Author's Notes: I wasn't lying when I said I would speed things up. There's still a little bit of mush, but hey I love it! Plus, one of our favorite G-boys makes a return! And I'm borrowing another movie again. This time it's Serenipitdy. Love that movie too! Read on my friends! Read on! And as promised, longer chapter.

Chapter Six: Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow:

... A year later, Duo and Lynn were still together. In fact, she was out of Trowa and Quatre's apartment and moved in with Duo. All though, Lynn still visited her two favorite boys every now and then. Now, they were like any other couple, they had their fights but they never stayed mad at each other long. And as promised, Lynn never let Duo forget about Hilde. She often asked about her and what she was like. In return, Lynn would give more information about herself.

Duo learned that her father abondadoned her at a young age, and her mother was a drunk. She ran away from home at the age of 17 and hadn't looked back since. He also learned that she met Quatre and Trowa a few years later, Quatre with his kind heart didn't think twice, and offered her a place to stay, and the rest was history.

It took some time for Lynn getting use to living with Duo. While Quatre and Trowa had probably been the cleanest, neatest people she had ever, Duo was slightly different. He knew how to keep himself but, when it came to his loft, well different story. Still, she managed. She even helped in out at the store, but she still kept to her art.

One day, when Lynn had gone out to get some more paints, Duo had his own plans for the day. He pulled out a picture of Hilde and smiled. He loved her, and he remembered what it was like to be a married man. It was one of the happiest experiences of his life. Duo was ready to take another big step in his life. He put the picture gently back in it's drawer, then went to the phone. He dialed Quatre's number.

"Hello." Quatre's voice replied on the other line.

"Hey." said Duo. "Do you do you and Trowa have enough time to meet me out town? I have something to discuss with you."

"Sure Duo. Where would you like to meet you at?" Quatre asked.

"That cafe' that you and Trowa love so much."

"Okay, see you there then."

"Meet me there in about thirty minutes or so." And with that, Duo hung up, and went out to meet them.

Duo arrived at the cafe a few minutes earlier. He grabbed a table and waited for his friends to show up. He smiled as he saw Trowa and Quatre enter. They were right on time. They exchanged handshakes, then Quatre and Trowa sat down, across from Duo. The two could tell something was up when a smirk spread across Duo's lips.

"What's going on Duo?" Quatre asked. "Is everything all right?"

"Where's Lynn?" asked Trowa.

"Don't worry, everything is fine. She just went out to get some more art supplies."

"Then what is it?" Quatre asked again.

The two watched as Duo withdrew something from his pocket. Quatre could barely contain himself when he saw the diamond ring. Trowa smiled as well. "Sorry Duo, you're not my type." he joked.

"It's not for you." Duo told him with a laugh.

"Besides, he's my mine." said Quatre said.

"It's for Lynn." Duo continued. "And since I really can't ask for her father's blessing, I thought you two would be the best next thing. Do you think she'll like it?"

"That's a stupid question Duo." Trowa responded. "She loves you, you know that."

"Yes, the important thing is, you are finally ready to move on with your life." said Quatre. "I'm so happy for you!" he cried. "When are you going to ask her?"

"Tonight."

"Aww, I wish I could be there!" replied Quatre with a grin.

"Nope, sorry buddy, it's just going to be the two of us." Duo remarked.

"Will you at least give us the details tomorrow?" asked Quatre.

"Maybe..." Duo joked.

"Question, have you told the truth about everything Duo?" asked Trowa.

"What you mean?" he asked. "I told her about Hilde, remember?"

"Yes, I know that." he replied. "I'm talking about," Trowa let his voice lower to a whisper as he continued: "Your past as a Gundam pilot."

Duo leaned back in his seat and sighed. "No."

"Why haven't you?" Duo retorted. "Uh?"

Duo had them there. He wasn't the only one who kept that secret away from their dear friend. "How do you think she would react if I told her I use to kill for fun..." Duo told them.

"We didn't kill for fun Duo, we had to. It was our job." Trowa reminded him.

"You probably saw it that way..." said Duo. "Before my life as a pilot, I was the God of Death."

"That time is over." Trowa replied. "We won't have to go back to that dark life again. You should tell her before it's too late."

"I don't know Trowa, I think I agree with Duo on this one." said Quatre. "He's right, and besides, that happened so long ago."

"Not really." Trowa said. "I still remember it like it was yesturday."

"Still, we're different now." continued Quatre. "We all live in a new life, without war and hatred. Thank God for that."

Trowa sighed. He knew he wouldn't be able to change his love's mind. So, he turned to Duo and replied: "I guess the choice will be yours to make. If you want to keep it secret, then I won't stop you."

"Thanks Trowa." he replied. "Well," Duo said. "I better go, got to get read for tonight."

"Good luck!" Quatre shouted at him as he left the cafe.

Duo pulled out his cell phone and called to check on Lynn. He was thankful that she was still getting her materials. "I'll be home later tonight, I promise." She assured him.

"Perfect. Take your time." Duo said to her.

"Duo, what's going on? What are you up to?" she asked from the other line.

"Sorry beautiful, but I have to go." Duo laughed to himself as he hung up the phone. He knew she wouldn't be too thrilled for him for that, but he had feeling she wouldn't be mad at him once she saw the surprise waiting for her at home.

Before he made it home, Duo stopped at a local flower store, and bought about two boxes of rose petals. Then he stopped at the groceriory story for a few things. He wasn't a cook by a long shot, but since tonight was special, he would risk it. Duo also picked up some sparkling soda since Lynn didn't drink. Once he was done, he returned home and went to set everything up. Tonight had to perfect.

Lynn arrived home just as the sky darkened. As soon as she entered the bookstore, she could tell something was up. Normally, she could hear Duo make some kind of commotion up stairs, but tonight, all was silent.

"Duo!" She called out as she made her way up to the loft. "DUO!"

Nothing.

As Lynn opened the door she was so surprised at what she saw before her, she almost dropped the bag. A path of rose petals lead to the living room. She placed her bags down, and followed the path. They stopped at the coffee table. When Lynn looked down at it, she smiled when she a small black box. She picked it up. Lynn knew what this was. She slowly opened. Her smile faded when she found that nothing was in it.

"You have to say yes first."

Lynn's eyes brightened as Duo placed a ring before her. "I... I... Really don't know what to say to this."

Duo laughed. "Yes would be nice." He replied as he took her left hand into his and slipped the ring on. "Will you?"

Lynn looked down at the sparkling stone and tears formed in her eyes. She gave his his answer by brushing her lips with his. "I'll take that as a yes." Duo said as they pulled apart.

"Is this why you sounded so funny on the phone earlier?" asked Lynn with a smile.

"Well, I didn't want to ruin the surprise." Duo told her. "It's not over. There's more."

"There's more?"

Duo grabbed her hand and lead her into the kitchen. Lynn was shocked to see the table had been set and a delisious meal had been prepared. "So, you did all this? Plus, cooking?"

Duo nodded.

"Wow, I'm impressed. You managed to cook something without burning the loft down." joked Lynn.

"Hey, watch it, you're stuck with me now remember?" Duo asked.

"Damn straight." replied Lynn with a smile.

Lynn went to sit down, but Duo beat her to her chain and pulled it out for her. "Why thank you kind sir." she said.

"Your welcome." he said, as he kissed her lightly on the forehead before he took his seat across from her.

Duo had just poured the sparkling soda when a knock came at their door. He sighed. Lynn just laughed. "Did you tell Quatre and Trowa about this?" she asked.

"Yes, but I told them not to bother us tonight." Duo told her.

"Well, just be nice okay..." she joked. "After all you don't want to kill your best men do you?"

Duo smiled at that comment. He never would have thought about that. The wedding was a good while away, but Lynn had a good idea. Quatre and Trowa was pretty much the only family he had. He made a mental note to talk with them later about that. Until then, he went to answer the door. He expected to see the two, but when he opened the door, he came face to face with an unexpected guest:

"Heero!" he gasped. "What the hell are you doing here!"

"What? Not happy to see me?" Heero replied.

"No. I mean, yes, but this isn't the best time." said Duo. "Do you think you could come back tomorrow?"

"No. I need to talk to you. Now."

"Duo, who's at the door?" Lynn asked, coming up behind him, and looking at their guest. "Who is he?"

"He's an old friend of mine." answered Duo. "Listen, will you excuse me. I have to talk to him. Alone."

"Oh, okay. Sure. I'll be waiting."

When Lynn left, Heero smirked. "Who's the girl?"

"My fiancée'." Duo answered.

"Why am I not surprised?" said Heero. "I knew it wouldn't be long until you forgot Hilde and move on to another woman."

Duo's eyes glared with hatred. "You bastard."

Heero could see that Duo was about to beat the shit out of him, but he stopped him before he could make a move. "I would safe your energy if I were you."

"What do you mean?"

"We're needed again."

"What?"

"You heard me." Heero said. "The Gundams are needed again."

"You're talking nonsense." responded Duo. "The war is over. The fighting has stopped!" Duo had brought his voice to a whisper by this time. He didn't want Lynn to hear him. "And in case you forgotten, our Gundams are gone. We destroyed them."

Heero laughed. "You are as blind as Quatre is." he shook his head. "Do you honestly think that we destroyed all of our enemies?" Heero asked. "Why do you think Wufei is still working as a Preventer."

"No. I can't do that." Duo told him. "I won't return that life. I'm not a fighter anymore!"

"You have no choice in the matter!" yelled Heero.

"Then explain to me how we are going to fight our enemies with no weapons?" Duo asked.

"Dr. J and the others have remade our Gundams." answered Heero. "Deathscyth Hell is waiting for you in a secret location."

"Space?" asked Duo.

"Yes, the battle has not reached here, but it will. Trust me it will." Heero assured him. "Quatre and Trowa were just as unwillingly as you, but they put their life aside, and are all ready on their way to space. As for Wufei, I wouldn't be surprised if he was all ready fighting."

Duo turned back to Lynn. She felt his stare and smiled at him. He gave her a small smile in return, then he sighed. "What about her?"

"Do it for her." Heero told her. "If you don't want to do this for yourself, then do it for her."

Lynn watched as her fiancé'... She smiled at that thought. She liked the sound of that. All though, she was happy, she couldn't ignore the terrible feeling that was coming over her. She watched as Duo returned to his friend.

Duo had all ready lost one love in the battle field. He would not lose another. "When do I have to leave?"

"Now."

"Now?" asked Duo. "I can't just leave her."

"Then say your goodbyes and lets get a move on." Heero replied. "If you're not out here in five minute, I will not hesitate to use other actions get you moving."

"Oh, go to hell." cursed Duo before he shut the door in Heero's face.

"Duo, what's wrong?" Lynn asked him as he walked up to her.

Duo didn't say a word. Instead, he took into his arms and embraced her tightly. Lynn embraced him back. As she held onto him, she got the feeling as though he never wanted to let her go. It was here, Lynn figured out what was happening. "You're leaving aren't you?"

Duo slowly pulled away from her. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."

"Hold it Maxwell." she said, grabbing his arm. "Where are you going?"

"It's better that you don't know."

"Will you be coming back?" Lynn asked.

"I'll always come back to you." he assured her as he cupped her face in his hand.

Lynn placed her hand over his. She looked into eyes. She knew he was telling the truth. Duo would never leave her or betray her. He drew her closer to him, hoping to exchange one last kiss, but Heero interrupted them.

"Maxwell. It's time."

Lynn watched as Duo parted from her side. Before he was completely gone, Lynn called out to him: "Be safe Duo."

Duo gave her a smile. Then he left. All she could do now was wait for his return.

TBC...