Disclaimers: "To Get Me To You" is a song from the movie "Hope Floats", Sung by Lila McCann, Written by Diane Warren, and published by Diane Warren Trust d/b/a I don't own it, folks! :)

All Characters belong to Sunrise and Bandai. I don't own them, either...(though I really wouldn't mind borrowing Duo for a weekend or two....)

Oh well...I'll just mess with their lives for a few pages, instead! :)

Well I, I can still remember times
When the night seemed to surround me
I was sure the sun would never shine on me
And I, I thought it my destiny
To walk this world alone
But now you're here with me

The sunlight invaded the bedroom and teased him awake. Smiling, Duo opened his eyes and kissed the sleep tossed locks under his chin. Her eyes were shut tight, her hands clasped between them as she snuggled her chin deeper into his chest.

He couldn't help but stare. What did he do to deserve her? His deepest fear at this moment, was that she would awake regretting last night.

His hands traveled down her bare back, rubbing the comforter warmed flesh. He had to reassure himself that she was really here. He had lived in darkness so long. Was he ready for the light?

And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
To get me to you

The past haunted him. He had killed so many people in the name of freedom. The nightmares still chained his soul. He woke up at least once a night, crying, shouting his regrets. All Duo wanted was for it to end. The war was over! Why was he still fighting?

The battles, the doubts. Everything seemed to conspire against him. Everything seemed to say,

"Who are you to crave happiness? Life? Not for the God of Death!"

The war had aged very soul. On Earth, he had the chance to meet kids his own age. He even enrolled in school! But they had an innocence that would never belong to him again.

Uncomfortable, he left before he could stain thier life.

His leaving brought him back to Hilde. She understood. She had been a soldier as well, and felt the same weight on her shoulders. Who was he kidding? Every thought brought him to her. Spiritually, he never left her side. She was the one good thing the war had brought him. He couldn't regret his part in it, without regretting her.

Well I, I still can recall the days
When I had no love around me
Makes me glad for every day I have with you
And I, I look in your eyes and know
I'm right where I belong
And I belong with you
Always belonged with you

It had been some time since he had to worry about disappointing anyone. He had Sister Helen, of course, but that was a very long time ago. He went out of his way to avoid ties. He had enough blood on his hands, and didn't want to cause anymore to be spilled.

Still, she wouldn't listen to him. He tried warning her. He thought he had her convinced when she almost died in the Libra incident.

:::Stubborn woman!::::, he thought, smiling. Two days out of the hospital, and she tracked his ass down. Wouldn't let him move out, either. He tried to leave, but she stole his clothes. She took them while he was naked, in the shower! Sneaky woman!

That was why he was so suprised when she moved out. Why did she fight so hard, and then just give in? At least now, he understood. Duo was surprised that she never gave up on him!

And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
To get me to you

He recalled the night he first returned to space. He had only known her a few weeks, and thier routines were just starting to mesh. He hated being called back to his duty. Leaving her hurt, and he never expected it.

Her face kept popping up in the corners of his mind. There was always something that reminded him of Hilde. The way the stars shone, or something the one of the others said to him. He would even stage conversations with her memory. Duo snorted, remembering the whispered remarks made by Wufei to Heero. They thought that the fighting had finally made him snap. Hmph! Like they could talk!

The war had become even more personal, now. No longer did he fight for his own freedom. No. Now he fought for hers! He could face his namesake himself, if it would make her happy! Duo made a vow that night. He vowed to finish that mess....so he could go home.

And if I could I wouldn't change a thing
Wouldn't change a thing, Baby
Because your love was waiting there for me
Waiting there for me, Baby
And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
To get me to you

He smiled, thinking of the day he came back. He knew she really didn't expect him to return. Her expressive blue eyes shone with such a light! Love.... Now he recognized it! Even then, he would have run.

She dragged him inside, complaining about his skinny carcass. The next thing he knew, he was chowing down on chocolate cake and milk. She even let him have it BEFORE dinner......
Hilde asked him about the fighting, and how much he had seen. He changed the subject quickly, not wanting her to know about his murderous actions.

He was still so raw from all the treachery and the confusion! He still didn't believe he deserved kindness. Hell, Duo didn't believe he deserved Hilde! Would she accept his mission as unavoidable or chase him away? He was afraid to find out, and kept quiet about it for a long time.
Still...he made a commitment to her. No longer able to run away, no longer willing to let her go, he had to share his soul. Determined to trust her, he bent down and woke her with a kiss.

"Hey, beautiful... wake up."

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