Anna's and Stefan's gazes follow them wistfully, knowing they can't keep their babies babies forever. Alexis walks out toward the parking lot and the waiting car, passing the front clearing on her way. She hears an unexpected and unmistakable voice behind her. Ned: Well, well, well... who's playing the virgin today? Alexis: (spinning around to face him, with a delighted smile on her face) What are you doing here? Ned: (fingering the veil covering her hair) I thought I'd come here and expose this innocent, pious act you've got going here for the scandalous sinner I know and love. Alexis: No really, how did you know I was here? Ned: Um, could it be that you threatened me with eternal damnation if I didn't let you out of my bed this morning to come to church with your family in a centuries-old Cassie ritual? Alexis: Oh yeah. Ned: Doesn't it strike you as ironic? Alexis: What? Ned: Well, let's just say that your relatives would have had to take meals in the confessional. Alexis: Oh you mean the hypocrisy? Details, details. Appearances are everything. You should know that, Mr. C.E.O. Ned: Indeed I do. Speaking of hypocrisy, how about you and I make whoopie in the graveyard. (He pulls the pins holding her veil on out, one by one, having gotten her backed up against a tree and now leaning one hand on the tree, very near to her). Alexis: Um, NO. Ned: Come on, Father Vodka, or Kruschev or whatever his name is, won't know. Alexis: Perhaps not, but I'd be on a one-way ticket to hell. Do not pass GOsky. Do not collect 200 rubles. Ned: Goody goody. Alexis: Besides, I think my cousin needs a chaperone. Ned: Hey, here's a thought. A) He's not your cousin, and B) He's a grownup. Alexis: But the kids just ditched us faster than the speed of light, so now Stefan and Anna are alone together. Ned: Which is clearly more frightening to you than Nikolas being alone with an HIV-infected older woman. Alexis: But Nikolas actually has demonstrated clear-thinking when it comes to women. Stefan, on the other hand... Ned: Clear thinking? Are we talking about the same errant heir apparent? Alexis: He did dump that bottle blond he was infatuated with for so long. Ned: So did Stefan. Alexis: Stefan needed... encouragement. Ned: Oh is that what it was? Yeah, I suppose if someone told me that my kids were going to be two-headed inbred hemophiliacs, I might have been encouraged in the same direction. Alexis: (giving him that "And?" look) What's your point? Ned: (retreating) Only that when you operate, you go right for the jugular, darling. A quality that just stirs my cocoa. Alexis: Stirs your what? Ned: Let's not take that analogy any further. Alexis: Sustained. Ned: So, are you going to make me lean against this tree, freezing my corporate assets all to hell? Alexis: Awww. Ned: Your sympathy is touching. Now kiss me. She is still peering over his shoulder at Stefan and Anna, who are talking outside their car. Ned: Ahem. Alexis: What?? Ned: Kiss me. Alexis rolls her eyes and gives him a quick peck on the lips and goes back to watching Stefan. Ned: Hey! What was that? I've gotten more passionate kisses from Anabelle. Alexis: That is the most revolting thing I've ever heard. Ned: You'd better improve on your first effort, little missy. Alexis sighs and looks at him, really looks at him. She stares into his twinkling eyes, then down at his dimples and her knees get weak just at the sight, smell and thought of him. Like falling in love with him all over again. She can't believe he's hers, despite the fact that she's no longer the ignored, plain-looking (or so she thought) immigrant. Alexis: I love you. Ned: I know. However, I really should be tasting you by now but I'm still not properly kissed. Don't make me retaliate. Alexis laughs and reaches her hands up around his face and kisses him, their lips melding together like they were never apart. He moans, pushes her up against the tree and kisses back. His lips cover hers roughly, sensually, but demandingly. She manages a muffled squeak before pushing him away and walking past him toward the parking lot. Ned: Hey, where are you going? Alexis: I'm getting in the car so that you can take me somewhere warm, bubbly and aquatic. Ned smiles and follows her at a brisk pace to his limousine. Ned: I think that can be arranged in my pretentiously decadent gatehouse bathroom.. Alexis: (getting in the car as he holds the door, and scooting over to the other side) I'm counting on it. Now get those frozen assets of yours in here. Their car takes off for the Quartermaine estate. Meanwhile, Stefan and Anna are leaning against the car, not really noticing the cold. Anna: The service was so lovely. You'll have to take me next week to the Russian service. Stefan: Next week? You're implying that I go to church on ordinary Sundays... Anna: No? You seem like the kind who would. Stefan: (eyebrows raised, unused to not being thought of as the devil incarnate) Oh? And why is that? Anna: You're contemplative. You like to wander and... brood. I would think church would be... cathartic for your spirit. Stefan: Perhaps if it were not associated with the memory of tense family arguments in the car on the way over every year. The vision of my mother kissing those holy icons after having someone killed the past week... church is forever ruined for me, I'm afraid. Family traditions are important for children, though, and so I always brought Nikolas at Christmas. Anna: (holding his leather-gloved hand, and lightly caressing the top of it with her thumb) Well perhaps you can start over with the church here in the States, now that it's just you and Nikolas. Stefan: (skeptical, but touched by the sentiment) Perhaps. Anna looks around for Alexis. Anna: It seems that everyone has abandoned us. Stefan: Not such a bad thing. Are you too cold, or shall we walk for a bit? Anna: Oh let's walk. She almost skips out ahead of him, still holding his hand and pulling him along. He regards her from behind. What is it about her -that childlike quality? The long dress and the long hair, something so playful and feminine... and yet one quick glance into her eyes, and you see the age and wisdom of her years, the trials, the loss... Stefan: Where shall we stroll? Anna looks out at the graveyard and laughs. Anna: Where else? Stefan: Of course. Anna: At least we won't find the graves of old friends in this one. Stefan: I should hope not. They walk hand in hand into the cemetery, not speaking, as the cold wind blows around them. Anna finds a knee-high stone wall jumps up on it and starts walking, holding her arms out to balance. Stefan: (regarding her pensively) Were you always this chipper, or is it a consequence of your newfound freedom? Anna: (jumping down, her mind elsewhere) I think it's a recent adaptation. Stefan: It's nice. Anna: (looking at him) Lots of things about my life now are nice. Stefan: So your daughter has returned to the fold. Anna: (rolling her eyes) Yes. Left Yale just to monitor me. Can you imagine? Stefan: The absence of a parent is so acutely felt by children, that once you return, they'll do anything to keep you from leaving again. Even if the choices they make are impulsive. Anna: You sound like you know. Stefan: When Nikolas met Laura. Anna: Right. They aren't close now, however, are they? Stefan: Like I said, the choices they make may be impulsive. Anna: There's something of the walking wounded in him. Stefan: (his eyes flashing with anger) I know. If I could take it back, bringing him here to meet her, I would. Anna: Something of Bambi in those big eyes of his. I know because Robin has the same eyes. Stefan: (stopping and lifting a hand to rest on her cheek) As do you. Anna: (looking down quickly and stepping away from his touch) Pain perhaps. (Turning around with her back to him again) Old pain. Old scars. (she stops in her tracks and turns to face him pointedly) Not the constant torture, however, that has taken up residence in your eyes. (Stefan looks away) Were they always so, I wonder? She approaches him, takes his face in her hand and turns it to look her in the eye, despite his discomfort. Anna: What were you like as a child, Stefan? When was it that you lost your joy? Stefan: I was careful as a child. Anna: Well not much has changed, I see. Stefan: Calculating. Anna: Go on. Stefan: And excruciatingly patient. (They start to walk again, as Anna's head inclines toward his in "listen" mode) There was always this voice inside my mind that said "Just wait. Someday you'll be in control of your environment. Your opportunity will come." And one day, it did. I seized that moment and I was in charge. That voice was silent at last. (he pauses) But then, I noticed that the silence was much worse than the discontented yearning. Everything was in place, everything as it should be. But my heart was still the empty prison it always had been. Anna: But you had Nikolas. Stefan: Yes. The one source of happiness. Anna: And Laura. Stefan: (smiling bitterly) My love is always the surrogate. The cheap substituted stand-in love for the real thing. Mine just replaces the rightful, the pure love that is unfairly stolen. Nikolas should have had his rightful father. And Laura... her heart was always an ocean away. Anna: How can a man who is so brilliant be so wrong? Stefan: I beg your pardon? Anna: First of all, Laura's heart was yours for a while. You're right that she took it back, but not in the same condition she gave it to you. She left a piece. Because when your name is mentioned, she gets that same torture in her eyes. And Nikolas... Stefan, do you honestly think that your brother could have loved him better than you have? You have chosen to allow that boy to think that you are the surrogate. That's a choice you don't have to stick to. Especially now that your mother is dead. Stefan: (firmly, though not angrily) It is not your place to judge that choice. Anna: I wouldn't. Just pointing out that you have options. You like to pretend that you don't have them. That you are always forced into the choices you make. (he sticks his hands in his pockets and she takes his elbow as they walk together) You like the martyrdom. If you ever resolved any of that conflict that drives you, I think you'd be unrecognizable. Stefan: (looking straight ahead, not sure whether to be offended or not) You may say these things to me, Ms. Devane. Only you. Anna: (stopping and pulling back on his elbow, turning him to face her) I think that it's time you called me Anna. Do you want to know why? Stefan: (humoring her) Do tell. Anna: This is why. She stands up on tiptoes and kisses him, sweetly and gently. Then he takes her face in his hands and kisses back, urgently and powerfully. As he savors the taste of her, a small part of his ravaged and torn heart heals... Nikolas and Robin stare open-mouthed from the coffee shop across the street, until their eyes meet and they regress into giggles.   Chapter 38 Anna drives to the launch in silence, not sure how to feel about the upcoming evening. Robin: Mom? What are you thinking? Anna: (shaken out of her thoughts) Oh, just how happy I am to be in Port Charles for New Year's eve. Robin: I'm glad you are too. You look awesome in that dress. I think Mr. Cassadine will like it. Anna: Don't be silly. I'm not trying to impress him. Robin: I know that everyone thinks he's weird, but he must be ok to have been so good to Nikolas all these years. So I think it's great that you're interested in him. Anna: Luv, I'm not interested in him. We're just friends. Mac was busy planning the gala at the Outback, so he couldn't be my date, that's all. Robin: (laughing inside, knowing that her mom doesn't know that she and Nikolas saw Stefan and Anna together the week before) Ok. Well, since you're just friends, why don't you ask him to come to the Outback with us after cocktails at Wyndemere? At least then you'd have a dancing partner. Someone to kiss at midnight, you know. Anna: I have someone to kiss at midnight (she kisses her fingers and touches Robin's cheek). Robin: My lips are otherwise engaged, Mom. At least I hope so. Anna: He is a dashing young man, that's for sure. You know, I never knew Stone, but from the pictures, I'd say there's something of him in Nikolas, don't you think? Something soulful and beautiful? Robin: (touched that her mother had noticed) Yes, I think so too. They have a lot in common. His eyes remind me of Stone's. They reminisce light-heartedly on the launch to the island and are greeted at the door by Nikolas in an expensive and well-tailored tuxedo. Nik: (taking in Robin's siren-red dress) Wow. You look... amazing. Robin: (straightening his bowtie) You look pretty stellar yourself. Nik: Mrs. Scorpio. My uncle was so pleased you decided to join us. Anna: Thank you dear. They walk into the parlor, where Ned and Alexis are getting tipsy already and Stefan holds a vodka and looks like he was born in his tuxedo. His face lights up at the sight of Anna in floor-length cream velvet, with satin gloves past her elbows. As he gazes at her, with her hair all piled up in pearl combs and curly tendrils framing her face, he is speechless. He stands and kisses her hand. Stefan: Words fail, Ms. Devane. Anna: Anna. Stefan: Anna (smiling, remembering the last time she corrected him). Robin: (to Ned) Nice pants. Ned: Alright, back off. I'm playing at the Outback later. Robin laughs and Alexis lays a hand a little too high on his thigh, a little too possessively. Alexis: I believe they were your sister's immortal words, darling, that you are simply dreamy in leather. By the way, will Lise be at your family's pre-party gathering later? Ned: No, she was complaining about having to be at Luke's because that was the only way she could get her latest beau out tonight. Alexis: Oh, and who is that? Ned: Some latino cop that she picked up in a salsa bar. Alexis: A salsa bar? You're kidding. Ned: Let's just say she's multi-cultural. Robin: Oh yeah, I heard about that, Detective Garcia and Dr. Ashton, they're the hottest and latest. Alexis: Well, I suppose it's appropriate, considering her annoying penchant for integrity. Ned: Now, now, darling, I'm the only one who gets to call my sister self-righteous. Nikolas, Robin, Alexis and Ned banter a while longer. The younger couple drinks warm cider while Alexis sits on Ned's lap and they share champagne. Meanwhile, Stefan and Anna are pseudo-alone on the other side of the room near the fireplace. Anna: I thought you weren't coming to the Outback tonight with us. Stefan: I'm not. Anna: But you got all dolled up. Stefan: (with a smirk) That was to impress you. Anna: Fait accompli. Stefan: Nothing less than black tie dare share the room with you tonight. You are stunning. (he looks at her in the eye) Anna: (holding his gaze as long as possible before coyly glancing away) Black tie for cocktails? And midnight alone in a big house? Come with us. I haven't waltzed in so long. And you seem like the kind of man who can give a proper tango. Stefan: A tango with you sounds... chillingly perfect. However, given that Mr. Ashton will be performing this evening, I hardly think that the Outback will offer the sort of musical fare worthy of our taste. Anna: (laughing lightly) No, I suppose you're right. But wouldn't it be nice to be with the rest of your family? Stefan: I haven't been deprived of my family for 6 years. I can do without them for an evening. The question is, can you? Anna: Can I what? Stefan: Stay here. Anna: Here? Stefan: For a more private affair. Anna smiles at the double entendre. He pours her a glass of champagne, and the liquid reflects the dance of the fire in the glass. She deliberately gives him no answer, but sips demurely. He stands very near to her, facing the fire as well. The electricity between them is voluminous despite their silence. Alexis has to tap his shoulder twice before Stefan turns. Alexis: We have to go if we're going to make an appearance at the Quartermaine's before Ned performs tonight. (Picking up his champagne glass from the coffee table where he set it, she hands it to him) Will you do the honors? Stefan takes his glass and places his hand on Anna's elbow to lead her over to the rest of the group. After everyone's glass has been refilled, Stefan clears his throat. Stefan: This year has come and gone with the usual chaos and near disaster as most others. We have lost family (referring superficially to Helena, but looking pointedly at Nikolas, remembering Laura's cruel thrice abandonment), yet we have gained family. (Stefan and Alexis share a loud nonverbal exchange). Most noticeably, however, where I was used to sharing important moments like these with the two people nearest my heart, our group has expanded to include some rather welcome additions. (His hand tightens around Anna's, and Nikolas leans over and touches his forehead to Robin's. Alexis, standing behind Ned with her arm threaded under his, grasps his chest tighter and pulls him back against her, her chin resting on his shoulder, as they watch Stefan) And so, this year, I will dispense with the tedious Russian New Year's blessing, and move on to the toast. Cassadine, (smirking lightheartedly) Quartermaine, and Scorpio... (raising his glass) To our continued health, wealth and happiness in 1998. They all raise their glasses and toast. Shortly thereafter, coats are donned as Ned, Alexis, Nikolas and Robin prepare to head over to the Outback. Anna finds herself watching them rather than joining them, making the decision almost unconsciously. Robin: Mom, where's your coat? Anna: Hold on, luv. She turns to Stefan. Anna: If I stay here a while, will you come with me to join them later? Stefan: I might be persuaded to do anything for some time with you all to myself. Anna: (to Robin) We'll meet you in a little bit, alright? Alexis turns suddenly, in the middle of putting on her scarf, to look pointedly at Stefan and Anna, realizing the decision that just occurred between them. Ned notices as well and grabs the two ends of her scarf and finishes wrapping it, trying to get her attention. Ned: Hey, let the kids play. Come on, I've got a few cheesy songs to sing to dedicate to you tonight. Alexis: (trying not to be distracted by the unexpected intimacy that her brother shares with Anna Devane) Alright, let's go. Eventually the chatter fades as all four make it out the door. Anna is left alone with her forwardness, still staring into the fire, unwilling to make eye contact just yet with Stefan. He watches her from behind, relieved at the sudden silence, save for the crackling of the fire. He stares at her creamy skin revealed by the low-back gown. He also appreciates the fact that she has not turned around, fearing that, should her eyes meet his, he might ravish her right there on the bear-skin rug in the parlor. He decides to distract himself and leaves the room momentarily to fidget with the stereo, whose speakers filter into the parlor. As the first 4 notes of the most famous tango waft into the room, Anna closes her eyes. She knows it's over. She feels him take the glass out of her hand and lead her to a more open part of the room. The room spins and falls (or is that him dipping her?) as the music plays so loudly, she can't hear the chaos of conflict in her mind. She sighs as she relaxes in his lead (only European men can dance worth a damn, and Brits don't count). After a more soothing waltz, she laughs and collapses, sitting down on the brick hearth, downing a few hefty gulps of champagne. Stefan sits down next to her, though her back is turned away from him, as she examines the antique poker set by the fireplace. The view is too much for him, and he lets his hand stray to her shoulder, underneath the thin strap of her dress, pushing it off her shoulder as he caresses her skin, made warm by... the fire? She inhales sharply at his touch, shivers slightly, but then relaxes. His right hand continues to rest on her upper arm, but his other hand tilts her head to the left, fully exposing the creamy smoothness of the crook of her neck, save a few dark tendrils falling from the combs upsweeping her hair. His lips just barely touch her skin, gliding over it, not stopping long enough to kiss her properly, but the caress is enough to make her gasp and lean back into him. His left hand reaches around her left shoulder and pulls her closer to him. Her hair touches his face and he kisses her temple, her cheekbone, her jawline... And then his left hand covers her right cheek and he tilts her head more forcefully, kissing her throat, her neck, his light caresses replaced by urgency, lips wanting less to explore than to possess. He reaches under her bent knees and swings them around, onto his lap, so that her body faces him, her legs on top of his, heels dangling on the other side of him. His hands then frame her face and finally, their eyes meet, shortly before their lips, and tongues... When the fire's heat become too much (is it the fire?), Stefan again reaches under her knees, this time lifting her up, as he stands, intending to take her upstairs... He continues kissing her, and is almost to the stairwell, when she pulls her mouth apart from his. Anna: Put me down. Stefan, still panting a bit from their kisses, stops and looks at her. Anna: You heard me. Stefan places her feet on the ground defeatedly. Stefan: It is too soon. Forgive me. Anna: Only too soon, because you have not told me everything. Not because I don't want you. Stefan: (letting go of her hand and turning back to face the fire) What is it that you think you must know? Anna: Nikolas. Stefan: My son. Anna: What is going on between you and Alexis that you're hiding? Stefan: She is my sister. And she killed my mother. Anna: That sounds like a long story. But it will keep. And Laura? Stefan: (bristling a bit, walking further away from her) What about her? Anna: She is the reason you came to Port Charles? Stefan: Her daughter. Anna: Stefan. Stefan: (sighing) Yes. She is the reason. Anna: You have pined for her all these years. Stefan: I worshipped her. Anna: And now? Stefan: Now? Anna: Does she still dominate your thoughts? Stefan: (turning purposefully to face her, his eyes meeting hers with intensity) Laura Spencer is child's play compared to you. (turning back to face the fire, overcome) You are twice the woman she could ever be. Anna is silent, processing his confessions. Stefan: (with his back still turned) Do you remember the first time you ever saw Paris? Anna: (taken aback by the non sequitur, but then closing her eyes and reliving that moment when she was a teenager) Vividly. Stefan: Do you remember asking yourself "What did I ever see in London?" Anna: (smiling) Clearly, it is a universal sentiment then. Stefan: (turning to meet her eyes again) Do you understand? Anna: (recognizing the metaphor he is attempting) Yes. Stefan: And do you believe me? Anna: I trust you. Such simple words, yet so alien to his years. At the sound of them, Stefan fights a weakness in his knees that would betray the passion she has forced him to express in words rather than kisses. She walks to him and slowly unties his off-white bowtie. Stefan closes his eyes as her hands unbutton his collar, and slide under his shirt to caress his chest. She stands up on tiptoe and covers his face with butterfly kisses. Anna: I trust you, Stefan. She kisses his face, his throat, his neck, as he struggles to remain on his feet, his eyes closed, relishing her affections, her faith in him, her simple adorations... Anna: Take me to bed, Stefan. He opens his eyes and though no words are exchanged between them, it is clear that they will miss midnight at the Outback.