Author's Rantings: I think Gwen and Theresa would make really good friends. I don't know why– it would just be cool if they combined forces. I mean, separately, Theresa and Gwen have both proven that they have the capability to be good friends (Sheridan, Whitney). Together they could combine forces and wreak total havoc on Harmony. Maybe that will be my next fic...

Once again, thank you for all of the wonderful reviews. It seriously makes any fan-fic writer's day.

Pretty in Pink

Fox waited impatiently in the parlor of the Crane mansion. It was a quarter to eight already, and Theresa had said she would by there by 7:40. He would have gone to pick her up at the Lopez-Fitzgerald house, but Theresa thought it might not be the best idea for him to run into Luis when he found out about their newfound couplehood. Having seen Luis's temper in action on numerous occasions– usually involving Fox's own Auntie Sheridan– Fox could not help but see the soundness in the idea.

As more time passed, Fox became more and more impatient. Every minute that fell away was another minute that he wouldn't be spending with Whitney.

" Come on, Theresa," he mumbled aloud, "where are you?"

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Even in his hurry, Fox waited for one of the servants to let Theresa in. He was still a Crane, after all. As he waited for the servant to let Theresa into the parlor, he heard bits and pieces of the conversation outside the door. " Mr. Crane...the parlor. Would you like...show you in?" This was followed by Theresa's muffled voice, obviously offering some sort of pleasantry. She had always been too nice to the hired help.

The parlor door slid open. Fox turned to face her. " It's about time, Theresa. I've been waiting for– " he stopped at the sight of her, "–ages." he finished lamely.

If Fox had thought Theresa was stunning in red, the vision of her now far surpassed anything he'd ever seen. She was wearing one of those pink summer dresses, the type with the full skirt that did a fun swishing thing whenever she moved. Her hair was down, lightly curled, daring someone to run his fingers through its softness. It was nothing fancy– rather, quite basic. It was that simplicity that made her so stunning– that her beauty could be so overwhelming for no apparent reason.

As Fox was busy gawking, Theresa was similarly struck by his appearance. He was dressed in a similarly casual manner– tan slacks, white polo shirt. So why was it, then, that his smile seemed so much more brilliant today, that his well-toned body seemed to loom so perceptively beneath his garments? Theresa found herself staring at his exposed hands and arms. Had they always been that firm and strong? Had those muscular veins always trailed so enticingly along his bronzed skin?

They regarded each other almost shyly, like two teenagers on their first date. Theresa was the first to regain her composure. " Sorry I'm late, Fox."

" What?" Fox inquired, taken aback. Everything suddenly came flooding back to him. "Oh, right– Whitney. We should probably get going."

There was a reluctant pause, barely perceptible, and then they were heading out. Fox opened the door for Theresa and grabbed his coat before exiting the Crane mansion.

They walked in silence for a moment. Theresa reached out and intertwined his fingers with her own. Fox looked at her in surprise. " Ethan's watching us," she explained.

Fox furrowed his brow. " How do you know?"

" I just know."

They stopped at the car. Fox turned her so that her so that her back was facing the car and stepped in close to her, resting his hands on her waist. He moved so that his face was merely centimeters from her own. " Is he still watching?"

" Yes."

Fox leaned in and brushed his lips against her own. Theresa felt a thrill rush through her. Quickly, she reasoned, *It's only because it's been so long. It doesn't mean anything. This is all for Ethan.*

" How much of a show do you want to give him?" Fox inquired.

" That's enough for now." Theresa forced herself to say. " Remember, Whitney's waiting."

" Right." Fox returned automatically. Did he sound just the tiniest bit disappointed? "Let's get going, then. My lady love awaits."

* This is for Ethan*, Theresa repeated as she slid into the car. *Ethan, Ethan, Ethan.*

***

Whitney and Chad were already waiting for them at the Blue Note. They smiled as Theresa and Fox approached– Chad openly, Whitney with a more guarded expression. She looked beautiful, as usual. Although, not as beautiful as she might have been without Chad glued to her side.

Chad was the first to break the silence. " Congratulations, you two. Fox, man, I knew you'd fall eventually. And who better to show you the ways of love than Theresa?"

" Thank you, Chad," Theresa said, smiling up at Fox. She wrapped her arm through his. "I'll do my best."

Fox smiled down at her, watching for Whitney's reaction out of the corner of his eye. She had a strange expression on her face. Disapproval. Worry. Was it all friendly concern, or did he detect something else, as well? Jealousy?

" It's open mike night tonight," Chad was saying. Fox returned his attention to the couple across the table. " Whit, are you going to go up there?"

" You should." Fox dared, trying to keep his voice neutral. " You have a beautiful voice."

" Thank you, Fox." Whitney said. Their gazes met for a moment. She looked to Chad. "I'll go up there if you'll sing a duet with me."

Chad shook his head. " I don't do the whole public thing, Whit. You know that. Besides, I wouldn't dare try to steal your spotlight."

* And what a spotlight it is,* Fox thought admiringly.

He suddenly felt a small, warm hand slipping into his own. In surprise, he looked to see Theresa smiling coyly at him. " My hands were cold," she said lightly.

Fox realized that Whitney was watching. He was just as aware how perfectly Theresa's hand fit into his own.

He suddenly needed a drink very badly. " Excuse me," he heard himself saying, " I need to go to the little boy's room." He knew that Theresa wouldn't care if he drank, but Whitney would no-doubt disapprove. Besides, he needed to be alone for a moment, clear his head.

" Don't be long," Theresa admonished him as he left, squeezing his hand lightly in passing.

*When did she get to be so good at this game?* Fox wondered to himself, admiring her even as it saddened him. Theresa was so amazing; she shouldn't have to play games like this.

He found a spot at the bar where his table couldn't see him and took a seat. " Martini, dry," he informed the bartender. A moment later, the glass was in front of him and his head began to feel a whole lot steadier.

Suddenly, a familiar voice was flooding through the room. He closed his eyes. Whitney. She must have convinced Chad to go up with her. He was taken back to the first night at the Blue Not when he first fell in love with her. Now, it was as though he was falling in love with her all over again.

And then, suddenly, Whitney's pure, rich voice was replaced by another. It was a sadder voice, fuller, more tinged with pain and heartbreak, but equally beautiful. Curious, almost spellbound, he walked around the bar and stopped.

Theresa.

" I didn't know she could sing." he muttered to no one in particular.

" Who, Theresa?" he recognized Chad's voice. Somehow, he must have made it back to the table. Chad smiled and shook his head. "Yeah, she's amazing. Not quite as good as my Whitney, but then I'm a little biased."

*You certainly are*, Fox thought. There was no better between Whitney and Theresa. Different, certainly, but not better. Whitney was the angel, but Theresa was all woman.

***

A couple of hours later, after some talking and joking and companionable laughter, Fox, Whitney, and Theresa were standing outside the Blue Note, saying some lingering goodbyes. Chad had left earlier, using an early morning the next day at the studio as an excuse. Surprisingly, Whitney had remained behind without him. Fox tried not to feel too hopeful about this, but couldn't help but see some promise in her uncharacteristic actions.

" So, what are you up to tomorrow, Whitney?" Theresa was inquiring as Fox returned his focus to the conversation.

Whitney shrugged. " Oh, you know. The usual stuff. Just some tennis practice."

" Tennis?" Theresa inquired, exchanging a glance with Fox. " Fox is great at tennis."

Fox gave a modest shrug. " Come on, Theresa, I'm not really– yeah, I'm great. The best, in fact."

Theresa raised her eyebrows. " The best, huh? I don't know– I've seen Whitney play. She's pretty darn good." She looked back and forth between the two, seeming to have a sudden idea. " Why don't you two have a match tomorrow?"

" A match?" Whitney repeated dubiously.

Theresa nodded enthusiastically. " Sure! We could even do a doubles thing, if you'd like. You and Chad against me and Fox."

Whitney exchanged a brief glance with Fox. " Um, sure, Theresa. That sounds like fun."



It was an unusually cold night, Fox noted. He looked over and saw that Whitney was shivering. Instinctively, he handed her his jacket. " Here."

Whitney looked at him in surprise. " Aren't you going to be cold?"

Fox shrugged. " Nah. My manly muscles will keep me warm."

Whitney smiled and took the jacket from him. As his hand brushed against hers, he noted its coolness. *She really was cold,* he thought to himself. " Thanks." she murmured.

For a moment, he was too caught up in Whitney's smile to realize that Theresa was shivering, as well. Suddenly, he realized his blunder. " Oh, Theresa– you must be freezing."

She forced a smile. " I'm fine, Fox. Don't worry about me."

Thinking quickly, Fox pulled her into his embrace and flashed a smile at Whitney. " This is the plus side of being with Theresa. We get to keep each other warm." And indeed, Theresa was incredibly warm in his arms. He had never felt someone so very soft and warm. Carefully, he rubbed down the goosebumps on her arms. " Are you warm enough, lover?"

Theresa looked up and met his gaze. " Peachy."

Whitney cleared her throat, clearly uncomfortable. " Well, I should probably go. Get my rest for tomorrow's match, and everything."

" Do you want us to walk you to your car?" Fox offered.

" It's just right here." Whitney said, walking to the curb. She paused at the driver's door and waved to them. " See you tomorrow."

Theresa waited until she had gone then smiled up at Fox. " Well, that went well, don't you think?" She pulled away from him and hugged herself for warmth as they began to walk back to the car.

Fox forced a smile. " Just great." he returned enthusiastically, though inwardly, he was cursing her. Why on earth did she have to be so very warm?



***

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