Chapter Two: No Engine is Perfect
***Flashback***
Demeter smiled as she passed Treize up to pull into first place. The race was almost over and she knew she would win it. Hitting her turns at 200 mph in some places Demeter felt her adrenaline rushing and her strong heart racing fast. Spurred by her natural high she accelerated her car a little more just for the kick of it. The finish line was right there. She could see it now. There was nothing but straight track and she still have a few more gears to cover. Demeter hit 220 mph as she practically flew on fire towards the black and white checkered flag.
Suddenly, out of nowhere something touched her back left tire and she spun out. Demeter gripped the steering wheel with all of her might and tried to counteract the direction of the spinning car, but it was too late. She collided with the wall like a freight train. Heat and fire surrounded her as the engine exploded underneath and inside the car. Demeter's head flew back and the metal steering wheel exploded as well. Losing its rubber grip a sharp corner of the wheel drove into her left lung. Demeter's breath suddenly stopped, she couldn't scream in pain; couldn't move. She lay, burned, bleeding and unable to breathe as her steering wheel lay firmly in her body.
Heero and Duo pulled Demeter out of the car. Duo was near tears while Heero had rushed off to meet the paramedics. Demeter wanted to talk to Duo, tell him that she'd be fine; that it didn't hurt that much but she was paralyzed. The world began to spin faster and faster. She closed her eyes and died in Duo's arms.
***End of Flashback***
Demeter's eyes snapped open and her heart monitor started to beep rapidly as her flashback wracked through her body. Pain, immense pain, throbbed in her left ribcage area and Demeter looked at the clock on the wall. It was only ten o'clock. She could still make it to school tomorrow. Demeter slowly sat up.
"Dem?" Came a soft voice.
"Heero, I want to go home now." Demeter replied.
"But you're not well yet."
"I'm fine. Just get me out of here and let me stay with Duo."
Heero sighed and stood up. "Okay, I'll be right back."
Heero walked down the hall and ran into Dem's doctor. "Hey, doc, I think she's ready to go home."
The doctor sighed. "Well as always I'm going to have to advise that she stay here until she's fully better. We haven't even gotten the X-rays back. We sent them to Atlanta because we found a slight mishap in her...Well it's no concern right now so I'm sure she can go if she wants. Though nothing I do will ever keep her here on a school night."
"Thank you doc." Heero replied turning back to the room. Demeter was already unplugging herself and getting back into her clothes. Heero watched with sickness as Demeter slipped her black tanktop over her battered stomach. He could even see the scar that her steering wheel had left. "Come on Dem, I'll take you to Duo's."
~*~
The doorbell rang at 11:15 at night. Duo, who had accidentally fallen asleep on his couch, woke with a start. He sprinted to the front door and opened it. There stood his best friend and his girlfriend.
"You're okay." Duo breathed at he took her into his arms. "She's staying the night?" He asked Heero.
"Yeah, a few nights if I get my way." Heero replied. "See you in the morning."
"Hopefully." Duo whispered. "Night Heero, and thanks man."
Heero just nodded and walked back to his car. Duo shut his door and carefully lifted Demeter into his arms and carried her ceremoniously into his living room. Duo set Dem down on the couch and sat down next to her.
"You want to talk about it?"
Dem just shook her head.
"Are you tired?"
Dem nodded. Duo knew not to expect her to talk right about now. She was always quiet after these sorts of things.
"Come here babe." Duo whispered taking her chin between his fingers. He tilted her chin up to the perfect angle where he could kiss her. Her lips were shaking against his and Duo's heart wrenched at the feel of it. He slid his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap. He couldn't get her close enough and he knew that she couldn't feel protected enough. Duo's mouth opened and his tongue slid between her lips. She opened her mouth like she always did for him and he let his tongue slip under hers and stroke the one spot that always produced a sound. Demeter gripped tighter to Duo and let out a weak but audible moan. Their tongues met slowly and Duo only meant to comfort. Demeter sighed and leaned fully into his chest. She always felt relaxed, warm, and loved being this close to Duo. And for a night or so she was able to forget her father. Duo's arm slid up and down her back soothingly and Demeter felt sleep threatening to take her. She pulled back slowly but Duo caught her lower lip between his teeth. Demeter ceased her moving and let Duo finish up by sucking, licking, and nibbling on her lower lip. She sighed as his kisses trailed down her jaw and to her neck. She felt the beginning sparks of arousal despite her weariness. Demeter arched her neck giving Duo better access. She moaned quietly as his tongue softly tasted her pale skin. Duo's hands slid down her arms to rest on her waist. Demeter could feel both of them slowly becoming aroused and she just wasn't in the condition for making love tonight.
"Duo." She whispered.
"I know." He replied hoarsely pulling away from her. "You're just so intoxicating---I get carried away sometimes."
Dem kissed his forehead. "I promise, sometime soon."
Duo smiled. "Demeter, it's not like I need to have sex with you often. I would love you just as much if we didn't have sex at all. It's just that your kisses are enough in itself to seduce me---you are enough to seduce me. But I don't need sex to love you."
Demeter smiled. When he said things like that she felt so much better about saying no occasionally. But she couldn't help but notice that Duo was slightly hard.
"But Duo..." She replied glancing down and then back up.
"I'll take care of that, Dem, let's get you to bed." Duo replied picking her back up.
"I can walk, you know that don't you?" Dem asked sleepily against his chest.
"I know, but I want to carry my princess off to her royal bed." Duo replied kissing her cheek. He walked up the stairs with the greatest of ease. Duo padded across the carpeted hall and into his room. He set Dem down on the bed and handed her a pair of her own sweatpants and sports bra that she kept in his closet.
"You change, and I'll be right back." Duo replied walking into the bathroom and shutting the door.
Demeter changed into her makeshift PJ's and slipped under the covers. She let her mind slip back to when her father was beating her and she began to shake. Both she and Heero knew he was an alcoholic and that he could be taken to jail for all the times he had beaten Demeter. They always lied and said that when she was bruised it was from racing at night or whatever. The doctors had always believed them. Their father was the main source of their income when they weren't in racing season. They needed him if they wanted to race and even Demeter was willing to take some of his drunken wrath. But still, it was so scary to feel your own lungs close up on you and to feel the breathe seep out of you slowly knowing you're going to die if someone isn't there to help you. Demeter's memories and agonies all started flowing back to her rapidly.
"Duo..." She called out weakly. "Duo!"
Duo came running out of the bathroom, dressed only in sweatpants. He had taken care of himself as he said he would and his hair was completely down. His waist length hair crimped from being in a damp braid all day. Duo walked quickly over to Demeter and took her in his arms.
"What is it babe?" He asked.
"Just---just don't leave me at all tonight. Okay?"
Duo understood what she meant when she said that. Her memories were haunting her again. Duo sighed and slipped under the covers with Demeter. "Okay babe. Come here." He whispered pulling her into his embrace. Demeter rested her head on his chest and her soft hair spread over his shoulder. Duo's arms wrapped around her small but muscled waist and he found himself sighing again. He felt so bad for Demeter. Her pain was his.
"Sleep well sweetheart." Duo whispered kissing the top of her head. He smiled when he didn't hear a reply. Demeter was already fast asleep in his arms.
~*~
"Good morning class, Demeter, Heero, Duo you all look like wrecks. What happened?" Mr. Smith asked looking up from his clipboard.
No one answered.
"I take it that you are too tired to reply." Mr. Smith answered himself slowly. "Alright, class today we're going to start our Renaissance unit. I need you to get in pairs for we are going to memorize snips from Shakespeare's many plays. According to your partner and you're learner style and personality I will assign you a few pages worth of script. Alright everyone pair up.
Duo took Dem's hand and they sat down on a large beanbag in the corner of the room as everyone got comfortable.
Mr. Smith took his time with each student so Duo took this to his advantage.
"Dem, are you sure you're okay? You look a little, unsteady."
"I'm fine." Demeter replied leaning her head against Duo's shoulder. "I'm just tired."
"We should have stayed home today."
"I was tempted to---you're bed is warm." Demeter laughed softly.
"Dem, I think you're too hard on yourself. Go home, I promise I'll pick up all your homework and I'll even help you with it."
"No Duo, I'll be fine."
"You don't look fine." Duo counteracted.
"I'm just tired."
"Then go back to my place, sleep. Come back if you feel better."
"This is school; I just can't leave and come as I please."
"I know that but you have an excuse."
"Duo, please, just drop it."
"I'm just concerned for your sake. You're hurt Demeter. For God's sake," Duo lowered his voice. "You were at the hospital again last night. Both your lungs closed up. That only happened once last year. You scared the shit out of me. Your stomach is bruised."
"Duo, stop. I get it. But I'm not going home."
"Ah-hem."
"Oh, sorry Mr. Smith."
"It's okay. Married couples are allowed to fight occasionally. I'm thinking 'Romeo and Juliet' is in store for you. Can you please memorize the highlighted script and have that ready by next week?"
"Sure thing." Duo replied.
"Um, class. I have to step out of the room for a moment. If you would be kind enough to keep the volume to a minimum? Thank you. I want a perfect report from Quatre when I get back."
Mr. Smith stepped out of the class and jogged down the hall into the office.
"Mr. Smith, is there something I can help you with?" The secretary asked.
"Is Officer Noel in?"
"Yes, he is. He's in his office."
"Thank you." Mr. Smith replied already walking into the office. He opened the door and closed it. "Mark, I have a lead."
"On Demeter?" He asked standing up.
"Yes, I heard Duo talking to her. She was at the hospital last night because both of her lungs closed up. He also said her stomach was bruised. And it sounds like she's staying at his house."
Officer Noel sat down and started to type. "Take a seat, Josh." He replied. Mr. Smith sat down and kneaded his hands together.
"Well it appears that Duo lives on his own and that his orphanage let him go early. And as for Demeter it looks like she had a racing accident that caused her left lung extremely weak. She probably had an attack yesterday while racing."
"What about her bruised stomach?" Mr. Smith asked.
"Josh, we can't assume that she's being abused by Duo or her father or whoever until we see solid evidence. If she is being abused don't you think Heero would do something about it?"
"It depends..." Mr. Smith said slowly.
"Well whether it depends or not I cannot search anyone or anything until I have solid evidence. And if something is going on then all of those kids that Demeter knows are good at hiding it."
"I still say something's wrong."
"Well so do I. But the fact still stands; I can't do anything until I have proof. Thanks for the information; I'll put it in my records." Officer Noel replied.
"Okay." Mr. Smith sighed standing up. He ran a hand through his thinning gray hair. "Well I better head back to class."
Mr. Smith walked back to class and entered the classroom. Everyone was crowded around the back corner of the room.
"Mr. Smith, Demeter isn't breathing!"
"What?" Mr. Smith yelled.
Heero was already at the phone dialing 911 calmly.
Mr. Smith pushed himself through the crowd. Duo was breathing into Demeter's mouth while Trowa pushed on her chest in time. Quatre was checking her pulse. Wufei was holding the other wrist; checking the pulse. They looked so experienced helping Demeter. Mr. Smith knelt down. "When did this happen?"
"Two minutes ago." Quatre mumbled. "Duo, her pulse just dropped 15 to 2."
"Got it." Duo gasped pulling away momentarily before his mouth went back to hers as he breathed for her.
Trowa's forehead was dripping with sweat as he pushed on her chest. "Have you checked her right lung?"
Wufei felt under her left breast. "Damn, it's still closed."
"We've got to open that right lung!" Duo gasped. "She'll die!"
Heero pushed through the groups. "Trowa move over. Duo you know what to do."
"Heero, we can't---"
"Don't argue with me, just do it. On my count." Heero's eyes met Duo's and Duo obliged by putting his mouth down by Dem's.
"One, two, three!"
Duo put a huge breath into Demeter as Heero shoved up on her chest.
Demeter's back arched and she took in a shaky breath.
"Yes!" Duo exclaimed.
Demeter fell back onto the floor and stopped breathing.
"No. Shit, no." Duo replied. "Again Heero, we've got to try again."
"One, two, three."
Duo breathed and Heero pushed. Again Demeter's body responded but still she couldn't breathe.
"Heero, it won't open. Her right lung is stuck."
"Keep breathing for her, the paramedics should be here any second." Heero gasped.
As though on cue the paramedics burst into the room and took Demeter away. They were giving her shocks as they ran out of the building. The situation did not look good.
"What happened?" Mr. Smith asked.
Duo sighed. "We were talking about what had happened last night until you came up and gave us our script. So we decided to drop it and read the script. Right when we reached the, 'Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo?' part she just started gasping and she fell forward. That's exactly what happened."
"She has a weak lung." Heero cut in.
"From what?"
"Racing."
"What caused it to close now?" Mr. Smith demanded.
Heero was shaking and Duo put his hand over his eyes and turned away. Quatre stood up. "This has happened a total of three times. All three times she was physically harmed. She's just never stopped breathing on us like that before."
Duo wiped his eyes. "Mr. Smith I need to be excused for the day." He said softly.
"You and Heero both are excused." Mr. Smith agreed.
Heero and Duo immediately ran out of the room forgetting their binders and books. Duo's face was wet with tears and Heero was shaking uncontrollably. They both got in their cars and raced off to the hospital not caring that they were running reds and passing up retired men and women who drove during the day. All they cared about was Demeter.
~*~
"Heero, where's Dem?" Hera asked walking in the door.
"She's still at school. She had some work to do." Heero lied putting on a smile that hurt. "Hey, um, do you mind spending the night at Sarah's again?"
"I already asked her. Her mom doesn't want me over every night."
Heero wracked his brain for options. The first that came to mind was Relena. "Do you remember Relena? Would you mind staying with her?"
"Why? She's older than I am."
"I know but you see, I need to go out and I don't want you home alone."
"Why can't I be home for a while until daddy comes home? Why don't I see daddy anymore?"
"Sweetie, you've got to believe me. Just go to Relena's house for tonight, okay?"
"Fine, I'll go."
"Good, just let me call her while you pack your overnight bag."
Hera ran up the wooden stairs to her loft/room area.
Heero picked up the phone and dialed the number he had already memorized. "Hello, is Relena there?" He asked when a man picked up the phone.
"Who is this?" Asked the voice.
"This is Heero Yuy; I am her neighbor and friend from school. I was wondering if I could talk to Relena for a moment."
Heero could hear a girl's voice in the background and the phone was handed off. "Heero?"
"Relena, hey it's me. Can I ask you a favor?"
"Sure shoot."
"I need my little sister to spend the night at your house. Is that okay?"
"Is Demeter not better?" Relena asked, concerned.
"Uh, Relena, I'd rather not saying anything until everything's final. So if it's okay with you can Hera come over right now?"
"Sure Heero. See you in a few. Don't drive too fast."
"Bye." Heero replied turning off the phone. *Don't drive too fast* yeah, she needed to remember who she was talking to exactly.
~*~
Relena quickly explained to her mom and dad what was going on in a watered down version and her parents had agreed totally. When the doorbell rang Relena found herself sprinting to answer it.
"Heero, come in."
"I shouldn't...I have to, uh, go somewhere." He replied. "Hera, you remember Relena, don't you?"
"Yes. Hello Relena." She replied walking into the house.
"Hey Hera. Make yourself at home. The guest room is right in the door there."
"Thank you." Hera replied walking into the guest room automatically.
Relena lowered her voice and leaned closer to Heero. "How is she?"
"I don't know." Heero sighed. "That's what I'm going to find out now."
Relena sighed audibly and leaned against the doorframe. "I wish there was something I could do."
"Don't worry about it. I'll tell you how everything's going once I find out."
"Okay, see you later Heero."
"Bye." Heero replied walking out to his car and driving off.
~*~
"Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Yuy, I have received the data that I promised you. If you'd be so kind as to follow me?" A doctor, unfamiliar to either boy, replied stepping into Demeter's room. She had only gained consciousness once the entire day and it was already midnight.
The two weary boys followed the man across the hall into the X-ray and stats room.
"Here are the pictures we got from Demeter's chest area. As you can see this is her injured lung, her right lung, her diaphragm, finally her heart. And that is what the problem is."
"Her heart?" Duo asked.
"Yes, though we've always believed that it was the punctured lung that was causing Demeter all the problems the real problem behind her attacks is her heart. It was weakened in that fatal race two years ago. It's come to our attention that a transplant is needed."
"What? A heart transplant?" Heero stuttered.
"It's the only thing that can save her. I'm trying to find a donor for her time is growing awfully short. She's been without medical examination for far too long. If Demeter doesn't get that heart by Christmas, she'll die."
Duo fell into a chair. "Are there any donors around?"
"I'm looking but so far I haven't had any success."
Heero was silent for a few minutes, his chin resting in his hands.
"Heero, what are you thinking?" Duo asked.
"We'll start a campaign. Instead of racing for money we'll race for heart donors."
"That's ludicrous. No one would support us."
"The hospital would, several donor charities would also if you could get a hold of them." The doctor cut in.
Duo sighed. "Look, I don't care how the hell we get this damned heart all I care is that it's working in my girlfriend's body before Christmas. And I'll race my ass off or sell my car---whatever it takes."
Heero sighed. "Then it's settled. We'll get started on it immediately."
Duo stood up and shook the doctor's hand. "Will Demeter be in the hospital until she gets her transplant?"
"Of course not, Mr. Maxwell. I've already prescribed some medication that will serve as a stimulant and aid to her heart that should keep her healthy until the transplant is ready. Naturally, I forbid her to race or do anything that requires tons of physical exertion. Her heart just can't take it. But I would like someone to be with her at all times...just in case."
"Of course. When can I take her home?"
"Now, if you want. She should be just fine." The doctor replied pulling out a clipboard and writing a few things down. "Oh and Mr. Yuy, might I add that she has come in with a large amount of bruises on her body from what I've recorded. She isn't abused is she?"
"What makes you think that?" Heero snapped. "Duo doesn't beat her for sure, and I don't lay a finger on her."
The doctor sighed. "I'm not implying anything, Mr. Yuy. But if she is abused, I suggest you keep the abuser away from her. For if he or even she gets her hands on Demeter again, not even I might be able to save her. Just keep her safe if you don't want her to die."
"She's safe as it is." Heero curtly replied before walking out of the room.
Just before Heero opened the door he looked at Duo. "She's living at your house until after the transplant. That's not negotiable."
"And you think I'd let her stay at your house?" Duo snapped, just about reaching his limit. He felt like he was going to cry and anger was the only thing keeping him from doing so.
Heero opened the door to see Demeter sitting up slowly. She shook her head a few times and cursed softly. She didn't seem to notice Heero and Duo standing right in the doorway. She looked up at the clock and then reached down to the IV in her wrist. With a fierce tug she pulled out the needle. She hissed in pain.
"Dem." Duo choked. He hadn't meant to speak but her name had escaped her lips in pain.
Demeter looked up with blurry eyes. "Help me."
"It's okay, Dem. You're allowed to go anyways. Uh, we have some news that is a little disturbing..." Heero replied slowly.
"What?" Demeter asked shifting her gaze from brother to her boyfriend. "What is it?"
"Duo I think you had better deal with this." Heero choked before he turned to wipe the tears from his eyes.
"Come on babe; let's get you to my place. That will be your new home for a few months."
"Duo, what's going on?" Demeter asked letting Duo pick her up.
"I'll explain once we're home."
Demeter sighed against his chest. "It's bad isn't it?"
Duo didn't answer. He just focused on walking through the back door out to his car. Heero had taken the front way out as an excuse to be by himself.
The doctor watched Duo and Demeter go. He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Yes?" He asked still watching the couple unlock the car.
"It can't be her brother that's abusing her, and you can see how much those two love each other...have you ever considered Demeter's father? We've never seen him before so he could easily be a suspect."
"Mick, if her father is the source of her beating then she doesn't stand a chance. Hopefully those two boys can do something for her. Right now we have a transplant to worry about."
The two doctors looked at each other.
"She'll have to be sent up to Maine for such a hard transplant. If both her lungs were healthy I'd offer to do it but..."
"They're not. And so we've got to contact the hospital up in Maine. I suggest we do that tomorrow."
"Alright."
"We're running low on time." Dr. Grey, the doctor who had explained the situation to Duo and Heero replied in a low voice.
Dr. Heinz shrugged. "We have a few months."
"No, her heart has a few months max. We have to be one step ahead of her heart. If we aren't she's as good as dead."
~*~
"Duo we're home now tell me." Demeter pleaded standing in the middle of the living room.
"Can't we just talk about this in the morning?" Duo begged.
"No! You're going to tell me Duo Maxwell or God help me I don't walk out that door this very instant!" Demeter nearly yelled.
"Fine, you want to know?" Duo yelled, turning to face her. His face was red and he was shaking.
"Yes, I do want to know. After all it just happens to my problem here!"
"You're heart is going to die by Christmas. Your heart is just going to stop working like that! And you're going to die if you don't get a fucking transplant!!!" Duo yelled. He wouldn't let his tears spill. He wouldn't. He wouldn't.
Demeter fell back onto the couch. "My heart?" She whispered.
Duo bit his lip suddenly feeling sorry that he had yelled at her. "Oh babe." He whispered sitting next to her. When he tried to put his arm around her Demeter stood immediately.
"No!" She cried, her tears spilling down her face. "No! There's got to be a mistake. It's my lung that's weak not my heart!!!! NO!" She screamed. She let her body go limp against a wall as she rested her forehead against the white and rough surface. Tears rushed down her face. "Not my heart." She whispered.
Duo stood up and walked over to her. He slowly wrapped his arms around her slim waist. She leaned back against him. "I don't want to die." She said in a nearly inaudible voice.
"You're not going to die. We'll make sure you have a transplant by Christmas. After the surgery you'll never have those attacks again. You'll see. You're going to be just fine." Duo replied rocking her side to side.
Demeter's crying died down but the tears still flowed. "Duo, what did I do to deserve this? What?"
"You didn't do anything Demeter, these things just happen."
Demeter felt a new wave of tears roll down her face. "My heart..." She whispered. "I'm...I'm so...scared."
Duo couldn't hold it in anymore. His tears started to leak out of eyes. Duo's head fell onto Demeter's shoulder and he turned his head into her neck as he cried. "I'm just as scared as you are, babe...I love you too much," Duo's voice cracked before he was able to continue. "I love you too much to lose you." Duo kissed her neck out of habit and then laughed. "I don't want to give up on that fantasy that you and I will get married next year and race together and have kids. I'm not ready yet."
The two of them laughed through their tears and Demeter leaned closer to Duo who gladly held her tighter.
"You won't die baby...The doctors won't let you die. I won't let you die." Duo whispered. "Just don't give up on me."
Demeter took in a shaky breath. "I just feel so...weak."
"I'll be your strength." Duo whispered. The words would usually sound sappy but for once in Duo's life he truly meant it and raw emotion slipped through is voice.
"Demeter..." Duo whispered.
Demeter leaned closer to him. "Hm?"
"I love you." Was all Duo said. His mouth immediately found her neck and if Demeter was going to say anything it was lost in the fervent kisses Duo was placing on her neck. Demeter, despite her exhausted state felt her body temperature rise to a feverish level. Unlike yesterday, Demeter didn't want to stop or slow Duo. She wasn't a sex addict or anything---she and Duo had talked things over all during the month of May before they decided to take the 'big step' during June. Demeter thought back to their first time and realized that she wouldn't have done that with anyone else no matter what the circumstances. Duo was perfect. He was everything she wanted and needed- --and even a little more.
Duo's kisses trailed up her neck and he slowly turned Demeter to face him. They kissed passionately for a few moments before Duo pulled back. "Are you really sure you want to do this, Dem?" He asked breathing hard. "I can stop."
"We both need this Duo." Dem whispered taking his hand and leading him up the stairs never taking her eyes off of him. Duo followed her into his bedroom and closed the door never leaving her eyes. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her while working on her shirt. Tonight Duo would let Demeter how much he loved her and how alive and strong she still was.
"Duo..." Demeter whispered in a hoarse and wanting voice.
"Yeah.?" Duo replied in a raspier voice, his mouth moving along her jaw.
"I love you too."
***Flashback***
Demeter smiled as she passed Treize up to pull into first place. The race was almost over and she knew she would win it. Hitting her turns at 200 mph in some places Demeter felt her adrenaline rushing and her strong heart racing fast. Spurred by her natural high she accelerated her car a little more just for the kick of it. The finish line was right there. She could see it now. There was nothing but straight track and she still have a few more gears to cover. Demeter hit 220 mph as she practically flew on fire towards the black and white checkered flag.
Suddenly, out of nowhere something touched her back left tire and she spun out. Demeter gripped the steering wheel with all of her might and tried to counteract the direction of the spinning car, but it was too late. She collided with the wall like a freight train. Heat and fire surrounded her as the engine exploded underneath and inside the car. Demeter's head flew back and the metal steering wheel exploded as well. Losing its rubber grip a sharp corner of the wheel drove into her left lung. Demeter's breath suddenly stopped, she couldn't scream in pain; couldn't move. She lay, burned, bleeding and unable to breathe as her steering wheel lay firmly in her body.
Heero and Duo pulled Demeter out of the car. Duo was near tears while Heero had rushed off to meet the paramedics. Demeter wanted to talk to Duo, tell him that she'd be fine; that it didn't hurt that much but she was paralyzed. The world began to spin faster and faster. She closed her eyes and died in Duo's arms.
***End of Flashback***
Demeter's eyes snapped open and her heart monitor started to beep rapidly as her flashback wracked through her body. Pain, immense pain, throbbed in her left ribcage area and Demeter looked at the clock on the wall. It was only ten o'clock. She could still make it to school tomorrow. Demeter slowly sat up.
"Dem?" Came a soft voice.
"Heero, I want to go home now." Demeter replied.
"But you're not well yet."
"I'm fine. Just get me out of here and let me stay with Duo."
Heero sighed and stood up. "Okay, I'll be right back."
Heero walked down the hall and ran into Dem's doctor. "Hey, doc, I think she's ready to go home."
The doctor sighed. "Well as always I'm going to have to advise that she stay here until she's fully better. We haven't even gotten the X-rays back. We sent them to Atlanta because we found a slight mishap in her...Well it's no concern right now so I'm sure she can go if she wants. Though nothing I do will ever keep her here on a school night."
"Thank you doc." Heero replied turning back to the room. Demeter was already unplugging herself and getting back into her clothes. Heero watched with sickness as Demeter slipped her black tanktop over her battered stomach. He could even see the scar that her steering wheel had left. "Come on Dem, I'll take you to Duo's."
~*~
The doorbell rang at 11:15 at night. Duo, who had accidentally fallen asleep on his couch, woke with a start. He sprinted to the front door and opened it. There stood his best friend and his girlfriend.
"You're okay." Duo breathed at he took her into his arms. "She's staying the night?" He asked Heero.
"Yeah, a few nights if I get my way." Heero replied. "See you in the morning."
"Hopefully." Duo whispered. "Night Heero, and thanks man."
Heero just nodded and walked back to his car. Duo shut his door and carefully lifted Demeter into his arms and carried her ceremoniously into his living room. Duo set Dem down on the couch and sat down next to her.
"You want to talk about it?"
Dem just shook her head.
"Are you tired?"
Dem nodded. Duo knew not to expect her to talk right about now. She was always quiet after these sorts of things.
"Come here babe." Duo whispered taking her chin between his fingers. He tilted her chin up to the perfect angle where he could kiss her. Her lips were shaking against his and Duo's heart wrenched at the feel of it. He slid his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap. He couldn't get her close enough and he knew that she couldn't feel protected enough. Duo's mouth opened and his tongue slid between her lips. She opened her mouth like she always did for him and he let his tongue slip under hers and stroke the one spot that always produced a sound. Demeter gripped tighter to Duo and let out a weak but audible moan. Their tongues met slowly and Duo only meant to comfort. Demeter sighed and leaned fully into his chest. She always felt relaxed, warm, and loved being this close to Duo. And for a night or so she was able to forget her father. Duo's arm slid up and down her back soothingly and Demeter felt sleep threatening to take her. She pulled back slowly but Duo caught her lower lip between his teeth. Demeter ceased her moving and let Duo finish up by sucking, licking, and nibbling on her lower lip. She sighed as his kisses trailed down her jaw and to her neck. She felt the beginning sparks of arousal despite her weariness. Demeter arched her neck giving Duo better access. She moaned quietly as his tongue softly tasted her pale skin. Duo's hands slid down her arms to rest on her waist. Demeter could feel both of them slowly becoming aroused and she just wasn't in the condition for making love tonight.
"Duo." She whispered.
"I know." He replied hoarsely pulling away from her. "You're just so intoxicating---I get carried away sometimes."
Dem kissed his forehead. "I promise, sometime soon."
Duo smiled. "Demeter, it's not like I need to have sex with you often. I would love you just as much if we didn't have sex at all. It's just that your kisses are enough in itself to seduce me---you are enough to seduce me. But I don't need sex to love you."
Demeter smiled. When he said things like that she felt so much better about saying no occasionally. But she couldn't help but notice that Duo was slightly hard.
"But Duo..." She replied glancing down and then back up.
"I'll take care of that, Dem, let's get you to bed." Duo replied picking her back up.
"I can walk, you know that don't you?" Dem asked sleepily against his chest.
"I know, but I want to carry my princess off to her royal bed." Duo replied kissing her cheek. He walked up the stairs with the greatest of ease. Duo padded across the carpeted hall and into his room. He set Dem down on the bed and handed her a pair of her own sweatpants and sports bra that she kept in his closet.
"You change, and I'll be right back." Duo replied walking into the bathroom and shutting the door.
Demeter changed into her makeshift PJ's and slipped under the covers. She let her mind slip back to when her father was beating her and she began to shake. Both she and Heero knew he was an alcoholic and that he could be taken to jail for all the times he had beaten Demeter. They always lied and said that when she was bruised it was from racing at night or whatever. The doctors had always believed them. Their father was the main source of their income when they weren't in racing season. They needed him if they wanted to race and even Demeter was willing to take some of his drunken wrath. But still, it was so scary to feel your own lungs close up on you and to feel the breathe seep out of you slowly knowing you're going to die if someone isn't there to help you. Demeter's memories and agonies all started flowing back to her rapidly.
"Duo..." She called out weakly. "Duo!"
Duo came running out of the bathroom, dressed only in sweatpants. He had taken care of himself as he said he would and his hair was completely down. His waist length hair crimped from being in a damp braid all day. Duo walked quickly over to Demeter and took her in his arms.
"What is it babe?" He asked.
"Just---just don't leave me at all tonight. Okay?"
Duo understood what she meant when she said that. Her memories were haunting her again. Duo sighed and slipped under the covers with Demeter. "Okay babe. Come here." He whispered pulling her into his embrace. Demeter rested her head on his chest and her soft hair spread over his shoulder. Duo's arms wrapped around her small but muscled waist and he found himself sighing again. He felt so bad for Demeter. Her pain was his.
"Sleep well sweetheart." Duo whispered kissing the top of her head. He smiled when he didn't hear a reply. Demeter was already fast asleep in his arms.
~*~
"Good morning class, Demeter, Heero, Duo you all look like wrecks. What happened?" Mr. Smith asked looking up from his clipboard.
No one answered.
"I take it that you are too tired to reply." Mr. Smith answered himself slowly. "Alright, class today we're going to start our Renaissance unit. I need you to get in pairs for we are going to memorize snips from Shakespeare's many plays. According to your partner and you're learner style and personality I will assign you a few pages worth of script. Alright everyone pair up.
Duo took Dem's hand and they sat down on a large beanbag in the corner of the room as everyone got comfortable.
Mr. Smith took his time with each student so Duo took this to his advantage.
"Dem, are you sure you're okay? You look a little, unsteady."
"I'm fine." Demeter replied leaning her head against Duo's shoulder. "I'm just tired."
"We should have stayed home today."
"I was tempted to---you're bed is warm." Demeter laughed softly.
"Dem, I think you're too hard on yourself. Go home, I promise I'll pick up all your homework and I'll even help you with it."
"No Duo, I'll be fine."
"You don't look fine." Duo counteracted.
"I'm just tired."
"Then go back to my place, sleep. Come back if you feel better."
"This is school; I just can't leave and come as I please."
"I know that but you have an excuse."
"Duo, please, just drop it."
"I'm just concerned for your sake. You're hurt Demeter. For God's sake," Duo lowered his voice. "You were at the hospital again last night. Both your lungs closed up. That only happened once last year. You scared the shit out of me. Your stomach is bruised."
"Duo, stop. I get it. But I'm not going home."
"Ah-hem."
"Oh, sorry Mr. Smith."
"It's okay. Married couples are allowed to fight occasionally. I'm thinking 'Romeo and Juliet' is in store for you. Can you please memorize the highlighted script and have that ready by next week?"
"Sure thing." Duo replied.
"Um, class. I have to step out of the room for a moment. If you would be kind enough to keep the volume to a minimum? Thank you. I want a perfect report from Quatre when I get back."
Mr. Smith stepped out of the class and jogged down the hall into the office.
"Mr. Smith, is there something I can help you with?" The secretary asked.
"Is Officer Noel in?"
"Yes, he is. He's in his office."
"Thank you." Mr. Smith replied already walking into the office. He opened the door and closed it. "Mark, I have a lead."
"On Demeter?" He asked standing up.
"Yes, I heard Duo talking to her. She was at the hospital last night because both of her lungs closed up. He also said her stomach was bruised. And it sounds like she's staying at his house."
Officer Noel sat down and started to type. "Take a seat, Josh." He replied. Mr. Smith sat down and kneaded his hands together.
"Well it appears that Duo lives on his own and that his orphanage let him go early. And as for Demeter it looks like she had a racing accident that caused her left lung extremely weak. She probably had an attack yesterday while racing."
"What about her bruised stomach?" Mr. Smith asked.
"Josh, we can't assume that she's being abused by Duo or her father or whoever until we see solid evidence. If she is being abused don't you think Heero would do something about it?"
"It depends..." Mr. Smith said slowly.
"Well whether it depends or not I cannot search anyone or anything until I have solid evidence. And if something is going on then all of those kids that Demeter knows are good at hiding it."
"I still say something's wrong."
"Well so do I. But the fact still stands; I can't do anything until I have proof. Thanks for the information; I'll put it in my records." Officer Noel replied.
"Okay." Mr. Smith sighed standing up. He ran a hand through his thinning gray hair. "Well I better head back to class."
Mr. Smith walked back to class and entered the classroom. Everyone was crowded around the back corner of the room.
"Mr. Smith, Demeter isn't breathing!"
"What?" Mr. Smith yelled.
Heero was already at the phone dialing 911 calmly.
Mr. Smith pushed himself through the crowd. Duo was breathing into Demeter's mouth while Trowa pushed on her chest in time. Quatre was checking her pulse. Wufei was holding the other wrist; checking the pulse. They looked so experienced helping Demeter. Mr. Smith knelt down. "When did this happen?"
"Two minutes ago." Quatre mumbled. "Duo, her pulse just dropped 15 to 2."
"Got it." Duo gasped pulling away momentarily before his mouth went back to hers as he breathed for her.
Trowa's forehead was dripping with sweat as he pushed on her chest. "Have you checked her right lung?"
Wufei felt under her left breast. "Damn, it's still closed."
"We've got to open that right lung!" Duo gasped. "She'll die!"
Heero pushed through the groups. "Trowa move over. Duo you know what to do."
"Heero, we can't---"
"Don't argue with me, just do it. On my count." Heero's eyes met Duo's and Duo obliged by putting his mouth down by Dem's.
"One, two, three!"
Duo put a huge breath into Demeter as Heero shoved up on her chest.
Demeter's back arched and she took in a shaky breath.
"Yes!" Duo exclaimed.
Demeter fell back onto the floor and stopped breathing.
"No. Shit, no." Duo replied. "Again Heero, we've got to try again."
"One, two, three."
Duo breathed and Heero pushed. Again Demeter's body responded but still she couldn't breathe.
"Heero, it won't open. Her right lung is stuck."
"Keep breathing for her, the paramedics should be here any second." Heero gasped.
As though on cue the paramedics burst into the room and took Demeter away. They were giving her shocks as they ran out of the building. The situation did not look good.
"What happened?" Mr. Smith asked.
Duo sighed. "We were talking about what had happened last night until you came up and gave us our script. So we decided to drop it and read the script. Right when we reached the, 'Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo?' part she just started gasping and she fell forward. That's exactly what happened."
"She has a weak lung." Heero cut in.
"From what?"
"Racing."
"What caused it to close now?" Mr. Smith demanded.
Heero was shaking and Duo put his hand over his eyes and turned away. Quatre stood up. "This has happened a total of three times. All three times she was physically harmed. She's just never stopped breathing on us like that before."
Duo wiped his eyes. "Mr. Smith I need to be excused for the day." He said softly.
"You and Heero both are excused." Mr. Smith agreed.
Heero and Duo immediately ran out of the room forgetting their binders and books. Duo's face was wet with tears and Heero was shaking uncontrollably. They both got in their cars and raced off to the hospital not caring that they were running reds and passing up retired men and women who drove during the day. All they cared about was Demeter.
~*~
"Heero, where's Dem?" Hera asked walking in the door.
"She's still at school. She had some work to do." Heero lied putting on a smile that hurt. "Hey, um, do you mind spending the night at Sarah's again?"
"I already asked her. Her mom doesn't want me over every night."
Heero wracked his brain for options. The first that came to mind was Relena. "Do you remember Relena? Would you mind staying with her?"
"Why? She's older than I am."
"I know but you see, I need to go out and I don't want you home alone."
"Why can't I be home for a while until daddy comes home? Why don't I see daddy anymore?"
"Sweetie, you've got to believe me. Just go to Relena's house for tonight, okay?"
"Fine, I'll go."
"Good, just let me call her while you pack your overnight bag."
Hera ran up the wooden stairs to her loft/room area.
Heero picked up the phone and dialed the number he had already memorized. "Hello, is Relena there?" He asked when a man picked up the phone.
"Who is this?" Asked the voice.
"This is Heero Yuy; I am her neighbor and friend from school. I was wondering if I could talk to Relena for a moment."
Heero could hear a girl's voice in the background and the phone was handed off. "Heero?"
"Relena, hey it's me. Can I ask you a favor?"
"Sure shoot."
"I need my little sister to spend the night at your house. Is that okay?"
"Is Demeter not better?" Relena asked, concerned.
"Uh, Relena, I'd rather not saying anything until everything's final. So if it's okay with you can Hera come over right now?"
"Sure Heero. See you in a few. Don't drive too fast."
"Bye." Heero replied turning off the phone. *Don't drive too fast* yeah, she needed to remember who she was talking to exactly.
~*~
Relena quickly explained to her mom and dad what was going on in a watered down version and her parents had agreed totally. When the doorbell rang Relena found herself sprinting to answer it.
"Heero, come in."
"I shouldn't...I have to, uh, go somewhere." He replied. "Hera, you remember Relena, don't you?"
"Yes. Hello Relena." She replied walking into the house.
"Hey Hera. Make yourself at home. The guest room is right in the door there."
"Thank you." Hera replied walking into the guest room automatically.
Relena lowered her voice and leaned closer to Heero. "How is she?"
"I don't know." Heero sighed. "That's what I'm going to find out now."
Relena sighed audibly and leaned against the doorframe. "I wish there was something I could do."
"Don't worry about it. I'll tell you how everything's going once I find out."
"Okay, see you later Heero."
"Bye." Heero replied walking out to his car and driving off.
~*~
"Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Yuy, I have received the data that I promised you. If you'd be so kind as to follow me?" A doctor, unfamiliar to either boy, replied stepping into Demeter's room. She had only gained consciousness once the entire day and it was already midnight.
The two weary boys followed the man across the hall into the X-ray and stats room.
"Here are the pictures we got from Demeter's chest area. As you can see this is her injured lung, her right lung, her diaphragm, finally her heart. And that is what the problem is."
"Her heart?" Duo asked.
"Yes, though we've always believed that it was the punctured lung that was causing Demeter all the problems the real problem behind her attacks is her heart. It was weakened in that fatal race two years ago. It's come to our attention that a transplant is needed."
"What? A heart transplant?" Heero stuttered.
"It's the only thing that can save her. I'm trying to find a donor for her time is growing awfully short. She's been without medical examination for far too long. If Demeter doesn't get that heart by Christmas, she'll die."
Duo fell into a chair. "Are there any donors around?"
"I'm looking but so far I haven't had any success."
Heero was silent for a few minutes, his chin resting in his hands.
"Heero, what are you thinking?" Duo asked.
"We'll start a campaign. Instead of racing for money we'll race for heart donors."
"That's ludicrous. No one would support us."
"The hospital would, several donor charities would also if you could get a hold of them." The doctor cut in.
Duo sighed. "Look, I don't care how the hell we get this damned heart all I care is that it's working in my girlfriend's body before Christmas. And I'll race my ass off or sell my car---whatever it takes."
Heero sighed. "Then it's settled. We'll get started on it immediately."
Duo stood up and shook the doctor's hand. "Will Demeter be in the hospital until she gets her transplant?"
"Of course not, Mr. Maxwell. I've already prescribed some medication that will serve as a stimulant and aid to her heart that should keep her healthy until the transplant is ready. Naturally, I forbid her to race or do anything that requires tons of physical exertion. Her heart just can't take it. But I would like someone to be with her at all times...just in case."
"Of course. When can I take her home?"
"Now, if you want. She should be just fine." The doctor replied pulling out a clipboard and writing a few things down. "Oh and Mr. Yuy, might I add that she has come in with a large amount of bruises on her body from what I've recorded. She isn't abused is she?"
"What makes you think that?" Heero snapped. "Duo doesn't beat her for sure, and I don't lay a finger on her."
The doctor sighed. "I'm not implying anything, Mr. Yuy. But if she is abused, I suggest you keep the abuser away from her. For if he or even she gets her hands on Demeter again, not even I might be able to save her. Just keep her safe if you don't want her to die."
"She's safe as it is." Heero curtly replied before walking out of the room.
Just before Heero opened the door he looked at Duo. "She's living at your house until after the transplant. That's not negotiable."
"And you think I'd let her stay at your house?" Duo snapped, just about reaching his limit. He felt like he was going to cry and anger was the only thing keeping him from doing so.
Heero opened the door to see Demeter sitting up slowly. She shook her head a few times and cursed softly. She didn't seem to notice Heero and Duo standing right in the doorway. She looked up at the clock and then reached down to the IV in her wrist. With a fierce tug she pulled out the needle. She hissed in pain.
"Dem." Duo choked. He hadn't meant to speak but her name had escaped her lips in pain.
Demeter looked up with blurry eyes. "Help me."
"It's okay, Dem. You're allowed to go anyways. Uh, we have some news that is a little disturbing..." Heero replied slowly.
"What?" Demeter asked shifting her gaze from brother to her boyfriend. "What is it?"
"Duo I think you had better deal with this." Heero choked before he turned to wipe the tears from his eyes.
"Come on babe; let's get you to my place. That will be your new home for a few months."
"Duo, what's going on?" Demeter asked letting Duo pick her up.
"I'll explain once we're home."
Demeter sighed against his chest. "It's bad isn't it?"
Duo didn't answer. He just focused on walking through the back door out to his car. Heero had taken the front way out as an excuse to be by himself.
The doctor watched Duo and Demeter go. He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Yes?" He asked still watching the couple unlock the car.
"It can't be her brother that's abusing her, and you can see how much those two love each other...have you ever considered Demeter's father? We've never seen him before so he could easily be a suspect."
"Mick, if her father is the source of her beating then she doesn't stand a chance. Hopefully those two boys can do something for her. Right now we have a transplant to worry about."
The two doctors looked at each other.
"She'll have to be sent up to Maine for such a hard transplant. If both her lungs were healthy I'd offer to do it but..."
"They're not. And so we've got to contact the hospital up in Maine. I suggest we do that tomorrow."
"Alright."
"We're running low on time." Dr. Grey, the doctor who had explained the situation to Duo and Heero replied in a low voice.
Dr. Heinz shrugged. "We have a few months."
"No, her heart has a few months max. We have to be one step ahead of her heart. If we aren't she's as good as dead."
~*~
"Duo we're home now tell me." Demeter pleaded standing in the middle of the living room.
"Can't we just talk about this in the morning?" Duo begged.
"No! You're going to tell me Duo Maxwell or God help me I don't walk out that door this very instant!" Demeter nearly yelled.
"Fine, you want to know?" Duo yelled, turning to face her. His face was red and he was shaking.
"Yes, I do want to know. After all it just happens to my problem here!"
"You're heart is going to die by Christmas. Your heart is just going to stop working like that! And you're going to die if you don't get a fucking transplant!!!" Duo yelled. He wouldn't let his tears spill. He wouldn't. He wouldn't.
Demeter fell back onto the couch. "My heart?" She whispered.
Duo bit his lip suddenly feeling sorry that he had yelled at her. "Oh babe." He whispered sitting next to her. When he tried to put his arm around her Demeter stood immediately.
"No!" She cried, her tears spilling down her face. "No! There's got to be a mistake. It's my lung that's weak not my heart!!!! NO!" She screamed. She let her body go limp against a wall as she rested her forehead against the white and rough surface. Tears rushed down her face. "Not my heart." She whispered.
Duo stood up and walked over to her. He slowly wrapped his arms around her slim waist. She leaned back against him. "I don't want to die." She said in a nearly inaudible voice.
"You're not going to die. We'll make sure you have a transplant by Christmas. After the surgery you'll never have those attacks again. You'll see. You're going to be just fine." Duo replied rocking her side to side.
Demeter's crying died down but the tears still flowed. "Duo, what did I do to deserve this? What?"
"You didn't do anything Demeter, these things just happen."
Demeter felt a new wave of tears roll down her face. "My heart..." She whispered. "I'm...I'm so...scared."
Duo couldn't hold it in anymore. His tears started to leak out of eyes. Duo's head fell onto Demeter's shoulder and he turned his head into her neck as he cried. "I'm just as scared as you are, babe...I love you too much," Duo's voice cracked before he was able to continue. "I love you too much to lose you." Duo kissed her neck out of habit and then laughed. "I don't want to give up on that fantasy that you and I will get married next year and race together and have kids. I'm not ready yet."
The two of them laughed through their tears and Demeter leaned closer to Duo who gladly held her tighter.
"You won't die baby...The doctors won't let you die. I won't let you die." Duo whispered. "Just don't give up on me."
Demeter took in a shaky breath. "I just feel so...weak."
"I'll be your strength." Duo whispered. The words would usually sound sappy but for once in Duo's life he truly meant it and raw emotion slipped through is voice.
"Demeter..." Duo whispered.
Demeter leaned closer to him. "Hm?"
"I love you." Was all Duo said. His mouth immediately found her neck and if Demeter was going to say anything it was lost in the fervent kisses Duo was placing on her neck. Demeter, despite her exhausted state felt her body temperature rise to a feverish level. Unlike yesterday, Demeter didn't want to stop or slow Duo. She wasn't a sex addict or anything---she and Duo had talked things over all during the month of May before they decided to take the 'big step' during June. Demeter thought back to their first time and realized that she wouldn't have done that with anyone else no matter what the circumstances. Duo was perfect. He was everything she wanted and needed- --and even a little more.
Duo's kisses trailed up her neck and he slowly turned Demeter to face him. They kissed passionately for a few moments before Duo pulled back. "Are you really sure you want to do this, Dem?" He asked breathing hard. "I can stop."
"We both need this Duo." Dem whispered taking his hand and leading him up the stairs never taking her eyes off of him. Duo followed her into his bedroom and closed the door never leaving her eyes. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her while working on her shirt. Tonight Duo would let Demeter how much he loved her and how alive and strong she still was.
"Duo..." Demeter whispered in a hoarse and wanting voice.
"Yeah.?" Duo replied in a raspier voice, his mouth moving along her jaw.
"I love you too."