Zaanse Schans, Netherlands 2022

Winter made her presence known with a show of force, claiming temporary dominion over the land in sheets of ice, with a cold that seeped through the soil. All white with snow, like an endless ocean of frost. The wind sighed through the naked branches of the trees as if searching for any signs of living creatures. Like even nature itself was hunting them.

Valentin was lost in thought. He tried to recollect his childhood, trying to remember the first time he saw snow. Was the winter as long then as it is now? Was the snowfall as heavy? He wasn't sure. His memories of that life were dim, with only the feelings of loneliness and neglect coming to the fore. But he didn't linger on the memories of his twisted childhood; they were no use to him here. His attention kept shifting to the woman walking in the distance. He decided to stop thinking of the darkest times, only wanting to look at the world in a brand-new light, lit by her radiant smile. With only earmuffs warming her, her dark hair was unbound and flowing smoothly behind her; the chill wind lifted the strands and placed them back down again; her grey coat was a shadowy mark against the white snow cover. She stopped, inhaling deeply with a contented look on her face; the delicate cloud of her breath hung in the air.

He watched her closely, unable to stop worrying if she was warm enough. Anna scorned his attempts to keep her wrapped up in blankets, and his arms, by the fireplace. She begged for some fresh air, eager to explore the winter scenery. Valentin hung back to observe as she walked briskly, the high tops of her boots disappearing into the fresh snow. Her trail of steps was the only imprint on the white-covered ground; her eyes surveyed the surroundings, enjoying the dreamlike vista of houses and windmills surrounding them.

A light dusting of snow fell, only completing the picturesque sight of her, and her beauty stole his breath. All he wanted to was to have his hands on her body, and Valentin pondered how to convince her to go back inside. His mind instantly fell back to all their nights together since all the barriers had fallen away, an endless marvel that she had made the first move, and now she craved him as much as he craved her. They both enjoyed the feel of each other's skin as they slept. For Valentin, there was no greater joy than being able to love her with such freedom.

Swoosh!

Valentin's thoughts were interrupted by something hard hitting him directly in the chest. He looks down in disbelief at the snowball falling off his coat. He looked back up at the woman standing nearby, a hand on her hip, legs planted firmly on the ground, another white orb in her hand, watching him. Despite her petite frame, she dominated the landscape. Here he was, worshipping her in his mind, yet his goddess just threw a snowball at him.

"It looked like you needed to return to reality," she called, her tone serious but a playful smile pulling at her lips, bits of white still clinging to her black gloves.

"I was thinking about you," he responded at once. He wouldn't want her to think he was neglecting her.

"Were you now?" she teased him further, and he relaxed, more than happy to play along.

"Yes," he advanced towards her, his own heavy boots sinking into the snow, but his progress was obstructed by another snowball hitting him in the shoulder. He paused and considered a counterattack but could not bring himself to do it. Instead, his steps quickened, eager to get to her before she could stop him.

With a burst of energy, he reached her at last, reaching his arm to circle her, but she swiftly moved away, making him grasp nothing but air. She laughed as she backed away, still facing him. He attempted to reach her again, and his arm wrapped around her waist at last. Anna turned abruptly, trying to escape his grip, but tripped instead, making them both fall onto the soft blanket of white in a jumbled heap, with Valentin on top.

Anna whimpered, and Valentin lifted himself at once, resting his hands in the snow, afraid he'd crushed her. How'd he been so careless? Perhaps the romance of snow impaired his senses. He gazed at her with worry but met sparkling eyes and a smirk, and she pulled him closer still. Anna placed her hands on his shoulders, pushed hard, and rolled him till she shifted on top of him with remarkable effortlessness, a move he now knew quite well from their increasing number of intimate moments together.

Her nose was red from the cold, but her cheeks were flushed in bright pink; the same tint and vibrancy were there as in the Academy days.

If only he had known then what the future held.

She straddled him with her hands planted firmly on his chest, holding him down. Valentin's arms rested by his head as if he was surrendering, and he would gladly admit that she had conquered him the moment she came into his life. He did not mind the cold as he lay on the damp quilt of snow, looking up at her. Her beauty was in full bloom. Her brown hair shined against the gray-clouded sky, eyes shimmering like a pair of stars. It felts like she had been blossoming from the moment they arrived here, and Valentin loved nothing more than to see her like that. His darling Anna.

He moved his hands to rest them on her thighs as she continued to smile, the corners of her mouth curling up in apparent satisfaction; she was pleased with her conquest. Snow began to fall with more purpose, soft flakes swirling around Anna's head as if eager to caress her, jealous of his touch.

"I think we should head back inside; it's getting colder," Valentin suggested, brushing away one of the white specks off her cheek. Anna gave him a frowning look for bringing her fun to an end. Still, she pushed herself up to stand but didn't get a chance. Valentin's hand wrapped itself swiftly around her wrist, and he pulled her back, making her rest on his chest.

He smiled as Anna gasped at the unexpected turn of events. His arms encased her as he rubbed his cold nose against hers before kissing her slowly. Her lips were cold, but her mouth was warm. He tasted her again and again, forgetting that they were lying in the open. Anna hummed against his mouth, kissing him back with fervor, her hair brushing his cheeks as weightless snowflakes fell on his closed eyelids. The soft sound of their kisses was the only thing breaking the silence, even the winded pauses momentarily, holding its breath at the sight of them.

"We really-" he murmured between kisses, "should go inside." But his mouth was reluctant to part with hers. With a last deep kiss, followed by a gentle brush of lips against her forehead, he stopped. Anna stood up, without further disruptions this time, and offered Valentin a helping hand as well. She laughed as she turned him around and brushed the excessive snow off his back; with the new flakes falling leisurely, it seemed unnecessary, but he did not stop her.

"Let's go warm up," he smiled at her and raised a suggestive eyebrow, "Unless you want to build a snowman?"

"No," she said firmly, "I don't build snowmen," she gave no further explanation, but her answer intrigued him. He decided that one day would learn why she looked so far away at that moment. He knew so much yet still had so much to learn about her. Her eyes cleared, and she looked at him.

"Here," she trailed her gloved fingers through his hair, brushing the accumulated snowflakes off, "You look like a snowman. Not quite the disguise we are used to in the field."

Valentin raised an eyebrow at the comparison, but Anna said nothing more, just wrapped her arms around him, huddling closer, a sign she was cold. He kept her close as they made their way back to their windmill. The rush of wind caused the flurries of snow to dance around them, urging them onward.

The plank door closed behind them, and a soothing warmth from the hearth welcomed them. Valentin attended to Anna at once, removing her scarf and pulling her boots from her feet.

"I think you insist on all these layers so you can take your time undressing me," she noted with amusement as she took off her gloves, and Valentin smiled, kissing her temple and slipping the coat off her shoulders.

"Guilty," he responded with a kiss. Anna clasped his hand in hers, and they moved towards the inviting light of the fireplace. Anna sat down on their pallet of blankets, and Valentin perched next to her, took her feet into his hands, and began to massage warmth into them.

"Thank you," she said, smiling before curling her legs up and turning her face to the snapping orange flames and the heat.

She appeared so vulnerable, sinking into the pillows; Valentin's protectiveness took charge as his eyes surveyed the setting, ensuring she was comfortable enough, for now at least, until he returned. With a final assessing look, he stood up and headed straight for the kitchen.

The kitchen was small and dated but serviceable. Valentin went to the pantry, located at the very back, which was stocked with goods he had arranged to be there. He searched through the shelves, deciding between the various bottles arranged neatly. No wine glasses were to be found, and he chided himself for leaving such an important detail off the list. He would have to keep making due. Taking two empty teacups already set up on the counter earlier, Valentin filled them up and swiftly returned to Anna. He handed her the cup, her face glowing against the brilliance of the fire, and she accepted with a gentle nod. He sat next to her with a drink of his own, watching as Anna hooked her finger in to handle of the teacup and inhaled deeply.

"Chateaux Margaux," she said approvingly and took a large swallow; Valentin could almost see it warming her. But nothing could warm him more than the fact that she approved of took a sip and swirled the liquid over his tongue.

"Its raspberry undertone is the perfect balance of tart and sweet."

"I know. I was the one who told you that," she turned her head to look at him, the flush returning to her cheeks as the alcohol began to course through her veins, "At the Metro Court, you were drinking that La Gaffeliere. Although why when you had better options at your disposal, I still don't understand."

"You remember that?" Valentin asks, surprised, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair off her forehead.

"Of course I do. One of my joys in life is having better taste in wine than you," she responded archly before taking another sip and then smiling broadly at him. "But, despite this inequality in our relationship, I've decided to like you anyway."

Valentin smiled back, and sudden emotions sprung forth in his heart. It should not astonish him, really; she had told him he felt like home, but even then, he was not sure then if he meant as much to her as she meant to him. The openness of their feelings never failed to leave him at a loss for words. He set his cup on the floor and moved closer to her, taking her cup away, too, before putting his arms around her.

"I am warm now, thank you," Anna said, placing her toasty hands on his cheeks as proof, but her fingers lingered, gently brushing his face, and she shifted to make herself comfortable in his embrace. The flames burst merrily in the fireplace, bathing them in calming heat.

"That was the plan today," He tucked the blankets around her.

"It seems like you are trying to melt me, Valentin," she deadpanned but with a whimsical spark in her eyes, referring to his ongoing efforts to keep her warm.

"That would defeat the purpose of me clearing your name," he said firmly, looking back at her, and she smiled as silent understanding passed between them.

In his mind, he cursed their enemies. None of them were worthy even to have her as an opponent. They should be grateful there's an entire ocean between them; Valentin was ready to punish every man and woman that had ever disrespected her. But right then, he needed to focus on something much more critical; ensuring Anna had what she deserved.

Justice

He leaned back, bringing her to lie with him, and they both sighed in unison as they stretched comfortably in front of the fire.

"Do not let me fall asleep. Again."She gave him a stern look, but Valentin merely smiled with feigned innocence.

Since they left Ireland, she had been adamant that they share watch duties equally, but he couldn't tell her how much he loved to see her in peaceful sleep; she was a view worth staying up for. She relaxed and rested her head on his chest. She hummed contentment in a low voice as her body relaxed. The hearth sparked more softly now as if it was respecting their need for soothing quiet. At times, Valentin couldn't believe they were together like this. He looked down at her. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing peaceful and even.

She was already asleep.


The night crept towards them slowly; the moon was not visible through the heavy clouds still overlaying the sky, but the snow made everything bright, like a cold neon light. The hearth's loud crackles turned to whispers and then fell silent. One by one, the lights outside went out till the room was filled with soft, amber light from two lamps and filtering through the shadows the blades of the windmill made in their circuit.

Valentin startled awake. He felt the absence of her warm body next to his, and panic raced through him.

"It's alright, I'm here," a gentle voice slipped over him like a balm, instantly calming him. "You were sleeping. Have I told you that I like to watch you sleep?"

She was tending to the fire, coaxing it back to life, clad in a white robe. Her damp hair and the fragrant steam coming off her skin as she nurtured the fire evidenced that she had just left the bath. The air was filled with the warm scent of vanilla and clove.

Valentin watched from their bed, already comfortable under the covers, as she continued her work. The firelight illuminated her profile, and its light bounced off the planes of her face. The effect was bewitching. She stood up and smiled, noticing his stare; she undid the sash of her robe and slipped it off her shoulders, revealing her naked body. She moved elegantly and with confidence. The silver light coming from the window enveloped her figure, intensifying the perfect outline of her curves mixing with the orange fire glow. She looked like she was made of gold and silver. His heart beat loudly against his rib cage each time he saw her this way.

Valentin pulled the covers to the side, inviting her in, and she settled herself in her spot, her back to his chest, their bodies coming together in a perfect fit, two halves of a whole. Her skin was still warm from her bath, and it warms Valentin in return. He inhaled deeply, allowing the scent to fill his nostrils. The notes of vanilla give way to the unique aroma of her skin, one he always noticed and will never tire of. His arm wrapped securely around her waist, pulling her closer, and she sighed, placing her hand on top of his forearm and pushing her cold feet against his. Valentin knew any chance of falling back asleep was lost now with her body pressed against him. He needed her warmth as much as she needed his.

Valentin captured her feet between his, nuzzled her hair, and closed his eyes. His arm wound around her waist and pulled her close while his other hand brushed the hair from her neck so he could lay his lips there. She shivered with delight as he nibbled at the sensitive skin. She leaned against him, eyes closed, reveling in the sensation. He sighed happily as she responded to his touch and sank into his embrace. Valentin's hands slid over the curve of her hips to caress her thighs. She turned in his arms and pulled his face to hers. As if in slow motion, their mouths moved toward each other and came together. Soon they were intoxicated with the taste of each other. Valentin broke his mouth from hers for a gasp of air, then moved his lips along her jawline and down her neck, and she could not contain the moan that escaped her lips. Their bodies strained toward each other.

"Oh God, Anna..." Valentin buried his face in the dark softness of her hair, and his lips brushed over her earlobe before settling once again at her collarbone. He kept his mouth on her jugular vein, her heartbeat thumping intensely against his lips. He was pleased to hear the sharp intake of breath in response. Anna opened to him. She abandoned herself to the feeling, forgetting everything that had come before and whatever might happen after. All she could focus on was her demanding desire for him as she gave him free rein of her body. Their danger had only sharpened her appetite for him. He entered her slowly, eyes closed, savoring the sensation of being enveloped by her so tightly, and then paused, waiting for her for to adjust. Time slowed at that moment, and their hearts and bodies danced in tempo. Valentin's mind was clear, marveling at the deep sensation of belonging to her, one he had never hoped to experience.

"Don't stop," her voice was low, but her tone was commanding, making Valentin weak.

"Have I ever?" he murmured against her skin and moved against her as she wished.

Anna's laugh turns into another deep moan, her hand reaching over to tangle in his hair, keeping his mouth on the sensitive spot on her neck.

They begin to rock together, unhurriedly and leisurely, taking their time. She felt incredible. His whole body was set aflame by the feel of her. He could feel her hands moving across the muscles of his back, encouraging him to continue his exploration of her. Anna's soft gasps joined his huffs of exertion, quickening until she finally could not keep quiet and called out his name loud and clear. The sound of her voice urged him on until her name was on his lips, and then the room was filled with the sound of their ragged breathing in the aftermath of their passion. Finally, she sighed contently and turned her head, her face so close to his that their noses brushed. Her eyes were still half-closed, but a wide smile adorned her lips.

"It feels like we are the only people in the world," she whispered.

Valentin shifted and stretched himself, lying next to her. One of his hands lingered on her back, fingers playing along her soft skin. He looked at her with matching lightning in his eyes, his nose brushing hers, striking another spark between them.

"We are," he answered.


As the quiet morning dawned, Valentin woke up unhurriedly, his nose still buried in Anna's hair, her chest raising and lowering slowly under his arm. The clouds outside the windows turned pearl white, becoming one with the icy expanse of the ground, making it look as though they were wholly iced in. They wouldn't be heading to Amsterdam today. They will have to stay for another day or two. It wouldn't be the worst turn of events considering; it helped sell their aloofness. He gently kissed her hairline and unsuccessfully tried to leave her to sleep undisturbed.

"Good morning to you," she whispered as her hand reached back to stroke his jawline. The husky sound of her voice made him instantly aroused, and she laughed mirthfully, pleased that he was affected by her. Valentin decided to taste her smile as he kissed her tenderly.

"I am assuming we won't be going outside today," Anna purred and stretched her limbs.

"Is that a problem?" Valentin replied as his eyes swept up and down her body hungrily.

Suddenly soft lips dispersed the haze as Anna kissed him gently again. Valentin rested his forehead against hers. They lingered together, limbs entwined, eyes closed, their heartbeats solid and steady. Anna and Valentin cherished this gift of time alone. Wrapped up in each other, protected in the snow-covered structure that enclosed them completely, shielding them from the outside world.

"I am hungry," Anna's words vibrate against his cheek, breaking the silence after a while. He opens his eyes and meets her brilliant stare.

"What would you like?" he asked at once. She traced his lips with her finger while pondering the options.

"Surprise me."

"Right away," he seals the order with a kiss, "Do not move." Another kiss was placed on the palm of her hand before Valentin left the bed and her warm embrace.

He tucked a sheet around him and headed away. Anna stretched slowly on the bed, sated and languid; her locks astray and spilling onto the pillow. The clouds outside parted, and rays of the winter sun unfolded through the window, accenting the dewy glow of her skin. She could hear him knocking around the kitchen, making her chuckle.

"Bon Appetit," he announced triumphantly when he returned.

He set a tray in front of her and presented it with the finesse of a seasoned waiter. A simple omelet, a triangle of toast, and a cup of tea greeted her, and she was pleased. Anna gave him an approving half-smile. Valentin Cassadine had never felt more content. He carefully preserved the memory of the moment.

"So how did we end up here?" he found himself asking out loud.

"Here in the Netherlands? Or here romantically?"

"Us together. Lovers. Partners…"

"Well, as you love to humbly point out, you are charming and irresistible." she teased him and reached out to stroke his hair.

"People do find me utterly charming," he responded with pretended hurt.

"Because you easily deceived them," she countered, fingers moving to touch his face, "But not me."

"Never. And it was infuriating," he moved closer, "I had to work really hard to win your favor."

"You were quite tenacious," she laughed.

"Because you were worth it," he declared solemnly.

"What was I worth?" she asked while her thumb caressed his cheek.

"Everything." Valentin's heart felt like it would burst to look at her, but a shadow soon fell. All his dark deeds and the doubts they sowed in his mind crowded in. "Be serious for a moment, Anna. How did we end up here together? It still feels like I'm dreaming it all?"

Her expression turned thoughtful. She sat still and quiet as if she was choosing her words carefully, then her eyes flicked up and pierced his.

"You asked me on our second date at the Metro Court if I knew how badly you wanted to make amends. I do, Valentin. But I think you were trying to ask me something else that night. You were asking me if you had made amends. Have you atoned for your sins?"

"Have I?" he asked seriously.

"I can't speak for all your trespasses, but I can speak to your trespasses against me. I forgave you because your actions showed your sincerity and your commitment to being a better person. Because you stood by me as I looked for Peter and Louise- you never let me give up. And look at what you have sacrificed to be here with me now, protecting our loved ones together. How could I not? Valentin because I know what it feels to want to right all the wrongs of the past, to fix every bad choice. And I believe in second chances."

He smiled, and there was relief in his eyes; he brought her hand to his lips, kissing it tenderly.

"Since this is the only day we know for certain will be our own and the threat of detection hovering over us, I thought I would give you your Christmas present now."

Anna's looked at him curiously. "Christmas present…?"She looked down. On the side of the breakfast tray, next to her plate, was a leather pouch. She picked it up, opened it, and slid the contents into her hand. It was envelopes, letters to be precise. She looked for an identifier, and her eyes went wide as saucers.

"What? They're letters! From Robin and Robert! And Patrick and Emma! Violet even! You did this for me?" She shuffled through the stack delighting in every familiar signature she saw.

"I know how much you are missing your family and friends. And they miss you. They did the work. I'm simply the messenger."

"And even Griffin," she said in surprise. She turned to look at him, and he shrugged nonchalantly.

"I have no use for him, but you care about him, so…I reached out."

"Thank you for this, Valentin," she hugged the letters to her chest, and her eyes glowed with unspoken emotion. She was beautiful in her joy.

"Happy Christmas, darling." his voice and eyes were soft.

Anna ripped into the first envelope and unfolded the lined paper found therein. She laughed wryly as she began to decipher the handwriting.

"Of course, Robert wrote his in code like it's the bloody 1972 and not 2022..."

She turned and threw an exasperated look in Valentin's direction, but he wasn't there. He'd slipped away without her noticing. She smiled and nodded in understanding; he had left her purposefully to give her time to be alone with her letters. And she appreciated how he knew what she needed. And she knew he would even help her burn them later.

Anna hadn't considered what it would mean for him to hold such a special place in her heart. Until it did, so unexpectedly, slipping past her armor and settling in like a flame, its cordial warmth now permanently residing within her. Her lips still smiled; she sighed softly. She would find a way to thank him later. Anna felt serenity slowly taking over after the storm of emotions that had raged since she'd gone on the run. She knew that no matter the struggle, he would be there to fight alongside her.

And that is the best gift of all.