Heero turned his back on Quatre, avoiding Usagi's outstretched arms at the same time. "This is none of my business. You drug her, you control her. I do not want any part of it."
The young psychic regarded the squirming girl nervously. He began to edge away. "I-I… I cannot. I'm afraid I'll inflict harm upon her. I don't want to be responsible for any mess-ups. She'll never trust me again."
Heero shrugged his shoulders. "Then we leave her. Maybe she'll bring herself home somehow. At the moment, I don't care if she makes it back or not."
"Surely you cannot truly mean those words," Quatre uttered in a hushed voice. "She is in no condition. The men around here are… drunken. There are too many dangers for her to surpass in this state." He paused. "If you shall help me, perhaps the both of us can get her to listen. I; with the mind, and you; using physical strength. Overpowering her at this rate is simple by means of this combination, is it not? Is it too much to ask?"
Heero remained silent for a moment. His eyes caught Usagi's for a split second; an everlasting shade of cerulean. They seemed to beckon for his aid as he lost himself in her stare. He looked away. "Fine, I'll do it."
"Good… Thank you for your assistance. First, I need you to restrain her arms. Usagi may have a hallucination whilst I try to calm her. She may fight back." He began to roll up his sleeves. "And most importantly, you must keep her eyes at normal state. Any shrinking in size or altering in color can result in disaster… Talk to her, perhaps. Comfort her."
As Usagi reached for his sword yet again, Heero's calloused fingers wound themselves around her wrists. He pulled back on them, so that Quatre had enough room to close in on her. She let out a short, angry squeal.
Quatre acted swiftly. Pulling out an incantation paper from his sleeve, he set it against Usagi's forehead. As she growled, he chanted.
Heero shifted from one foot to the other as the girl squirmed in his hands. She was a lot stronger than he had first predicted… and much too aggressive for her own good.
"Usagi," he spoke in an urgent tone. "Listen."
Usagi didn't seem to be interested. Instead, her foot lashed out towards Quatre's kneecap. Heero blocked it with his own foot. She snarled with disappointment and snapped her head towards him.
That's when he noticed her eyes; decreasing into slits and molding into a horrible shade of blood-red. She didn't look like herself at all.
"Usagi," he repeated. "Look at yourself. That kick you were about to deliver unto Quatre's leg had enough force to break it. You know this. Do you want to hurt him that much?"
The glare he then received stirred a kind of dread in the pit of his stomach. Heero, brave as he was, chose to ignore it for the time being. He repeated her name, over and over as she glared defenselessly, reactions akin to a cat.
"Almost… done…" he heard Quatre murmur between his chants. The boy's face appeared somewhat distressed; as though he was chewing on something unpleasant. "She's… almost… done," he whispered.
Heero felt Usagi suddenly melt against him, her small clenched hands relaxing in his fingers. Her full body weight was all at once upon him.
Quatre's eyes were open all at once. He seemed content. With a simple exchange of nods, Heero knew all was well. He gathered her limp form in his arms and proceeded walking as if nothing had happened.
The psychic spoke first. "In a matter of days, she has experienced so much more than accustomed to. I didn't realize how… how her life differs from ours."
"How so?"
Quatre's lips curved into an unusual smile. "Well, not quite so different. She, as well, has four other companions… travelers, seemingly."
"She doesn't seem to miss them much," Heero replied. "Not once has she spoken of them. From what I know, she hasn't even acted homesick."
"Usagi is just going through rough times, that is all. I'm sure she'll find her way out when the time comes… But for now, she is part of us."
"I suppose."
"Ah! What the hell did you do to her this time?! Is she dead?!"
Quatre patted Duo's shoulder with reassurance as he began sending Heero skeptical looks. "Not to worry. There was just a little mistake... She'll be fine."
Trowa watched in silence as Heero set a blanket over her body. Sweat ran down her cheeks; her breathing grew heavier.
"She looks like she's having a seizure, damnit! Do something! Do something! Don't just stand there! Give her drugs!"
Trowa shut his eyes. "If you haven't noticed, Duo, that is precisely the problem. Usagi is overcoming a drug overdose… if I am not mistaken that is."
There was silence from the braided boy. He sent a curious glance in Quatre's direction. "This is your fault? I thought maybe Heero beat her up or something…"
"No, it is my doing. The medicine I slipped into Usagi's drink was obviously overdosed. I didn't realize it until she had finished the entire cup… but she'll be back to normal in the morning."
A sigh from Duo erupted. "I hate to see her like this. It reminds me of the time I accidentally got her intoxicated… She said she liked my hair, and that I should never cut it… Otherwise I would never be forgiven… And then she got all droopy. It freaked me out!"
"I have to go back. Wufei is assigning our next mission tonight. I'm leaving Trowa in charge." Heero slid open the door and sent Duo a warning look. "No funny business."
"I must go as well," Quatre announced. "I am missing a great deal of herbs. Wufei would be upset if I did not have them for his tea… Trowa-san, please check Usagi's wrist and forehead ever half an hour or so. If she is above normal heat, take off her robes- not to worry; she has undergarments. Keep her safe, please…"
Trowa opened one eye slowly. He closed it again. "If it is necessary."
"Pulse is at normal rate." Trowa dropped Usagi's wrist and placed a hand to her forehead. He frowned. "Temperature… Her temperature is rising."
"What are we going to do?" Duo inquired softly. "At this rate, she could- Oi, oi! Trowa, what do you think you're doing?! Don't!"
"I am removing her clothing," he stated coolly, tugging at her collar. "Or would you rather her die? You heard Quatre's orders. Her life depends on it."
"Oh… well… don't you harm her while doing it… And nothing perverted, you hear me? I'm going to watch you carefully!"
"I don't know why you act with such idiocy in a time of urgency such as this," he replied. "The least you could do at this point is try to keep her body heat down with a wet towel instead of accusing me of performing such nonsense."
"I'll go grab some towels, then," Duo said, dashing towards the bathroom. "How many are we going to need? What temperature do they have to be soaked in?!"
"Bring two for now, and in cold water." Trowa eased a sleeve off of one of Usagi's shoulders. She trembled wildly under his touch, obviously having hallucinations at the same time. "Calm down, I'm not going to hurt you."
"Otousan," she breathed, nostrils flaring. Her fingers brushed briefly over Trowa's hand, and then slowly again. "You're… back… Otousan…"
"This had better work. The poor girl has already been stripped from her clothes…" Duo appeared at her side, pushing back golden bangs from her forehead. She winced and drew back from Trowa.
His skin tingled from where the girl had touched him. Her body heat was incredibly high; even her dainty fingertips felt scorching hot.
Duo held one of her limp wrists in one of his hands. With the other, he tracked his own pulse. He tensed shoulders fell in relaxation. "I think she's recovering. We're lucky this time."
"'We?'"
He winked, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. "Oh, don't give me that crap, Mr. emotionless one. I saw the look in your eyes… And I know removing such a cute girl's clothing wasn't such an easy task. You hesitated."
His eyes passed over her face. Blond hairs stuck out here and there, framing her pale but angelic face. Her breaths came harshly through agape lips; one, two, three. Breath.
Duo followed his gaze. "I'm just surprised she puts up with us all."
Usagi woke to the sound of soft murmuring. Her eyes drifted across the room as she tilted her head to get a better view. "Where am I?"
Silence filled the room.
"Usagi? How do you feel?"
She pushed herself up with her elbows, groaning at the same time. "Who's there?" Her head pounded uncontrollably. "What happened to me?"
"Nothing happened. You're fine." Someone drew closer. "Don't be afraid, it's only us. You might want to take it easy for a while. I suggest you lay down."
"Quatre," she said, collapsing onto her backside. "I feel weird. I can't remember what happened yesterday night… Did I somehow intoxicate myself again?"
He said nothing. Usagi allowed him to inspect her eyes, ears, nose, and pulse. She was thoroughly confused, without a doubt, but she let him anyways.
He paused as he leaned over her, peering down into her eyes. One of her eyebrows shot up in question, and as she opened her mouth to question him, he had already moved out of view. She sighed.
"You appear to be in normal condition," Quatre said finally. He reached to his side as she sat up, rubbing her head, and retrieved her neatly-folded kimono. "You should change now."
Usagi glanced around the room. Everything was as it should be, but… She sent a look towards Quatre, who was solemnly gazing back at her. His expression told her nothing; no emotion, no warmth. He was hiding something.
"Quatre-san?"
"Your questions will be answered afterwards." The light-colored kimono was pressed into the flat of her hand. "You may use the bathroom."
Usagi fisted the material in her hand, pushing herself away from the bed. Quatre, knelt, watched her form descend towards the bathroom. He combed a few fingers through his hair. "This is not going to be an easy explanation."
"We can't leave her hanging," Duo replied from across the room. He nodded towards Trowa. "What do you think? You seem to have good opinions sometimes."
He shut his eyes. "I don't care, either way. The girl has no real value on our part, does she? We're only the ones who provide a place to stay. We don't need to say anything… She's just a girl."
Duo's eyes widened. He sent a glance towards Heero, who shrugged his shoulders. "It's up to the Psychic. It has nothing to do with us."
A thud from the bathroom caught their attention. Duo shuffled across the room intently, silently praying she hadn't heard the discussion. He tapped the door with his foot. "Girlie?"
The door slid open fluently, and out she stepped. Her mood seemed more content then usual. As Duo sent her an inquisitive stare, she grinned. "I slipped."
He sighed mentally. They would have to be more careful around her. Usagi was not one to be underestimated, particularly when it came to the four of them.
He caught her sending expectant glances towards Quatre. He did nothing, but simply remained in a still position, hands rested atop his lap.
"You claimed my questions would be answered, if I am not mistaken," she stated in a hushed tone. Her hands were clenched into fists at her side. "Will I get truthful answers?"
The psychic tensed. His whole body grew even stiffer. "Usagi, it is now nearing nighttime. I think, perhaps, you should rest your body until morning."
Duo could have sworn he felt Usagi's spirit break just at that moment. He wanted to say something, but nothing came. Trowa and Heero paid no heed.
"I'll be in the bar," she announced loudly, head suddenly raised high. She started for the door in a fluid manner, avoiding any eye-contact. "I shall not return until morning, so do not be surprised by my absence."
"Why?" Duo asked. "Where on earth are you going? Did I not warn you of bars?"
Usagi reached her hand out for the door, but was stopped curtly by a hand. The fingers enclosed on her small wrist in a forceful method, but the grip was unexpectedly gentle. She stopped.
"A psychic knows best about your health. Don't try to make consequences worse by abusing it."
Usagi twisted her head to the side, eyes flashing. "Trowa-san? Why do you stop me from this? Health should not matter... My worth certainly doesn't seem to concern you. Besides, I'm 'just a girl.'"
'She heard,' Duo mused. 'I'll be damned.'
No stunned reactions on Trowa's part. He released her wrist as quickly as he had grabbed it. "It doesn't matter to me. I'm doing my job."
Her eyes returned to the door. She was smiling. "I wonder how many men out there are able to comfort a girl's raving emotions?" Her hand started to slowly inch it open. "I suppose I'll have to see for myself… Ja, Trowa-san... I'll see you tomorrow."
The loud noises erupted from the bar, spilling through the room like an unpleasant roll of thunder. Usagi's broadened smile challenged the grim line of Trowa's lips.
"My, my," she crooned, edging a foot towards the opening. "That sounds like such fun. I wonder who I'll speak with first… Or will they come to me? Do you think I'll be noticed?"
"Wait," he said roughly, his hand risen. He pushed the door shut once again. "You cannot leave this room. Chang never permitted it."
"Is that so?" Usagi folded her arms over her chest. "I can break out of here pretty easily, we all know that. Nothing is stopping me from leaving; not even Chang himself. None of you has full power over me."
Trowa blocked the door with one arm, watching her carefully. "It isn't a wise choice. Every man in that room is most likely in a drunken state. They aren't willing to listen to what you have to say."
"Neither are you."
"Usagi-san, what happened last night was difficult for us all. The others may be too preoccupied to admit it, but… I was worried..."
She turned to Quatre, who even now had stayed seated by the futon. His head, although, was bent in what appeared to be shame. She looked from Trowa, to Heero, to Duo, and then finally back to the Psychic.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry for what you were put through."
Usagi appeared before him almost immediately, her face twisted into a look of misunderstanding. She dropped to her knees. "I can't remember anything. Tell me, please."
"You were taken to Wufei's headquarters," he began, not bothering to meet her eyes. "I feared his lack of respect for women would gradually take its effect on you… So, I slipped some herbs into your tea before serving it to you. They were supposed to calm your nerves."
She closed her eyes. "I remember that. The tea I was given didn't taste regular… I had my suspicions, but I knew better then to question your leader. I had heard of his behavior around females before hand, and was prepared to face it."
"That was where everything went wrong," he said. "The drugs didn't take effect, because your body didn't need it. You were already aware of what was to come."
"Let me guess… After the meeting, those herbs worked all at once… and it ended up working too well… Was my overdose quite obvious?"
"Too obvious," Heero stated from the back of the room. "It started out as mere singing. Things got out of hand after that… And then you fainted."
"You had a high fever when you cam back," Trowa added. "And you were having hallucinations now and then."
She watched Quatre shift uncomfortably on his legs, eyes downcast. Her facial expression softened. "Is this why you look so unhappy? Because of what happened to me?"
Not even waiting for a response, Usagi flung her arms around his neck, drawing him into a tight embrace. She laughed into his ear. "I'm just glad you cared enough to try and make things better for me."
"Besides," she whispered, so that only Quatre was able to hear, "I got to see my father again… In my dreams, he came and took care of me."
"All right, I think I'm going out to get a few drinks…" Duo nodded towards Usagi and Quatre. "This is too much for me to handle at the moment… I'll be back sooner or later."
"I'll come with you," Trowa said quietly, his voice clipped. "So you don't end up in a dumpster the next morning. Do you recall what happened last time?"
"Well…" He shrugged his shoulders sheepishly. "That wasn't supposed to happen. I mean, the man who challenged me to a drinking contest was a pro. I couldn't keep up!"
Usagi watched them bicker with a small glint of amusement in her eyes. She wasn't really sleepy that to begin with, but… 'I could have a lot of fun with those two…'
SHOULD USAGI:
Sneak out into the bar,
OR
Sleep?
Author's Notes: As you can see, I decided to let them both deal with her… Too many people wanted different outcomes! Um, well, Heero didn't exactly act 'gentle,' but at least he was involved! Anyways, I hope you liked the chapter! Thank you!
Feedback Corner: From anonymous reviewer, Saiya-chan, when will the other girls start getting involved? Sooner or later… It depends when you voters steer her towards that direction!
ChibiBear check!: Yo! I loved this chapter, Deed-chan. I like how cute Usagi can act at times, and of course my vote is on her sneaking out… Sleeping is too boring! I also loved the way you put Trowa-kun in funny situations. Usagi and him seem to be rivals in a way… How cute! See you all later! Ja ne!
