Notes: I found this today. I forgot when it was that I even wrote this, and I think I meant for this to start an actual story. Now, however, it can stand on its own. Enjoy it for what it is. (2-12-04)

Reviewed and re-edited 9/21/11

~Absence~

"Where have you been?"

"..."

"Well?"

"Sore Wa... "

"Save it," she said and turned away to look out the window. She missed the slight change in her guest's face.

"You've been gone for a year."

"Hai."

"And you can't tell me anything about that year." It was a statement, not a question.

"Hai."

"Well then, I guess that's that," she said and started clearing away the kitchen mess.

"Lina, I..."

"No, please don't, I understand, really. I don't know why I expected any less. Things are never going to change and I knew that when we started this."

"But,... "

"It's okay. Really. Please excuse me, I have to finish some research downstairs," she went down to the basment, leaving him alone in the kitchen, staring after her.

"Lina..." he started towards the door but stopped when he heard soft sobbing coming from below. Instead, he went to the mantle where a gold picture frame sat. The couple in the picture looked happy. The petite, red-haired woman smiling and laughing in her beautiful, long, white wedding gown. The groom was laughing also and dressed in a old-fashioned black suit complete with flowing black cape. The groom had his hands around her tiny waist as she brushed the purple hair from his brow. Red eyes staring up into dark amethyst. Xellos picked up the picture and held it for a long time. Finally, he put it down and walked back over to the basement door. He listened, but all was quiet. He made to head down the stairs but was stopped when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Daddy?"

Xellos turned to smile at the purple-haired child behind him. "Hello, Arzazhel."

The boy leaped at him and Xellos easily caught him and swung the laughing child around the kitchen. He finally set him down and ruffled his hair.

"You won't go away again, will you Daddy?"

fin