We made it through the front door in one piece, once again laughing together. I wasn't sure if it was the wine, or simply the fact that things were finally going well between us, but my arm had found its way around her shoulders, while hers was wrapped comfortably around my waist.

The clock chimed in the kitchen, and I realised it was well after midnight.

Ohh, you know what, as much fun as I've had with you, I should really get some sleep. I, as opposed to you, have to work tomorrow.

Oh wait! Come upstairs first, I have something for you. She grabbed my hand and dragged me up to her room, where she presented me with a gift wrapped box.

What's this?

Just open it and you'll see, she replied, motioning with her hands for me to hurry. I lifted the lid of the box and found the most beautiful silver picture frame. And inside, was that same picture of Piper and I. The same one I'd carried in my wallet for so long. My breath caught in my throat as I looked at it. It was a large 8 x 10 print, and it showed so much detail. I could see the sparkle in her eyes, the little creases in the corners that showed her smile spreading over her whole face. She looked truly happy, as did I. I had the same telltale glint, and the same big cheesy grin.

Wow, Piper, this is amazing! I don't know how to thank you enough, I said, still awed by the gift.

Well, it was actually Prue's idea, so maybe you should thank her.

I'd much rather thank *you*, I replied. I put the box and frame down on the corner of the bed and stepped closer to her, pulling her into a hug. It felt so good to have her in my arms, I was still amazed that things had worked out so well between us after all that time. I felt her tense a little at first, and I almost pulled away, but then her shoulders relaxed, and her arms went around my waist, squeezing me tight. I brushed my fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head. Then I pulled back a little to look down at her face. I could drown in those eyes. Those gorgeous, bright brown eyes.

She surprised me then, as she took my head in her hands and pulled me down to kiss me. Suddenly, any worries that she wasn't ready flew out of my head. I responded to her kiss with so much passion, it felt like we would hold onto each other forever.

I ran my hands through her hair and down her back, wanting to feel as much of her against my skin as I could. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I lifted her up, stumbling backwards, blindly trying to find the bed.

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March 31, 2003. 7:10am

I felt the warmth of the sun on my face, and the warmth of Piper's body snuggled against me. Slowly, my eyes drifted open, and I looked around the room, relishing the feeling of being back here again. I looked down at the sleeping form beside me, and grinned when I saw the smile spread across her lips. I wondered if she was dreaming of me. I hoped she was, just as I had been dreaming of her.

Suddenly, the door flew open, and Prue and Phoebe barged in, obviously not expecting to find me in here. They stopped short when they saw me, and I pressed my fingers to my lips, silently telling them to keep quiet so Piper could sleep.

They grinned cheekily, and I could see they were having trouble keeping their laughter in, and I waved them out. They hurried away, softly closing the door behind them. I pressed my lips against her head, just before she rolled over to find another comfortable position.

A strange feeling came over me, one that I hadn't felt in almost two years. In less than a second, orange light was surrounding me. I could feel myself orbing out, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.