Hey again, it's been a few days since my last update, and I was getting a bit anxious to let y'all know what happens next. (grins widely) Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed chapter 14, you've really been a great inspiration! (hugs everyone who reviewed) Yay!

WARNING: See chapter 1.

WARNING 2: There is a bit of steaminess between Chrono and Rosette in the later part of this chapter. Don't like, don't read.

Disclaimer: See chapter 1 or chapter 5.

Return to Times of Yore
By GundamWingFanatic90
Submitted: 5 November 2005

Past, Eden, Chrono

Later, after we had discussed the children and my theory about the Watch, Aion and the rest left us alone so that Aidan and Adrian could get some sleep. As I carefully laid my son next to his sister, an ever-present smile glued to my lips, I couldn't help feeling a bubble of love, pride, and joy welling up inside of me at the sight of the twins, the product of mine and Rosette's love for each other. I turned to go after stealing one last glance at our children, but her soft voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Chrono? I need to talk to you…" she murmured. I nodded, looking back at her, and turned on my heel, making my way back to sit in the chair next to the bed.

"What's the matter?" I asked. She shifted nervously, biting her lip.

"Well… about the Contract…" she said. I felt confusion growing in me. "I think that it would work- your theory, that is- but I… I don't know how much longer I'm going to be here. I think… I think I can feel some kind of disturbance in the time-space continuum around Eden. Something is going to happen." I nodded, having felt the ripples in time myself. "I don't know if it's going to be good or bad, but I have a feeling that it's connected with my own era, 54 years into the future." I dropped my eyes, finding her hand with my own and grasping it tightly.

"I know. I've felt it, too." I allowed my gaze to settle on our matching younglings where they slept restlessly in their basket. "I think that they can sense it, as well." I finally met her eyes, both ruby and sapphire filled with grief and foreboding. In a sudden flood of emotion, I moved over to sit on the edge of the bed, pulling my other half towards me in a secure embrace. My shoulders shook with unshed tears, but though they welled in my eyes, I did not discard them, as she wrapped her arms around my chest, tucking her head under my chin.

"I don't want to lose you, Rosette." I choked out softly. She drew a shaking breath.

"I don't want to leave, either, Chrono, but I might have to." she whispered against me. "If someone from my own time finds a way to help me go back, then I'll have no choice." I didn't reply, squeezing my eyes shut to ward off the tears that were trying to fall.

"Chrono, if that happens, then there is only one thing you can do to help the situation, okay?" she said, and I nodded numbly to show that I was listening. She pulled out of my arms to sit back and look me in the eyes. "Wait for me, Chrono. Wait for me, and I will come find you, no matter how long it takes." I nodded with a deep breath before leaning in and brushing my lips against hers in a chaste kiss.

"I will wait for you forever if I have to, Rosette. I swear that on my life." I breathed against her, and I felt her smile before we deepened it again with an ardor that we had not shared for a long time. I pulled her against my chest, feeling her respond by wrapping her arms around my neck. In a few moments, we pulled away, and smiled at each other. I stroked her bangs back from her face with a tenderness I had never known I possessed, and she grinned even wider for a second before slowly laying back down. I got up and pulled the chair closer, and then I sat down in it to keep watch over my family.

"Chrono?" Rosette asked softly. I turned to her, only to see her beginning to fall asleep as she turned onto her side.

"Yes?"

"I love you." I beamed at her and caressed her cheek with the tips of my fingers.

"I love you, too, Rosette. Goodnight."

Hmm, like I said, a bit steamy for a minute, there, ne? And an imaginary cookie for anyone who can tell me where the very end of the conversation is similar to. "Chrono?" "Yes?" "I love you." "I love you, too, Rosette. Goodnight." See if you can figure it out- tell me in a review- and I'll make the next chapter extra-specially long. Well, anyway, I hope you all liked it. (grins) I have to go, now, so please leave me a review, and I'll attempt to update sooner again, mmkay? Mmkay.

-Fanatic

P.S. There is blood in the next chapter. Lots and lots of blood and angst.