A/N: This is my shortest chapter yet but I had this feeling (as I usually do) that the chapter ends itself, so there. My exams are over! Thank goodness.

Briseis laid her head on his chest and listened to the steady beat of his heart while he told her his story of how he came to be here. A few times she could feel his heart speed up and the thunderous thudding filled her ears. Her hand curled in his, playing with his fingers, the other hand spread wide on his flat, toned stomach. It pleased her that he was not uncomfortable to tell her his feelings towards her, and even more so when she knew that he had been afraid, afraid for her, for them. Achilles finished speaking and gently stroked her hair. They were silent, but the silence wasn't awkward. They were satisfied just to be in each other's company.

"So what will you do now?" Briseis asked him, breaking the silence.

"Get back to my own camp before dawn," he replied calmly, kneading her shoulder.

Briseis sat up to look at his face, "Why?"

"Because it wouldn't do for everyone to know."

"But I don't want you to go," Briseis told him with a determined expression on her face.

"I don't want to go either, Briseis," he said silently.

"Then don't." He could hear the resolve in her voice and he felt a surge of pride in her.

Achilles turned to look at her, "I do not think it is a good idea to let your people see me," he paused, "especially Andromache."

Briseis remembered their talk weeks ago, the hatred in the woman's voice, and the force which carried them. She shuddered slightly. Achilles sensed the movement and pulled her down to lie beside him.

"You see, it is not at all wise," he continued quietly.

"Perhaps we can compromise, I don't know, talk to her?"

Achilles shook his head sadly, "I killed Hector," he reminded her gently, "Nothing I can do will ease her pain, and I am not foolish enough to try."

How could she forget? Her mind flashed back to that fateful day. He did not hear any of her pleas for him to stop. He did not have to go, she thought then and she thinks now. But he was blinded by revenge and he went anyways. He just left and never once looked back. She stood at the entrance of the tent, watching him drive off, knowing that he might not come back. What was worse was that even if he did, Hector would be surely dead. Some parts of her wanted to protect Hector, for Andromache, for Priam, and for Troy, but other parts, other selfish parts wanted Achilles to come back safely. He had no idea how miserable she was during those hours that he was gone. How guilty she felt, torn between her own feelings. She was wrenched between the two men, wherever she turned there would be pain and suffering.

Briseis sighed.

"Don't worry, I will be back."

"I know, but what will you do once winter sets in? You cannot sneak in and out our camp forever," Briseis stared into his eyes.

He looked away, "No," he said slowly, "But I will not think that much, I am only thankful that I can see you now. That's all I ask for."

Briseis snuggled closer to him, "Stay with me."

"I can't."

"Stay," She pleaded.

"Briseis," he held her face in his hands and looked at her intently, "If I stay it will not be pretty, and I have no intentions of anyone getting hurt, especially you."

She understood. Her eyes widened as she absorbed the meaning of his words.

Achilles squeezed her hand and stood up.

"It will be light soon, I should get going." He reached down for his clothes. Briseis get out of bed and took his hands, standing in front of him.

"See me tonight?" she asked hopefully.

Achilles opened his mouth to say he wasn't sure if it would be safe, but the words died in his throat when he saw her eyes, large and soft and clear, asking him, melting away his resolve.

"All right," he said finally.

Briseis smiled and pulled him in for a quick kiss. Achilles straightened and finished putting his clothes back on.

"You are right, I cannot hide forever, I will think about it, I promise." With one last squeeze of her hand, he turned and slipped out the tent.

Briseis stood at the opening, looking at him as he jogged across the field and blended with the shadows just as the sun's first rays shot through the clouds. She turned back and knelt on the ground in prayer.

Thank you, Apollo, for bringing him back to me…