Woo! I updated when I said I work for once! (Special thanks to Nikkler and Zeilya) Wow…anyway, I'll update again Friday…. And then I'll have to skip two weeks because I'll be out of town. I'll be in a car, that means no computer OR net access. Road trips are fun.

Dedication: Nikkler and Zeilya for reminding me to update like I asked, and doing so nicely.

DISCLAIMER: refer to another chappie..and any chappies I forgot to put a disclaimer for..refer to a chapter of this story with one…

Chapter 13: The Day Before the Other Pilots Arrive

:Entry # 926: I don't know why I agreed to do what Amary asked, but I always keep my promises. Today, I think he should take a forty-five minute long shower. I mean, he takes showers that are only 5 minutes long, how is that even possible? He's been doing whatever I tell him to do, but I've been forbidden to do this stuff when the others are here. Why me? He took out the bathroom scale the first night I was here, but that hasn't stopped me from punishing myself. They shouldn't pretend to care, especially him. I hate it. The others are coming tomorrow. I'm scared. Yup, the great Shinigami is scared. Stupid, stupid me… (End journal entry)

"No."

"Oh, come on! Amary said so!"

"No."

"Stop saying no and take your shower!"

"Forty-five minutes is too long. I can't watch you from the shower."

Duo stared, then a slight embarrassed blush swept across his pale, bony cheeks. "Fine. Lay down."

Heero did as he was told, secretly glad Amary had given his Duo the task of forcing him to relax—it seemed to give the American a promise to live up to, something only he could do. Heero sighed to himself; he had to stop thinking of Duo as "his".

Thin hands settled on Heero's shoulders. Once, they had held incredible strength, now Heero believed it was still there, but minds can play tricks. Heero tensed until Duo's oddly soft voice whispered, "relax". Heero felt painful waves slip across long-tensed muscles, but eventually, the pain ebbed and an overwhelming melting feeling stole across the Japanese. He moaned slightly; instantly, he reset his mask. Such actions were not allowable under any circumstance. A quick pause elicited a soft groan. Heero felt a coil of anger hurl itself at him; his control was slipping, and his control did not slip. Ever. Duo's hands immediately flew back to their attentive positions upon Heero's back. Eventually, Duo's administrations led Heero into a dreamy sleep.

Heero awoke the next morning, his arms wrapped around a warm body, his hands entangled in a braid. Heero sighed contently, allowing himself to lay curled against his love a few more beloved minutes. Duo, however, awoke as Heero's arms shifted.

Heero groaned under his breath as he pulled himself off of the floor Duo had violently shoved him onto. Heero peered over the edge. Duo was breathing harshly, pressed up against the edge of the wall; eyes wide and scared. And then he broke. Tears began to slip down pale cheeks. Strong, hard Japanese arms fell around frail shoulders and pulled them close. The harsh sobs shook the American's body until he clung desperately to the strong, unmovable force before him. An hour had passed and the sobs quieted.

Heero gently picked him up and set him down at a kitchen table and made a calming tea. While the tea was brewing, Heero gently wiped away the tear streaks on Duo's face with a damp cloth, amazed his Shinigami was allowing him to do so.

Duo sat in his chair looking lost and endlessly sad, and terrified too, caught up in a confusing battle that had swept him far away to a place far within himself. But Heero was always there, persistent and pressing. Slowly he drew Duo back out and convinced the American to eat some breakfast.

Duo quickly pulled on the joker's mask and donned long sleeves—Heero never said anything about the long, still healing scars—and climbed into a rented SUV; Heero's custom was only built for two people.

"You should just give up and buy an SUV if you're going to need one so often." Duo informed Heero.

"Maybe." Maybe if you get better… No, then you can have any car you want, Love… Heero thought to himself.

Replies to Reviews

ChibiNekoShinigami: There shall be more until I reach an ending…which may be quite some time from now lol. You'll find out all about Heero later. It gets rather…interesting

Shinigami Akumu: About that mask.. you're definitely on to something. Actually, you're on to something on several levels

Avel: you'll just have to wait and see how his weight progresses. It comes up again in a few chapters I think, but I only really say in certain parts of the story because Duo's weight isn't the important part here. As for Duo going to the shrink, well… the shrink doesn't notice, let's just put it that way. As for being in Duo's place… been there, done that.

Amy Hirosaki: apple pancake? Hmm..i need to try that one sometime…yum… my father likes to try everything..whether it'll be good or not too… shudder anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed!

Caley: and that is why there is much more to the story

Nikkler: what kind of car does Heero have? Uhm.. oh shit… I KNEW someone was going to ask me that… I'm uhm.. car challenged…do you know anything about cars? Do you want to help me! looks desperate the psychologist. The only downer is that she can't prescribe meds. Actually, I had to go change it to psychologist…cause I was being silly and forgot which was which, which is sad, because I'm studying to become a psychiatrist. Scary. And yay! I don't have to get out the stick of justice!

FireanIce: glad you're enjoying!

Princess2000204: Yeah…school and stress are bad… sigh

Dark Goddess Hekate: I think you've misunderstood my Quatre character a bit. When Duo writes in his journal, you see Duo's thoughts; however, Duo's thoughts are how he perceives things--whether that is how things actually are or not. Not that he's my favourite character either (Quatre, I mean) lol

SouriMaxwellYuy068: A sledge hammer, eh? Do you think that's hard enough? Lol Yeah, the pissed Heero part IS kind of scary, and cute nickname lol. I hope Duo realizes Heero's love too

Professor Potter-Malfoy: glad you're interested in seeing how the relationship is going to progress!

Dying Redemption: I'm glad to have added you AND put you up in the dedication! huggles back

KawaiiKoorimeYokai: I'm glad you enjoy Heero seeing a shrink. Some people want to whack me over the head for that, but I always thought Heero was still human--he just needs some serious help to see that. I'm also glad I've gotten my boys in character sniffles in happiness that's been one of the harder parts of this story

Zeilya: Hmm… you're the first person to pick up on what Heero's problem is…go you! I love having complete and total control of my chars! Thanks also for the graduation congrats!