*Every endless night has a dawning day

Every darkness has a shining ray*

"Mission complete," I mummered under my breathe as I looked down at my blood-covered hands. It had been five years since I had fought with the other Gundam pilots, and to make ends meet, I haired myself out as an assassin. It was the only thing I was good at, killing. It seemed that everything I touched lately had died. Even Hilde's love for me. When I told her of this last mission, she threatened to leave. What could I do? She forced me to choose between my life as Duo Maxwell or as the God of Death. So I choose the one that was more familiar, more comforatable. God, I'm so stupid! What made me think I could live withoout her?

*And it shines on you baby, can't you see?

You're the only one who can shine for me*

That night, I crawled into bed, weary and worn. As I had predicted, Hilde wasn't here when I returned. No note, no message, nothing. I tried to convince myself that she'd be back; she does this all the time. That was 10 hours ago, and something is telling me that she's not coming back. Dammit, me and my big mouth! The one thing I had going for me, and I let it slip right through my fingers. I have to find her! Jumping out of bed, I dressed and phoned the one person I knew could help me.

"Hello?

"Hey, Heero! What's up?"

"What do you want, Maxwell?"

I heard my 'friend's' voice grumble good-naturedly on the phone. There was a pause, then the sound of a keyboard clacking away in the background was audible.

"Hilde left me, I need your help."

"Hmm...sounds like infatuation to me."

"I asked for that one, I know."

Another pause, then he came back on the line.

"She's staying with Quatre."

"QUATRE?!?! That mother-sucking fuckhead!"

I hung up the phone with a bang, grabbed my leather jacket, and left uor apartment, intent on getting my girl back.

*Its a private emotion that fills you tonight

And a silence falls between us as the shadows steal the light

And wherever you may find it, wherever it may lead

Let your private emotion come to me.*

I cant beleive him! I finally gave him the ultimatum: the missions or me. And he chose the missions! I don't know what hurts more, losing Duo, or losing to an alternate personality. Sighing, I leaned on Quatre, trying to contain my tears. He had always been a good friend, always there for me. I just wish Duo would be so dependable...Duo. I choked back another sob. Why did I have to make him choose? I'm so stupid! I no longer try to hid my face as the tears come unabated. Quatre rubbed my back and said some comforting words, but it didn't help. Nothing would. Nothing but Duo. I walked over to the window and out my hand on the smooth glass. Where are you, Duo? Are you thinking of me tonight?

*When your soul is tired and your heart is weak

Do you think of love as a one way street?

Well, it runs both ways, open up your eyes

Can't you see me here, how can you deny?*

I'm sorry, Duo. I should've never made you choose. I shouldn't have left you. I need you. As much as you need me. Sighing, I sat back down on the couch; Quatre had left to give me some privacy. He was a nice guy, hopefully one day, he'll find a great girl and settle down. Suddenly, there was a light knock at the door.

Every endless night has a dawning day

Every darkest sky has a shining ray

It takes a lot to laugh as your tears go by

But you can find me here 'till your tears run dry.*

"Hilde?" I called hesitantly into the room. I had my hat in one hand, and was nervously playing with my braid with the other.

"Duo?" she said, riding from the couch. She stood, trembling as I approachd her. I wiped a tear from her face as I whispered:

"I'm sorry I was such an ass. I realize that I can't live without you; I need you Hilde. Dammint, I need you!" I spoke this small sentance with more feeling that I had ever said anything before.

Hilde remained silent for a moment, and I became quite nervous. Finally, she spoke.

"Duo, I can't go on like this. You are leading a double life, and you have to give one of them up, if only to remain sane! I understand this. So please, just let me go."

She brushed past me with her head down, defeated. It was now or never, I thought.

"Hilde, wait!"

She turned. I grabbed hold of her hand and fumbled desperatly in my pocket. Her face registered shock as she saw me kneel on one knee in front of her.

"Hilde, I know I've been torn between two selves. But I've chosen who I want to be, and who I want to be with. Hilde, will you marry me?" She gasped as she saw the ring I offered her in my outstreched palm.

*Its a private emotion that fills you tonight

And a silence that fills the shadows steal the light

And wherever you may find it, wherever it may lead

Let your private emotion come to me.*

"Hilde, will you marry me?" His question resounded in my brain as I realized I had won. I had beat the God of Death that was also vying for his soul.

Smiling, I nodded my head. He yelled, "Yatta!", scooped me up in his arms, and carried me around the room. He dumped me on the couch, then kissed me with more passion I had ever thought possible. He slipped the ring on my finger, then let me cuddle up against him.

Quatre found us like that in the morning, all snuggled up against each other. He noted the ring on my finger, and said nothing. Only smiled and left.