When first I found you, I saw you were in pain

Not eager to show it, tears hiding in rain

Determined to step forward, bowing to none

It was easy to see that you were the one

I value your pride and refusal to fall

But I also know what you hide from them all

A heart so fragile and guarded so well

A love much too great for a tiny cell

To heal your heart, I had to enter it

Battle shadows of fear, win your spirit

When I opened my eyes and saw your first smile

I had made you mine - there could be no denial

Your Knight in Shining Neon, you called me on that day

You are my lifemate and equal - none other can say

Strong yet flexible like Masamune’s blade

Our bond is a fire that shall never fade

In future days a legend will be told

A man, a woman and the love they hold

An epic story told by parents to children

Of the red-headed paladin and wolf maiden.

A/N: The interesting thing about being in an honest relationship for a significant amount of time is that you reach a point where you know that there is no turning back. Dating someone always felt like leasing a car. You pick one from a lot, sign a waiver to get the keys, drive it around a bit and get to know it. When it doesn't work out, just hand back the keys... but then remember with regret that you left your favorite Metallica cd in the player and now you can't get it back. (And it was the good one, too.) But when you lay your eyes on that one car that really catches your eye... say, a nice cherry-red '70 Mustang fastback... you know that you didn't pick the car. The car picked you.

And you will be making payments for the rest of your life. ;)