Therapist

Chapter 2: Pre-Session

"… Great; now I've done it." Blues grumbled under his breath, fumbling his fingers in his messy hair. The usually well-groomed Navi, within the span of twenty minutes, now was officially a poor, pathetic mess. His hairs stood on end, his left collar was straight up, the right folded down, his eyes were half-lidded, and even his frown became crooked. Blues was a complete and declarable disaster.

"Why, lord?" He called out, burying his face in his right arm. "Why did you make me an idiot?" The room fell silent, waiting for an answer that would never come.

Before he could sigh out his exasperation, inside his head came a tone. His head jerked up, "Enzan-sama has mail from Netto." He confirmed, curious as to what the Net Savior had to say. He frowned at the subject, "'Are you standing me up'?" he closed his eyes, and opened the letter for himself, making a note to scold himself later.

"'Enzan'" he read aloud, "'are you coming or what? You're late, it's been twenty minutes. Please don't stand me up! Looking forward to… our…'" Blues stopped short of his sentence, and shut his eyes tighter; to make sure he wasn't just seeing things.

"Date…?"

When he was as focused as his visual receptors could allow the maids of Enzan's mansion were no calmer than he.

---

"…Laika-san, are you alright?" A voice cut into the Net Savior's thought process, though seemingly more stoned than thinking. He blinked away the clouds and turned away from the window, to face crimson red eyes that glowed with concern. He nodded slowly, allowing language to flood back into his mind.

"Yes… I am fine…" he said monotone, voice only arcing up at the last syllable. If there were a feeling that Laika's voice ran out, it was irritation. Searchman, being such the well mannered behaving type, averted eye-contact.

Scratch well mannered.

Replace with terrified.

Laika turned his head back to the window, and lowered them. '…we're here.' He thought. He gritted his teeth and snarled under his breath, ''Indefinite suspension' my butt…' He closed his eyes tightly and placed two fingers delicately over his temples. 'Adult headaches; I'm getting old.' Searchman's lip twisted, feeling the dire need to say something.

"L-Laika-san," he started, receiving a glare, he let it pass, and carried on. "Laika-san, you… shouldn't worry—" he was stopped short as the clenched teeth became visible, and aimed at him. Acknowledging the horrible irritation, he added in "sir." Cleared his throat, and continued on. "You're obviously a valuable soldier to the squadron, and an idol to the, as you so keenly stated, 'newbie's." Laika growled under his breath.

"I was suspended for their mistakes! Admiral Horowitz just threw me out like that!" He snapped his fingers, as to emphasize further. "So they shot him square in the ass! I can't keep tabs on them twenty-four seven! I'm a Lieutenant-Commander for crap's sake!" Searchman put a hand over his face and sighed.

'Not this again…'

"Laika-san, please, we're not off the plane yet. People are still here, and this is the fifth time you've said this." Searchman whispered, as to set a good example. Laika frowned bitterly, and pouted as adult-like as possible. The green Navi quirked an eyebrow. Excusing it, he continued. "You can always get a part time job until the Admiral hauls you back in." Laika blinked at the suggestion, and gave a thoughtful look.

"Well… Elizaveta-sempai did say she had an open spot for apprenticeship."

"Elizaveta?"

"She joined Sharo Squadron 637 a very long time ago. You wouldn't know her. Colonel Elizaveta Stepankov; one of the better of the female soldiers."

"With all due respect sir, that's a very sexist thing to say." Laika chuckled lightly, subjecting the Navi to utter confusion.

"It is, isn't it? However, I mean it; she was one of the best; one of the first Sharo soldiers to be involved in the second Betonam War (My EXE version of Vietnam, because they don't have one. There was no second Vietnam War thank goodness, but I'm just saying for show, and for fact that the first one came way before the EXE series started.)"

"I see." Searchman nodded slowly, "What happened to her?" Laika sighed, and lay back in his seat.

"Quit."

"Oh."

"… Sir… If she had been there so far in the past as for me not to know her, how do you know her?"

"She's my cousin."

"… Her last name is Stepankov. Your last name is—"

"—in law…"

"…Oh."

---

"Netto-kun, I sent the letter." The Navi scratched as his night-blue hair, with a look of disturbance on him. He eyed his brother, who had an irritated look on his face. "Netto-kun, you shouldn't worry; Enzan isn't one to miss anything without a word's notice. Netto grunted annoyed.

"He's standing me up, Rockman. I know it; I just know it!" he bit his lip, and his eyebrows curled. "It's all because of Blues stupid Blues! The boy snapped, taking pride that somewhere in the distance, the red Navi had sneezed. His twin sighed heavily at the immaturity. Shrugging, he tiptoed off.

"Netto-kun, I'm sure he'll be here. I'm going to leave before he shows up…" he took a glance at his younger brother for another second. Turning his back he grumbled inaudibly over his brother's absentmindedness…

So here, Netto was left to contemplate (or rather argue) over whether he should leave or not. "Enzan's not showing up! I know he won't!" He groaned out loud and stomped his foot. "Grr! Stupid Enzan! Nobody stands me up--!"

"And nobody puts me down." A familiar voice made him jump. The Hikari twirled around in his surprise, with a look of shock on his face. Enzan had his arms crossed, finger gently tapping his forearm. He glanced into Netto's eyes for a split second, and then let them hit the floor. "…So…sorry I'm late… I… I had some things to take care of." Netto blinked, and then smiled gleefully, pink painting over the tip of his nose.

"It's okay, I wasn't… waiting that long." There was a silence, and both of them laughed nervously. Enzan frowned for a second beneath his snow-crested bangs, and his head shot up, bringing a look of curiosity from the other boy.

"You want to go?" Enzan slowly shoved his hands in his pockets, and his back bracketed into its original composure. Netto blinked, and took a quick look up the silver, arching tower. He smiled silently to himself, as he nodded. He quickly gripped the other boy's hand and tugged lightly. Enzan blinked.

"Yes! Let's go!" There was a silence, as Netto stood there with a gentle smile, and Enzan with a funny look. He shrugged hit off and nodded, wrapping his hand around Netto's. The two shared and awkward silence as they walked, each tinted with a cherry on their nose.

"So…" Enzan started, slicing the uncomfortable moment in two. Netto silently thanked him, and gave him a knowing glance. "How've you and Rockman been doing; I rarely get to see you guys nowadays. I've been so caught up with my work; I rarely get to go out, other than in the morning." Netto cocked his head to the side for a moment and shrugged. Enzan raised an eyebrow, and with a questioning look, mimicked the boy's action, "and that's supposed to mean…"

Netto laughed, "It's been pretty dull, and Rockman and I are almost out of work; August brought in a new line of Net Saviors. You quit at a convenient time." Enzan nodded rather solemnly, pulling them into a more comfortable silence as the walked, secretly straying of the present.

I think I'm forgetting something…

Netto could only stare absentmindedly at the hand wrapped around his own, no expression on his face as he pondered about him, Enzan and... Even Blues in his cradle of thought process. He frowned unintentionally as he mentally cussed. It wasn't that he didn't like Blues, it was just his envy, and not that he had anything big to envy of him, just the fact that he got to spend every waking moment with Enzan. His frown deepened and his grip tightened, eliciting a wince from the other boy.

"Hey, what's the problem?" Enzan asked concernedly, his voice cracking from the pain. Netto blinked his frown off, and replaced it with a temporary look of surprise, which changed to a weak smile, and a shy laugh.

"I'm sorry! It's nothing at all, I was just thinking…" he trailed off, and looked in the other direction, and let his sad expression take over. Enzan leaned forward to try and catch a glimpse of the boy's face. Unfortunately it was to no avail.

"What about?" he pried, and Netto's head shook profusely, and he faced the boy with a smile that made Enzan back up a little.

"No, seriously, it's nothing. I was just thinking something stupid; I don't even remember what it was anymore!" His voice was high and he spoke quickly. Enzan frowned at the suspicion, but tried to shrug it off, knowing how he'd soon regret it. The two reached the tower, and stood still at the automatic doors that hadn't opened yet. They were just at that distance; one step, and it'd open, as if the world would explode when they did. Enzan broke free of Netto's grip, and just stood there.

"…So, what did you plan to do up there?" Netto twitched, and his face turned a bright shade of pink. Enzan turned his head slightly, to glance at him, but Netto turned around, holding his cheeks. The Ijuuin blinked, "…Netto?" The boy waved away the concern.

"No! No! Nothing, it's absolutely nothing!" Oh, shoot! Why didn't I think this through? Why me? Why now? I could've done it in the evening or something! Rockman! Help me, please! The boy shivered, shoulders vibrating like a rattlesnake, ignoring the glances from the unsuspecting public. Okay, on three, I turn around, and just tell him… one… two… THREE! "Enzan, I—!"The boy whirled around in an instant, and didn't expect what happened next. He had ploughed the side of his face into that of Enzan's nose, which had apparently leaned over to see what was wrong. The impact sent the two flying backwards in a heap. Netto sat upright, and rubbed defensively at his cheekbone. "Ouch…" he said meekly, feeling the contents of his skull bounce back and forth.

"Okay…" Enzan said numbly. "What, if dare to ask, was that about?" he clutched the brim of his nose, rubbing in gingerly with his index finger. Netto stammered for a moment.

"I-I'm sorry! I don't know what I was thinking! I kind of just panicked, and I don't know why!" Stop talking, you lying putts! You're not making things better for yourself you know! His mouth ran short of decent words, and as if for some sort of consolation, bowed his head low, only to make contact heavily against Enzan's forehead. His head echoed, as the two bent down motionless, heads still making contact, until Enzan doubled over with a generous groan of agony. Netto fell backwards, and onto his side, weakly crying, "Noooooo..." his voice rang soft and discouraged; he made a complete fool of himself twice, each time causing Enzan physical agony.

"I'm sorry, Enzan… I really am…" This wasn't supposed to happen…He blinked colors back into his eyes and watched the many people around eye the two upon the ground. He didn't feel like moving; it was better this way… Maybe he'll take me for dead if I'm down long enough… he thought bitterly, as he reluctantly pulled himself up.

"A-are you okay?" Netto's head lolled for a minute, as he attempted to get his bearings straight within the contents of his mind. Enzan was hunched over, bangs curtained over his face rather neatly. His shoulders shook as he pushed himself up, his head shaking back and forth.

"I…Think so…" Enzan groaned. He lifted his head, rebellious to how his body felt. Letting his head clear, he stared weakly at the brunette before him. "Right in the temple…" he muttered, holding the side of his head. He shut his eyes tight and opened them, and repeated it a few more times until his vision was crystal. He slowly wobbled up, and gained himself a decent posture; all had returned to normal in the crevices of his thoroughly mauled skull, other than a few jolts and pains.

Netto held his arms in front of him, incase he'd double over again. Enzan smiled weakly and wrapped his hands in Netto's, and pulled them back to his sides. "No, no I'm fine, really. Let's just go," he nodded to the direction of the door. Blank for a split second, and then nodding, Netto headed to the door, alongside with Enzan.

The two confronted the door with new speculation, both now seemingly reluctant to enter, but not knowing the opinion of the other, therefore…

"Netto, Enzan, hey!" a familiar voice called out in the distance. The two whirled around as they took a step forward. Enzan's head snapped up straight.

I knew I forgot something!

The door hissed as it opened and a rush of sounds poured through. Before they could react with the realization of the voice's owner, a series of civilians shoved and ran them over. The voice called again, but had been lost in a sea of people. "Net—!—zan—!"

The two boys crawled and slithered through the thin spaces between people, doing their best to keep tabs on one another. They needn't apologize if they shoved someone; everyone was doing it. By the time they were about three people apart, they'd completely forgotten the voice from before.

"Where'd all these people come from?" Netto cried loudly as he pushed through a set of crying children, scurrying away.

"Ugh! I think from the tower! It must've been locked from the inside— ah!" a chain of people knocked him over and he fell out of the crowd, onto safe grounds from the river. He shook his head and blinked. "Hey, I'm out!" he said dumbly. He sat up as he came to remember the second net savior, seen only seconds ago. "Netto!" before he could stand, he heard the other boy's wail within the mass. "Netto, Netto!" The boy cried again, about to return to the mob, the boy was thrown out of it. Netto landed head-on into Enzan, knocked over in the process. "Netto, are you okay?" He grasped the boy's shoulders tightly.

"Enzan… Make the world stop spinning Enzan…Make it stop…" the boy's voice cracked in a singsong as his eyes swirled. The older boy rolled his eyes and shoved the other off of him.

"Netto, get up." Enzan said as he pushed himself off the ground.

"Ow…" Netto rolled onto his side, and sat up. "It's like a hangover…"

"And you know what a hangover's like." The older boy said sarcastically. Netto stuck out his tongue, making a raspberry sound through his lips. This was maturity to the maximum. Enzan rolled his eyes and stood up, "Argh!" a jolt of pain shot through his ankle, and his balance was lost as it gave way. Netto's eyes widened and his mouth gaped.

Crack. Thud.

"E-Enzan!"

…

Worst date ever…

---

'Damn it! Where'd all the people come from!' the red Navi snarled under his breath, as he did his best to shove through the crowds. Barely able to go against the current, he let the crowd scarce, and held his ground, not caring how many people he'd trip. As soon as he had walking space, he darted in his original destination. Reaching close to where he originally was, he heard the one scream, and then the other one that followed.

"Argh!"

"E-Enzan!"

Double-time.

"Enzan-sama," he cried out, catching sight of the aftermath of hell knows what happened. He dropped to his knees and slid beside the boy's dropping point. His head was lowered and his teeth were bared as he clutched his ankle tightly. "Enzan-sama," he said breathlessly, as if about to faint. "Are you alright?"

"D-does it look like I'm alright?" Enzan wheezed, twitching madly. His head shot up, about to give one of his 'screw off or die' looks, when he froze at sight. "Blues," he exclaimed. The red Navi swallowed hard, worrying about what the other would do, expecting the worst. "Blues…" The boy's face went flustered and scrunched up, as he bit his lip hard. Blues blinked in surprise at the reaction, and that was all. He blinked another time, and narrowed his gaze down to Enzan's leg.

Contorted in away that could make you grimace, he gently placed a hand on his heel. Enzan flinched and groaned. Blues muttered an apology and gave a light bow to go with it. "Enzan-sama, your ankle has been twisted badly." He heard the boy whimper slightly, and felt him shake. He looked up, and twitched his head to move hair away. "I'm sorry, did I hurt you again?" Enzan shook his head swiftly, and took in a shaky breath. "…Enzan-sama?"

"I'm…" Enzan said weakly, "I'm sorry, Blues…" Sun-yellow eyes widened for a few short moments as he processed, and regressed. He made no comment, as he turned his back in a kneeling position, arms thrown behind him. "…Blues?"

"Get on my back; I'm taking you home." He said simply. Enzan complied, and wrapped his arms around the other male's neck. Blues stood up tall and effortlessly, but delicate movements, as to not do anymore harm to the pauvre ankle. Before he began walking, he felt a tug on his shirt, and looked back to the younger boy.

"Wait…" he whispered. He turned his head to the direction of the brunette, who'd been completely ignored for a good time. "…Netto…" He said slowly, "I'm sorry; this is probably not what you planned. For what it's worth…" he paused, and gave a generous smile to the other boy, "I had a good time when it started…" Blues twitched ever so slightly. "I'll treat you to curry to make up for this disaster…" He let his head rest into Blues' patented hair, and waved a bye.

Netto fell silent, processing what'd just happened. Realizing arguing would make things much worse than they already were; he forced a smile and gave thumbs up. "Sure, thing! Get well soon!" He yelled out, as Blues walked away. As soon as he was out of hearing range, his hand dropped and he frowned deeply.

"Stupid Blues…"

---

"Enzan-sama, how are you feeling?" Blues asked gently. Enzan muttered weakly. "I'll take that as 'not very good'?" the boy groaned.

"I'm a little better… but it still hurts really badly." Enzan closed his eyes, and took deep breaths, trying to ignore the pain, when he began to notice. Something smells sweet… He let out a content sigh as he inhaled deeply. "Blues…?"

"Yes, Enzan-sama," Blues replied. The red Navi's shoulders jumped when Enzan nuzzled the back of his neck. "Is… something the matter?" he said slowly.

"Blues… You smell nice…" The older looking male's eyes widened for a split second, and a small smile crept onto his lips.

"Thank you, Enzan-sama."

"Hn…" the boy sighed again, and a blush tinged his face. "Blues…?" he called again.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry for not telling you about where I was going, or that I left at all; I guess it slipped my mind."

"…It's… not a problem, Enzan-sama…" Blues gave a reassuring tone. "Not… a problem… at all…" Enzan sighed one last time, and the two fell into silence, left to their own thoughts.

That's a lie… it's a problem alright. Blues frowned as he walked; Enzan had always told him when and where he was going. At no time did Blues not know where the boy ways, for he'd be like a paranoid mother on a rampage.

Enzan-sama is lying to me…He knew, he just didn't want to tell me… He closed his eyes and sighed, unable to get mad at the younger one. He opened his eyes and gritted his teeth, falling into his own conclusions.

"Stupid Netto…"

End chapter 2

I'm sorry it took me a while to update. When I say a while, I mean a long while. I ended up having two sets of blocks, a week of commissions without payment, tests and report cards. I still haven't gotten my tests. I think my language teachers are trying to slowly kill me…

Anyway, Read and Review! Don't flame me for being late…

Side Note: Pauvre is 'Poor' in French. I was just at a loss for the word poor at that moment.