Old Habits Die Hard by Starcat

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I just bought all the manga!!! Does that count? ::sigh:: Guess not.

I got 3 reviews!!!!!! ::dances in circles:: Thanks!!!!!!

Duo, getting bored with Wufei's "breaking the law, injustice" rant, looked past the fuming Preventer to see who was at the door. He gave a happy cry when he saw Heero standing in the doorway. Quatre was still standing at the door gaping, Trowa's eyes had widened considerably, and Wufei stopped mid-rant, turning around to see who was there. Quatre recovering first, opened the door wider, "Come on in Heero, we're all really happy to see you."

Almost hesitantly Heero stepped into the apartment. He glanced around the short entrance hall noting the slightly enlarged picture of all five pilots, taken shortly after the Operation Meteor War. His motion seemed to break the spell holding the other three in place, and Duo came running for a hug. The next thing he knew, he was slammed up against the door and then he blacked out.

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Trowa noted with shock that Heero was back. And he was way too thin. That was all he could think of before Duo went into a flying leap towards Heero. But to everyone's surprise Heero didn't even try to catch him. It was even more of a shock when both Heero and Duo went smacking into the door.

"I didn't hit him that hard, I swear!" Exclaimed Duo as he retreated from Heero's slumping form.

Quatre leaned down quickly and checked his pulse. "It's ok Duo, just calm down, he's only unconscious."

At this point everyone knew that something was seriously wrong. Heero only blacked out after self-destructing. And they could hardly call being pushed into a door self-destructing.

Wufei stepped forward, "Here I'll carry him to the living room." As he straightened with Heero in his arms he grunted in surprise, "He's so light!?"

Four gazes locked for a moment, determined. One of their best friends needed help. This was a mission each would gladly accept. They all trooped after Wufei into the living room.

Sparsely furnished, Wufei set Heero down on the room's couch, kicking the coffee table away. After righting the table Quatre sat on it, Trowa grabbed the room's only chair, Wufei sat with his back against the couch, and Duo paced.

"Guys, I really didn't hit him that hard!" Duo almost pleaded, "I've hit him harder and he didn't even flinch…"

"Duo! Stop! It's not your fault! Just clam down." Quatre tried to reason with Duo. "Duo! Listen we'll get help for Heero and when he's feeling better you can make it up to him, ok?" Turning to the others, while Duo continued to fret and pace, he asked, "What do you guys think we should do?"

"I think it's obvious that we need to get Heero to a hospital." Trowa spoke with calm certainty.

Quatre, Wufei and even Duo started and looked at him strangely.

"I mean, isn't it obvious that he needs help, this is Heero we're talking about! He's visibly sick." Trowa subsided.

Wufei looked at both Quatre and Trowa, Duo was back to pacing, "We could take him to Preventers Head Quarters and have Sally treat him with minimum attention."

Quatre sighed and looked at Heero still passed out on the couch, "I think that would be for the best."

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Quatre couldn't help but feel déjà vu as the four pilots waited outside Heero's room in the Preventer's infirmary. Two long years and here they were again. He sighed. Then smiled as the other three echoed him.

"He'll be alright, right?" Duo asked for the millionth time.

Quatre managed not to laugh at the look on Wufei's face. He suspected that if the situation had involved anyone other than Heero in that room Duo would be minus a few feet of braid. As it was, Wufei was turning slowly purple around the edges.

Trowa reassured Duo from his spot leaning against the wall.

Four heads whipped around as the door opened quietly and Dr. Sally Po slipped out.

"Well?" All four prompted in unison.

"Well, he has severe malnutrition and is underweight, but with the I.V. feeding him now and after a few weeks of steady meals and vitamin supplements, Heero should be as good as new. And yes Duo, he will be fine." She anticipated the question she had already been asked several times, as Duo opened his mouth.

He closed it into a grin. "Thanks, Sal."

"Yes, thank you very much, Sally." Quatre said politely. Trowa nodded. Wufei bowed.

Sally smiled at them all, "You guys were right to bring him in. You can go in and see him now but he probably won't be conscious for another couple of hours…" She didn't get to finish as Duo zoomed by her with Quatre and Wufei close on his heels.

Trowa following more sedately told her as he passed, "We'll wait, thank you."

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::Drum role:: ::Booming voice:: May I present… ::Cymbal crash:: Raaltae (Ra-al-Tae) He/it (?) is my muse!!! Any complaints concerning this fic and its length ::glares at Raaltae:: must be addressed to him! I have the next part all planned out and everything but he says it should wait for the next chapter 'cause it doesn't fit in this one. ::sigh:: He's right though.

Raaltae—Of course I am! That's what muses are for!

I'm still convinced he's one of the Faeri folk. ::sigh::

Oh! Could at least 2 people review???? Please??? 'Cause that would give me 5 reviews and I really like the number 5!

O Goddess it's almost 1 am. Must go to bed now….::muttering:: all schools should spontaneously combust

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