Outside, it was still raining, but the two people curled together on the big bed paid no attention. AJ was sleeping peacefully, looking deceptively innocent and child-like in his slumber, a small smile played on his perfectly shaped lips. Annalise watched him...whatever he was dreaming about had to be good. The redness had left his right cheek, his wild hair stuck up all over the place. One tattooed arm was flung above his head, the other dangled over the side of the bed. She traced a long fingernail over the tribal markings that formed his name, smiling her content. She held his left hand between hers...such beautiful hands. Nothing had ever felt so right. How had she ever tried to keep her distance from him? She sat up until she was leaning against the headboard, and lit a cigarette, staring thoughtfully at the plume of smoke rising to the ceiling. AJ rolled over in his sleep and slung an arm over her thighs, resting his head against her stomach. She smiled and trailed her fingernails down his back, loving the way he shivered at the touch...even in his sleep. She felt different...complete. She knew it wouldn't be easy. AJ was gone a lot of the time, but she was strong...she could handle it. She thought of the word he had whispered just before falling asleep. Always.
For her, 'always' had been...always remember to guard your heart...always keep your distance...always protect yourself because no one else will. And above all else...always cut your losses and run before you get hurt. Funny how her entire philosophy on life and love had changed in seven months...all because of AJ. She hadn't remembered what happiness felt like. Now she didn't know if she would ever get enough of it. Whispered words and promises in the dark suddenly meant something. And now that she truly had him...she would hold onto him, to his love...for as long as she could...for always.
Annalise learned three things on that rainy night. Ice cubes have their creative uses. Fighting the inevitable forces of fate is
pointless and stupid. And finally...sometimes always catches up with you. The brightest flames never burn out...ice will
always melt.
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