A/N: The usual disclaimer: I own nothing of Blake's Seven. I just enjoy messing with their lives. The characters belong to Terry Nation and BBC. Darkover belongs to Marion Zimmer Bradley.

What could make this event, this celebration, even more special to Avon and Vila?

B7B7B7B7B7

"It's late, Vila," Avon purred. "We do have houseguests to see to."

Vila rolled onto his back with a low moan. "I don't think I can move, Avon…"

"Oh, I think you can." Avon slipped from the bed, walked to the desk and pulled out a rolled parchment, laying it on the pillow.

Vila raised himself on one elbow. "What's this then?"

"Well, it can't quite compare to that incredible piece of artwork hanging over the fireplace downstairs, but I wrote it myself. And it's for you."

Vila opened the scroll, recognizing Avon's distinctive calligraphy. He read the words on it, a lump growing in his throat, tears almost obscuring the words. They fell unheeded onto the covers.

LIFELINE

Just children long ago that day when we met

You saved my life, became my friend, and yet

Even then you must have known there would come a time

When you would become my own – my

LIFELINE.

When young love beckoned, I slipped and I fell

So far from you – a descent into Hell

But you pulled me out – It seems just in time

Once again you were there, my only

LIFELINE.

When that red-haired genius lured me away

With dreams of wealth and there was Hell to pay,

You were faithful as always, right down the line

And you waited for me then, my only

LIFELINE.

Another love called me, but I was cruelly betrayed

All through those years, memory refusing to fade

But when I knew what she was and had to watch as she died,

You understood and you held me, always my

LIFELINE.

And when I flew too close to Blake's blazing sun

Almost drifting away – I thought he might be the one

But it came crashing down, I almost crossed the line,

You were my salvation, my lover, my

LIFELINE.

But then there came that one awful day

When in my selfishness and pride, I nearly threw it away

But you took me back and one more time,

You were there for me as always, ever my

LIFELINE.

Many years are behind us and now we live free

As I look back at it all, it's easy to see

Why so many have called us the Thieves in Time

But you are Vila, my beloved, my only

LIFELINE.

As he read the last line, Vila pushed the paper aside and pulled its author into a fierce hug. "I always suspected you had the soul of a poet, Avon, but I could never prove it. I don't quite know what to say."

"Nothing to say, Vila. Just stay with me, forever."

Vila laughed. "No need to worry on that score. You've got me and I'm not ever leaving."

They held each other close, cuddling silently for several minutes.

"I guess I had better get up," Vila said finally, moving away reluctantly. He dressed while Avon lay watching him, smiling. He invited Avon with a smile, "Come on, let's go see if Cally's up and get some breakfast,"