A/N: Okay everyone here is the next chapter of Fall! I hope you all enjoy. And also I want to let you all know after this chapter I'll be taking a brief hiatus on my writing. Just a couple of months then I'll be back and better than ever.
Disclaimer: I claim no ownership over any individuals mentioned save a few, and I'm sure you can guess whom they are.
Chapter 12: A Fire Within
A faint moan escaped Mao's lips as he felt Daisuke move his own lips down the younger boy's chest. "Dai-Dai-chan, dame…"
"Shh, not another word Kyo-chan. You just lay back and relax…"
Mao's eyes widened when he felt Daisuke stop at his sleep pants before slowly removing them. He had no time to react as he was engulfed by a source of warm wet heat. His head fell back against the pillow as a cry escaped his lips, "Kami!" he shouted.
Buzz, buzz….
Dark eyes flew open and Mao sat up fast breathing hard. His heart was racing a mile a minute and his body was drenched in sweat. It had been a dream that had never occupied his mind before, but he knew what was happening in it. He looked down at his lap and immediately felt his cheeks flare up. Kicking off the covers he grabbed a towel and a change of clothes before heading in to the bathroom.
Hot or cold? Was it really a question? He knew not taking care of it couldn't be healthy, but at the same time, could he really? After stepping under the shower he decided he would just wash and then will it away. If it didn't go away by the time he was finished then he would take care of it and get it over with. Besides if he did go cold, he might catch a chill and that was the last thing he needed…
After washing his hair and scrubbing his body down he used the showerhead to rinse off the suds. Looking down he realized he still had a problem and knew by now he had no choice. But he wasn't sure how he was going to go about it. He had never really had this problem before thanks to focusing on studies and work. And in school with all his activities and exams it never 'came up' either.
So he honestly didn't know how he was going to go about it. He knew the 'source of the problem' but felt his cheeks darken even more when that thought crossed his mind. He couldn't control his dreams, that wasn't his fault but he could control his conscious actions. While he was pondering on these thought he didn't hear the door open, nor saw Daisuke standing there.
It was only by sheer luck or in his case, bad luck that he looked up to see Daisuke in the doorway almost as red as him.
"Ah, gomen!" They both spoke at the same time, both of their faces darkening even more.
Daisuke hurriedly shut the door and rested his back against it. He felt his cheeks warming by the second and also felt something else and he cursed himself for it. He knew now how he felt about Mao but at the same time doubted the other boy felt the same, or did he?
He had heard Mao in his room earlier and could have sworn he had heard the boy cry out his name. Then again the handsome actor had been half asleep at the time, and was seriously thinking of blaming it all on wishful thinking.
He knew he wanted the other boy on the other side of the door. And he knew he wanted him badly at this point. But he also knew he couldn't do anything because he would risk losing the individual whom had become the most important person to him in just a matter of days.
Knowing he would have to take care of himself, he headed to his room and didn't emerge for quite some time.
Mao's embarrassment had caused his problem to disperse on it's own and he very much wanted to dive down the drain and disappear. Knowing that wasn't an option, he dressed quickly and headed into the kitchen to start making breakfast. Cooking always took his mind off things.
Finally after a simple meal of fried eggs and rice and hastily giving Roku his own food, he quickly grabbed his phone and left a note or Daisuke whom had not left his bedroom yet. This time he was being careful.
Daisuke,
Had to leave to get to classes.
I'll return when they are finished.
I also wrote down my cell phone number so that way
you can call me if you need to.
Breakfast is prepared so please enjoy.
I'll take care of the dishes when I return.
Mao…
He was out the door just as Daisuke's bedroom door opened.
Daisuke looked around the apartment and felt a sense of panic fill him. But he calmed himself immediately when he saw the not sitting on the table. He looked over at the table to find the rice and eggs and smiled. The little rascal had beaten him to it. Sitting down he ate his portion of the meal before gathering all the dishes and washing them.
Once he finished he went about tidying up his apartment, something he had neglected to do over the past few days. That killed about an hour and he still and 2 more to tackle. Turning to Roku he sat down on the couch and patted his lap so the feline would know he was free to hop up for attention if he wanted it.
"Do you think I'm crazy for falling for your master this soon?"
Roku didn't respond but did however accept the invitation and hopped up on to the handsome actors lap. Immediately he began purring as his ears were scratched. Daisuke smiled, happy he could make at least one of his roommates at ease.
As he scratched his feline companion's ears he thought back to earlier that morning. He had never been so embarrassed in his entire life and he wondered if it was going to make the current relationship between himself and Mao awkward now. Either way he knew he would have to avoid bringing up the subject. If Mao wanted to talk about he wouldn't deny him the right. But if it would just be too weird for them to discuss it, then it probably would be best to forget it happened.
But a part of him didn't want to forget. He had fallen for the younger boy, and he had fallen hard. He wanted to hold the younger man in his arms and kiss him. He wanted to give him anything and everything his heart desired. It had taken all his willpower not to kiss the boy last night. Seeing Mao's innocent yet confused expression had almost pushed him over the edge. But he had held himself back at the last second. He would have never forgiven himself if he had done something.
He wondered if Mao would even have a sliver of feelings for him. He knew he had at least a ghost of a chance because he had seen Mao in that 'situation'. But had it been him whom Mao had been thinking about? Or perhaps it was someone else? True he had learned quite a lot about the younger man yesterday when they had exchanged questions but he still wasn't sure how Mao felt about him.
Well that wasn't entirely true. He knew Mao felt something for him; trust. And after everything the younger boy has gone through it was surprising.
Daisuke had been so deep in thought he hadn't been prepared for his phone to start ringing. He jumped nearly sky high, causing Roku to dash off his lap in surprise. "Oh sorry Roku." He pulled his phone from his pocket and looked at the display. At first he didn't recognize the number but then wondered…
"Hello?"
"Watanabe-kun? It's Officer Takeda. Sorry to bother you."
Daisuke sat up straight, "No, it's all right. How can I help you?"
"Remember how you asked me to look up Leiko-san?"
"Yes."
"I hadn't mentioned it before but that name sounded very familiar. And I figured out why. Turns he has quite a few restraining orders against him. He's known to choose a celebrity and target anyone who dare get close to his choice. Apparently he has chosen you and sees young Hamao as a threat."
Daisuke's grip on his hand tightened, "Is there anything you can do?"
"Well no not yet. He hasn't been seen doing anything to Mao by any witnesses so I can't bring him in. However if we do catch him in the act we can bring him in." Takeda explained. "His previous victims haven't been able to prove he was the one behind the, for lack of better word, attacks' but the pattern… I can't ignore it any longer."
"Who else has been targeted by this guy, or is that confidential?" Daisuke asked.
"Well technically it's confidential but you are acquainted with one of the victims. Very well acquainted."
"If I guess a name will you confirm it?"
"I make no promises."
"Urasaki Keimiko."
Takeda said nothing for several moments and Daisuke immediately he had struck a cord. The grip on his phone tightened and he held back a sigh, "Damn it."
"She wasn't a target for very long but he did go after her. Well her and the president of her fan club. It was kept under wraps though so not many people know about it. Urasaki-chan didn't want the bad publicity."
"I understand. But is there anything else you can do?" Daisuke asked.
"I'm sorry no, for now my hands are tied. But I am doing my best. I'm sorry I can't do more than that."
"No no, everything you are doing is more then enough. I'd be selfish to want to ask for more." Daisuke responded, 'Thank you for calling. Please keep me updated."
"Will do and please keep young Hamao-kun safe."
"Don't worry that is first on my priority list."
The call ended a few minutes later and Daisuke looked up to see he still had one more hour. He sat back against his couch and groaned. No wonder he didn't have days off that often. Without something to entertain him or keep him busy he found bored set in quite easily. Finally he pulled his copy of 'Blade of Shadows' off his bookcase and began flipping through the book. He had read it several times before and knew the character Mamoru like the back of his hand. It was going to be a very, very challenging role. One he had never even fathomed of playing. But he was going to do it and give it his all. After all his lucky charm will be on the set with him and that was all that mattered.
FALLFALLFALLFALLFALLFALLFALLFALLFALLL
Mao stepped out of the classroom with a sigh of relief. Even after missing a few classes he was able to catch up very easily, something he wouldn't admit but prided himself on. As he headed towards the train station he noticed someone glaring at him from the other side of the platform. It took him a moment but he suddenly realized he recognized the one sporting the glare. It was Leiko-san and he was heading towards him.
Just as the man was within reaching distance Mao's train arrived and he very quickly moved with the crowd doing his best to blend in with the other passengers. It didn't take a genius to know what could have happened if he hadn't moved fast enough. Pulling out his cell searched through his contacts but remembered he didn't have Daisuke's yet. He did however have Keimiko's and he sent her a text asking her to send him Daisuke's number. He wasn't about to leave the station alone. There was that slight chance Leiko could have gotten on the train and was somewhere on there with him.
After a few moments Keimiko messaged back with Daisuke's number and a 'be careful, kiddo' message along with it.
Mao moved to a section of the train where he knew he wouldn't bother the other passengers and quickly dialed Daisuke's number.
Hello?
Mao held back a sigh of relief, "Dai-chan? It's Mao."
"Mao, are you okay?"
Mao knew he couldn't keep anything from this man anymore, "Actually no, is there anyway you can meet me at the station in 15 minutes? I, I don't…"
"Say no more. I'll be there. Same platform as the other day?"
"Yes, thank you."
"No thanks needed. I'll see you soon."
Mao ended the call and stayed as close to the door as he could. He wanted to be out of that train and onto the platform as soon as it stopped and he was going to find a place to hide just in case. He wasn't taking any chances.
Once the transporting contraption came to a stop Mao was out the door and did a quick scan of the platform. His heart sank and his fear rose when he saw Leiko-san stepping off the train himself just a few doors down. Mao quickly headed towards the bathroom, which was luckily on the same side of the platform he was on. Once there he headed towards the second to last stall and locked the door before sitting on the base part of the toilet. He quickly sent a text to Daisuke telling him where he was, and begging him to hurry.
Daisuke pulled his phone out and when he read the text he picked up his pace. Once he reached the station he could have sworn he saw a familiar but unfriendly face. When he confirmed it he put two and two together and he managed to maneuver himself through the crowd and headed towards the bathroom.
"Mao, Mao are you in here?"
The second to last stall door opened and Mao ran toward Daisuke's open arms. The two stayed in the embrace for several moments before Daisuke pulled out a ball cap and a pair of sunglasses, "Here wear these. I saw him outside."
Mao chose not to question Daisuke's motives as he was led out of the restroom and back onto the platform. They were both disguised but it wasn't obvious so it worked out in their favor.
Once they made it out of the station and several blocks away Mao's hand on Daisuke's tightened. "I want to go to the pet shop."
It was a random request; one Daisuke hadn't expected Mao to make. But he smiled, "Of course."
The walk from the station to the shop didn't take long and Daisuke could tell Mao needed the silence. Whatever had happened at the other platform had clearly shaken the younger boy. But Daisuke wasn't going to ask him about it, he'd let the other boy tell him when he was ready.
When they entered the shop Mao hesitantly let go of Daisuke hand and made his way to the window. After some searching he found the little black and white kitten and he reached out towards her, "Angel, come here."
The kitten sniffed the hand and almost as if she remembered him began to climb up his arm. Once she was on his shoulder she sat down and began purring.
Daisuke and the owner whos nametag read Yutaka came over and gasped.
"She's hissed at everyone else who comes near her." Yutaka said as he reached up towards the kitten whom glared at him, "Well everyone but me, but she still glares at me. I think she missed you."
"It's pretty obvious she wants to come with us." Daisuke pointed out. He turned to Yutaka, "And I believe you made us a deal."
"So I did. You are just within the deadline. She's yours if you want her. And anything else you need is on the house."
Mao reached up and began to pet angel who started to purr again, "Why?"
Yutaka turned to look at Daisuke, "You know officer Takeda right?'
"Yes, he's helping us with something why?"
"He's my brother. My name is Takeda Yukata. He told me a little about what's happening with you guys. Not everything just the fact you helped my nephew so this is the least I can do in return." Yukata explained.
Mao turned to Daisuke, "Are you sure it will be okay in your apartment?"
"It's fine. And if I have to pull some strings I can get a bigger place. I'm not one to throw my fame around but if it's to see a smile on your face I'll do it."
Mao looked away, "I wish you'd stop that?"
Daisuke didn't need to ask what Mao was referring to as he reached out towards Angel testing to see what her reaction would be to him. She sniffed his fingers and gave it a little lick but did nothing more. "Well let's hope that Roku won't get jealous."
Mao smiled, "Oh, he won't be, because Angel will be your kitten, not mine."
Daisuke returned the smile before jumping when his phone buzzed indicating a text had been received, "Oh no!" he turned to Yutaka, "Would it be all right if she stayed here one more day? Mao and I have some things we are moving from his apartment and well-"
Yutaka held up his hands, "Say no more I understand. Just come get her tomorrow morning and we'll get everything situated then."
Mao reached up for Angel and managed to get her off his shoulder before setting back down into the bin. "Don't worry little one, we'll be back." He turned to Daisuke, "I'm sorry I forgot about-"
"No need to apologize, I forgot as well to be honest." The handsome actor reached for Mao's hand, "Luckily for us my place isn't far from here." He quickly texted Tatsuki before grabbing Mao's hand and the two boys headed out of the shop.
"It's about time you got here. I was thinking I might have to send a search party." Tatsuki teased as soon as he saw them coming up the back stairs, "Any reason you came from this way?"
"An explanation for another time. You have your car with today right?" Daisuke asked.
"Yeah, I figured since you said we would be moving some things it would be the smart thing to do Oh there's also some spare boxes too if we need them." Tatsuki responded as he led the two boys down the stairs, 'Oh wait since you came up the back did you want to go back down that way?"
"I think if you're here it should be okay." Mao said nodding to Daisuke, "Just this once."
"Okay, if you're sure." Daisuke spoke as he lead Mao and Tatsuki towards the front stairs. As they were walking down Mao somehow stepped wrong on the last step and fell forward.
Daisuke's arms were around his waist catching him just in time, "Careful now." he spoke softly
The three of them headed down the remaining flights, to Tatsuki's car and after Mao gave him directions they made it to the apartment building. After climbing out of the car Daisuke took Mao's hand into his own, "I don't want you out of mine or Tatsuki's sight, okay?"
Under other circumstances one might have felt smothered. But Mao knew the reasons. After all, it had been here that he had been attacked. "Come on." he led the other two towards his door and after finding the key hidden above the doorframe, opened the door and looked around.
Tatsuki opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself, at least the first thing that had come to his mind, "So um I take it you don't have much to move then?"
Daisuke glared at his friend before turning to Mao, "Just let us know what you want us to pack."
Mao let go of Daisuke's hand and walked over to the corner and moved the same piece of wall he had that one day, "It's still here." he spoke softly. Relief was evident on his features as he pulled out his few measly savings and a stack of photographs. "I was so worried about this, I-"
Daisuke walked over and knelt down beside Mao, "Well let's make sure that gets back to my place safe and sound."
Mao looked up at him with a grateful smile. Afterwards the three of them began packing Mao's belonging in the boxes that Tatsuki had brought up. It only took them about an hour but soon the room was empty and Mao looked back up towards the building, "Oh I forgot my treasure box, it's still sitting in the corner."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Daisuke asked.
"No, I'll be back down in a few minutes." Mao responded as he headed up the stairs. When he reached the door however he stopped dead in his tracks. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
Standing in the room was a tall figure with a black hoodie and dark jeans. Mao's eyes widened in realization when he realized he recognized the hoodie, "You…"
"You really don't know how to listen do you kid?"
Mao took a step forward, "You have no right to be here, get out."
The figure turned around holding a lighter in one hand and Mao's treasure box in the other, "I warned you that night. I warned you to stay away from him. But I guess you need a reminder."
Mao's eyes widened in fear as the lighter was flicked on and thrown into the box which was then tossed towards him, "No!" he reached for the box without thinking and cried out in pain as the box fell to the ground igniting the old carpeting floor.
The flames shot up around Mao as he felt the figure push him towards the flames. Mao managed to stop himself from falling but only just. The heat and smoke from the fire was getting to him badly and he ran towards the door only to find it blocked. "Damn it!" he coughed, "Daisuke! Daisuke help!"
Tatsuki's eyes widened as he noticed smoke coming from Mao's window and he pushed Daisuke towards the building. Seconds later he noticed a hooded figure.
Daisuke put two and two together and he pointed to the hooded figure, "That's him!"
Tatsuki said nothing but immediately knew what needed to be done. He took off after the figure as Daisuke ran up the stairs dialing the fire department quickly telling the address and demanding they hurry. The call ended just in time as he ran into the flames and searched the heat and smoke engulfed room, "Mao! Mao where are you?!" he began coughing harshly so he grabbed his over shirt and used it to block his mouth and nose. He pushed his way past the small chair that had been used in the kitchen part of the apartment and searched the smoky room. Finally his eyes landed in the same corner the futon was.
It took a lot of effort but Daisuke managed to pull Mao out of the burning room coughing the whole time. He pulled the younger boy into his arms and raced down the stairs grateful the moment he felt the coolness, well the coolness compared to the searing heat they had just faced.
The older man's legs failed him as he fell to the ground somehow managing to keep Mao in his arms. Immediately paramedics surrounded him and there was shouting and sirens and sounds that just made him close his eyes. "Someone please help!"
The medics moved Mao from his arms and immediately began performing CPR with the oxygen mask.
Daisuke's eyes widened in fear when he realized the whole time Mao hadn't been breathing when he had carrying him out of the building, "Oh, oh no..."
"Step back sir!" One of the medic's ordered, "We are doing everything we can."
Daisuke watched as it took several tries before the medics moved back.
"We're sorry. It was too late."
Daisuke was on his knees in front of Mao, "No! No he's not gone!" He moved the mask from the younger boy's face and covered his mouth with his own breathing into his lungs twice before pressing the ball of his hand into Mao's chest, twenty times. He breathed again twice repeating the procedure.
The medics tried to move him but they all held back a gasp when a cough came from the younger boy.
"Mao!"
The rush and chaos to get the boy back on the oxygen tank nearly knocked Daisuke away. "No I'm not letting him go again!"
Tatsuki was at Daisuke's side seconds later, "Daisuke, you need to let him go. I'll drive you to the hospital but they need to take care of him."
"Step back sir."
Daisuke turned to Tatsuki, "I don't want him out of my sight any longer than necessary."
Tatsuki didn't need to hear anymore, "Then ride with him in the ambulance. I'll be right behind you."
"Sir, you can only come with if you promise to let us do our job." One of the medics spoke up.
"Then do your damn job." Daisuke shot back as he climbed into the vehicle. He turned to look at Tatsuki, "Call Keimiko and tell her to meet me at the hospital, St. Luke's right?" he asked the medic.
"Yes it's the nearest one. Now let's go."
By the time they reached the hospital and directed Daisuke to the nearest waiting room, it had been less then 10 minutes. Within that time Tatsuki had called Keimiko and she had claimed she was on her way.
Everything was a blur to Daisuke as he leaned back against the wall. Realization crashed down on him and he felt himself shaking. He had almost lost him. No he had lost him. For those torturing moments he had lost him and it was almost too much for him to take. It wasn't until he felt a strong pair of arms wrapping around his shoulders did he finally break.
Keimiko hadn't been able to get to the hospital fast enough. All it had took where the words, Mao, Hospital, and fire. And she knew immediately that Daisuke was going to need her. She had found him in the waiting room hunched over shaking like a leaf and had immediately ran to him.
Daisuke clung to her, desperate for an anchor, a reason to believe everything was going to be okay. With her presence he felt that, at least for a moment, "I almost lost him." he gasped.
Kemiko said nothing as he held her dearest friend closer. She knew he needed this and she wasn't going to deny him that. Only when a man in a doctor's lab coat came forward did she slowly let go.
Dr. Nanaku stepped forward, "I honestly didn't expect to see him back so soon and I'm not happy about it."
Daisuke looked up but said nothing in response. He was too shaken up to speak.
"I understand you pulled him from the fire and are the one who got him breathing again, is that correct." Dr. Nanaku questioned.
Daisuke only managed to nod.
"Well your determination is the reason young Hamao is breathing now. He's unconscious but stable." Dr. Nanaku spoke softly, "He did suffer severe smoke inhalation which caused him to stop breathing. But believe it or not that's not what's truly bothering me."
Daiuske managed to find his voice this time, "What do you mean?"
"Hamao was attacked. And from the burns on his hand the fire wasn't an accident."
"That I already knew, but I couldn't catch the guy whom had started it."
"Oh, Daisuke, Tatsuki told me to tell you he couldn't catch the guy either. But he has a feeling he knows where to find him." Keimiko explained, "He's looking into it now."
Dr. Nanaku looked at the two of them confused, "Would you care to explain?"
"In due time." Daisuke answered, "May I see him?"
"Yes, but only for a short time. Who knows he might wake up for you." Dr. Nanaku smiled as he led Daisuke towards the hall.
"Dai-chan, I'm sorry I have to get back." Keimiko spoke up. "I actually ran off set and you know Minako is going to send a search party if I don't show back up. As soon as filming's done I'm coming back okay?"
Daisuke only nodded gratefully before following Dr. Nanaku towards Mao's room. He nearly stopped when he saw the younger boy laying in the bed. Luckily he just had the IV drip I his wrist again and the oxygen tube in his nose. His burns were bandages with salve but other that that he looked no worse for wear. But the fact he was there again…
"I'll leave you too alone." Nanku spoke softly before closing the door.
Daisuke closed the distance between himself and the bed as he sat down on the edge. "Oh Mao, I'm so sorry. I should have gone in with you. This is all my fault."
"It's not your fault."
Daisuke's head shot up when he heard the faint voice, "Mao!" He reached for the bandaged hand that wasn't connected to the IV drip and held it as tight as he could given the injury, "Oh I was so scared I…"
"It wasn't your fault, Dai-chan," Mao spoke in a raspy voice, "You couldn't have known he was going to be there."
"So it was him?" Daisuke asked.
Mao only nodded as tears brimmed his eyelids.
"What exactly happened?" Daisuke asked softly.
"He set my treasure box on fire and then threw it at me. I tried to catch it without thinking but the flames hit me and I dropped it and then he-" He stopped when he realized someone was standing at the door.
Daisuke turned as well to see officer Takeda standing there.
The officer stepped into the room approaching the other occupants, "Hamao-kun, would it be all right if I heard what happened as well?"
Mao only nodded as he glanced at Daisuke, "Yes, but only if Daisuke stays with me."
"That's fine. I just need to hear what happened." Takeda spoke gesturing to Mao to continue.
"Well, after he tossed the box at me and I dropped it, he lunged towards me and pinned me to the ground. At first I thought he was just trying to knock me out of the way so he could escape. But then he had his hand around my neck and then… I don't remember what happened after that, at least not until I saw Dai-chan looking at me. But everything went blank after that too."
"I see. Well we are going to do everything in our power to find this guy. You're sure it was Leiko?"
"Yes, he was also the one who attacked me the other night." Mao answered letting go of Daisuke's hand and wrapping his arms around his own torso, "I was so scared."
Daisuke moved closer to the younger boy and held himself back from wrapping his arms around him. It was taking every ounce of his will power not to pull him into his arms, "I was scared too. I honestly thought I had lost you. I couldn't let that happen. I couldn't lose the most important in my life. Because without you my life isn't worth living anymore."
Mao turned to look at Daisuke surprised, "What, what are you saying?"
The will power disappeared and Daisuke threw his arms around Mao's shoulders, his own shaking as the tears came once again. He was beyond grateful when he felt Mao's arms encircling around his own waist. It was more then he could have hoped for.
"Please tell me this isn't a dream. Please tell me, I beg you." Daisuke spoke softly.
"Dai-chan please tell me what are you saying, why am I so important to you?" Mao requested as he gently pulled away from the embrace.
Daisuke looked deep into Mao's eyes, "Isn't it obvious?" He leaned in pressing his forehead against Mao's again, just like the night before. Only this time, this time he had no will power to hold himself back. And even if he did he would have casted it aside. No, this time he wasn't going to hold back. He leaned in and ever so gently pressed his lips to the other boy's in a kiss that was enough to send a shock between them.
Mao taken by surprise at first by the kiss hesitantly returned the gesture. It was almost too much to take in but some how he did, and he did it in stride.
Daisuke slowly broke the kiss but didn't move his own forehead from Mao's, "It's because I love you."
A/N: Yes I left it on a cliffy. You all keep saying you wanted the confession to happen, well hopefully this was soon enough. Guess these two fell for each other in less than a week. If it wasn't soon enough please keep in mind there are plenty of stories that have been written that take the characters several months to confess. So one week I think wasn't too long. Also if the chapter itself seems rushed once again you guts just wanted me to get to the confession. Or at least that's how I feel. If you want me to continue 4 reviews= chapter 13.