Always Watching: Hu/AA/R *Finished*

[Kitty-Chan]

Yay! More NVM! :D If the virus is in Creamland, Netto should call Princess Pride & ask for her help; besides, that way, Laika can get jealous.
_________________
Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[Neko]

Laika looked down at Netto, “You’re lucky it was Leon that came by,” he said quietly.

Netto raised an eyebrow, “Is that a compliment on Leon’s behalf I hear?”

Laika growled, “Netto I’m not kidding. We both need to be more careful,” he said.

Netto nodded, “Fine, I know this. But judging from your reaction when he came neither one of us were ready for it.”

Laika sighed and sat on the couch next to Netto. “You do worry me, you know.”

Netto snorted, “Me, worry you? Laika if I’m not mistaken you were the one who almost froze to death.”

Laika looked a tad upset at this remark while Netto gazed down at him from his end of the couch. “That wasn’t very fair,” Laika said.

“But true,” Netto retorted. “Laika, I can take better care of myself then you give me credit for.”

Laika eyed Netto with a slightly skeptical look. “What?” Netto snapped.

“Nothing,” Laika said hurriedly. “I believe you.”

Netto sighed and leaned into the couch. “Well that meeting took about 10 years off my life.”

Rockman smiled, “I know what you mean,” he replied. “Laika-san is right, we’re lucky we ran into someone like Leon.”

Searchman nodded, “Leon and Silver are very trustworthy people.”

Rockman raised an eyebrow, “Wow, that’s high praise coming from you,” he said.

Searchman coughed, “Silver saved my life in battle once,” he replied.

Laika nodded, “They are indeed powerful, however like me and Searchman they prefer to work alone.”

Netto shrugged, “There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s when you ignore everyone else and pretend you’re the only person when there’s a problem.”

Laika knew that comment was directed at him but he didn’t take the bait. “So, apparently now we get to wait.”

“Joy,” Netto said sarcastically.

The two boys sat in silence for awhile before something crossed Netto’s mind. “Hey Laika?” he asked.

“Yes?” Laika replied.

“Leon said something about your parents,” Netto said innocently. “But you never talk about your parents. Who are they?”

Laika opened his mouth, then closed it. At first Netto thought Laika was going to yell at him but then to his great amazement a sad look passed over Laika’s face. “They… split up awhile ago,” he said simply.

Netto read deeper into that statement then might have been thought wise by others, “What happened?” he asked.

Laika looked at Netto who was now sitting up and gazing at Laika with a sympathetic gaze. Laika sighed, “Well, my mom married my dad because he told her he was only going to be in the army for a few years to make some money when the economy was bad. Only thing is, after a few years he fell in love with being a solider and when I was about 10 years old he told her that he wanted to stay in the army.

“At first mom was okay with it. She figured she could adjust to it, to dad being away all the time. But so many night waiting for a person to come back can take their toll and when I was 11 and a half, they split up. Mom going her way and dad going his.

“Since I grew up in Sharro they both thought the best thing for me was to stay here since I was busy with school at the time and didn’t really see either one too much. About a month after I turned 12 my dad was killed in action in a battle to save the power plant that gives power to over ¼ of the country. You see, some terrorists attacked it and he blocked one of the blows intended to take out the power core. Anyways, when that happened mom was devastated. She and dad were still very good friends, regardless of the divorce and she said that she was in no position to take care of a child.

“So, I went to my grandfather, who is a general and finally I followed in my father and grandfather’s footsteps and enlisted,” Laika said. “That’s about it.”

Netto looked really sad after hearing what happened, “Where is your mom?” he asked.

“She’s living with her sister in Jawaii,” he said. “She comes to visit every once in awhile.”

“That’s really sad,” Netto said.

Laika shrugged, “I’m used to it,” he said.

“No you’re not,” Netto said accusingly.

Laika was taken aback, “What?”

“You’re not used to it,” he said. “You never really get used to it,” he muttered. “Not having you family there all the time.”

“Netto-kun…” Rockman said softly.

Laika gave him a puzzled glance, “What is that supposed to mean?” he asked.

Netto gave Laika a small grin, “Well Saito-nii-san for one,” he said giving Rockman a small smile. “But for most of my life papa has traveled around the world. He never came home until about a year ago and even now he’s called away for weeks at a time. Mama can handle it because he was like that before they got married but still… it does hurt doesn’t it?” he asked.

Laika gave Netto a rare smile, “Yes it does,” he replied. Netto returned the smile then he got up to talk to Rockman for a bit.

A few hours later Netto came over, yawned and fell back on the couch. “Well, hopefully Leon will get back soon with some good news,” he muttered.

Laika looked at the clock, “You’re tired already?” he asked.

Netto shrugged, “Yeah, but then I’m always tired. Rockman and Searchman are both already asleep,” he said glancing at the navis.

Laika looked at his navi who was slumbering peacefully on the floor of the net. “Searchman?” he asked.

Searchman didn’t respond to his call but instead he merely turned over and sighed. Curling himself around Rockman. Laika frowned and pulled out his PET and began to type on some programs to see if he could wake Searchman up. Something was nagging at him, telling him something wasn’t right. When he finally rebooted Searchman’s files as a last ditch effort to get him to wake up and he didn’t Laika knew something was wrong.

Then Laika’s PET began to ring. “Leon?” he asked.

Leon’s face appeared on his PET. “Laika, you won’t believe this, but the Neko Virus just mutated again,” he said.

“Now what?” Laika hissed.

“Apparently it’s now stealing energy from navis to grow. Whatever you do don’t let your navis or Netto fall asleep,” Leon explained.

“Too late for that,” Laika hissed through his teeth. “Searchman is already out, and so is Rockman.”

“Wake Netto up now,” Leon said. “I have no idea what will happen to a human if this program gets a hold of him.”

Laika nodded, “All right, is Silver okay?”

“For now, but the signal is growing stronger, be careful for now,” Leon instructed then he cut off the connection.

Laika ran over to Netto and shook him violently. “Netto, wake up,” he hissed.

Netto leaned against Laika, almost completely asleep. “Hm?” he asked Laika.

“Netto, snap out of it. The Neko Virus is doing something weird again,” he said. “You can’t fall asleep.”

Laika wasn’t even sure if Netto heard him that time. Laika sighed in a frustrated way and set Netto back down on the couch. Then he ran into the kitchen and filled a large glass to the brim with water. He walked back to where Netto was lying on the couch and said, “I’m sorry Netto,” before dumping the contents over his friend.

With a yelp Netto sat up and shook his head trying to will away the water that was now covering his upper body. “What the hell was that for?” he yelled.

“Netto, listen to me,” Laika said while Netto started to pull at his ears, which were now quivering.

“What?” Netto snapped.

“The Neko Virus just mutated again and it’s now stealing navi energy to make its self grow,” Laika said.

Netto whipped around to stare dumbfounded, at his friend, “Are you sure?” he asked.

“Leon just told me. Rockman and Searchman are both unconscious, and…” he eyed Netto who was shaking his head dazedly. “Are you all right?”

“What do you think?” Netto snapped.

“Sorry,” Laika said. “You were about to fall asleep though.”

Netto held his head, “Yeah, that sounds good,” he muttered.

“Netto,” Laika growled.

Netto nodded his head, “I know, I know! We need to wake up our navis,” he said.

Laika sighed, “I already tried, not even rebooting them wakes them up.”

Netto nodded, “All right, then we’ll just have to isolate them from the signal.”

“How do we do that?” Laika asked.

Netto gave him a withering look, “Put them in their PET’s and turn the PET’s off,” Netto said slowly.

A small blush crept over Laika’s cheeks, “Oh,” he said.

Netto grumbled and logged Rockman out of the main computer then turned off his PET. Laika did the same with Searchman. Finally Netto collapsed back on the couch and groaned. “No,” Laika said, while setting his PET on the table.

“I’m tired…” Netto whined.

“Netto, you have to stay up. There really is no way to keep you disconnected from the internet unless we close the link between you and Rockman,” Laika said.

Netto sighed, “I really, really, really, hate this virus.”

Laika nodded and sat down next to Netto, “I know you do. But falling asleep would only give in to it.”

Netto yawned, “Damn virus,” he muttered, his tail beginning to twitch.

“Don’t worry, this will get settled out soon,” Laika said.

Netto dropped his head into Laika’s lap who looked vaguely surprised and muttered, “I hope so.”

Laika nodded, “Sharro has some of the best intelligence in the world. Don’t worry, it’ll be over soon.”

Netto nodded and curled into a ball, “I know.”
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Bassman4566]

That was really good Neko man where do you get your ideas

[kuro-kitsune]

O____O

shiznit. now i want to do something for this fic. XD nya~~ neko-sempai ish keeling meh~~

this is such a cute chapter. i like your interpretation of laika's past (unless it's in an episode i didn't see in which... drat.... >.< ).

always watching + omake fic = my drawing demise. gah! i wanna doujinify both of them (like, not just one scene, i want to do the WHOLE THING!)

<__< >___> *re-reads all of the chapters in this fic* i <3 this fic! \o/

~kuro-kitsune~

[Midnight]

I agree. We now peer into the past of our favorite Sharrian soldier. I enjoyed your angle on the past, and it turned out to be quite well done.

Well then, I guess it's time for me to incinerate my theory on Leon, eh? Although you have him set up to be one of the people who would be loyal to Laika, I can't help but think that you will have him pull a betrayal at some time.

Other than that...great job.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Yue-chan]

*finally catches up on this fic* Holy crap these past chapters have been awsome. I really like the way their relationship is developing, Neko. And Leon seems like an awsome person. That virus is getting to be a pain in the butt for Netto. XD awsome update!
_________________
"Life is like a video game; the final bosses always suck." -twinling

[Gooberp]

This is a great Fic. Totally stupendous. But then, I can't really say much, because it's the first fic I've ever read. And yet,that I would pick this one surely says something, no? :D
_________________
HGoGA!!!!!!

[Kitty-Chan]

Do I detect insomniac cuddlings coming our way? ^_^ *blinks* We need a neko virus emoticon...or an NVM one; I'd let them use it! :D
_________________
Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[Nazne]

Okay, frick this /o/ *reviews*

It's interesting how you used Netto's predicament as a lead for Laika's back story, which is very well written indeed. And I love the fluff. :D

-BMA

[Neko]

Laika frowned, “Netto, you really need to stay awake,” he said, trying to prod Netto out of the sleeping position he was in.

“But…” Netto said.

“No buts,” Laika muttered. “Wake up.”

Netto groaned and stirred, “But…” he tried again.

“I will pour another glass of water over your head,” Laika warned him.

Netto sat up, “All right, I’m up,” he said. Then he yawned, “Kinda.”

“Netto…” Laika sighed.

“I’m sorry,” Netto said rubbing his head, “But I can’t help it.”

Laika nodded, “I know, but giving into it won’t do you any good.”

Netto glared at him, “Who said I was giving up?” he snapped.

Laika held up his hands, “No one,” he said. “I was just saying that you need to try a little harder.”

Netto glared at him.

“That didn’t come out right,” Laika sighed. “Look…”

Netto shook his head, “I get what you’re saying,” he said. “But you’re digging yourself further and further into your own grave.”

Laika rubbed his head, “I’m not good at the inspirational talk.”

“I noticed,” Netto said dryly. “Than again, you never have been.”

Laika shrugged, “I never pretended I was,” he said.

Netto shook his head, “I know. Laika, you know when I first met you, you were possibly the biggest jerk I have ever met.”

Laika blinked, then his expression soured. “I didn’t know I made that big of an impression,” he told Netto.

Netto smirked, “Laika, you know that when Videoman and I were fighting that day, I almost died? It wasn’t you coming in on a loosing battle; it was you coming in on a lost battle. When you said what you did it was possibly the rudest thing you could have possibly said at the time.”

“I know,” Laika said simply.

Netto growled, “Now look,” he said angrily. “I know that you know you were a jerk, but do you honestly have to keep up the tough guy act all the time?”

Laika frowned, “I don’t act tough.”

“Okay, but you act cold and heatless,” Netto said.

“Ouch,” Laika replied with no emotion what so ever in his voice.

Netto glared at him, “You’re mocking me,” he said.

Laika shook his head, “No I’m not, but you’re not taking my answer seriously. I don’t act tough, I act the way I am because of who I am. And that’s going to have to be good enough for you or too bad.”

Netto rolled his eyes, “You must piss off so many of your superiors with that attitude.”

Laika gave Netto a half grin, “You have no idea,” he said.

Netto shook his head, “You… are amazing,” he said finally.

“And you aren’t?” Laika asked in return. “You who has possibly broken every single rule you possibly could and you still remain a high ranking net savior?”

Netto shrugged, “Rockman and I are too good to let go.”

“Now who has the superior attitude,” Laika pointed out.

Netto frowned, “It’s not a way of thinking,” he said. “I do what I do when I think that making the right decision is more important than following some dumb rule.”

Laika nodded, “I believe that. You certainly are the kind of person to think like that.”

“Thank you… I think,” Netto said.

“It was a compliment,” Laika said with a small grin.

Netto laughed slightly, “You can give compliments?”

“When I feel someone deserves them, yes,” Laika said.

Netto yawned, “Well then, isn’t that a surprise,” he said.

“Netto?” Laika asked.

Netto felt himself fall into Laika’s lap. “I’m really tired,” he said.

Laika shook Netto on the arm, “You can’t. Come on Netto, stay awake,” he said.

“I can’t…” Netto groaned. “Whatever it is…” his voice trailed off.

“Netto?” Laika asked.

Netto shut his eyed and opened them, “I’m trying,” he hissed. “The Virus just… did something…”

Laika forced Netto to sit up, “Come on Netto, what happened to not giving in.”

Netto’s ears went back, “There is a difference between giving in and being forced to do so against your will,” he said.

“What?” Laika asked him.

Netto looked up at Laika with as much indifference as he could manage, “Laika, in case you haven’t noticed, the virus has more control of my systems then is probably healthy for a human. I can’t fight against the program…”

Laika shook his head, “Yes you can,” he said. “Or I’ll dunk you into a freezing cold pool to wake you up.”

“You wouldn’t dare…” Netto said.

“I would,” Laika replied. “If it kept you awake.”

/Netto-kun?/ Rockman called.

/Rockman… you’re awake?/ Netto replied.

/Awake? I don’t know, I can’t move,/ he said.

Netto gave a half hiss, /No wonder I can’t stay awake. Did cutting you off from the internet do anything?/

/Not enough to make any difference,/ Rockman said. /Netto-kun, what’s wrong?/

/Rockman, the virus…/ Netto tried to find the right way to word it, but Rockman understood.

/It’s all right, Netto-kun,/ Rockman said.

/I can’t stay awake,/ Netto said slowly.

He could feel Rockman’s concern, /Netto-kun, you shouldn’t fall asleep./

Netto could hear Rockman’s mental voice getting more distant, /Rockman?/ he asked.

/Netto-kun… answer me,/ Rockman said.

Netto shook his head and Laika supported him as he almost slid off the couch, “Netto!” Laika said directly into his head, knowing it would make him wake up a little.

Netto couldn’t even move, let alone reply to Laika. Instead he gave into his whims to fall asleep even though Laika was shaking him the whole time.

Laika felt Netto go limp and the first thing he did was check Netto’s pulse, just in case. It was strong but he knew that if Netto remained completely under the viruses control for too long, that could very well change. He played with the idea of turning on his PET but then he decided against it as it might only make matters worse.

Laika laid Netto on the couch and covered him up before walking very quickly to his computer and opening up a video feed to Leon’s computer. Leon answered with a shaky grin, “All the navis are under the program’s control. Is Netto-kun…”

Laika nodded, “I couldn’t keep him awake. Leon, what in the hell is going on here?”

“The virus is mutating, growing. Once it receives sufficient energy for it’s power up I suspect everyone will wake up, but…”

“When will that be?” Laika snapped.

Leon sighed and rubbed his head, “Laika, I don’t know. This virus is playing a survival of the fittest game with humanity and currently it’s winning. The more we throw at it, the more it mutates to overcome us.”

Laika hissed through his teeth. “This thing is becoming more then a nuisance,” he said.

“You’re telling me!” Leon said. “Humanity can’t go on without navis. The idea isn’t even conceivable at this point. But the Virus is growing and growing meanwhile every nation is running around blaming the other and Electopia is taking all the heat. The outside world isn’t pretty right now, Laika.”

“Yeah, my world isn’t very happy right now either,” Laika snapped. “Isn’t there something, anything we can do?”

Leon shook his head, “Keep trying to wake Netto-kun up. And I’ll keep you posted.”

Laika looked quite upset but didn’t say anything.

Leon sighed, “I’m sorry Laika,” he said and cut off the connection.

“Damnit,” Laika hissed and stood up. He needed to do something and fast, Netto saved him and now it was his turn.

~~~~~~~~~~

*dies*

Too...much...school...
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[kuro-kitsune]

O.O

omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg....

WAAAAAAAIIIIIIII~~~ The last line was so.... SHIPPY~~ And now this makes me want to finish that pic~ *shot for neglecting homework*

T_T As soon as I finish math and English... *wanders off*

~kuro-kitsune~

[HubHikari]

[Midnight]

Nice. Very nice.

As kuro has cited, the last line is especially charged. The rest of the chapter is still done rather well, and I enjoyed the characterizations of Laika that you worked very well on in this chapter.

I look forward to the next. Great work.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[DarkMega]

Noooooo....Neko, don't die on us!!! Seriously, you spend so much time and effort with these facfics, I can't even begin to imagine how you keep up with school and everyday life. You must be some kind of neko-superhuman. Anyway, this fic still remains my favorite. I'm loving the storyline. Keep up the great work, and make sure to get enough rest too. It's not worth it to kill yourself trying to do a bajillion things at once. ^^
_________________

Justice has many faces, but this one just happens to be hilarious.
Thanks for the siggy, Hikari Angel!

"I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before."

"He who thinks by the inch and talks by the yard deserves to be kicked by the foot."

My livejournal- http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=dragon_denae (Knock yourself out.)

[Kitty-Chan]

Wai!!!! This is so exciting! *bounces around waving her NVM banner madly* & now that I've dropped English, I can read even more! :D
_________________
Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[Neko]

Laika typed softly at his computer as he vainly searched for the virus and where it was. As far as he could tell, the virus was giving off over 1000 signals, however, only one was right. He hissed through his teeth as two more signals were eliminated, leaving well over 700 for him to sort through.

After ten more minutes he received an e-mail from Searchman telling him that he was awake and if his PET was kept in his room away from the internet he should be fine. Laika read the e-mail and brought his PET into his room and turned it on. “I’m sorry Laika-san,” Searchman said.

Laika shook his head, “It’s fine. Are you all right?”

“I’m a little tired, where is Rockman and Netto-san?” he asked.

Laika’s frowned deepened, “They haven’t woken up yet,” he said.

Searchman’s eyes widened briefly, “Then Netto-san?” he asked.

Laika nodded, “They’re both under the control of the virus,” he said with a frown.

Searchman sighed, “What are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m trying to find the virus,” Laika said.

Searchman looked at the field of possible entries and then at Laika, “Laika-san…”

“Yes?” Laika snapped.

“Never mind,” Searchman said slowly. “Are you worried?” he asked.

“Of course!” Laika said. “I have no idea what’s going to happen,” he hissed.

“You don’t like not being in control,” Searchman said softly.

Laika sighed, “No, I just don’t like being told I can’t do anything,” he said.

Searchman gave Laika and odd half smile, “Well, what do you think you should do?” he asked.

“I’m doing what I think I can do to help,” Laika said simply.

Searchman sighed, “Really, Laika-san?”

“What else can I do?” Laika snapped. “Netto won’t wake up, I’m scared about turning on his PET for making anything worse. What should I do?”

Searchman blinked, it was very rare when Laika ever lost his cool. It was just a testament to how very worried he was. “Laika-san, I think you should calm down first.”

Laika took in a deep breath and stood up, “Yes,” he agreed, “I need to calm down.”

Searchman nodded and Laika sat back in his chair with his eyes closed as if in deep thought. “The virus has taken control for energy…” Laika said slowly. “Why?”

Searchman opened his mouth, then closed it. He wasn’t too sure as to why the virus wanted more energy. “Maybe it’s trying to reach a new level of power?” he suggested.

Laika frowned, “But why? It already has control of the world’s navi population. Why would it want to reach an even higher level when this one is fine? It doesn’t seem like it would be programmed to be power hungry.”

Searchman shook his head, “I honestly have no clue, Laika-san.”

Laika opening his mouth but he was cut off by a screen opening on his computer. Leon was on the other end with a small grin on his face. “Good news?” Laika asked.

“Better news,” he said. “The virus stopped.”

Laika nodded, “But?”

“Our soldiers say that it split into two separate viruses and escaped,” Leon said with a groan. “We’ve got twice the trouble now.”

Laika growled, “That’s just… perfect,” he said.

Leon shrugged, “Well, your friends should be okay. Even if they are a bit tired for awhile. I’ll keep you posted,” he said with a wink and the screen disappeared.

Laika breathed a sigh of relief and stood up, “Well, at least we’ve got one part of the problem solved.”

“Why two?” Searchman asked.

Laika shook his head, “I have no idea. Why a lot of things,” he muttered.

Searchman shrugged and vanished into the hall monitor to get a link to Rockman’s PET.

Laika walked into the living room to see Netto still sleeping peacefully just as he had left him earlier. Not wanting to force him to wake up, Laika merely opted to sit on the end of the couch and watch TV until Netto decided to wake up himself.

About a half hour Netto groaned and pulled the blanket over his head to ward off the late afternoon sunlight.

“Morning,” Laika said dryly.

“Yeah…” Netto said from under the blanket.

“Are you feeling all right?” Laika asked him.

Netto yawned and sat up, letting the blanket slide off of him. “I feel like I’ve just been through an entire night in Cross Fusion, but I’ll live,” he said.

“That’s a relief,” Laika said with a small grin.

Netto snorted, “Oh, Laika was worried?” he teased.

Laika looked slightly angry, “Of course I was worried!” he said.

Netto laughed and pushed the blanket off of him, “I know you were,” he said with a small smile.

Laika’s expression changed to one of vague surprise. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked.

Netto laughed loudly, “Of course I’m okay. I’m tired and kinda upset at the virus but as far as you’re thinking, I’m fine.”

Laika gave Netto a small smile, “Do you want some tea?” he asked.

Netto nodded, “Stressed?” he asked.

Laika stood up and walked into his kitchenette, “You have no idea,” he muttered.

“I don’t?” Netto asked him?”

Laika stopped and turned around, surprised that Netto had heard him. Netto grinned and pointed at his ears, “Sorry,” he said.

Laika shook his head, “It’s all right,” he said. “And as far as my stress goes, let’s just say I was very worried, that’s all.”

Netto shrugged, “Well, we’re fine now,” he said. “What happened to the virus?”

Laika looked to the side, “Yeah, about that…” he started but his explanation was cut short by someone knocking at the door.

“It’s me!” Leon yelled through the door. “I brought pizza!”

Netto looked up happily, but he let Laika answer the door if only because he doubted he could handle running across the room to open the door. /You’re more tired then you think Netto-kun,/ Rockman’s voice came in his thoughts.

Netto smiled and lay back down on the couch, /I have to make light of it, or Laika will freak out and be over protective like he was with the whole getting sick incident./

Netto could hear Rockman’s soft laugh echo in his head, /Laika-san has every right to be worried about you, you know./

Netto smiled mysteriously, /I know,/ he said.

Leon waved a hand in front of Netto’s face, “Hey kid, don’t space out on me,” he said with a grin. “I’ve brought pizza.”

Netto grinned, “What kind?”

“Just plain cheese, I’m not sure what you would like so I went with the simple one,” Leon said while setting the box down on the table.

“Sounds good to me!” Netto said happily and opened the pizza box. He took out a large slice with gooey cheese on it and bit into it happily. “Thank god that’s over with,” he sighed.

Leon took another slice and bit into it before sitting next to Netto, “Yes indeed,” he agreed. “Are you all right kid?”

Netto nodded, “I’m fine,” he said happily. “Just a little tired.”

“Lucky you,” Silver muttered from her PET.

Netto felt kind of bad about lying to his friends, but he really didn’t want to get harped on by any one. Rockman was enough for him.

Laika finally came in with three cups of tea, which Netto and Leon took gratefully. Netto drank his down and took another bite of pizza, “So what happened to the virus?” he asked again.

Leon frowned, “The virus mutated again,” he said.

“How so?” Netto asked.

“It split into two,” Leon replied bluntly.

Netto coughed into his tea and pulled it away. “It what?”

“Split into two,” Leon said again. “There are two identical copies of the virus running around. Lovely, isn’t it?” he asked.

Netto growled, “Oh yes,” he muttered.

Leon shrugged, “Well, I can’t do much else,” he sighed. “We can only sit back and wait to see why it did such a thing.”

Netto took another bite of pizza while Laika calmly sipped his tea. “So, we wait again?” Netto asked.

Leon shrugged, “Beats being attacked.”

Netto frowned, “Okay, that’s true,” he muttered.

Leon laughed, “Don’t worry, it’ll all work out eventually.”

Netto sighed, “I can’t wait,” he muttered.

Leon clapped Netto on the shoulder, “I don’t doubt it,” he said. “More pizza?” he asked.

Netto nodded and took the slice, “Well, it could be worse,” he said.

“How?” Laika asked.

Netto shrugged, “Not sure, but I bet it can.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hiatus is over, however you'll be getting shorter chapters for awhile
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Kitty-Chan]

Yay! More NVM! *is happy* :D
_________________
Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[kuro-kitsune]

LA~INET!!!

^_^ Whee~! If I presently wasn't so tied up with english, violin and this halloween thing I got myself into, I'd be doing that doujin.

Anyway... YA~Y!! Update~ \p/ I didnt' pick up on any mistakes except for...

"I don’t?” Netto asked him?”

*flees to tell kk about update*

~kuro-kitsune~

[Midnight]

It's not a problem. Not at all.

I'm glad that you have decided to update this one. Even if it is a touch shorter than the others, it makes up for that with the quality that you have been reputed to give to all of your works. I didn't see any other glaring errors, so I guess I'll have to leave it at that.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Ginrei]

Waaahahahaha, ooooh dear oh dear oh dear.....
My first thought was "Well duh, the Neko Virus split into two so it can't get destroyed as easily. In fact, it might decide to reproduce more and more and make lots of kitties!"
My second thought was, "Oohoh, so that's why it split in two, it wants to make baby kitties. Hah."
My third thought was, "OH DEAR GOODNESS, what'll THAT do to Netto?! Lai-Net indeed!"
At which point I proceeded to die laughing.
My sides hurt.