Duo Maxwell looked at the sleeping form of his half-brother. It was past visiting hours, but the nurses made an exception for Duo. He had wormed his way into their hearts. He felt guilty that he used their affection for his own purposes. But if he wanted to see his brother, this was the only way.

Duo knew his brother would be disgusted with his current 'employment'. Hell, Duo was disgusted with himself with how low he had stooped. 'But it's the only way to make the money in time for the operation.' Duo thought as he sighed heavily.

Treize Kushrenada was in a serious accident just a few days ago. Duo had been in the car as well. Duo shuddered as he remembered the screeching of metal and the drunk driver's wail for forgiveness. Duo had been with his brother for three years and now he was afraid of losing his brother.

Duo, for the most part, was unharmed. But Treize was injured to the point where he may never walk again. But there was a surgery that could help Treize, all Duo had to do was raise the money. He knew he couldn't ask his parents.

"Flashback"

"You're what!" Duo's stepfather, Dekim Barton, asked stunned.

"You heard me, gay. G-A-Y. As in I prefer men to women." A sixteen year old Duo explained to Dekim.

"Now sweetheart, I'm sure Duo is just joking. Right honey?" Helen Maxwell-Barton looked at her son, her gaze pleading.

"Sorry Mom. Not this time. I'm telling the –" Duo was cut off as Dekim's hand collided with his face.

Duo staggered back from the force. His face was now distorted with anger. He never did like Dekim and how the man treated his mother. Treize had been disowned by the family by that time because he had announced his sexuality.

"I'm leaving." Duo said viperously.

"Where will you go boy?" Dekim sneered. "You're only sixteen."

"Treize, he already has the papers drawn up."

"Your fag of a brother put you up to this."

"DON'T YOU EVER SPEAK OF MY BROTHER THAT WAY!" Duo yelled.

The opening and shutting of a door could be heard in the front of the house. Duo knew it was his brother. He had asked Treize to be present when he dropped the bomb. He just didn't think he would do it before Treize arrived.

Treize stepped into the living room and froze. Anger clouded his sapphire eyes when he noticed the red mark on Duo's face.

"What happened?" Treize asked Duo in an angry voice.

"I told them and Dekim here decided to use me as a punching bag." Duo joked. Treize narrowed his eyes. Duo only joked when he was nervous or threatened.

"Here are the papers, I'm pretty sure Duo told you about them. Sign them. I don't want Duo under this household any longer." Treize said coldly.

"You can't take him. He's all that I have left." Helen yelled at her oldest son.

Treize's expression softened as he gazed at his mother. "I'm sorry mother, but it isn't stable here for Duo."

"I understand." Helen whispered.

Treize shoved the papers at Dekim. He stared at Dekim until the man signed them. Treize took the papers and gave them to Helen, who in turn signed the papers.

"Go grab the rest of your stuff Duo. I'll be here waiting."

Duo scrambled up the stairs in excitement. He was finally free of his prison. He had spent five years under Dekim's iron fist.

Duo rushed back down the stairs, his arms full of the remainder of his belongings. Duo nodded his head that he was ready. Duo and Treize walked out of the front door for the last time.

"End Flashback"

"Sorry Treize, but I have work to do. Only a few thousand dollars left. Tonight should be the last night." Duo whispered as he bent over and kissed his brother on the forehead.

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WOW…o kami help me…another fic…next chapter we get to meet Shuichi and the gang