First Kiss

by Caliko

This was the beginning... as my lips touched hers, a thousand images rushed to the front of my mind. I knew that I was seeing my future.. and it was her.

I could see Hilde staring up at me, the trust burning brightly from her eyes as her hands cupped her swollen belly. I could see her in pain, bearing down in childbirth. Then, Madonna-like as she gazed upon our baby with awed peace. So much happiness radiated from her face!

A new image pushed through - a little girl with chestnut hair and violet eyes, with her mama's stubborn pixy chin. She glared into my face, not budging as I pointed to the bathtub.

:::That is what I want...::: I thought, cupping the back of her head, shaken by these visions. :::That is the future I choose!:::

I leaned back against the couch, ignoring the phone as it began ringing. Hilde pulled back and reached out her arm. As she picked up the headset, I pushed her hand back down, hanging up the phone. I was not ready to let the real world intrude.

I stared into her blue eyes, silently asking if she saw what I did. Feminine intuition gazed back, as her lips quirked into her unique smile.

Her bangs fell over her eyes, reminiscent of Trowa's. Irritated at having my view blocked, I pushed them back away from her face, still communicating wordlessly.

"Is this what love is, Babe?" I asked, my voice hoarse with nervousness.

"Hmm hmm..." She said, nodding slightly. "I think so, Duo."

She leaned down, kissing me again. The TV blared in the background, the colony news just blinking on. We didn't watch, both having visions of our own in our heads.

I saw that little girl again, holding the hand of another child. She was pulling her brother over to where I stood next to Heero. Fearlessly, she stared up at her adopted uncle, refusing to let the perfect soldier ignore her. Finally, his lips cracked, and he picked her up, throwing her into the air in a game that seemed familiar to the two. The little boy grabbed a hold of my leg, hugging it tight as his thumb entered his mouth. I glanced up, watching as Hilde walked towards me, humor in her gaze.

I came back to myself, leaning back on the couch with Hilde's head tucked under my chin. I knew that I could never let her go, now. Never go back to my devil may care act, never lie to her again. I was shown something special.. something that I never even knew I wanted!

I wanted it all. Hilde, kids, and chaos! The ties that bound me to her tightened, but I merely sighed with relief. Yes.. I couldn't run anymore.. but.. neither could she. What more could I ask?