Duo spun me one final time and placed me on my feet. My angelically happy nature collapsed into a deep frown and Duo took a small step back, "What?"

"You were not there." I twas a statement whispered, though I could tell it was if I had screamed it at him.

Duo's shoulders slacked and he took a few steps toward me, "I am sorry."

I backed away from his touch and shuddered as all those emotions passed across his eyes again, now mingled with rejection. "I was called on a mission...and then I was captured. Oh Hilde, at first, I was really scared that I would not be there at that time, but seeing you overcome amnesia in person, that just makes me grateful that I am able to be here now."

I looked into his words and my brow crinkled. "Captured?", I echoed.

He nodded and I extended my hand, clasping his and squeezing it reassuringly. He led me to the couch and we sat in silence for a few minutes.

"I have to leave again, soon." Duo announced, his voice soft against my earlobe.

"Why?" I heard my voice croak.

"They are looking for me, sweets. I have to get so they do not come here. I can not put Lady and Trieze in trouble, and I do not want danger anywhere near you." His voice was tender, gentle, and attractively low.

I traced a hand over the softness of his right cheek, my eyes concentrating on his. The sparkling blue orbs dimmed, then closed in reaction to my touch. His hand, a great deal larger in comparison, cupped over my small and delicate one, sending a warm sensation through my body.

"I will come back." I felt his lips move against my palm after he had glided a sweet kiss over my fingers.

"I will go with you." I felt him tense and he looked at me, shaking his head. My heart sank, "I am losing you."

I began to pull away, but his strong arms beat my weak defense, I was pulled into his lap, "Hilde, never think that."

"But Duo, I am." My admittance caused my body to shudder and that ricocheted through his body, for I felt him shiver beneath me.

"You are not, Hilde. I am yours for life."

"And how long may that be?"

My question stung us both like a hundred angered bees, their stingers tearing into our flesh. It hung in the mid-air between us, engulfed by silence. After a good hour, Duo finally had the courage to speak, "For all eternity."

~

We had sat there for another hour in total silence; our hearts beating together. Now I was standing outside in the evening air, cool and briskly weaving around me, watching as Duo ran off into the night. Where? Only he knows, if anyone at all. I was convinced by Lady Une that he would be unharmed and he would come back, someday. I could wait...but for how long? I guess we will see in time, but for now, I would wait patiently because now I felt like he was the only one that belonged in my life.