Duo let out a long sigh. He could tell that there was something on the former Prince's mind. He really did not want to know what was running through Milliardo's mind. If it concerned him, then he had done something to hurt the prince.

"Well you are under my protection now as I have stated. I can't tell you for sure what will happen. But we will be going back to earth. That cannot be avoided. It's most likely that Turlock believes you to be dead. And according to the newspapers, you are. I will have to set up a fake ID for you to leave L2. This means, we have to change your appearance." Milliardo told Duo.

Duo gaped at Milliardo. "You what? I don't think so Milli. That is not going to happen!"

"You don't even know what I want to do!" Milliardo protested.

"You'll cut off my braid. Just like the time Fei tried to hack it off with his katana. You will not have it!" Duo went to get up and found himself in a world of pain.

A ghost of a smile graced Milliardo's face. "No Duo, we don't have to do that. We'll just tuck it under your collar and get contacts for your eyes. They are an unusual violet color, and Turlock's goons would notice them immediately."

Duo was still unconvinced by Milliardo's words of sentiment. "I still don't believe you. But if you lie, I'm outta here."

"Fine, now rest little one. The next few weeks are gonna be rough."

"Donna, please stop moving around!" Milliardo glared at 'Dan.'

"I can't help it Mill. I don't like that there is hardly any space." Duo growled. The past six weeks were hell. Duo had not liked the fact that Milliardo had to wait on him hand and foot. And the fact that Milliardo acted like he cared for Duo. Duo knew that he was just using him for information on Turlock. Then after the trial and Turlock was put away, Milliardo would forget all about him.

"Damnit, this was the only shuttle I could get tickets for. Be glad we're going back to earth." Milliardo huffed.

"Well I don't want to go back. But what I think doesn't matter. I'm really pissed about this." Duo scowled and crossed his arms. He slunk down in his seat.

Milliardo wasn't sure what to do with the restless Shinigami. This was the side of Duo that the former Oz officer wished he didn't have to deal with.

"You can't have one with out the other." Duo replied as if he were reading Milliardo's mind.

Milliardo glared at Duo in wonder. He wondered how Duo knew what he was thinking about. But of course he would know. The others must have thought the same thing about him. No wonder he didn't want to stay with them. They couldn't accept Shinigami along with Duo. I guess I'll have to settle for both. Milliardo made his mind up. He would not let Duo Maxwell get away from him this time. He would woo the boy. Milliardo would make sure that Duo felt accepted, Shinigami or no Shinigami.

Duo eyed Milliardo suspiciously. He wondered what was going through the blonde's head. He knew the determined look upon the fair face. He had seen it many times during the past six weeks that he knew it fairly well.

Duo hoped that Milliardo would stay away from his heart. He knew that if the ex Lighting Count got close to his heart, he would get burnt. Duo also thought that the former prince deserved someone else besides a street rat. Duo knew he was set for a life of loneliness and if Milliardo wormed his way into his life, that Milliardo was doomed.

Both men sulked for the rest of the shuttle ride. Each man was left to his own thoughts about how to approach their situation. Each one had a plan to work out. The few hours they had to themselves, they spent planning and plotting the other's downfall.

Duo let a sigh of relief when the shuttle landed. The shuttle had been cramped and made the long haired American very uncomfortable. He was claustrophobic and had been since he was a young child. He didn't know what made him scared of small places. It was probably for some reason he can't remember.

Milliardo took Duo's and led him out of the shuttle. Their cover was that they were a newlywed couple coming back from their honeymoon. Milliardo had made Duo dress as a female, much to Duo's chagrin. Duo had thrown a fit for three days before the American relented and cooperated.

Milliardo searched the throng of people for any familiar faces. He had requested that the agent who was to meet them be plainclothes. He didn't want to draw suspicion to Duo and himself.

Milliardo spotted Sally Po from some distance away. He was surprised that she was the one Une sent to greet him. Sally normally dealt with the medical field of the Preventers. Unless she's here to see Duo personally. I remember her telling me that she treated Duo all the time back in the war. She would be someone that Duo trusted. Hell, he probably trusts her more than his ex comrades because Sally embraces Shinigami.

"Sally's over there love. Let's go meet her." Milliardo grinned as he notice Duo smile truly for the first time in a long while.

This is dedicated to anissa32 who got me off my bum and helped me find my muse.