I got so many reviews for my last chapter! Thank you all! I love you!
Anyways, here's the much-awaited update! I hope you like it.
** "You have got to be kidding!!! There is no way that I'm going to T.A.! Send Maxwell, with that hair he already looks like a girl! There's no reason for you to send me!" Wufei was still howling with rage in the backseat with Duo and Quatre in the car as they were driving to their new safe house.
Heero was calmly driving, not going a mile over the speed limit, and Trowa was in the front seat staring out of the window. All four of them were slightly annoyed at the angry Asian's rants, it had been two hours ago when they had finalized the decisions: Wufei and Quatre would indeed be going to T.A. They had all signed in the appropriate places, Wufei with more than one gun pointed at his head.
"Don't be dissin' the brain," Duo half-glared at Wufei over Quatre. Not even he complained this much when he had to do something. And Heero didn't even threaten Wufei yet! Of all the injustices! If Duo *had* been the one chosen instead, he would've probably gotten a couple of Omae O korosu's already!
"This is all your fault, Maxwell." Finally rounding on Duo, Wufei returned the glare a hundred times more scathing.
However, Wufei's foul mood seemed to lighten Duo's, and the chestnut haired boy felt a twang of amusement. "Yeah... you're probably right 'Fei," was the flippant reply.
**
Bustling around busily, Minako did her best to make sure Makoto was comfortable. So far nothing that bad had happened, and she hadn't even burnt breakfast! In high spirits, the blonde made her way to Makoto, who was for some reason not in the same cheer.
Holding a cup of steaming tea in her right hand, Makoto took a tentative sip. Then, sighing, she voiced her thoughts. "Minako, what are we going to do about the money?"
"Don't worry about it, Mako! We'll figure it out, you just need to rest right now." Was her automatic response. She knew that Makoto would bring up the subject eventually.
"Mina... it would make me feel a lot better if I knew."
Reluctantly, she replied, "Well, we managed to get $600 from the bank. And Rei's going to ask Mamoru for some money after school today."
"But, Minako, that's still not enough." Was the weak protest.
"We'll manage somehow, Makoto. We always do. Just trust me, this time."
Putting down the tea, Makoto nodded. "Ok. I will."
"Ami's going to try and find out who our attackers were, but we don't have much to go on. All she has is the level of life energy for the first guy. We don't have anything on the second."
"No visuals? Nothing?"
"No."
"I see." Silence was heard for a moment. "Do you think we'll run into them again?"
"Yes, and the thing is, we don't know if it's just two guys or more."
"Didn't that guy call out to the second figure? There was a name... what was it again? I just can't seem to remember, but it was short. I don't know..."
"Yeah, but the thing is that none of us can remember it. Stroke of bad luck, isn't it?"
"Well, we *were* a little preoccupied."
"Mako... they really didn't seem like rookies. They were prepared and they moved gracefully, I don't know if they'll have more luck next time or it this was just a one-time thing. Oh... by the way, is there anything I can get you? How's your arm?" Concern back into her voice, Minako looked at her friend's left arm, now wrapped in a tight bandage.
Chucking, Makoto replied, "It's fine. The shot was really high, and it was lucky that it just barely skimmed my arm. It's not even that deep! I'll give it a week to heal, and then everything will be back to normal."
"I'm glad."
**
Slamming open the door, the five Gundam pilots looked around at their new safe house. A small dingy apartment... the Preventers must be low on funds again. Heero silent went through the house in a routine check, although there really was no need. Then, choosing the room closest to the entrance, he went in and began unpacking.
Quatre immediately flopped down on the pea-green couch, and closed his eyes. Trowa didn't blame him... the poor boy had sat between Duo and Wufei's argument for the whole trip. Casting one last look at the tired blond, Trowa went to the other bedroom. There were two beds in each bedroom, so that meant one of the pilots would have to sleep on the couch. Unpacking his only bag, Trowa waited for the others to settle in.
Duo went straight to the kitchen, and growled at the sight of the empty fridge. It seemed that they would have to get their own groceries, and he resolved to make one of the others to go shopping as soon as they all got comfortable. Then he ransacked the shelves in hope to find something edible.
Wufei, looking around and tried to calm down. He was still angry, but even though he knew it was an injustice, there was nothing he could do about it. He hadn't packed any clothes, seeing as to how he would have to go shopping for new ones anyways. He sat on the math eaten la-z-boy, and shut his eyes. Trying to ignore the shuffling sounds coming from the kitchen, he closed his eyes in an imitation of Quatre. He needed some sleep... and then he needed to shop. School would be starting tomorrow.
And he was *not* looking forward to it.
**
Stepping off the bus, Rei looked up at the hospital. Steeling herself for her task, she walked into the gray building. She had volunteered for this job... she knew that she would be best suited for it. Minako needed to look over Makoto, and Ami had to look for their new adversaries. That only left her to talk to Mamoru.
Signing in, she listlessly listened to the receptionist chatter for a few minutes. Then she made her way to Usagi's room. She had been here so many times that she didn't even need to consciously think about where she was going, her feet had memorized their customary path. She knew that Mamoru would be there; holding Usagi's pale hand, and for once she didn't look forward to seeing him. She hated her job, but it had to be done.
Opening the door quietly, she faked a smile towards Mamoru. Then sitting down on the other side of the hospital bed, she looked at the pale white face of her princess. Silence reigned in that horrible moment, as Rei practiced mentally what she was going to say.
"Mamoru?"
"Yes, Rei?"
A gulp, "I have something to ask you." Rei didn't like skirting around an issue. She didn't like hinting, or suggesting. She always preferred to attack problems head-on, and not draw out the suspense. She thought it was best... although it was often more painful, the pain always went away faster afterwards. This is how she would handle her problem now.
"What is it?" She could see concern in his bloodshot eyes. He didn't look good, like he hadn't slept in days. She didn't blame him... sometimes it was hard for her to sleep too.
"I... We're running low on the bills. We were wondering if you could help with it this month. We're doing all we can already." There. It was done, and now her words couldn't be taken back. All for the better, in the end.
"Of course Rei. I shouldn't have let you guys handle it for as long as you did, anyways. It's more my responsibility than yours." He immediately responded. And Rei had been expecting it, but it didn't hurt any less because of that fact.
"You're doing too much already... paying the house bills and your college tuition. We're just doing our share, Mamoru."
"No. You're doing my share too. It's no problem for me, Rei. How much are you behind by?"
"A lot, but we can handle most of it. How much can you spare?" She hated how this conversation was going... it was so calm, as if they were haggling over the price of a car. Such an important thing, and they were discussing it so frivolously! But it can't be helped...
"I guess I can spare around $1,200... is that enough?"
"I can't ask you to give that much! It's too much of a burden... besides; you've got bills yourself! I won't take more than $600."
"Rei... I know you wouldn't ask me for help unless you were really deep in debt. Now, I have to help and I know $600 won't be nearly enough to cover it. At least accept $1000." There was a hidden strength in his voice, the kind that most people didn't want to argue with. The kind that said loud and clear, 'I know what you're up to, and I won't let you win', and Rei knew that she didn't have a chance against it. And there really were deep in debt... as long as it didn't happen again, it would be fine. This time... just this once.
"Thank you, Mamoru."
"Of course. I owe you guys so much already." He smiled, a real smile, not like the fake ones that Rei found herself forcing so often now. A real smile... it must feel good, like sunshine on a spring morning.
As she returned his smile, she realized that it did.
**
Ami clacked away on her mercury computer in an empty classroom. School had long been over, but she wanted to stay to do some more researchers. She didn't like the fact that they had been attacked, and being the cautious person she was she didn't want to risk someone getting hurt again. They got lucky this time... but next time it might be much, much worse. Heck, if Makoto hadn't pushed her out of the way in time, then she would most likely be dead.
Glaring at the screen, she rubbed her temples. This was giving her a major headache... not matter how hard she tried she just couldn't track their attackers. She didn't have anything on them except maybe a voice recording. And it was so short that it most likely wouldn't help a bit. And it didn't help that the name had been cut off in the chaos in the bank.
There was nothing she could do, and she hated feeling helpless like this. It was just killing her... not knowing what was going to happen.
And then there was the question of the money... they were so behind that it looked like Usagi just might be taken off life support. If they cut some of the other expenses, maybe... but no. It just wasn't enough to work on!
There was always one more option, but she didn't like thinking about it. But it didn't look like she had many choices. Sighing softly, she logged onto the Internet.
Pulling up her e-mail, she entered her buddy list and clicked on her mom's e-mail. There was nothing she could do, and she knew that her mom wouldn't turn her down. Heck, her family was rich! They could manage to spare a little for a friend in need, but she hated depending on her mom for help.
Oh well.
Long ago, she promised she wouldn't take any money from her mom, depending on her own skills instead. But despite her excellent academic record, the fact that she was still in high school made it very hard to get any job that paid more than minimum wage. And then there were places that wanted experience only, and she had none.
And it was the same for the others, if not worse. Their records weren't as clean as hers, and if she was having a hell of a time finding a decent job, they must be totally stressed out. And there was nothing she could do.
And the feeling of helplessness was back once again.
Her message typed, flawlessly of course, she wavered for a moment as her mouse hovered over the 'Send' Button. Then, she pressed it.
After all... sacrifices must be made.
**
To all my reviewers.... Thank you so much! Some of you had really good suggestions, and I always appreciate feedback!
aznchibidragon88- Yes, Rei does go to T.A. Wufei in drag means... that he's going to dress up as a girl.
Silent Comet- Well... I try my best to update fast. I have a feeling that both of the unlucky guys are sulking.
Kaiya- Urk. I was going to make Une say something about the two schools, but I completely forgot about it. Stupid, stupid me. *Sigh*. And I just remembered that I forgot something else too. And here's the update for you!
Aphrodite's Scribe- Yes, I plan on having it as romance as well.
Black Aura-Sama- Yes, I feel bad for Wufei too. Duo really lucked out this time. I plan on having lighter chapters, because all the angst is killing me.
Frienze- Well... it had to happen to someone. Wufei just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Damia- Queen of the Gypsi's- Yes, we fanfiction writers have quite the reputation for making our subjects suffer. Here's the update!
Datajana- Quatre going is completely his own fault. And Duo going would just conflict with the plot line. Yes... believe it or not I actually have a plot line! And I'm pretty sure that at least *half* of Tokyo heard Wufei yelling.
Bloody Love- Here's a bit of bad news for you. Heero probably won't end up with Rei. Don't kill me, and please keep reading! I'm sorry, it's just that I hadn't planned on it from the beginning, but just recently I made up my mind.
Jewels 14- Yes there are pairings, but you'll have to keep reading to see who!
Aino Yuy- Heero's harsh on everyone. But that's what makes him so great! And there really wouldn't be much of a story if Usagi were fine. Here's your new chapter!
Please keep the reviews coming! They give me motivation... and this is the first long multi-chapter fic I'm really working on!
Love,
Inverse-chan
** "You have got to be kidding!!! There is no way that I'm going to T.A.! Send Maxwell, with that hair he already looks like a girl! There's no reason for you to send me!" Wufei was still howling with rage in the backseat with Duo and Quatre in the car as they were driving to their new safe house.
Heero was calmly driving, not going a mile over the speed limit, and Trowa was in the front seat staring out of the window. All four of them were slightly annoyed at the angry Asian's rants, it had been two hours ago when they had finalized the decisions: Wufei and Quatre would indeed be going to T.A. They had all signed in the appropriate places, Wufei with more than one gun pointed at his head.
"Don't be dissin' the brain," Duo half-glared at Wufei over Quatre. Not even he complained this much when he had to do something. And Heero didn't even threaten Wufei yet! Of all the injustices! If Duo *had* been the one chosen instead, he would've probably gotten a couple of Omae O korosu's already!
"This is all your fault, Maxwell." Finally rounding on Duo, Wufei returned the glare a hundred times more scathing.
However, Wufei's foul mood seemed to lighten Duo's, and the chestnut haired boy felt a twang of amusement. "Yeah... you're probably right 'Fei," was the flippant reply.
**
Bustling around busily, Minako did her best to make sure Makoto was comfortable. So far nothing that bad had happened, and she hadn't even burnt breakfast! In high spirits, the blonde made her way to Makoto, who was for some reason not in the same cheer.
Holding a cup of steaming tea in her right hand, Makoto took a tentative sip. Then, sighing, she voiced her thoughts. "Minako, what are we going to do about the money?"
"Don't worry about it, Mako! We'll figure it out, you just need to rest right now." Was her automatic response. She knew that Makoto would bring up the subject eventually.
"Mina... it would make me feel a lot better if I knew."
Reluctantly, she replied, "Well, we managed to get $600 from the bank. And Rei's going to ask Mamoru for some money after school today."
"But, Minako, that's still not enough." Was the weak protest.
"We'll manage somehow, Makoto. We always do. Just trust me, this time."
Putting down the tea, Makoto nodded. "Ok. I will."
"Ami's going to try and find out who our attackers were, but we don't have much to go on. All she has is the level of life energy for the first guy. We don't have anything on the second."
"No visuals? Nothing?"
"No."
"I see." Silence was heard for a moment. "Do you think we'll run into them again?"
"Yes, and the thing is, we don't know if it's just two guys or more."
"Didn't that guy call out to the second figure? There was a name... what was it again? I just can't seem to remember, but it was short. I don't know..."
"Yeah, but the thing is that none of us can remember it. Stroke of bad luck, isn't it?"
"Well, we *were* a little preoccupied."
"Mako... they really didn't seem like rookies. They were prepared and they moved gracefully, I don't know if they'll have more luck next time or it this was just a one-time thing. Oh... by the way, is there anything I can get you? How's your arm?" Concern back into her voice, Minako looked at her friend's left arm, now wrapped in a tight bandage.
Chucking, Makoto replied, "It's fine. The shot was really high, and it was lucky that it just barely skimmed my arm. It's not even that deep! I'll give it a week to heal, and then everything will be back to normal."
"I'm glad."
**
Slamming open the door, the five Gundam pilots looked around at their new safe house. A small dingy apartment... the Preventers must be low on funds again. Heero silent went through the house in a routine check, although there really was no need. Then, choosing the room closest to the entrance, he went in and began unpacking.
Quatre immediately flopped down on the pea-green couch, and closed his eyes. Trowa didn't blame him... the poor boy had sat between Duo and Wufei's argument for the whole trip. Casting one last look at the tired blond, Trowa went to the other bedroom. There were two beds in each bedroom, so that meant one of the pilots would have to sleep on the couch. Unpacking his only bag, Trowa waited for the others to settle in.
Duo went straight to the kitchen, and growled at the sight of the empty fridge. It seemed that they would have to get their own groceries, and he resolved to make one of the others to go shopping as soon as they all got comfortable. Then he ransacked the shelves in hope to find something edible.
Wufei, looking around and tried to calm down. He was still angry, but even though he knew it was an injustice, there was nothing he could do about it. He hadn't packed any clothes, seeing as to how he would have to go shopping for new ones anyways. He sat on the math eaten la-z-boy, and shut his eyes. Trying to ignore the shuffling sounds coming from the kitchen, he closed his eyes in an imitation of Quatre. He needed some sleep... and then he needed to shop. School would be starting tomorrow.
And he was *not* looking forward to it.
**
Stepping off the bus, Rei looked up at the hospital. Steeling herself for her task, she walked into the gray building. She had volunteered for this job... she knew that she would be best suited for it. Minako needed to look over Makoto, and Ami had to look for their new adversaries. That only left her to talk to Mamoru.
Signing in, she listlessly listened to the receptionist chatter for a few minutes. Then she made her way to Usagi's room. She had been here so many times that she didn't even need to consciously think about where she was going, her feet had memorized their customary path. She knew that Mamoru would be there; holding Usagi's pale hand, and for once she didn't look forward to seeing him. She hated her job, but it had to be done.
Opening the door quietly, she faked a smile towards Mamoru. Then sitting down on the other side of the hospital bed, she looked at the pale white face of her princess. Silence reigned in that horrible moment, as Rei practiced mentally what she was going to say.
"Mamoru?"
"Yes, Rei?"
A gulp, "I have something to ask you." Rei didn't like skirting around an issue. She didn't like hinting, or suggesting. She always preferred to attack problems head-on, and not draw out the suspense. She thought it was best... although it was often more painful, the pain always went away faster afterwards. This is how she would handle her problem now.
"What is it?" She could see concern in his bloodshot eyes. He didn't look good, like he hadn't slept in days. She didn't blame him... sometimes it was hard for her to sleep too.
"I... We're running low on the bills. We were wondering if you could help with it this month. We're doing all we can already." There. It was done, and now her words couldn't be taken back. All for the better, in the end.
"Of course Rei. I shouldn't have let you guys handle it for as long as you did, anyways. It's more my responsibility than yours." He immediately responded. And Rei had been expecting it, but it didn't hurt any less because of that fact.
"You're doing too much already... paying the house bills and your college tuition. We're just doing our share, Mamoru."
"No. You're doing my share too. It's no problem for me, Rei. How much are you behind by?"
"A lot, but we can handle most of it. How much can you spare?" She hated how this conversation was going... it was so calm, as if they were haggling over the price of a car. Such an important thing, and they were discussing it so frivolously! But it can't be helped...
"I guess I can spare around $1,200... is that enough?"
"I can't ask you to give that much! It's too much of a burden... besides; you've got bills yourself! I won't take more than $600."
"Rei... I know you wouldn't ask me for help unless you were really deep in debt. Now, I have to help and I know $600 won't be nearly enough to cover it. At least accept $1000." There was a hidden strength in his voice, the kind that most people didn't want to argue with. The kind that said loud and clear, 'I know what you're up to, and I won't let you win', and Rei knew that she didn't have a chance against it. And there really were deep in debt... as long as it didn't happen again, it would be fine. This time... just this once.
"Thank you, Mamoru."
"Of course. I owe you guys so much already." He smiled, a real smile, not like the fake ones that Rei found herself forcing so often now. A real smile... it must feel good, like sunshine on a spring morning.
As she returned his smile, she realized that it did.
**
Ami clacked away on her mercury computer in an empty classroom. School had long been over, but she wanted to stay to do some more researchers. She didn't like the fact that they had been attacked, and being the cautious person she was she didn't want to risk someone getting hurt again. They got lucky this time... but next time it might be much, much worse. Heck, if Makoto hadn't pushed her out of the way in time, then she would most likely be dead.
Glaring at the screen, she rubbed her temples. This was giving her a major headache... not matter how hard she tried she just couldn't track their attackers. She didn't have anything on them except maybe a voice recording. And it was so short that it most likely wouldn't help a bit. And it didn't help that the name had been cut off in the chaos in the bank.
There was nothing she could do, and she hated feeling helpless like this. It was just killing her... not knowing what was going to happen.
And then there was the question of the money... they were so behind that it looked like Usagi just might be taken off life support. If they cut some of the other expenses, maybe... but no. It just wasn't enough to work on!
There was always one more option, but she didn't like thinking about it. But it didn't look like she had many choices. Sighing softly, she logged onto the Internet.
Pulling up her e-mail, she entered her buddy list and clicked on her mom's e-mail. There was nothing she could do, and she knew that her mom wouldn't turn her down. Heck, her family was rich! They could manage to spare a little for a friend in need, but she hated depending on her mom for help.
Oh well.
Long ago, she promised she wouldn't take any money from her mom, depending on her own skills instead. But despite her excellent academic record, the fact that she was still in high school made it very hard to get any job that paid more than minimum wage. And then there were places that wanted experience only, and she had none.
And it was the same for the others, if not worse. Their records weren't as clean as hers, and if she was having a hell of a time finding a decent job, they must be totally stressed out. And there was nothing she could do.
And the feeling of helplessness was back once again.
Her message typed, flawlessly of course, she wavered for a moment as her mouse hovered over the 'Send' Button. Then, she pressed it.
After all... sacrifices must be made.
**
To all my reviewers.... Thank you so much! Some of you had really good suggestions, and I always appreciate feedback!
aznchibidragon88- Yes, Rei does go to T.A. Wufei in drag means... that he's going to dress up as a girl.
Silent Comet- Well... I try my best to update fast. I have a feeling that both of the unlucky guys are sulking.
Kaiya- Urk. I was going to make Une say something about the two schools, but I completely forgot about it. Stupid, stupid me. *Sigh*. And I just remembered that I forgot something else too. And here's the update for you!
Aphrodite's Scribe- Yes, I plan on having it as romance as well.
Black Aura-Sama- Yes, I feel bad for Wufei too. Duo really lucked out this time. I plan on having lighter chapters, because all the angst is killing me.
Frienze- Well... it had to happen to someone. Wufei just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Damia- Queen of the Gypsi's- Yes, we fanfiction writers have quite the reputation for making our subjects suffer. Here's the update!
Datajana- Quatre going is completely his own fault. And Duo going would just conflict with the plot line. Yes... believe it or not I actually have a plot line! And I'm pretty sure that at least *half* of Tokyo heard Wufei yelling.
Bloody Love- Here's a bit of bad news for you. Heero probably won't end up with Rei. Don't kill me, and please keep reading! I'm sorry, it's just that I hadn't planned on it from the beginning, but just recently I made up my mind.
Jewels 14- Yes there are pairings, but you'll have to keep reading to see who!
Aino Yuy- Heero's harsh on everyone. But that's what makes him so great! And there really wouldn't be much of a story if Usagi were fine. Here's your new chapter!
Please keep the reviews coming! They give me motivation... and this is the first long multi-chapter fic I'm really working on!
Love,
Inverse-chan