AUTHOR'S NOTE: SPOILER for (Episode 3x01 – 301). It's based on my favorite scene from the episode. That made me both happy and a little sad. So, it's not spoiling the whole episode.
Five more minutes. He had used those three words several times, when he was a kid. Even as an adult. But, he wished that he had five more minutes now. He had found Audrey in the Living room, a small scythe in her hand.
He easily stopped her attack. Wrapping one arm around her waist the, other covering her mouth. Causing her to drop her weapon, and struggle against him letting out muffled screams. Until, she heard his voice.
Duke let her go, and checked her out. He noticed the cut on her wrist, from using a piece of glass to cut the rope binding her hands. And, the big bruise on her left cheek. He made a slient promise to himself and Audrey. When he finds the person or people who did this to her, he was going to either kick their ass or kill them. Depending on what the situation forced him to do, when he found them. But, for now all he could focus on was Audrey.
He decided to give her a minute to relax, before pulling her into his arms. Holding her tight and close to him, and letting her know she was safe. That he wouldn't let anything or anyone hurt her again. Though, he never showed it. He had the same horrible scenarios of what happen to Audrey, running through his mind. Just like he knew Nathan did. However, it only took one word to stop his fantasy from becoming reality. And, Duke lost his chance to hold her in his arms.
The moment Audrey heard Nathan say her name she, was running into his arms. Duke watched the scene before him. Trying not to show what he really felt. Hurt, jealous, and a little betrayed. It was as if Audrey forgot he was even there. The moment Nathan walked into the room.
It would have been a little bit more bearable to watch, if it was just a quick hug between friends. But, this was different. Nathan had admitted to him earlier that day that, he could feel Audrey's touch. Duke felt like there was a sharp knife, twisting in his gut. Knowing Nathan could feel Audrey's soft body pressed close to him, as he held her tight.
Nathan bent his head slightly, resting in the crook of her neck. Smelling the intoxicating scent, that was uniquely Audrey. Duke knew now that, Nathan's feelings for Audrey weren't one sided. By Audrey's reaction when she saw him. And, by the way she was holding onto him now. As if, her life depended on it.
If only he had five more minutes with her, before Nathan arrived. Then, Audrey would be in his arms instead of Nathan's right now. It might have been the start of his friendship with Audrey, turning into something more. Five more minutes to let Audrey, know that she had another choice. Not all flirting like when she first arrived into town, but a real chance for a serious relationship.
But, it was no use wasting time wishing, wanting or thinking about it. Audrey had obviously made her choice. Duke slightly shook his head, surprised at what he was feeling. If only he had five more minutes.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story was not only inspired by that scene. But, from an interview I saw with Eric Balfour talking about Season 3. He stated that the relationship between Audrey/Duke will flourish. Not quite sure if that means romantically or not. Even though I'm not an Audrey/Duke fan, I do believe that there are still some lingering sparks between those two.