Author's Note: I'm having some trouble writing. I'm terribly sorry about the delay, both in D is For... and Dirty Surprise. I'm trying to get something up before the end of the month, but it's really close to the end of the month... Here's a little DE drabble that I wrote while trying to write. (If that makes sense). Season 7. Enjoy.

He picked up her hand and traced the lines on her palm with tender fingers. She smiled at him warmly and laid her head on his shoulder. Wrapping his arm around her, he pressed his lips to the top of her head.

"I'm coming back, Donna," he whispered, but he was well aware the words wouldn't comfort her.

She lifted her head and nodded slowly. Tears glistened in her eyes and she blinked them back. "I know. But until you come back..." A tear slipped down her cheek. She straightened quickly and wiped it away. "I'll miss you, Eric."

"I'll miss you too." He looked through the window and watched a plane take off, climbing higher and higher. He'd be up there soon, off to a place he knew nothing about, without anyone he knew.

Without her.

He turned back to her and ran his fingers through her soft hair. "I'll call you everyday. I'll send you letters whenever I can. I'll—"

"Just promise me you'll come back." She tried to laugh, but it came out a little strangled. Her smile didn't reach her eyes, still swimming with tears.

"Of course I'll come back." He kissed her softly. "I love you."

"I love you too."

He leaned his forehead against hers, took her hands, and closed his eyes. In his mind's eye, he formed a picture of her, smiling happily, her beautiful face alight with joy. "I love you," he whispered again. She didn't say the words back—she didn't need to. But she did stifle a sob. Guilt wrapped itself around his heart. "I love you," he repeated it over and over, not knowing what else to do. Her fingers convulsed against hers and her body shook with a sob, but still she said nothing.

A sudden crackling sounded loudly overhead, and his flight was called. Regretfully, he pulled away from her. A silent sob escaped her, but she managed a smile. "You need to board."

"It can wait."

But she was standing now, and he rose as well, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. "I'm sorry I'm leaving."

"Don't be. You need to do this."

That didn't make it any easier to leave her. They remained like that for several minutes, until she pulled away and took three steps back, out of his reach. "You should go." Her face was a bit steely, but he understood. If he didn't leave now, he never would.

"I'll see you soon, Donna." He couldn't bring himself to say goodbye. For the first time in his life, goodbye sounded permanent. This wouldn't be.

He reached out for her and she stepped back into his arms, kissing him softly. "See you," she murmured, and she stepped away from him again.

Their fingers slipped away from each other's slowly, holding on as long as possible, but it only took a minute for him to get through the gate. He turned to look at her, and she smiled sadly, finger wiggling, and he tried to smile reassuringly. Then he moved, aware of the people behind him, but not before he saw her smile fade to a frown.

I love you.

He willed the tears away.