Spooky: Finally I've got this up. I'm sorry I didn't get it up sooner but we started school again and I've been swamped.

Asar: This chapter isn't for anyone because she had to take it down

Spooky: But if it was for anyone it would be Showndra Ridge.

12:18 A.M.

Quatre and Veronica stood outside her door. She pressed a button and the door slide open. They walked inside.

Uh oh. Something happened, didn't it? Pepper's voice was in her head.

I'll tell you later. She answered. She sat down on the bed and pulled off her boots. Quatre just stood by the door. "You can come in," She said. She had gotten done crying, but her eyes were swollen and red.

Quatre walked to the middle of the room. "I just wanted to make sure you…"

"Got safely to my room?" she finished.

"Yeah," Said Quatre slightly blushing.

"Thanks," she said standing up and walking over to him. "But I can take it from here."

But Quatre saw something in her eyes. "Is there something else?' he asked.

"Nope," She answered trying to smile.

But Quatre knew she was lying. "You know it's okay to cry," he said. She looked at him funny. "I know you wanted to be brave in front of the others, but you don't have to be brave in front of me. Even I cry."

Her face changed from her emotionless face to one full of pain and sorrow. Quatre saw the tears well up.

"It's okay," he said softly.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. She set her hands on his chest and buried her face in his shoulder. She cried long and hard. Quatre held her tight and whispered comforting words in her ear. He could feel her pain and she was trembling.

It's cutting her open and slowly draining her life away from her. Thought Quatre. He held her tighter.

Every sob should have ended the universe. But it stayed together. Finally she pulled away. But she didn't look him in the eye.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly.

"It's okay," he said tenderly. He gently tilted her head up so that they were looking eye to eye.

She reached out to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Quatre pulled her in and they hugged. They stayed like that for a long time.

"I better get some sleep," said Veronica pulling away. She quickly wiped her eyes.

"Yeah, I better go," said Quatre heading towards the door. "Can I help you with Darkstar tomorrow?"

"I'd like that," she said smiling shyly.

Quatre smiled back. "Tomorrow then." Then he walked out the door.

Veronica stood there staring at the door a while longer. Feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. I haven't felt like this since the last time I saw my brother. She thought.

So you do love him. Teased Pepper.

"Yes," she breathed. She felt Pepper's surprise. "What, did you think I was going to say no?" she asked.

Well I just thought. I mean…stuttered Pepper.

"Don't worry about it. I've finally accepted the truth," she said taking her cloths off. She got into a big, baggy, black tee shirt. Then she crawled into bed. Pepper curled up next to her. "But you can't tell Quatre."

Why not? He loves you. said Pepper.

"I just can't. Not because I'm afraid of getting hurt. I know they won't hurt me."

Right. So why not tell him?

"Because of Valren, and Bren. If they found out that I was in love they'd use it against me," she said angrily. Pepper agreed. "Well we better get to sleep."

Right, said Pepper. Goodnight.

"Goodnight."

12:42 A.M.

Quatre returned to Duo's room looking worried.

"What's wrong?" asked Trowa.

"We have to help her," stated Quatre simply.

"We're going to. Don't worry," said Duo.

"No. I mean different help. She needs a therapist."

They all gave him a funny look.

Duo chuckled. "I know what's goin' on. You guys are." he made a movement with his hands.

"No," said Quatre. "We didn't. But she cried some more when we got there. I could just feel her pain. It was awful."

"So what do we do?" asked Heero.

"We help her get her family back. Then help her." Everyone agreed.

8:45 A.M.

Veronica walked into the mess hall and Quatre waved her over. She walked over and sat down. She seemed tense and uptight. She watched everyone.

"Are you okay?" asked Quatre.

"Yeah, why?" asked Veronica.

"Well, you seem uptight," said Duo.

"Yeah I…had a nightmare," she answered shifting in her seat.

"Was it bad?" asked Quatre concerned.

She smiled sadly. "Let's just say that Bren had some control over me last night."

"What do you mean?" asked Heero.

"Well with the chip on my neck they can send messages to me. Mental pictures. So he sent me images as nightmares."

"What was it about?" asked Duo

"Flashbacks of…stuff," she answered.

They knew what she was talking about. So they ate in silence.

When they were done Veronica stood up. "I had better go fix Darkstar."

"Can I help you?" asked Quatre.

"I'd like that," said Veronica smiling.

"Alright," said Quatre standing up.

Him and Veronica walked out of the mess hall.

11:08 P.M.

Quatre and Veronica were walking down the hall heading for her quarters. They had been fixing Darkstar for 2 hours, now they were taking a break. When they got to the door she open it and they went inside. Veronica walked over to the table and opened her laptop. Quatre sat down next to her.

"I'm checking my email," said Veronica. Quatre nodded.

She checked her email, but there was nothing. She got onto the Internet and hacked into DC Corp.'s computer. Quatre gave her a questioning look but didn't say anything. From there she went to Bren's computer and found where she was supposed to meet him. I know where that is. She thought when she saw the coordinates. She shut down her computer then stood up. She started pacing the room.

"Are you okay?" asked Quatre concerned.

"I'm just worried." She paused. "I'm scared that they're beating Nick right now."

Quatre stood up. "Don't worry we'll get them back."

Veronica looked at him. "Yeah." But she didn't sound to sure.

"After we rescue them are you going to give yourself up?"

"I have to. If I don't Valren will beat me more the next time he kidnaps me."

"But you can't," said Quatre.

"I have no choice," said Veronica miserably.

"If you're going to then there's something I need to tell you." She turned around to face him. "I love you."

Veronica looked at him in shock. "You love me," she said softly.

Quatre nodded. "Do you love me?"

"I do. But I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because if Valren or Bren finds out then they'll use it against me."

"I'll protect you," said Quatre walking up to her.

"You wouldn't be able to."

"Yes I would. I would protect you with my life. I love you to much to let you go."

"I can't. I…" she looked up. They were so close that she could feel his breath. Maybe I shouldn't give myself up. Maybe I should stay with him. I do love him.

"Are you still going to give yourself up?" asked Quatre.

Veronica shook her head. "I don't know."

"Please don't. I can get the others to help. You can stay with me. You'll be safe."

"I…" she looked away.

Quatre gently tilted her head up. She looked into his eyes. They held a kindness she thought she didn't deserve.

Then he wrapped his arms around her waist and she set her hands on his chest. He leaned forward and their lips met. Veronica closed her eyes and Quatre held her tighter. They parted and Quatre looked at her expectantly.

"That felt…good," said Veronica looking up at him.

Quatre blushed then smiled. "I'm glad you liked it. It was my first kiss."

"Me too." She blushed.

"I…I…"

"You want to do it again?"

"Yeah," said Quatre turning bright red.

"Me too," said Veronica blushing.

Quatre looked at her in shock. "You want to?"

She looked away shyly. "Yeah."

Quatre leaned forward and they kissed again. They stayed like that for a while just enjoying the feel of each other. Suddenly Quatre felt her start to tremble. They parted.

"Are you all right? Did I do something wrong?" asked Quatre.

"No," said Veronica. "I just…"

"What?"

Veronica looked away. "I just got scared."

"Don't worry, you don't have to be scared around me."

Quatre tilted her head up and looked into her eyes. Veronica held his gaze for a moment then laid her head on his shoulder. Quatre rubbed her back. She sighed. She felt Quatre shift his weight. She looked up at him.

"Are you okay?" asked Veronica.

"Yeah, it's just that my leg was getting tired."

Veronica smiled up at him. "We can sit down you know."

"Sure," said Quatre indicating the couch.

They both went over and sat on the couch. Quatre sat nearest to the door. Veronica sat down next to him and he put his arm around her.

"Better?" asked Veronica.

"Much."

"I know what would be better."

"Mmmmm. What?"

"You could lie down," said Veronica gently pushing him.

Quatre let her push him down and he brought his feet up onto the couch. Veronica squeezed into the space between Quatre and the couch back. Then she slipped a leg between Quatre's legs and laid her head on his shoulder. Quatre managed to slip an arm around her.

"You're right, this is better," said Quatre sighing.

"Mmmmm hmmmm."

Veronica started to unbutton Quatre's shirt. Her hands stumbled on the buttons, but she managed to get it unbuttoned. Then she ran her hand over his chest. It was smooth and warm and she could feel his muscles. She knew he could really hurt her but she also knew how gentle he was. She could feel the power in his arms but he held her gently. He had never hurt her, never put her down, not like Bren. Quatre inhaled sharply when her hands touched his chest. She felt him tighten a little.

"Are you okay?" asked Veronica looking up at him.

"Yes, it's just your hands…"

Veronica cocked her head.

"Your hands are so cold," said Quatre softly.

"I guess I'm always nervous. Or maybe I'm just cold."

"Are you nervous now?"

Veronica shrugged. "I don't know. I can't tell anymore." She thought for a moment. "Maybe a little."

"Well try not to be," said Quatre squeezing her.

"I'll try," said Veronica lifting her head then she set her hand on his cheek. She stretched forward and kissed him on the cheek.

Quatre turned his head and kissed her then again and again. Veronica felt his lips against hers, as soft as rose petals. She could feel his warmth and love. Quatre held her tighter; Veronica hoped he would never let go. She gripped his shirt as if it was all that was holding her to reality. Then she couldn't stop it, a tear escaped. She could taste the salt of the tears. Quatre pulled back to look at her. A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Why are you crying?" asked Quatre concerned.

"I-I don't know." More tears rolled out. "I guess I'm just so happy." She smiled and closed her eyes as more tears poured out.

Quatre held her close as she cried against his shoulder. Finally she stopped. She let out a big sigh and closed her eyes.

"Are you tired?" asked Quatre.

"Yeah," said Veronica. "I could use a nap."

"Are you comfortable?"

"Yeah, why?" She looked up at him.

"Well…you could take a nap here."

She laid her head back down onto his chest. "That would be nice."

She relaxed in his arms. Her breathing became slow and steady as she slipped into a deep sleep. Finally being able to sleep deeply and let her guard down.

Spooky: Well there's that chapter. If you review I'll post more.

Asar: But you still have to write it.

Spooky: Eh heh, heh. Yeah, this is all I've gotten written so it might be a while before I get more up. Hopefully not to long though.

Asar: Right.

Spooky: Later!