A New Dawn

By ChicagoTunnelKid

The two figures lay side by side, facing one another. The moonlight streamed in from the balcony door, which had been left open for the breeze. This was an intimacy the two shared, lying together on Catherine's bed, sometimes talking, sometimes just gazing into each other's eyes.

Tonight, as Vincent stared at her face, he ran his finger lightly over her brow and down her cheek, repeating the motion with such intensity that Catherine had to ask, "Vincent, tell me, what are you thinking about?"

His gaze never fell. So intent, he took long enough to reply to increase Catherine's apprehension.

"I am memorizing your face: the softness to the touch, the contour of your cheek, the beauty that you are. I don't ever want to forget."

A red tinge blossomed over her cheeks as he spoke, embarrassed, yet pleased that he found her so beautiful in his eyes. Then the last words that he spoke nestled in her ear, arousing a frisson of worry. "Why would you forget?" So caught off guard by that thought, she forgot to thank him for his compliment.

"Every time I see you could be the last time. Every hug you give me may be the last hug. Our love is so fragile, Catherine, it could disappear as quickly as it came."

She sat up and faced him. Cold fear gripped her. Her training kept her question sounding calmer than she felt. "What do you mean,‘fragile’?"

He rolled to his back and chastised himself for upsetting her. Yet, she asked the question, and they spoke the truth to each other. Sighing, he, too, sat up, took her hands in his, and collected his thoughts.

"We knew our love was something that could never be, yet we dare to love each other. There is danger for us both, me in your world, and you keeping this part of your life secret as you live Above. What would happen to you if people knew you dared to love me? I would become a target of a massive manhunt, no doubt." His head dropped as he contemplated that possibility."I live with the thought that each day could be my last day to love you, Catherine. Whether it be your choice or some fated circumstance. Your love is a gift; every moment we spend together is a gift."

"Oh, Vincent!" Overcome with emotion, she could only reach out and pull him into her arms. His head was bowed over her shoulder, sorrow lying heavy on him for causing her pain. Her hand stroked the back of his head. Minutes went by in silence as they were locked together.

Finally, Catherine pulled back, sliding her hands down his arms until they clasped his hands. "I can't refute everything you said, Vincent, because there is some truth in it. Our secret could be exposed to an unforgiving world and I don't know what would happen. What I do know is that we would face it together, and no one could separate us.And one last thing that I know. Fate may be unkind and take you away from me, but I will never stop loving you,Vincent. My choice is, and always will be, you."

She leaned forward and kissed him. Pulling back slightly, she looked into his eyes to see if he accepted her words, and her kiss. His blue eyes shone with unshed tears. He cupped her head with his hand and pulled her forward for his return kiss. They pulled back, hesitated, and came together in the tightest hug they could manage, as if to dare fate to try and rip them apart.

The dawn had edged out the moonbeam by the time the two lovers could let go and take a chance on a new day.

As Vincent made the climb down and carefully made his way back to the culvert, he felt happier than he had ever been.

After he left, Catherine sat on her bed, the pillow where he had laid his head clutched to her as a poor substitute but offering her the scent of Vincent and Below. They had crossed a bridge last night - they both finally believed in their unconventional love. In her heart, she knew they had a future. One bridge at a time.