"Bounty Hunters Case #678823-02"

Written By: Yanagi

Disclaimer: I don’t own the Gundam Boys. I just borrowed them

Rating: NC 17

Warnings:

Pairings:

Summary: to come

"Bounty Hunters Case #678823-02 "

Bounty Hunters Case #678823-02

.

Duo leaned over the railing of the third floor terrace and gazed at the ocean. He felt better than he had in several months. He still got tired quicker than he really liked and caught cold easily. In fact he felt another coming on right now. The cold, damp fog prevalent around here this time of year was miserable. But San Jose was nice for all that.

He sighed, he was hungry again. After months of living on ration bars and protein drinks, or pick up bar food he was making up for lost time, or so Heero said. So he wandered into the kitchen/dining room/ living room which Heero referred to as a great room and Duo could see why. It took up most of the ground floor of Heero’s ultra modern house. This floor consisted of the great room and a library/office, as well as the garage/ open car port. The next floor up contained four bedroom suits, consisting of a small sitting room, bath room and bed chamber as well as a large walk-in closet.

The floor below the ground floor contained a full shop and a game room complex, the floor below that was a dojo, gym and armory. The bottom floor was a hodge-podge of office, storage and junk room, Duo longed to delve into that but Heero had told him to stay out until he felt better. Duo didn’t want to agree but he had to. He’d had a major collapse about three days after they’d gotten home, passing out in the shower. Heero had been in the bedroom and heard his head hit the wall. This had scared both of them.

Duo ran one hand over the top rail, smiling to himself. Home – this was his home. He’d argued with Heero about that but Heero had snorted and announced that if Duo wanted to be perverse he’d pay rent and like it. So Duo had agreed, feeling that paying his way here was important. Heero had said that paying half the utilities was agreeable with him. He realized that Duo needed to feel like he was contributing to the household instead of accepting charity. But before he’d told Duo how much his rent would be he’d made Duo promise to pay it no matter how much it was and no arguments. Duo had ‘cross my heart’ sworn then sworn again when Heero announced that his rent was one dollar a month. Duo had tried to argue with Heero but Heero had announced that Duo had given his word not to argue, so was he going to break that word? Duo had given up, only saying that since it was his home too now, he wanted a bar-b-cue grill. Heero had dissolved in snickers and taken him down to the next level. The grill on the terrace there was everything Duo could have wanted.

Duo rummaged in the kitchen looking for something to eat. Heero had left early, telling Duo that he had a bounty to catch. It was local so Duo was expecting him home before dark. He hated it that he couldn’t go with Heero, but the doctor had said that Duo was on the verge of a complete physical collapse and had to take it easy for at least six weeks. Maybe longer. Duo had wanted to argue, his pride made him feel it was necessary, but he also knew that the doctor was right. He cast his pride out the window when Heero had given him a sad look and asked if Duo thought he, Heero, couldn’t take good care of him. Duo had given him a small smile and said, “Couldn’t do much worse than I have, buddy. I give. Rest it is.”

So he was resting, working out carefully, eating right and worrying. Heero went out at least twice a week on a bounty. Duo knew that Heero was turning down jobs with distressing regularity. Anything that would take him out of town for more than two days was refused. Duo worried that Heero would ruin his reputation and not get the best jobs anymore. All it would take was a couple of months like this. But Heero had said that there wasn’t much to worry about just yet.

After making a huge salad, Duo sat down at the dining room table to eat and watch the bay. Heero had fussed the first time Duo had said, “I’ll just throw together a salad. I’m not very hungry.”

The salad had made Heero’s eyes pop. Duo’s idea of a salad was some iceberg lettuce, a huge handful of spring greens, another of baby spinach and baby romaine, onions, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded carrots, croutons, bacon bits, chopped ham, chopped turkey, hard boiled eggs and plenty of dressing. Heero had started out glaring and ended up hanging onto the counter to keep from falling down laughing. He’d helped himself to a carrot and announced, “I’d hate to see a big salad.”

Duo nibbled his way through the salad and glanced at the clock. Heero had said he would be home by three pm or call. It was a quarter to and no call, so Duo was expecting Heero any moment. He was always at least ten minutes early, he said it was so Duo wouldn’t worry but Duo thought it was just because he was sure Duo was doing something he shouldn’t and wanted to catch him out. Duo wasn’t sure if it made him mad or just annoyed. He decided to go work out a bit. He was up to twenty minutes twice a day and felt stronger than he had in months.

>^.^<

A door closing alerted him to Heero’s return home. Duo hurried up the stairs and took Heero’s briefcase before he could toss it in a corner. He helped Heero off with his coat, vest and harness, draping the articles over his arm he headed for Heero’s bedroom to put the stuff away.

“Duo, you aren’t a hausfrau to be picking up after me.”

Duo turned to grin over his shoulder. “Well, I can’t go with you just yet, so I might as well make myself useful somehow or other. I’m not a charity case or a leech. Ok?”

Heero grinned back. “Never mind, I really give up this time. If you feel like that, I’ll just shut up and enjoy it. When does my turn come?”

Duo hollered from the upstairs hall. “When I get sick. Sit down at the table. Lunch is on in a few minutes.”

Heero settled at the table and sniffed. The smell was delicious, pot roast, potatoes and root vegetables, celery. He wasn’t sure what else, but it made his mouth water.

He waited patiently and it didn’t take long for Duo to come back into the kitchen.

“I’m going to pop the rolls in, they’re only brown and serve but you liked them the last time I fixed them. And there’s pie. Bought not home made. I’ve got to get apples as I don’t trust cherries not to have a pit and peaches aren’t in season yet.”

Heero sighed. “Duo, you don’t have to do all this. We could go out. You’ll ...”

Duo shut Heero up by glaring at him. “No, I don’t. You’d let me live off you forever. But do I want that kind of life? I’m not a gigolo, or something. I want to make a life with you. Room mates share chores. You want me to work with you, right? So, until I can, I’ll carry my own weight by cooking, cleaning, and shopping. See? Then, when I can go on pickups with you, we’ll figure out something else. Now, shut up.”

Heero shut. He’d never thought of it like that. Duo wasn’t able to go out on pickups yet. His health wasn’t quite up to it. But when he was well, they were going to be partners. Heero gave this a bit more thought and decided that he’d better let Duo have his way. Not that he really objected to Duo doing chores, it was just that Duo wouldn’t let him help. Now that he thought about it, it was fair. He went out, Duo stayed in. They both contributed to the welfare of the house. He decided to relax and let things take their natural course.

“Ok, ok. I have to go out tomorrow again. Do you want to give me a list or go yourself?”

Duo stuck the rolls into the oven, checked the roast and then settled at the table. “I’m going to start setting up that office you said I could have. It’d be nice if you took a list. I’ll be worn out by noon. I hate this. I’m so fucking weak. I feel like all I do is eat and sleep.”

Heero reached over to pat Duo’s hand. “Don’t worry. You’re a lot better than you were when you first got here. And it’s only been ... what, three weeks? You’re making impressive progress.

Duo snorted. “Yeah, sure. I’ve had two colds in three weeks. I’m a disease looking for a place to happen.”

“Well, the doctor said that your immune system was compromised by malnutrition and over work. He said six weeks or more. Just let it happen. I’m in no hurry. I can get by on local jobs for some time. But there’s a job you can help with. And not even leave the house.”

Duo brightened. “Ok, sure. What do I need to do?”

Heero smirked. “I’m going to have a round up. There’s three bail bondsmen who have a bunch of skips. What we’re going to do is set up a ... something. I’m not sure what. Like they’ve won something, like a cruise or tv or something, tell them they’ve won and have to come somewhere to collect and then snatch them up. I want you to make the arrangements and compose the flyers, all that kind of thing. Ok?”

Duo nodded, getting a far way look in his eyes. “Yeah, I can do that. Ice cubes and eskimos, ya know.”

Heero laughed, “I sure do. Now, food?”

After opening the oven again to check on the rolls, Duo handed the table settings to Heero to put out. He got butter and steak sauce out of the refrigerator and handed them over. Heero efficiently set the table then smirked, he didn’t remember having a bottle of that particular steak sauce. It was his favorite but he’d run out just three days ago. There hadn’t been an occasion to use it until just now.

Duo pulled the roast out of the oven, remarking, “I’ll tent that and let it rest while I finish up the veggies and rolls. On the table in ...” He consulted his watch. “Five minutes. Put on some music, will ya?”

“Ok, what would you like? Classic? Or R and B?”

“Pot roast means jazz. How about some Count Basie? ... I’ve got the rolls out and I’m just about to slice the roast. Thick or thin?”

Heero glanced up from the song list he was examining, “Up to you. I don’t even know what kind of roast it is.” he decided on the music and cued it up, the sounds of Jumpin’ At the Woodside filled the room.

“Great choice. I’ll just ...” Duo’s voice trailed away. Heero looked in his direction and grinned. Duo was slicing the roast, rump from the look of it, with the tip of his tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth. When he was finished, he looked up to see that Heero had dished up the vegetables from the roasting pan and put the casserole dish on the table. He’d also put the rolls in the basket, carefully tucking the warming stone under the napkin.

“Ok, music, check. Veggies, check. Condiments, check. Meat, check. Table settings, check. What have I forgotten?”

Heero turned from the cupboard he’d just opened. “Wine. Chianti, or Cabernet?”

Duo laughed softly, he couldn’t believe a boy who would drink dirty water from a ditch had turned out to be a wine snob. “Your choice. Whatever you chose is fine by me.”

Heero decided on a bottle, opened it and poured a bit into his glass. He sipped it and swirled the wine in his glass, examining it critically. “Well, not the best but good enough. I should have opened it a little earlier, it won’t have time to breath properly, but with this quality it really doesn’t matter that much.”

Duo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “That’s enough. Just pour the damn stuff and sit down. It’ll get cold.”

They settled in their places and dug in with all the appetite that two twenty year olds can muster. It didn’t take them long to clean their plates and vanquish all the vegetables. There was nearly half the roast left and Heero eyed it for a moment. “What are you going to do with the rest of that roast?”

“I’ll make roast beef sandwiches tomorrow and if there’s any left after that. Hash? Or stew.”

“Stew. I hate hash. Looks like cat puke.”

Duo rolled his eyes and shuddered. “Not the mental picture I really wanted. Graphic, yuck!”

Heero blushed and ducked his head. “Sorry. But really, it’s all gray and brown and slimy.”

Duo gave up. “Ok, ok. No hash. I swear, you never used to be picky. Not that I’m really complaining.”

“Well, during the war, I ate what was available. Fuel for the body. But now that I’m not in the middle of a life or death conflict, I’d really like appetizing food. So, I’m a bit picky.”

Heero helped Duo gather up the dishes and put away the leftovers. He efficiently wiped down the counter tops and table. Duo put dishes in the dishwasher and started it. Then he made coffee.

As he was filling the pot, Duo sneezed twice. He managed to stifle them by holding his nose but that made his ears pop unpleasantly. He finished fixing the coffee tray and went to blow his nose. He just knew he was catching another cold.

When he came out of the bathroom Heero was just carrying the tray onto the what ever it was.

“Heero, what the hell is this?”

Heero set the tray on the glass topped table and turned to frown at him. “What is what?”

“This.” Duo waved his hand around. “What we’re standing on.”

“Oh. Um ... I’m not sure. Balcony? Terrace? The bottom level is definitely a lanai, the rest? Veranda?” Heero shrugged. “I don’t think it makes a lot of difference. It’s my house call them what you want.”

Duo nibbled at his lip for a moment. “But what if it’s the wrong thing? What if people laugh at us?”

“Do you really think people are going to laugh at us? I mean, really?”

Duo looked up to be smacked in the face by Heero’s impressive glare. He grinned. “Well, if you put it that way. No. Too bad I don’t have a glare like that.”

Heero snorted. “Yours is more icy. Sort of like sticking your head in glacier water.” Heero shivered to illustrate the feeling.

Duo cast a rather blank look at Heero then just said, “Oh. Well.” and poured the coffee.

.

The next morning Heero left to see a bail bondsman about a pickup and Duo started setting up his office. He had smiled to himself when he realized that the upstairs office was mostly for show, the real offices were downstairs on the last level. Heero had offered him his choice of office space, telling him to make whatever arrangements he wanted. Duo intended to take Heero up on that. He hated the office that Heero had set up for himself. It was in the smallest room on the level, windowless and little more than a glorified closet.

Duo intended to set up a much better office. One that was inviting, light and airy. Not cramped, airless and dungeon like.

The first thing he did was decide which room to use. There were several, meant to be bedrooms, but Heero had decided that they were office space and storage, so they were. Duo decided that he was going to tear out a wall between two of the rooms to enlarge it. This would make it possible to get everything he wanted in one room. He was also going to turn one of the inside rooms into a radio room/computer lab. He leaned against the open sliding glass door and smiled at the lanai. There was a Jacuzzi, small bar-be-cue, and several chairs and tables. It was cozy and convenient to the supposed guest rooms. It would be nice to fix lunch there. He sighed happily.

When he booted up Heero’s computer, he had to snarl a bit. It was password protected. This in a house that the man lived in by himself. Duo could see protecting the laptop that he carried with him on his jobs. But his PC? Duo muttered, ‘Well, fuck.’ and went to work. He couldn’t call Heero to ask for fear of distracting him at the wrong moment.

He tried all the obvious ones just to clear his mind, none of them worked, of course. He settled down to try to figure out what the password could be. He fiddled and cussed for over an hour, finally giving up, he texted Heero, hoping for an answer before he started banging his aching head on the desk. His reply came almost instantly. It just said Duo=love. Duo blinked at the phone for a moment, battling tears. He won but not by much.

So, Duo spent most of the morning working on plans for the new office. He found out that the builders of the house were still in business after over a hundred years. (Although the house wasn’t quite that old) and would be happy to do the renovations. They even offered to draw up what ever sketches he could work out. He just told the architect he spoke with that he’d send over his blue prints as soon as he was done with them. This didn’t take him long as Heero had a multi use CAD program in his computer that worked just fine for Duo’s purposes. He worked on the blue prints for nearly two hours feeling worse by the second. When he was done with the actual blue prints and had emailed them to the architect he decided that he’d better go eat something.

Duo struggled up the stairs, breath wheezing in his chest. He grumbled softly, “Dammit, I can’t be sick again, I just can’t. This is such a bitch, not fair at all. I want to go with Heero. I want to get my license. Fuck!”

He opened the fridge and looked at all the different foods in it. Nothing seemed to hit the spot but he knew he needed to eat something. He wished Heero was there with him then passed out.

.

Heero called Duo twice and, when he didn’t get an answer the second time, told his client that he was going home. The old man grinned at him, “Duo need you?”

Heero punched the send button again. “Don’t know. He’s not answering his phone. Could be he’s just put it down and can’t hear it. But he was looking a bit off this morning.

“I didn’t want to say anything because he’s a little sensitive about how weak he is right now. He catches everything going around just now and will until his immune system strengthens.” Heero listened to the phone ring until the machine picked up. Duo’s cheerful voice announced that he was either busy or the phone was off and please leave a message after the gong. Heero hung up.

“I’m going home. Sorry about the bounty. As soon as I can, I’ll get him for you.” Heero looked up at Buck. “If you still want me to, that is.”

Buck just shrugged. “That boy’ll keep until you take care of Duo. He’s got one more court appearance, but he won’t make it. The judge’ll issue a bench warrant and then you can hunt him down. It’ll wait. Go, take care of your friend.”

Heero gave Buck a grateful smile and hurried to his vehicle.

He worried all the way home and was nearly in a wreck, avoiding it only due to his superior reflexes and strength. When he pulled into the drive way, he jammed the SUV into gear and stomped the emergency brake. Hurrying into the house he anxiously called Duo. When he didn’t get an answer he started to search the house. He only had to go around the breakfast bar to see Duo collapsed on the floor between the fridge and the center island. He froze for a second then hurried to check his lover for broken bones. When he didn’t find any he took a moment to call Duo’s doctor.

The doctor told Heero that he was on his way and instructed him to get Duo to bed if he was sure there were no broken bones. Heero was sure so he picked Duo up and carried him to their bedroom. They’d started out in separate rooms but that had quickly ended when Duo’s nightmares and Heero’s had found one or the other in the ‘wrong’ bed.

Heero put Duo down on the bed then turned to get the extra blanket to cover Duo. He wasn’t going to try to turn down the bed. He didn’t have enough arms and he wasn’t going to wrestle with it.

He pulled Duo’s shoes off and felt his feet, they were cold. Heero sighed, Duo hadn’t eaten properly in so long that sometimes he forgot to eat at all. He thought it was a longer standing problem than just from this last disaster in his life. Duo had gone hungry so many times in his short life and he was so use to it that he sometimes didn’t notice. With his health so unpredictable this wasn’t good.

The ring of the door bell alerted him to the doctor’s presence on the front porch. He opened the door and let the man in.

“Well, what is it this time? A faint? Or something worse?”

Heero shook his head. The doctor only lived a block or so away, so he’d gotten there before Heero had a chance to really assess Duo’s condition.

“Not sure, you got here really fast. Come on up.”

“I was in my car on the way home and practically in front when the service called. I’ll just give him a quick once over.”

“Good, you got here quickly enough that I haven’t had time to assess his condition. He’s unconscious, his feet are cold, but he feels hot to the touch elsewhere. He may have forgotten to eat. I’m not sure.”

Heero followed Dr. James into the room and watched as he examined Duo, who was responsive x1. In other words, he was grumpy, disoriented and uncooperative, but not combative. He reacted rather badly to the finger stick, swearing and trying to jerk away. Heero’s grip on his wrist forestalled this so the doctor got his sugar level, which turned out to be good. Getting his temperature wasn’t that hard, all Dr. James had to do was stick a small one shot patch to his forehead for a few seconds. Duo blinked owlishly at him while they waited for it to register. His temp was a much too high 104 which explained the faint easily.

“Well, damn. I was just hoping that he’d gotten back his health. I’ll call in a prescription and have it delivered.” He turned just in time to catch the expression on Heero’s face. “Oh, don’t look like that. He’ll be fine in time. I think he really needs to start exercising more. It’ll help bolster his immune system. Just don’t expect him to keep up with you.”

Heero sighed. “That’s just it. He used to and still expects to be able to. He gets so frustrated that he works out too hard and does more harm than good.”

“Take him to the gym with you and oversee every second of his workouts.” Dr. James looked at Duo. “He used to keep up with you? He seems so ... small.”

Heero gave the doctor one of his scary grins. “Shinigami Duo Maxwell. He’s just as good as I am and a great deal more human.”

The doctor shook his head. “That’s Shinigami? Wow. As to human? You’re human as they come. Just a bit repressed. Well, I better get out of here. He’s just got the flu, so there’s no real need for concern. Give him the medicine as per instructions on the bottles. Keep track of his temp, alcohol rubs to take down the fever, make him more comfortable. Food as tolerated and don’t worry. Call me if he gets worse.”

“What about the cold feet?”

“No idea. If they don’t warm up when his fever breaks, give me a call.”

Heero let the doctor see himself out. He went into the bathroom and gathered the things he wanted, alcohol, several towels, a small plastic basin, and a washcloth. He brought the things back to the bed and gently rolled an unresisting Duo over. This allowed him to pull that side of the covers back, then he rolled Duo the other way and repeated the procedure spreading a towel on the bottom sheet to keep it dry. Several more rolls back and forth got Duo undressed and situated on a pad of towels, covered with a sheet.

He spent the next ten minutes running the washcloth dampened in alcohol over Duo’s fevered body. He noted that Duo had gained several pounds and seemed in better shape than when he’d first found him. The scars on Duo’s arms still stood out pink against the golden tan he’d acquired in the few days he’d been in San Jose. Heero chastised himself, he should have known that Duo would never self-injure. His job as a welder’s assistant had been rough and left its scars.

Heero carefully checked Duo’s temp and realized that the fever had broken, at least for a while. He covered Duo and went downstairs to call the pharmacy. A knock on the door startled him a bit, but a quick peek through the dead eye showed him the delivery man.

He opened the door, thanked the man and took the bag of medicines. “Thank you. It’s on my bill?”

“Yes, sir. Sorry your friend is sick again. Would you like me to set up a delivery for groceries? We’re starting to offer the service, short term, so that you don’t have to go out while you’re sick.”

Heero shook his head. “I’ve already got an arrangement with the grocery store. But thank you for mentioning it. Hang on a sec.” Heero reached behind him to the door side table and fished out a bill. “Here. Have a nice day.” Heero gently but firmly edged the man out the door and shut it firmly, right in his face.

He hurried back up stairs to check on Duo, who was sleeping soundly, covers kicked down around his ankles. Heero recovered him and settled in a comfortable chair in the corner by the foot of their bed. He was well aware that having a reclining chair in a bedroom was a little unusual, but both of them had trouble sleeping from time to time so it was handy. Duo had suggested it saying it made it easy to sit up and read, listen to music or use a lap top without disturbing the sleeper. Heero knew it was for his convenience when Duo was sick, so he didn’t have to stay in bed with a restless, ill, Duo, or sleep elsewhere.

He picked up the first file from the chair side table and started to read. He glanced up from time to time to check on Duo. Duo’s health continued to improve over the rest of the evening. The alcohol rub had broken his fever but he was going to wake stuffy headed and miserable. Heero shuddered, it wasn’t that Duo was a bad patient, he was achingly grateful for everything Heero did. It was just that, every time Duo got sick, Heero felt this great ache in his chest, he was still just a bit unsure of his reactions, was this good? He decided not to worry about it.

Heero finished the pile of files and got up to put them away. “Heero? ‘M thirsty. ‘S there any water?”

Heero sat on the edge of the bed and touched Duo’s cheek. He felt a bit warm still but his skin was dry. “Sure. Ice? Or would you rather have some juice?”

“Water, juice probably won’t stay down.” Duo caught Heero’s hand. “Man, I’m sorry. I know I’m turnin’ inta a real pain.”

“Not either. You’re my friend and ... lover. I want you to get better and you won’t if you keep worrying about being a pest. Now, I’m going to get you some water and some pills. You’ll take the pills ... without that face, if you please.”

Duo smoothed out the grimace he was making. “Or even if I don’t, right?”

“Exactly. I know they’re a nuisance. Especially if your stomach is upset. But you need the medication. You know how you get if you can’t breath. Now I’m going.”

Duo sighed. He really panicked if he couldn’t breath, a result of nearly suffocating. His stuffy nose didn’t bother him, except for the normal reaction to having it, when he was awake, but when he fell asleep, he’d wake up in a panic. So he had to take an antihistamine which made him sleepy, only he didn’t like sleeping during the day because he’d be awake all night. Heero had tried to get him to take a sleeping pill but he hated the muzzy feeling he got the next day. He knew he was a terrible patient but he couldn’t help it. He pulled the covers up to his chin and sighed again.

Heero came back with the meds just as Duo pulled up the covers. He set the glass of water on the bedside table and put the pills in their little glass cup beside it.

“What’s wrong? Do you hurt? Do you need something else?”

Duo groaned. “Yeah, I need to be well. This catching every damn thing is gettin’ on my nerves big time.” He flopped his head back on the pillow. “When am I gonna be better?”

“Soon. Don’t worry so. It’s not good for you. Here.” Heero helped Duo sit up and handed him the glass of water. “Take this, and this. The blue one is the cold pill and the white one is a sleeping pill. Don’t say a word! You’ll take it. You need to sleep and you’re not. The doctor said you need a lot of sleep to get better. Now, here. And this is cough medicine. It’s cherry.”

Duo decided to just take the damn pills rather than argue with Heero. It was sort of like trying to argue with a Pit Bull over a rag. Not much fun and completely futile. So Duo took the pills and drank the cloying cherry flavored syrup. Heero gave him the water and sat back down in the chair.

“I feel like crap. Damn, I wish ... I just ... fuck!”

Heero sighed. “Not now. And I know. I really do. I’m sorry you’re sick again. But the doc says you’ll get better, you just have to be patient.”

Duo made a sour face. “Yeah, patient. That is not my middle name, in case you’ve forgotten. I know I’ll be better, some day. But I want some day to be now!” Duo smashed both fists into the bed beside his hips and then rolled over. Heero just gave him a sympathetic look and settled back to try to sleep some himself.

.

Heero woke to the coughing, that phlegmy hacking that made his skin crawl. Duo sounded like he was trying to cough up a lung and succeeding. And all the doctor did was say it would take time. He decided it was time to take things into his own hands, so he called Wufei.

He spoke for perhaps half an hour and had Wufei send him several compounds via email. He’d take them to China Town and find the herbalist that Wufei recommended to have the prescriptions made up. He shook Duo awake, explained what he was going to do and left. Duo flopped back on the bed with a groan. Wufei’s compounds, while very effective, were foul at best.

Heero’s parting shot of, “Yeah? They taste like shit, I’ll admit. But they do work.” made him laugh then start coughing again.

Heero slid into the SUV and drove off, muttering to himself.

It took him an hour to get to China Town and twenty minutes more to find the address, or rather a parking place near it. The herbalists shop was actually down a very narrow alley way.

He opened the door to the merry jingle of a small shop bell hung on a spring over the door. The voice of an elderly man called, “Come in, come in. Are you Mr. Yuy? Chang Wufei described you to me.”

Heero approached the counter that stretched from one side of the tiny shop to the other and nodded. “I’m Yuy. Wufei sent me some compounds for you to make up. How soon can you have it done? I need to get back to Duo as soon as possible. He’ll be up and wandering around, making himself worse, if I don’t practically sit on him.”

The old man laughed softly. “My name is Chang also. I’m some sort of cousin to Chang Wufei. He called me and asked me to have the compounds ready. The ingredients are for your files. You hung up on him before he could say.” Mr. Chang put several small packets on the counter. “Now” he sorted quickly. “This is for cough. This one for lung congestion. This one for fever. This one will strengthen his immune system and this one his body. You know how to brew them?” Heero just nodded. “You have a brewer?”

“No, I’ll need two. That much tea to be made will take too long otherwise. Is there any way to improve the taste of any of them?”

“No, sorry to say, there’s not. Although three of them have either star anise seed or licorice root in them. Add some honey if you like, it’s also good for the immune system.”

Heero paid the man and carried his packages back to the SUV. He glanced around and started. A bounty was standing right on the corner. He casually opened the back of the SUV put his things in and got out his kit. It only took him seconds to put on his vest and hang his badge around his neck. He opened his phone and punched number one on his speed dial. Duo answered the phone with a rather bemused ‘Huh?’

“I’ve just spotted a bounty, he’s a good one so I’m going to pick him up. Stay in bed until I get home. Promise. Or I’ll let him slide.”

Duo sighed loudly. “Ok, mom. I promise. I’ll stay in bed, unless I gotta go. Satisfied?”

“Yes.” Heero snapped his phone closed and stuck it in its pouch on his shoulder.

He turned around and pinned his target again. The man hadn’t moved very far, only to the other side of the street. He was looking in a shop window.

Heero just walked up behind him, put a hand on his shoulder and said, “Justin Thompkins, you’re under arrest for bail jumping, missing a court date, and parole violation. Come with me.”

The man just turned around and shrugged. “Ok. I give. Glad to have it over actually.”

Heero shook the man down and didn’t find so much as a nail file. He cuffed him and led him to the SUV.

“I’m going to put you in the front seat. You try anything and I won’t be happy. You understand?”

Justin just nodded. “Yeah, man, I got it. I won’t be any trouble. I’m tired. You got no idea what it’s like, runnin’ all the time.”

Heero didn’t turn his head to talk to the man. He didn’t need to see him to talk to him and he knew to the last digit how many accidents were caused by turning away from the road. “I do. I’ve spent quite some time running myself.”

“Yeah? You’re way too young. And what the hell is your name, hun?”

“Yuy, Heero Yuy. Gundam 01.”

Justin’s eyes got big. “Well, fuck me sideways.”

Heero couldn’t help chuckling. “No thanks.” He turned into the parking lot of the police station. “We’re here. It shouldn’t take too long. But if you’ve got a really good excuse for missing your court date, cough it up quick.”

Justin banged his head against the head rest. “Girlfriend. She couldn’t understand that I had to go. She tossed the letters so I didn’t know until someone peached on me and the cops showed up. So now I’m fucked.”

Heero bit at his lip for a moment. “Will she testify to that, or will she say she never touched the letters.”

“Stupid bitch will probably brag about it. But what judge will believe that story.”

“Happens more often than you’d think. Well, come on. Let’s get this over with. I got to get back to my partner. He’s sick and I was getting him medicine. Move out.”

Heero took Justin into the station through the booking door and handcuffed him to a bench. He spoke to the desk Sergeant and then went back to the SUV to get his paper work. He took a moment to call Duo and tell him that Justin hadn’t put up any resistance. “I’ll be home in about an hour. I’m sorry it’s taking so long but the bounty is good and it was just too juicy to pass up.”

“‘s ok, Heero. I’m going back to sleep in a minute. I’ll have to get up before you get back to take my pills. They’re in the kitchen, right?”

“Yes, they’re right on the counter by the sink. One blue one, two pink one’s and a capsule. And two table spoons of the liquid.”

“Ok. I remember. Thanks. Love you.”

“Love you too. I’ll be back soon.”

Heero hung up and then realized that Duo had just told him ‘I love you’ over the phone. He couldn’t help his grin.

.

It didn’t take Heero long to book Justin in and collect his bounty. Not that dramatic a thing really.
The desk Sergeant asked Justin Thompkins his full name, took a cheek swab for DNA and a retinal scan. He pointed to a holding cell. “Stick him in there.”

Heero took Thompkins to the cell, shut the door on him and waited while he stuck his hands through the slot so Heero could collect his cuffs.

After he reminded Thompkins to tell the judge about his girlfriend, he returned to the Booking Desk.

“Got it. He’s a good catch. Gimmie your bank card and I’ll get you paid.”

Heero gave his bank card to the Desk Sergeant. The DS swiped it through a machine, punched in some numbers and handed Heero a cash register type receipt with the deposit amount and other pertinent information on it. He smiled, announced that that was it and Heero left.

He drove carefully. He wanted to speed, run red lights and in general bend every law there was. Instead he was careful, getting arrested wasn’t going to do either him or Duo any good.

He parked and headed into the house with his arms full of packages, he didn’t quite make it. Duo met him in the middle of the garage and took the string tied parcel dangling from his middle finger.

“Here, let me have that.”

“Ok, but be careful. It’s fragile. Put it on the kitchen table and I’ll unwrap it in a second.”

Duo was happily poking the packets. Heero laughed softly. Duo loved opening things. Heero could remember during the war that he had begged them all into letting him open stuff for them. “Unless you can contain yourself enough not to break it.”

Duo picked up a butter knife and took it to the table. He carefully untied the string then slit the paper tape the box was sealed with. He gently lifted out the steeper, gave it a puzzled look and set it aside. When he saw that the other object in the box was a similar china steeper he turned to Heero. “Ok, I give. What is it? Or are they?”

“Both are correct. And they are steepers. For making medicinal teas. The herbologist made several teas for you and they all have to be steeped in one of those. I got two so that I won’t have to mess around too much to get your medicine made.”

Duo sniffed at one of the packets “Yeah, and I’m drinking all that stuff? Ya think? This one stinks. Smells like dirty socks.”

Heero smirked at Duo. “And it tastes even worse. But you’re going to drink it three times a day for two weeks. And no arguments. Wufei suggested it.”

Duo made a face. “Oh, damn. I’m doomed.” The expression on Duo’s face made Heero snicker. “And stop that. When you get sick, I’m gonna make you drink it.”

“I don’t get sick. You know that. Now, here. Let me get the first two batches brewing.”

Duo settled at the table and watched as Heero picked the first brewer up, unwrapped it and cut the shipping tape off. The thing separated into three parts. One was a straight sided, solid bottom cylinder, then there was an identical cylinder except that the bottom was pierced by holes, then there was a simple knobbed top. The other was identical except it had bamboo painted on it instead of cranes. Heero put a wire mesh in the bottom of the pierced cylinders added herbs and then poured hot water into it. The water would slowly drip from the top into the bottom, brewing exactly the proper strength of tea.

Duo sniffed at the tea and groaned. “Dammit, why does it all have to smell like ... boiled grass and taste like rotten hay?”

“And you know how rotten hay tastes because?”

“Slept in hay a few times. You know how it is.”

Heero nodded. He did indeed know how it was. During the war they’d slept where and when they could. Which was often in barns and sheds. Heero wondered if that hadn’t caused part of Duo’s present health problems. He knew that Duo’s early life hadn’t helped matters any. He was determined to bring Duo to full health as quickly as possible. He needed a healthy partner, in life as well as bounty hunting.

“Duo?”

“Mmm?” Duo managed the querying sound around a mouth full of tea.

“I know I should have asked earlier but, are you sure you want to work with me? You could do something else. If you want.” Heero ducked his head, hiding behind his messy bangs.

“Heero, look at me.” Duo’s quiet voice carried a weight of command that made Heero look despite his intentions. “I want to work with you. Not only because it’s something I’m well trained for, but also because you’re my best friend. I’m not qualified for anything much. I can’t pilot because I’m just too young, I don’t understand some of the legal stuff I should, I get taken advantage of because I’m ignorant. I’m going to change that but I have to have money to go to school with. And I think we’d make a killer combination. And, I notice, you don’t use guns just because. I like that. So ... done rambling now. Got me?”

Heero couldn’t help the enormous grin that split his face. “I got it. Thanks. I was worried that I was pushing you into something you didn’t really want. But I know you’re right, we do make a killer combo. And with our training it’s easy to do the job without guns. You’ll have to go to school, you have to have a certificate and you can’t get one without going through classes. But they’re easy. I’ve still got all my books and you can take classes from a guy I know ...” Heero looked at Duo’s face. “No, I can’t give you the classes, I’m not qualified to teach. But I’ll help with the homework. I know it all, already.” Duo snorted and Heero gave him a stern look out of sparkling blue eyes. “Well, I do. Eidetic memory remember?”

Duo snickered. “Me too incase you’ve forgotten.” They both burst into laughter. The laughing made Duo have a coughing fit so Heero presented him with a cup of the tea for his cough. Duo took the cup and sipped at it.

“Well, this one isn’t too horribly awful. Tastes like horehound, you put honey in it?”

Heero nodded. “You sat right there and watched me. Or did you drift off?”

Duo put his head down on the table. “Kinda drifted off for a bit. I felt pretty good when you got home but now I feel like shit again. I’m goin’ back to bed. I’m startin’ to shiver.”

Heero poured boiling water into the brewing chamber of the brewer he’d just finished setting up and put the cover on. “Head for bed. I’ll be there in a moment. I’ve got some stuff the herbalist stuck in the bag. I read the label. Should be good for chest congestion.”

Duo just groaned softly. No matter that the stuff probably stank like a three day dead cat, he’d wind up with it smeared all over his chest.

“Stop that. It smells like eucalypts and menthol.” Heero gave the tin an experimental sniff, the stuff was so strong it made his eyes water. “Wow! It’s really good stuff.”

Duo crawled onto the bed and unbuttoned his pyjama top. He had decided to just give up protesting, it didn’t do any good and wore him out.

Heero tossed the tin to Duo and went into the bathroom, returning a moment later with a hand towel. He settled on the bed and took the tin from a supine Duo and scooped out a glob of the cream. He held it for a second or two then smeared it on the middle of Duo’s chest. Duo grimaced at the greasy feel of it and then nearly choked. The stuff was potent and the fumes sent a spasm through his congested lungs.

“Ack! Damn. That stuff really stinks and I have to cough really ....” Duo rolled onto his side before Heero could do anything. He started coughing hard.

When Duo finally finished coughing, Heero helped him roll rather limply back onto his back. He finished smearing the Tiger Balm Cough Salve, which had miraculously not gotten all over the bed spread, over Duo and covered it with the hand towel. He buttoned up the pyjama top to hold the whole mess in place and tucked Duo in, covering him carefully.

“Better? You’re not panting anymore.”

“Dude, that stuff is just foul. But it seems to be working. I think.”

Duo sighed and shifted against the pillow. He looked worn out from the coughing fit and pale. Heero worried at his lip and mentally catalogued the list of symptoms again, trying to figure out if he’d forgotten anything.

“Heero, what are you worrying at? Tell.”

“Just wondering if I’ve missed any symptom. Anything I should have told Wufei and didn’t. I want you well. I need a partner and I want that partner to be you. So ... will you please hurry up and get well?” Heero smiled at Duo and Duo couldn’t help but respond to it. Heero did have the sweetest smile, when he wasn’t glaring.

“Man, I’m tryin’ I swear. But the doctor did say six weeks at the outside, the last time he was here. Which was ... yesterday? So, gimmie another month before ya start diggin’ a grave, ok?”

Heero started to protest that that wasn’t what he’d meant, then realized that, not only was Duo joking, he was fast asleep. Heero pulled the covers up to Duo’s chin and settled back into his chair to work on plans for the master pick up he’d asked Duo to do. Duo was in no shape to fool with stuff like this just now.

Duo opened one eye, announced muzzily, “You better not be doin’ my work. Gonna do that ...” and drifted off again. Heero decided not to do anymore, all he’d done was a rough outline of what needed doing. Duo was going to ‘go Shinigami on his butt’ if he took the job over. He decided not to push his luck with his ill lover. Duo needed to feel useful and Heero thought he’d feel worse and make himself more ill being left out than doing the planning. Duo could do all the plans from his sick bed after all. It was all on computer and didn’t require a bunch of running around. Whatever running around that needed doing, Heero would do.

.

Duo slept most of the day and all night, only waking when Heero nudged him awake enough to drink one of the teas. Heero had called Wufei to ask if he could combine them and been told not to. Wufei had said that Heero should give Duo each tea separately, allowing thirty minutes between the teas. That meant that Duo had to wake up drink tea, doze off then wake for more tea four times starting at midnight. He grumbled sourly at this then apologized when he realized that Heero was getting even less sleep than he was. Heero had to get up an hour earlier to make the tea, as it was no good after only a half hour or so.

Heero didn’t mind, he could do on very little sleep when he had to. He liked his eight hours as much as anyone else did, but he could manage for a week or more on two hours a night. As he was getting three hours twice a night and could cat nap during the day, he was fine. Duo accepted this explanation as he’d seen Heero stay up for 48 hours straight and still be coherent.

Duo on the other hand was not doing that well. He needed six hours straight or he was grumpy and two three-hour naps divided by two hours of twenty minute dozes and he was really cranky.

Case in point; Duo woke at midnight and accepted the first cup of tea, drained it obediently then threw the empty cup at the wall. Heero didn’t have to duck as Duo didn’t throw it at him, just the wall.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I know what it tastes like. Wufei dosed me with it right after I came back.”

“Why?”

“Don’t know. He said to take it and I did.”

“Idiot.”

“Yeah, I know. But he had such a hopeful look on his face when he offered it to me I didn’t have the heart to turn it down.”

“Oh. Going back to sleep now.”

“Ok. I’ll wake you up for the next cup in thirty minutes.”

“Fuck.” Duo pulled the covers over his head and whined. “I hate this. I hate being sick. I hate being weak. Damn it!”

Heero refrained from comment as anything he could think of to say would probably make the situation worse.

When he woke Duo for the next dose of tea Duo snarled at him, then snapped, “Give me the fucking tea and go away.” He swallowed the tea with ill grace and then flopped down on the bed again. He smacked the pillow over his face and went back to sleep again. Heero just took the cup to the kitchen and stuck it in the dish washer. He found it amusing that the usually vocal Duo turned mute when he was sick.

.

Duo was sick for three days. Three days of hell for Duo and three days of loving labor for Heero.

Duo tried hard not to be snarky and managed to be ‘only’ grumpy. Heero just put up with it, smiling from time to time as Duo apologized then snapped again.

“Here, last cup.”

“In forever or just until next time.”

“Forever.”

“Thank god. My kidneys will never be the same.”

Heero just took the cup away and cleaned the brewers for the last time, this time. He was well aware that Duo would probably get sick again. Duo was too but they both ignored that.

Heero cleaned the kitchen and decided to call out for Chinese. Duo loved Chinese and teased Wufei continuously about his cooking. Wufei could boil rice and that was about all. Or was all during the war. Nothing pointed out that Chang Wufei was a member of a very rich, influential family more than his inability to cook and Wufie had resented their teasing very much. Heero shook his head at the memories.

“You’re shaking your head. What’s wrong now?”

Heero turned to see Duo standing in the archway from the stairs in his bathrobe and slippers.

“Nothing. Just memories.” Heero handed Duo a cup of coffee. “Here, no more tea for a while. Do you remember Wufei’s first attempt to cook?”

Duo snorted in his coffee. “Oh, man. Scorched rice and smoked ... ossified, more like, fish. But we ate it. Damn, I was hungry. But, you know? I nearly turned it down. But he had that ... hopeful look on his face so I choked it down. But we teased him half to death later.”

“I think that was one of the reasons he turned down half a dozen missions with one or the other of us. We really hurt his feelings.” Heero settled with his own cup of coffee. “He’s a really, really good cook now. You should taste his Happy Family. And he makes a Lobster In a Pot that’ll knock you over.”

Duo grinned. “Well, that’s good. But, now I really feel bad. I didn’t mean to hurt him, you know.”

Heero sighed. “Neither did I. He’s over it now. Only tried to poison me once.”

“And how did he do that?”

“I don’t like Fugu. He put some on a plate of assorted fish. Bleh!” Heero made a disgusted face.

“Isn’t Fugu poison? Or parts of it?” Duo gave Heero a doubtful look. He wasn’t sure that he liked the idea of eating a poisonous fish.

“Yes and no. Parts of it are deadly poison. If you prepare it right, it’s fine. Wrong and you’re dead. Wufei is an expert at it but I still get the heebie-jeebies about it. I just don’t ... can’t get to like the idea.”

Duo nodded his understanding, coughed and made a face. “Got it. I’m not sure I could manage to put one bite in my mouth. Wufei or no.” He hacked again, rose to spit in the trash and cleared his throat experimentally. “Agh! I wish I had some of those old fashioned cough drops Quatre used to give me. They really worked.” He slapped the empty coffee cup into the sink, frowning sourly. “Damn I’m tired of being sick.”

“Duo, have patience. You’ll be well soon. Really. Do you want something to eat? You really should try.” Heero glanced at Duo anxiously.

“Heero, stop that. I’m not going to ... well, I ... shit. I’ve been a real prick lately, haven’t I?”

“Sort of. But I don’t mind. I know you’re sick. But if you’d eat ... something, maybe you’ll feel better?”

Duo settled back in his chair. “Yeah, maybe.” He got a considering look on his face. Heero cringed a bit internally. What if Duo wanted something he didn’t know how to cook or couldn’t order.

“I thought about ordering in Chinese. That’s what made me think of Wufei and shake my head. You like?”

Duo nodded. “Hot and Sour Soup. With Cloud Ears and Tofu. And rice, pot stickers; chicken, not pork, and those garlic green beans that I can never remember the name of.”

Heero just placed the call, ordering Shrimp and Snow Peas for himself and double pot stickers and triple soup.

The food arrived in just a few minutes. Heero set it out on the table and they settled to eat. Heero was glad to see that Duo’s apatite seemed to have returned with a vengeance. He smiled around his hashi.

“You want that last egg roll?” Duo already had it in his fingers but he offered it to Heero, holding it out between them.

“Half of it.” Heero leaned over and neatly bit off exactly half the roll.

Duo blinked then smiled. He stuffed his half into his mouth and grinned around it.

“ ‘Ro, you’re something.” Duo plunked his elbows on the table, propped his chin on his upraised hands and examined Heero for a moment. “Look, I still feel punk but I’m well enough to be on the computer for a while. You left a list of what you want on there, didn’t you?”

Heero nodded knowing what was coming next. “Tomorrow you can be up for long enough to start the arrangements. I’ll get you the file of addresses for the ...” he cleared his throat with a grin, “...winners. All we really need is somewhere that looks like a small banquet room, someplace we can secure. Stagger the appointment times so we don’t have a huge influx of people all at once. Some decorations to keep them off guard. Anything else?”

Duo thought. “Yeah. A host. Someone to actually get them inside the capture area. Like me. Hale fellow, well met. That sort of shit. Separate them from anyone who’s come with. Keep the actual warm bodies to a minimum. They have to fill out paper work, everyone else celebrate over there. That’ll keep the fighting down.”

Heero grinned at Duo. Even sick he was sharp. “Good idea. I like it.”

“How many people can you get for the crew?” Duo closed his eyes, his way of shutting out distractions, like Heero’s chest.

“Since the list is a combined one from four agencies, everyone from all of them.” he thought for a moment. “About twenty people all told. Some are clerk types. Not certified, but they could be waiters and check in girls and that sort of thing.”

Duo nodded. “Yeah. I like it. We don’t even need a caterer. All we need are some home made goodies, like ... cookies and punch. Maybe some little nibbles of some sort. Bet we can get stuff like that at that outlet store. Frozen thingies, like cheese puffs and spanikopita. What about it?”

“Sure, sounds good to me. I can get Doug or someone to pick up a bunch. Just make sure the place has a kitchen of some sort.”

“Right.” Duo rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m tired all ready. Think I’ll go back to bed. No tea? Please say no.”

“No, no tea. But I think you ought to let me rub that Tiger Balm on you again.”

Duo shrugged making his robe fall off one shoulder. He wasn’t wearing a pyjama top. “Ok. I’ll admit that it really does make me breathe better.”

Duo retreated to their bed and, after being ‘greased like a pig’ slept the night through much to Heero’s delight. Heero slept very well too.

.

The next three days were spent lazing around the house and planning the sting. Duo went over every thing with the other agencies people and found that all of the people knew him as Heero’s new partner. This made him happy and a happy Duo was something like a grinning tornado. Heero worried that he’d wear himself out before the big event.

“Heero, we’re going to do the sting tomorrow. I’ve got all the emails sent out and got replies from 80% of the invitees. That’s good, don’t you think? I think about a quarter of those will crap out at the last minute, but we’re going to have a great catch.”

Heero smiled gently at Duo’s excitement, he was feeling well enough to work up some interest in something. Heero had hated to see someone usually so energetic so tired all the time.

“I think you’re right. And it’s mostly thanks to you. That email was priceless. And the hall looks good. We ought to get there at least three hours early. I want to look the place over, get everything just right so we don’t have a problem later.”

Duo nodded absently. “Yeah, I’d really like to go there today, scope the place out. Oh, and remind me to check for where the emergency exits are. Wouldn’t do to have someone make it out one. Have to put a warm body on them. I know there’s got to be at least one someplace we don’t want it. Shit. Now where the hell did I put that print out of the floor plan. I know I printed one out when I started considering the place. And speaking of which. I sent in a renovation plan for the office space to the architects. I got sick right after. Wonder if they sent back anything? I’ll have to remember to check my email box and the answering machine. Just as soon as I’m done finding those exits.”

Heero had forgotten all about Duo wanting to redo the ‘office’ floor. He wondered what Duo had in mind for that. He was satisfied with his office, but he knew Duo wanted something better. Something big enough for both of them with room for file cabinets and such. Heero couldn’t have cared less. He just wanted Duo to be happy. He still got the odd sensation that duo might disappear over night or walk out or – something.

Heero stretched, treating Duo to an expanse of abs that he frankly stared at. “I’ll go check your personal email for you, if you like. Which one is it? If there’s no reply there, I’ll check the answering machine. Ok?”

Duo mumbled some sort of assent, swallowing in an audible gulp. Heero smirked slightly and went to check for an answer from the architect. There was one in the email box, saying that they’d like to meet with Duo to set up a time to do the work. They also said that no changes to the provided blue prints were necessary. Heero typed up a reply, saying that anytime after the date of the sting was acceptable. He also changed the reply address to the box Duo was using for the sting with a cc to his box. That would make sure that both of them got the messages.

.

Duo grumbled his way through lunch and then announced that he was going to have to go to the venue himself to set things up. The contact wasn’t very cooperative and was not answering his questions. It was too late to change the arrangements because Duo had already sent out the invitations. Changing anything now would scare off at least half of the skips.

“Heero, I have to go see that shit head myself. All he or she is doing is running me around in circles. I can’t do this, we have to do that. The room is not available, but this one is. Only I don’t want one on the second floor. Too much to go wrong. I want the one right off the lobby. I don’t know what that jackasses malfunction is but I’m gonna find out. You coming?”

Heero shrugged into his jacket, it was a bit warm for one but he needed it to cover his firearm. Just because he didn’t use it, didn’t mean he felt comfortable without it. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. How do you feel?”

Duo stood in the door for a moment. “Good. Could be better, my nose is still runny but other than that? Not bad. Come on.”

It didn’t take them long to get to the hotel, the traffic was light this time of day. Heero parked the SUV and locked it.

He watched as duo entered the hotel lobby, asked for the Event Coordinator and glared as he was told the woman was busy and couldn’t see him just now. Would he like to wait? Hell, no. Duo demanded to see the hotel manager and got the same reply.

“Ok, what are they both doing that’s keeping them so busy? There’s no event going on right now. So, what? They’re holed up in a supply closet, or what?”

The receptionist turned red and stuttered. “No, I don’t think. They’re just both really busy. There’s some sort of thing being planned for day after tomorrow and they ... well, shall I see if they’ll see you. Or ... you could go sit in the bar for a while, drinks on us. I’ll ... just call up, shall I?”

Heero couldn’t help the snicker that rumbled in his chest. Duo had turned on the glare that froze even Une. The receptionist stammered a bit more then, just pointed to the bar.

“We’ll wait exactly ten minutes, then we’re out of here and I’ll find a different venue. No matter that it’s damned inconvenient. And you can be sure that I’ll inform my friends that you people can’t get it together.”

Heero followed Duo into the bar giving the poor receptionist a glare of his own.

The bar was dark and deserted except for a bored bartender and one tired looking waitress. Duo glanced around frowning. “Well, not so good. But the flyers were so nice. I should have checked first. Oh, well, we’ll make it work.”

Heero led the way to a table for six in the far back behind some potted plants. Duo nodded at the waitress who wandered over to take their order.

“Kitchen isn’t open yet. You want a drink?”

Duo turned on the charm. “Not really. Don’t drink this early in the day. You know where the Event Coordinator and the Manager are?”

“Yeah, upstairs panicking. Heard that two of the Gundam pilots are planning an event right here in our little part of the world. They don’t know what’s going on so they’re trying to find out. All they can get is, some sort of lottery or something. Winners are invited to pick up their winnings here. I don’t get that at all. Something’s up. They think it’s some sort of scam. But if it’s for real, we’re going to be one of the most popular places in town. Wish I could meet one of them.”

Heero looked Duo right in the eye, Duo started snickering and Heero followed. They were soon in whoops with the waitress chuckling just because Duo’s laugh was so infectious.

Duo finally got control of himself enough to wipe his eyes on a napkin from the holder on the table.

“Ok, it’s this way. Would you know any of the pilots if you saw him?” Duo got a look at her name badge. “Connie.”

“No, honey, I wouldn’t know one of them if he kissed me. Might be nice though. Why?”

Duo sighed, glanced at Heero then shrugged. “Duo Maxwell here. O2 was my designation. That’s Heero Yuy, 01. Pleased ta meetcha.” Duo held out his hand.

Connie just blinked for a second then called over her shoulder. “Hey, George, come here.”

The bartender came out from behind the bar and headed their way, a slightly irritated expression on his face. He didn’t need trouble this early in the day.

“George, you’re crazy about all that Gundam stuff, right?” George just nodded, he wasn’t even to the table yet and Connie was already firing questions at him. He relaxed a bit, he was the resident expert on all questions Gundam related and was often called on to settle arguments. “You’d recognize one of them if you saw him, wouldn’t you?”

“Yeah, I would. You wouldn’t believe how young they were. Operation Meteor they were all fifteen. Be about ... twenty, at the oldest. Why?”

Connie just pointed to Heero and Duo. George stood for a second then his jaw dropped with a nearly audible click.

“Oh, fuck me. It’s 01 and 02.” He said Zero one and Zero two, just like the dispatchers did. “What are you two doing here? Do you want a drink? It’s a bit early but I can mix you anything you want. If I don’t know it, I’ll look it up.”

Duo just grinned at the man. “I’ll have a Cosmo, minus the vodka. Heero?”

Heero shrugged. “Screwdriver leave out the screw.”

George just nodded and grinned. “Sure thing. Comin’ right up. Connie, call the boss.”

Connie blinked, followed George toward the bar, exclaiming. “Jayses, they’re for real? You’re kiddin’ me.”

George’s answer was lost in the depths of the bar as he began mixing the drinks. Connie grabbed the phone.

After her call, it didn’t take long for the Event Coordinator and the hotel Manager to show up.

Both were apologetic in the extreme. The manager explained that they hadn’t known what to make of Duo. He sounded so young but acted like he expected them to take his word that he was who he said he was. And he sounded sick, so they were suspicious of the whole deal. They’d been trying to put him off long enough to check him out but not endanger the reservation. Now that they were at the hotel, would they please explain what was going on?

Duo settled back in his chair, smiled at George as he placed drinks in front of all of them and started talking. He explained about the sting and exactly what they needed from the hotel. The manager wasn’t too pleased when he understood that the hotel was going to be full of criminals but the event coordinator was thrilled, saying that the publicity would be good for them. She was all for it, the manager was doubtful and Heero was tired of all the dancing around.

“So, is the answer yes, or no. I don’t care. I just need to know soon. If it’s no, we have to send out emails to everyone changing the date and place. If it’s yes, we need to start putting our security in place. I want an answer ... now. So make up your fuckin’ mind.” His glare said they’d better get it together.

“Um ... well, I don’t know. It’s just that ... we’re not set up for this sort of thing. Our security team consists of two guys who walk the halls at night. They do more getting drunks to their room and letting in locked out business men than anything else.”

Duo rolled his eyes and glanced at the event coordinator who just shrugged in a ‘see what I’m dealing with’ sort of way. “Look, pal, you don’t get it at all. All you have to do is provide a place. The rest is up to us. We got the bods, we got the tools, we got the ... everything. That’s what I’m doing here now. I want to check out the exits and access. We need a kitchen of our own. One we can close off, so if someone takes a runner they can’t get out through them. And we’ll provide our own waiters and bartenders. None of your people will be involved at all. Got it?”

The manager still looked doubtful but said he’d leave the final decision up to Dolly, the event coordinator, as she was the one who’d have to deal with it all. He got up and left still shaking his head and mumbling to himself. Dolly just sighed.

“Look, I’m really sorry about this. That man couldn’t make up his mind if a gun was pressed to his forehead. I’ve been trying to convince him to finalize the arrangements for two days. So ... what do I need to do to make you happy?”

Duo finished his Virgin Cosmo and shrugged. “Not much. I just need to see the rooms and find the soft points. I’d like to meet with your security. Even though they aren’t going to be involved, it’s a nicety that I’m not comfortable skipping. It’s their playground. See?”

Dolly did and said that she’d have the two men come to the venue to meet with Duo and Heero. She called them on her cell as she led the two bounty hunters to the banquet hall. Heero followed Duo admiring his easy walk. Duo moved like a cat and Heero loved to watch him.

Heero snorted at the rooms they were led to. Duo didn’t do more than glance at them

“Not gonna work. Look. Those arches lead to where?”

“Out into a very nice courtyard and from there into the ... oh, the street. That’s not so good, is it?”

Duo shook his head. “Look, here’s the pamphlet that I picked up. Where’s this room?”

Dolly took the folder from Duo. He’d produced it from the small brief case he’d brought with him. Heero wondered why he hadn’t noticed it before then he realized that he’d been much too busy watching Duo to pay much attention to what he was holding. He sighed, he’d have to get over that.

“Oh, that one. It’s in the back of the annex, we don’t use it very much, mostly for teen age parties and small receptions. Bar and bat mitzvas, baby showers, that sort of thing. But ... it might be just what you want. It’s in the back, only one drive way in, no rooms around. The rooms are across the parking lot. And it has a small kitchen, ice maker, wet bar in one corner and you can pull a sort of curtain across half of it. Divides the room in two parts.”

Duo grinned. “Sounds perfect. Let’s take a gander, shall we?”

So Dolly led them out a side door and across a rather large parking lot to the annex. There was only one way in, a double driveway which provided four lanes of access. There were pylons on each side of both drives with chains attached. Duo made note of that and told Heero to make sure that one lane was blocked off with the chain to provide only two lanes, one in, one out.

The building itself was a 40 by 80 metal building, nicely insulated and surrounded with landscaping that hid its true nature. One corner was chopped off to provide a sheltered entry way. Heero nodded his pleasure. “Nice, easy to control all we have to do is keep all the doors locked except one. We’ll put some sort of pot plants in front of the doors that are locked. Make it look like it’s planned to make it more ... intimate? Duo?”

Dolly eyed the doors for a second and Duo did too. “Don’t know about that. Heero? Give the doors a good once over. If someone heavy enough or really determined rams them, they’ll pop open in a heart beat.”

Dolly thought while Heero found out for himself that Duo was right. She came up with the perfect solution.

“Look over there. We have some concrete planters that we moved from one of the gardens. If we finish out the corner with them, it’ll block the doors without it looking quite so ... like a trap. What do you think?”

Heero eyed the planters then the door. He paced off the confines the planters would provide and said that it was a good idea, just make sure the planters had actual plant in them. Dolly made a call immediately, telling someone what needed doing. She hung up and said that the garden staff was on the job as they spoke. Duo made a note in a small note book and then went to the doors.

They waited while Dolly unlocked the doors and let them in. She found the switch box and turned on the over head lighting, illuminating the rather common looking room.

The tile floors were industrial grade and putty colored. Duo mumbled, ‘that color has been around for a thousand years. Think they could have figured out something new by now.’ Heero just snorted. The whole room was industrial convention {pale brown} a color that had been around as long as conventions.

“Ok, not bad. Show me the kitchen first. No sense in looking at anything else until it passes muster.”

Dolly led, they followed. The kitchen was small but well appointed and certainly up to heating frozen snacks, making punch and arranging trays of cookies. The exit was behind the ice maker and easy to block off without compromising the safety of the kitchen crew.

“Good, good. Now the main room. I want to pull the curtain. That ok?”

Dolly just hustled into the room to do it herself. It was easy to handle, hanging from the ceiling on a track and motorized. She punched a button and the curtain started to move.

“You can stop it any place you like. All you have to do it push the button again. If you need to change it. You just push the button, it cycles through reverse, forward and stop. So, what do you think?”

Duo was busy finding the exits and checking for problem spots. Heero just shrugged. “It’s up to my partner, but I don’t see any problems that we can’t find a way around. I don’t like the piles of extra chairs. They’re a weapon in the right hands but you can move them out can’t you?”

Dolly nodded. “Yes, I thought we’d set up all the tables and chairs that you want and then take the rest out to the storage in the main building. We’ve been using this annex as storage for stuff we don’t need in the main building. But I see your point I wouldn’t want someone throwing one of those chairs at me. Leave a hell of a bruise.” Duo came up just then and Dolly turned to him. “Oh, Mr. Maxwell, what do you think? Mr. Yuy and I were just discussing the need to move out some of the excess furniture.”

Duo glanced around at the piles of stacking chairs and the folding tables leaning against the walls. “Yeah, lot of this stuff has to go out. No sense in taking chances. I like the exits. They’re accessible but hidden. We can put up some curtains to make the place look a little less industrial, ease the suspicious minds. If it was me ... well, I would take one look and take off like a bat out of hell. But most of these people are in trouble because they’re greedy. So ... most of the exits can be hidden behind curtains. Can they be double locked so they don’t open or ... city ordinances? Find out. Heero?”

Heero just gave one jerk of his head. “Got it. Minute.” He bent over his cell, texting to his contact in the City Clerks office, it didn’t take long. “Can’t double lock them, against city ordinances. We’ll just have to put a body on the ones we can’t hide. Next.”

Duo glanced around. “I think that’s really all. We can set the refreshments up in this side. That’ll put a table between the crowd and two of the exits. A couple of clerk types up front and a couple of big guys as gofers ought to take care of anyone trying to make a run from this end. A guy or two in the entry way out side. And the arrest crew behind the curtain. Anything I missed?

Heero noticed that Duo glanced at Dolly as well as giving her time to think. Heero thought too.

“Not that I can think of. If I think of anything between now and then, I’ll tell you. Dolly?”

Dolly glanced around one more time. “Nothing. I’ll do the same as Mr. Yuy. Call me if you need anything. I’ll have the set up completed a-sap. And I’ll make sure all the extras are out of the room. You want a table set up by the front door for name tags and people greeting. Another long table at the back ostensibly for refreshments. Make sure it’s placed to block the emergency exit in the back side wall and the back one as well. Pull the curtain three quarters of the way and have the back ... or would you rather set up the back yourself?”

Duo thought for a moment then glanced at Heero. Heero took that decision on himself. “We’ll set up the back room. There’s an emergency exit that I’m a bit concerned about. But I know a hard body that can handle it. And we don’t need much just a table right in the opening that looks official the rest I’ll do.”

Duo and Heero shook hands with Dolly, got her phone number and left. Dolly heaved a sigh of relief. She’d been really worried that the manager was going to lose them the job. It was going to be the saving of the hotel if she could pull it off. She didn’t see any reason they couldn’t, all they had to do was open the doors, set up some stuff and get out of the way.

.

Duo leaned back in the SUV going over the plans in his head for the second time.

“Duo? We’re there.”

“Huh? There where?”

Duo looked around, confused. He didn’t recognize the area at all.

“My office. You didn’t hear a word I said, did you?”

Duo gave Heero a shame faced grimace. “No, I guess I didn’t. What’s going on?”

“I want to introduce you to some of the people you’ll be working with. I called Buck while you were futzing with Dolly. He called ... well, everyone or I miss my guess.”

Duo turned a bit red. “Everyone. How many people are we talking?”

“About thirty. Don’t worry. They’re all in the business and looking forward to working with you.”

“Um ... ok? Why? I’m not certified yet, so ... should I even be doing this?”

Heero shrugged. “You’re secondary personnel for now. You can do everything you’ve been doing. And no one in there is going to say that you don’t have the right to do what ever needs doing. Just keep it out of the public eye until you’ve got paper. See?”

Duo did and said so. Then he asked, rather plaintively, “Are you sure they’ll like me. You guys, you know. Not at first.”

Heero cringed, he knew that his initial standoffishness had hurt Duo. He’d never realized how badly until recently.

“I didn’t like anyone. Neither did Trowa nor Wufei. Quatre likes everyone until they give him a reason not to. I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. But, it took months of intensive therapy to get me to admit that I needed help. J was very thorough.”

Duo grimaced. “Too bad that old fart is dead. I’d kill him myself. Real slow. Dammit.”

“Forget him. I am. We’ve got a lot to live for and I don’t intend for him to have much influence on it. Now. Just be yourself and enjoy. If Margie backs you into a corner, relax. She’s harmless. If a little red headed woman that looks like she’s twelve gets anywhere near you, run like hell. She’s matrimony bound and she doesn’t care who she catches. Now come on.”

Heero dragged Duo ruthlessly from the SUV and hauled him across the sidewalk, through the front door and up to a desk.

“Hi, Ellie, this is Duo. Guys all here?”

Ellie just pointed to a door behind her desk. “In there. Don’t just throw that pretty to those wolves either. They’re all droolin’ at the chops to see him. I’ll bring coffee.”

Heero snorted and pulled Duo through the door. Duo nearly hid behind Heero. The room was packed to the rafters, as the saying went, and every eye was glued to him. Heero tugged him to the fore and whispered, ‘Don’t worry. They’ll all love you. Or I’ll shoot them.” This last said loud enough so that the men in front heard him.

There was some laughter and one big man hollered from the back of the room. “Hey, Yuy, don’t piss in the fire. Poor kid looks scared half to death.”

Heero just laughed and called back, “Anyone would be, faced with a pack of wild dogs like you.”

Then he started at the front row and introduced Duo to every one in the room. Duo struggled a bit to put names and faces together then realized that no one expected him to remember. If he forgot he’d just admit it and ask. If they got mad, tough.

All the men smiled at him, shook his hand, welcomed him into the brotherhood. Heero grinned at them and joked with them. Duo sighed softly, this was nice. He knew he’d make good friends here. None of them the equal of the other Gundam pilots but good nonetheless.

Heero caught sight of Duo in the crowd. He was talking with several of the men who’d been Alliance during the war. Sharing stories Heero decided from the animated way he was waving one hand. But he looked tired and a bit gray. Heero decided that he better get Duo home before he had a relapse.

He started to break in but one of the men, he recognized him as Awk, called to him. “Yuy, you better get him home, he’s lookin’ awful grey around the gills.” He turned to Duo. “You sick? You don’t look good.”

Duo made a face. “Not really sick anymore, just not really well either. I get tired easy and it’s been a busy day. Too much runnin’ around, not enough food. Heero, I’m really hungry. Can we stop somewhere and get a burger?”

Heero gave Awk a grateful look. “Sure Duo, we can drive through Tops if you like. Thanks Awk. He’s getting better every day but he always was one to push his luck. We all ran on the edge of exhaustion for months. And he was trying to run a salvage ship all by himself.” Heero gave Duo a fond smile. “Baka.”

Duo grinned tiredly and stuck his tongue out. “Feed me. I’m weak with hunger.”

Heero put one arm around Duo’s waist and hugged him gently. “Ok, ok. Come on. We’ll drive through Tops on the way home, but you have to have a salad on the side.”

Duo promptly began to whine. “But Heero, a greasy burger isn’t any good without fries. And that’s a vegetable, right?” He looked around pitifully. “Potatoes are vegetables aren’t they?”

He got no sympathy from anyone. Not that he really expected any. Buck spoke for all of them. “If Heero says no, no it is. I’m not tempting that glare of doom, even for your pretty ass. Go home. You look like you’re about to fall over.”

Duo mock sulked and announced. “Well, see if I ... eek!” Heero settled the argument, cutting Duo off by tossing him over one shoulder and heading for the door. They were followed by whistles and cat calls. Duo grinned impudently and waved as he was carried out the door.

.

Heero put Duo down at the door to the SUV. He grinned and gave Duo a toe curling kiss.

“See, the guys are alright. They all like you. Now, in the truck. We’ll go through Tops and get you that burger and fries. Salad for later. Ok?”

Duo nodded. “Thanks, man. I’ve been dreaming of a burger for two days. And salad later sounds good too. But not one of those iceberg horrors that Tops will have. I want greens, you know what I mean. And dried cranberries and pecans and cheese and carrots and cucumbers and. .. Man, now I’m really hungry.”

Heero had to laugh, he knew Duo would eat right. He just seemed to go by some internal cravings rather than a balanced diet. Heero didn’t care, he was just glad to see Duo’s apatite returning.

They drove through the drive through of the nearest Tops and Duo ordered a double cheeseburger, bacon, lettuce, onion, pickle, mustard and a double order of fries. Heero ordered a single plain. Duo snorted his disgust at this but accepted the bag eagerly.

“Where can we get salad?”

Duo pointed to a small Chinese market. “There. I’ve been having them deliver greens.” Heero raised an eyebrow in interrogation. “I found ‘em on the net. Nice people.”

Heero parked and went in, telling Duo that if the people saw his face they’d just call a medic. Duo didn’t argue a symptom of how tired he really was.

Heero looked around the market, noticing how clean it was.

“Hello? Any one?”

A voice called from the back. “Out in a sec. Got some fresh produce, I’ll bring it right out.”

“Ok. I’ll just look around a bit. But could you hurry some? My partner is in the truck, he isn’t feeling the best and I’d like to get him home.”

The man came into the front just then, carrying a box of something. “Sorry. I’ll let it wait until later, unless there’s something you need.”

Heero glared a bit. The whole place was packed with produce, freezers and shelves. Every square inch was utilized. It was confusing.

“Duo likes salad and he wants baby greens, spinach, cucumbers ...”

The man interrupted Heero. “Duo Maxwell? He’s one of my best customers. He outside? Can I meet him? It’ll just take me a minute to fill his usual order. That ok?”

Heero couldn’t help his smile. Duo strikes again. He made friends like a puppy. “Sure thing. He’ll be delighted. He insisted on a burger and fries for supper. And a salad later. I just hope that damn burger doesn’t upset his stomach.”

“I’ll include some stomach tea. It’s in bags so don’t brew it too long or it’ll be so bitter he won’t be able to choke it down. Now ... greens ... tomatoes, cherry ... and ....” the man trailed off as he moved around the store, picking out Duo’s usual order in a very short time. “Ok. Here you go.” He told Heero the price, Heero paid and they went out to the truck.

“Duo, look who’s here. Mr. ... damn. I didn’t get your name. Sorry.”

The man just laughed. “Lin Wen.” Heero had to grin at him. Duo looked puzzled. “Ok, I’ll bite what’s so funny.”

Wen shrugged, looking a bit embarrassed. “Well, it’s ... my name is sort of the Chinese equivalent of John Smith.”

Duo grinned at that but both men could see that he was tired. Heero put the groceries in the back seat and got in behind the wheel.

“It was nice to meet you, Duo. You go home, eat your burger and rest. Ok? Heero, you take care of him. Bye.” Wen thumped the side of the truck gently and went back into the store waiving over his shoulder.

Duo eased back in his seat looking even more tired than before.

“Heero, would you mind if I went ahead and ate? I’m really hungry.”

Heero shook his head, never taking his eyes off the road. “Not at all. I’ll eat when you’re done. You can unwrap it for me. Hand me some fries will you?”

Duo gave Heero a few fries then unwrapped his sandwich. He bit into it and moaned in pleasure. He’d wanted a burger for several days but didn’t feel that his stomach was up to it. This was heaven. A burger, fries and his best buddy, lover, business partner right beside him.

“More fries? I ordered a double, so there’s plenty.”

Heero accepted more fries, nibbling on them as he drove. “I really shouldn’t. I don’t need the distraction. The traffic is getting bad. Don’t give me anymore.”

“Ok. I’ll hold your burger too.”

“Fine. I’ll eat it when I get home.”

“It’ll be cold by then. Why don’t you just pull over and switch with me. Or even just park and eat it.”

Heero decided to park and eat the burger now. He didn’t care if it was hot or cold but he knew that Duo would worry. He didn’t want Duo worrying, it wasn’t good for him.

.

Finding a place to park wasn’t hard. All he had to do was drive into one of the strip malls that lined the street. He picked a spot and pulled in. He turned off the engine and set the parking brake. That was all the time it took for Duo to have his burger unwrapped and ready, fries on the paper at his side.

“Thanks. I’ll admit I’m getting a bit hungry.” Heero took a bite. “Mmmm, ‘s good. I’m hungrier than I thought.”

Heero finished his sandwich in record time and the fries in three bites. He flipped the key and started the engine. Duo was asleep before he got back on the road.

Duo slept all the way home. Heero woke him after he parked in the car port. He laughed softly as Duo staggered in the front door, flopped onto the couch in front of the window, his favorite place, and fell right back to sleep.

Heero gave him one fond head shaking look and went to put the groceries away.

When he was finished with that he settled to check his email and phone messages. There wasn’t much, most of the people who would have messaged him were involved in the sting. But there was one message from the firm who were working on the renovations to the lower level. They wanted to know if they could start work on the same day as the sting. Heero messaged them to say that it was inconvenient and they should put off the preparations one more day.

Almost immediately he got a message back apologizing and saying that if they couldn’t do it that day they’d have to wait another month. Heero decided to wake Duo and let him make the decision.

“Duo, wake up. I need your input.”

“Hmmm? ... ‘Ro?” Duo stretched and rubbed his eyes.

“The architectural firm messaged. They have to do the work the same day as the sting or we’ll have to wait a month. What do you want to do?”

Duo didn’t hesitate or stutter. “We’ll wait. I want it done right and doing it all in one day ain’t gonna cut it. And you said you need me on the sting. So ... we wait.”

“Ok. I’ll send the email. Why don’t you take a shower and go on to bed. You look beat.”

Duo gave Heero a sleepy, cheeky grin. “Naw. Remember when I nearly got executed? Now that’s beat.”

Heero cringed, he hated remembering things like that. Duo gave him a sorrowful look. “Sorry. I just ... it’s easier to handle the memories ... I’ll try not to make jokes like that.”

Heero shook his head. “No, if it helps you handle things joke away. Just don’t be insulted if I don’t always laugh.”

“Ok. Got it. And, you’re right. I think I will take a shower and hit the sack. Night.”

Heero paused in his typing. “I’ll be up real soon. Night.” he returned to typing up his email.

.

The actual sting went very well. Duo greeted the sucker at the door, exclaiming how happy he was that they had won the ‘unnamed’ grand prize. Thankfully most of them showed up without much more than a significant other.

Duo’s door technique was perfect, he bounced up to the person, asked their name and consulted the master list. If the name was on the list he pointed them over to the sign in table.

After they signed in they were directed to the curtain and the table behind it. That was where the real fun began. The ‘client’ was identified and checked against another list. This list contained all the information needed to make a safe arrest, whether the person was violent, knew martial arts, carried guns or knives and anything else deemed important.

Then they were led farther into the back of the room and arrested. They were told the charges and who was taking them in for bail jumping. Pictures were taken and DNA and retinal scans as well. It wasn’t unknown for someone to be arrested under a false name, especially in a situation like this. A prize attracted all sorts of fraud.

Most of the people didn’t fight it. There were just too many very large men around to handle fights. In fact, a lot of them admitted that it was sort of a relief. Running was hard work. Both Duo and Heero were sympathetic.

One man was interesting. He was huge, at least six and a half feet tall and built like a fire plug. He came in hesitantly and greeted Duo with a small frown. He looked like he knew Duo or at least thought he did. He checked in and was pointed toward the curtain. He asked if he could have some punch first and Heero came ‘on line’. He eased closer, ready to interfere if things went bad.

Duo followed the man to the snack table. “Hey, Henry, you ok, man? You look like you just lost your best friend. You just won a prize, so what put that look on your face?”

Henry just gazed at Duo for a moment. “You’re no queer little suck up. I know you. You’re Duo Maxwell not ...” he looked at the fake name badge Duo was wearing. “Edward. So what’s going on?”

Duo tried to tap dance around the question, but Henry was too smart for that he just repeated his question then drank punch until Duo made up his mind. Duo thought quickly and decided that the best thing was to just tell the truth.

“Ok, Henry, this is the deal. It’s a sting and you walked right into it. You’re getting arrested for bail jumping and violation of parole. I’m really sorry, dude.”

Henry just sipped his punch and waited. He didn’t resist when Heero took his arm to lead him to the back. He just smiled a bit sadly at Duo then looked at the snack table.

“That’s ok. I just would have liked to have some of that spanikopita I really like it.”

Duo just shrugged. “Swear you’re not gonna bolt and I’ll fix you up some.”

“I double pinky swear, I’m not gonna bolt.”

Heero just nodded to the man he handed Henry over to. “I’ll bring you some in just a sec. Bob, make sure he’s treated right. Got me?”

Bob just nodded and led the big man farther into the depths of the room. Henry didn’t give any trouble, had his snacks and thanked Duo for being so nice.

Another capture was just plain fun. The man was as small as Duo and about ten pounds heavier. No one thought a thing about him when they saw him. When he checked in at the first station, the clerk flinched and gave the signal for ‘violent’ and ‘martial arts’ Duo closed in carefully, Heero right behind him.

“Hey, friend, you sneaked right past me. How’s everything. Punch? Got some nice hot snacks. What about it?”

The man turned and Duo nearly flinched. He looked so much like Wufei it was frightening and a bit disturbing.

“I don’t care for any, thank you. I’m here to claim my prize. I’d like to take it and go as soon as possible.”

Duo touched the man on the arm, it felt like an iron bar. “Sure thing. Just tell the lady your real name and we’ll take it from there.”

“My name is Chang ...” Duo flinched, if he said Wufei there was going to be some real trouble. “David Chang. Something?”

Mary checked her list again and found the name. She sighed, there was sure to be a fight. This man just wouldn’t submit, he had to be fought into unconsciousness. She just got up and backed away clearing the area. Fortunately there were no other captures in the room. Duo had done a good job of spacing them out.

Duo just shrugged. “Yeah, David, you’re under arrest, man. Come along quietly and all that shit. Ok?”

David shook his head. “I can’t. You wouldn’t understand. It’s dishonorable to just ... give up. If you can take me, I ... won’t fight after I’m cuffed. I swear. But I just can’t. I ...”

Duo just sucker punched him right in the jaw. Heero jumped him from behind and they dog piled him. He didn’t have a chance to fight and no one was hurt too badly.

They rolled him over and Heero bent his arms behind him. “Don’t struggle. I’ll have to hurt you and I don’t want to. Easy.” David didn’t struggle as Heero had hold of his thumb and was using it to bend his arm. Struggling was painful and he could dislocate either his thumb or his shoulder. He relaxed and let them get it done.

Duo helped Heero pull David to his feet. “I’m really sorry about that, man. But, see, I do understand. You’re some sort of cousin of a friend of mine or I miss my guess. Chang Wufei?”

David managed a dignified bow despite the fact that his hands were cuffed behind his back. “I am honored to meet you. Yes, Chang Wufei is a second cousin. My entire family was off colony when it exploded. Please, could you tell me your real name?”

“Maxwell, that’s Yuy. We both do get the ‘can’t surrender’ thing. Now, you want something to drink? Or some ice? I’m gonna send you to the back with this ... here, Mary, you take him, ok?”

Mary looked scared, she was just a booking clerk that had volunteered to help out her husband, who ran one of the bonds companies. “Ok, I guess?”

David turned to her. “I would never hurt a woman. Please don’t be afraid.” he hung his head for a moment. “I’m well and truly caught, I’ll behave myself.”

Mary nodded. “Ok. Swear?” David gave her a piercing look, realized that she didn’t mean any insult and just nodded. “Ok, look, that’s going to be quite some bruise. I’ll get an ice pack and hold it on for a bit. Come on.” David went without complaint and was booked and removed to jail without a fight.

The only real fight was with a woman. She came in with an attitude and not a good one.

She acted like she owned the world and didn’t like it. Duo bounced up to her and was greeted with a scowl and a sharp, “What did I win?” Duo fawned and smoozed her, asking if she’d like a snack or some punch. She didn’t want it and turned it down rudely. Duo finally managed to talk her into signing in, but only by telling her she had to give her name so they’d know what prize she’d won. This was the only thing that finally, after ten minutes of discussion, got her to sign in.

“Doris Martin. See that you spell it right. And now I want to know what I’ve won.”

Mary was back at the table and in a bad mood. Poor David had been so polite to her and apologized for putting her to the trouble of taking care of his bruised chin. Now this woman was nothing but nasty.

“I’m not exactly sure. You’ve won prize number three. Please go through that door. Your prize will be awarded behind the curtain.”

“Hmph. This is a lot of running around for something I’m sure is not as advertised. I think I’ll just take a pass and leave.”

Duo got between Doris and the door, telling her that, since she’d come this far why didn’t she see what she’d won. She slapped him right in the face. He blinked for a second, trying to decide how rough to get. Mary didn’t give him a chance to worry long.

“Ok, that’s it! I’ve had it. The big guys knuckle under, the little guys fight and you’re just rude.”

Mary jumped on Doris and two other women, bonds ‘people’ posing as staff, followed her. And the fight was on. Doris grabbed Mary by the hair but Mary’s tight bun left her with nothing much to hold onto so her grip slipped. Heero tried to interfere and got a foot in the gut for his trouble. Duo hauled him off, telling him, “Let ‘em do it. I don’t fight girls. Only that heifer is no girl by any stretch of the imagination.” Heero backed off and left the ladies to their business.

The other two women were tough ladies. Both bail bonds women in the tradition of Beth Chapman, no nonsense, in your face and ready to take care of business. The fight didn’t really take as long as you’d have thought.

Doris was large, but soft and cowardly. She went down hard and stayed there. Three determined women who were trained were more than a match for one paper hanger. And that was all she was wanted for, she wrote 20,000 euros worth of bad checks, jumped bail and beat up her boy friend.

She cried when she was handcuffed then fought as Mary and one of the other women hauled her toward the back. They finally wound up hog tying her and getting two of the men to carry her back by the tie and her knees. Not real dignified, especially as she was wearing a summer tank top dress. Duo made a yuck face and turned his back as did most of the other men. The only one’s who actually watched were the bondsman who was responsible for her and Mary’s husband.

Getting Doris’s DNA was interesting, she finally spit at someone and they got enough of a sample from that, but a retinal scan was impossible. They’d have to get one at the jail. ID was confirmed with DNA and finger prints which was enough. They were all glad to get her out of the building especially as they managed before the next client came in.

The last one was Duo’s favorite, he’d evidently been smart enough to watch for a while. He stopped at the entry to smell the flowers in the heavy boxes. When he entered he greeted Duo with grave dignity and followed him to the check in table. He requested cup of coffee and a cookie. Even Heero felt that this man was no threat to anyone.

“Well, boys, what now? We all know why we’re here, don’t we? Fact is, I’m old and tired and I want to stop running.”

Heero went to fetch him the coffee he’d requested, Duo went with him to the sign in table. He gave his name as well as several aliases and waited while Mary checked her list. She checked carefully and had a happy smile on her face.

“Oh, this is nice. See here, Mr. Newman? You’ve been cleared of all the charges against you. Your brother confessed two years ago. Your bondsman has been searching for you ever since. You’re even cleared for the bail jump as the bondsman won’t press charges, and the court decided to give you a pass because it was ... um ... it says ‘egregious miscarriage of justice.” Congratulations!”

Mr. Newman just stared at her for a moment then he staggered slightly. Duo grabbed his arm and helped him stand until Heero could bring a chair for him to sit in. They got him settled and Heero handed him the cup of coffee he’d handed off to one of the others. Mr. Newman sipped at the coffee and sighed. When Duo handed him a small paper plate with a cookie and two hot hors d’oeuvres’ he smiled softly.

“Something?”

“You remind me of my son. I haven’t seen him in ... oh, it must be three years. When all this started he was ... very young, only fifteen. He just couldn’t understand that the law had made a mistake. I’d very much like to see him. Does he know that I’ve been proven innocent?”

Duo shrugged. “Don’t know, man. We got a good phone number on him, I think. Why don’t you take this and call him? See if he can’t come and pick you up or something?”

“I’d appreciate that very much. Thank you.”

Mr. Newman accepted the phone and called his now nineteen year old son. The son was living about thirty minutes away and said that he’d be there as soon as traffic allowed. He then asked to speak to someone in charge. Mr. Newman returned the phone to Duo who put it to his ear.

Duo listened for a moment then said. “You got it. I swear by Shinigami that he’ll be here even if I have to chain him to the flower pot. Just don’t get yourself arrested for speeding or something, ok?”

It took the boy forty-five minutes to get there, minutes during which Mr. Newman had coffee, cookies and snacks. He was treated with respect by everyone there. Men who’d worn themselves out arresting all sorts of people were glad to see one good thing happen this dreary day.

Duo did the host thing one last time. They’d locked the door after Mr. Newman, Sr. came in. There were always a few idiots who heard about the sting from one or another of the clients and decided to try to claim one of the prizes for themselves. Heero was of the opinion that they ought to arrest them for attempted fraud. Instead they just locked the doors on them.

When young Mr. Newman, Jr. came to the door there was no doubt who he was, he looked like a younger version of his father. Duo realized that Mr. Newman, Sr. couldn’t be as old as he seemed, he checked and found that he was only 41. Duo opened the door to the son and just pointed.

“Daddy! Oh, Daddy, I’m so sorry. I’m such a fool. I wish I’d believed you. I do.”

The younger Newman fell on his father with hugs and unashamed kisses on the cheeks. Mr. Newman Sr. just held his son and wept. Some of the crew had already left, going home to spouses, families, significant others; but a few were still there. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

Heero waited until they got themselves together a bit then he approached offering tissues and gentle comfort.

“Here. Dry off. Now that you’re back together, do you need anything? We’ll be happy to get you home?”

“Excuse me. I’m Alex. I think I’ll be alright in a bit. It’s just ... I’ve missed him so much. And Mom, she couldn’t come, she kinda fell apart. She’ll kill me if I’m not home with him soon.” Young Alex turned to his father, delight shining in his eyes. “She’s waited four years for this. And we go soon? Please? I want to get you home. We kept all your stuff. Mom’s been running the business by herself, I’ve been helping lately, since I’ve gotten big enough. Come on. Can we go?”

The two men thanked Heero and Duo for all their help, thanked the remaining crew and left. Heero watched through the window with Duo tucked under his arm. “Well, that was a nice end to the day. Can we go home, too, now? I’m beat.”

Heero allowed as how they could so they left, leaving the last of the clean up to the hotel staff.

.

They got home and collapsed in the great room. Duo on the couch and Heero in a Papa-san with his feet on a poof.

“Damn that was hard work. You ok?”

Duo moaned. “No, I’m dead. One more cheery bounce would have been my last. Next time you be the door greeter and I’ll be the muscle.”

Heero snorted softly. “When were you ever muscle?”

“Hey!” Duo exclaimed indignantly. “I’m muscular. Um ... when I weigh enough, that is. And speaking of weight, I’m hungry. Carry in?”

Heero waved a hand to indicate that he didn’t care. “I’ll call in a sec.”

Duo pulled his cell from his pocket, just bending sideways to get to it. “I’ll call that Greek place. They deliver. And, after smelling that cheap frozen spanikopita, I want Gyros. With all the trimmings and a big salad instead of fries. You?”

Heero didn’t even open his eyes. “Sounds great. How long?”

Duo talked to the restaurant. “About twenty minutes. And I ordered drinks. ‘M not movin’ from here until the food comes.”

And neither one of them did.

When the doorbell rang, Heero got up to answer it, took the food, paid, and brought it back to the living room.

“We should get up and eat at the table. What if one of us spills something?”

“It’ll clean.” Heero handed Duo his food.

Duo opened his Gyros, which was dripping with tatziki. “What if it doesn’t?” He took a bite, moaning with pleasure as the taste danced through his mouth.

“If it doesn’t clean, we’ll have it reupholstered.” Duo started to say something else, but Heero glared him into silence. “If that doesn’t work we’ll throw it out.”

Duo sputtered around his straw. “But Heero, this furniture is expensive.”

Heero eyed Duo. “Lover, I’m rich. I’m no damn Q. But I’ve got way more money than anyone thinks I do.”

Duo shrugged. “Well, ok.”

He didn’t ask where most of Heero’s money came from and Heero didn’t volunteer. They just finished eating, talking quietly about the various events of the day and went to bed.

.

A week later Heero had all the arrangements in line for Duo to begin classes to become a certified bounty hunter. Duo was nervous but ready to start. After all he was a Gundam pilot and after Operation Meteor how nervous could he get over starting a class. Surprisingly, very.

“God, Heero, I think I’m gonna puke. This is ridiculous, I’m a fuckin’ Gundam pilot, why am I so nervous?”

Heero smirked a bit. “Think maybe you’re reading more into this than necessary. Buck likes you. Alvin does too. Mary thinks you’re the cutest thing since puppies. The rest of the guys all are ready to help any way they can. Granted, it’s because of me, but you’ll win them over just by being yourself. Now come on.”

Duo followed Heero to the SUV and settled in the passenger seat. One of the things they’d have to do soon was get him a drivers license. They were waiting until he felt up to spending a full day standing around in lines. He still tired a bit more easily than they liked but he was going to start going to the gym with Heero every day starting on Monday. Now he was freaking over his first class. Law and the Bounty 101, oh, fuck.

He was silent during the drive, worrying at his lower lip. Heero respected the silence and drove to the campus to let Duo out for his first law class. The class was being held in the nearby community college, established in 120AC. Its reputation was good and the teacher for that class was known to Heero.

Duo gathered his books and checked to see that he had a pencil, kissed Heero and headed off for his first class.

It didn’t take him long to find the lecture hall. He settled in near the back wall subconsciously putting his back to the wall. He looked around finding the exits and then laughed at himself. If he needed to leave, all he had to do was get up and walk out. And no one was going to be looking for him except Heero, and he wasn’t going to shoot at him.

Duo relaxed and watched the rest of the students enter the hall and find seats. There was a lot of shuffling around and talking and laughing. He remembered a mission in a prep school and sighed.

“Hey, that’s a heavy sigh for so early in the class.” Duo glanced at the man who held out a hand, remarking, “I’m Lance. Lancelot La Grange. And please, no jokes ok?”

Duo shook his head. “Well, ok. But I assure you my jokes are always original. And ... what the hell was your mother thinking?”

Lancelot just shook his head. “Who knows. She’s a romantic. So what’s your name?”

Duo flushed slightly. “Duo Maxwell, sorry. I should have introduced myself. So what are you majoring in and damn that was too trite for words.”

Lance snorted softly. “Well since I’m straight, don’t worry. It’s a rather natural question considering where we are. I’m majoring in business and need one criminal law class. This one seemed fairly easy.”

“I’m going to be a bounty hunter. I need this class for my certificate.”

Lancelot, call me Lance, blinked once. “Ok, I thought all bounty hunters were ... big guys. Are you sure that’s what you want to do? Not that I’m trying to mind your business or anything.”

Duo realized that rather than resenting Lance, Duo felt pleasure that he was concerned.

“There’s more to me than a pretty face. I can handle it. Me ‘n Heero. We ... well, lets just say we have done a lot.”

Lance looked at Duo in amusement. “Hero? You call your friend hero? That’s ... different.”

Duo gave him a blank look then grinned. “Hero with two e’s. or two i’s. It’s Japanese.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“Don’t be.” A noise at the front caught his attention. “Oh, here’s the teacher.”

Lance blinked, no one was at the front. Then a door opened at the far back of the stage and the professor came in. Lance hissed, “How the hell did you know?”

“Heard him walking down the hall. Hush.”

They both sat back to see what the teacher had to say for himself.

After messing with the microphone and clearing his throat, the professor announced, “As this is a theory class there’s no hands on, obviously. Now, I have a TA, that’s a teaching assistant to you freshmen, he’ll be handing out your prospectus and outline. There’s also a required reading list. Don’t have a heart attack, it’s sort of like a Chinese menu. Read one from column a, two from column b, and four from column c. book reports must be at least twenty pages. No groaning.” It was to late for that comment to have any effect as every one in the room had groaned at the number of pages required. “Well, anyway. I’ll be lecturing for at least forty-five minutes of the hour the rest will be devoted to question and answer. The requirements for submissions of all kinds are in the prospectus. Do not, I repeat not, turn in a book report of less than twenty pages, do not staple it together, put it in a binder. That said, I’ll call roll. I hope you like the seat you’re in, it’s yours for the duration.”

With that he handed a pile of folders to a young man and started calling names. As each person answered he wrote the name on a layout of the hall. When he called Duo’s name, Duo answered without thinking. “Zed two, present”

“Excuse me, Mr. Maxwell?”

Duo flushed. “Sorry. Maxwell here.”

The professor just grunted and went on. But Duo got some odd looks from some of his older classmates. He just kept his head down and his mouth shut.

When he got his prospectus Duo just sighed. He recognized some of the required reading. Lance glanced over at him and whispered, “What?”

Duo rubbed his face with both hands. “I’ve already read some of these books. They’re shit. Really.”

The professor over heard somehow and announced. “If you’ve already read some of the required reading go ahead and do a report on them. In your prospectus you’re given some questions to answer and asked for your opinion of the book. You’re required to support your opinion with facts. Be prepared. And that’ll be all for the day. Thank your lucky stars. This is the last break you’ll get. Dismissed.”

Duo stood up and stuffed the folder into his briefcase. “This is so not going to be fun. Book reports? Rather do a damn mission report, with a broken thumb.”

Lance grinned. “You sound like my dad. He was in specials. Um ... OZ?” He flinched slightly. “If you’d rather I moved, I’ll talk to the professor.”

Duo shook his head. “No, you’re not your father. Is he out, or in?”

Lance settled back in his seat. “Out. On probation. He was ... some sort of test pilot/mechanic on an ... Aries? I think. He never talked much about it. Said he wanted to leave work at work. We ok?”

Duo nodded. “As far as I’m concerned, yeah. Your dad might have different ideas. It’ll work out or it won’t.”

The TA came around to see if there was a problem, when he found out they were just talking, he suggested that they make friends. “You’ve got to organize a study group. You need two more people at least. And believe me you need the group. Now, you better leave. The next class is due any second and you have about 10 minutes to find your next class.”

Duo glanced at his schedule. “It’s a praticum. //practicum// Fire arms safety.” Duo laughed, “like //Like// I need that. But what can you do.”

The TA shook his head. “You really need safety. You have no idea how destructive a firearm cam be.”

Duo snorted a bit bitterly. “Buddy, you have no idea. I know more about firearms than anyone my age should. Well, I’m off.”

Lance grinned and said. “In more ways than one.”

Duo returned over his shoulder. “Man, you don’t know the half of it. See ya.”

.

The weapons practicum was the only other class Duo had that day. He had Defense and Arrest techniques and Booking procedures the next day. Heero had insisted that he only take four classes the first semester as he was still not totally recovered. He was also required to provided //provide// proof of attendance at a gym for at least four hours a week. This was going to be easy as they were going to Heero’s gym, where he’d bought Duo a membership, after classes every day.

The only problem with this class was that it was rather awkward, you couldn’t have a fire arm in your possession without a carry permit. You couldn’t get a carry permit without passing this class. And you couldn’t pass this class without a firearm. Heero had snorted and told Duo to leave the arrangements up to him.

Duo glanced around the entry way. It was simple but effective. The doors opened into a confined area, bound on three sides by an arc shaped check in desk. The fourth side was the door. The desk held two check in stations split by a heavy, chest high electronic gate. The desk was topped by a Plexiglass curtain attached to the ceiling. The gap between the top of the desk and the bottom of the Plexiglass was about eight inches. Plenty of room to do business but not enough to allow anyone to get in. Duo nodded his approval.

“Hello? Anyone?”

“Hey! Hi! Runnin’ a bit late. Sorry. Name?”

Duo gave his name, admitted that he had no idea what to do and waited for the girl to tell him.

“That’s ok. Maxwell.” she ran one finger down a list on a screen inset into the counter top. “Ok got it. You’re new here. Oooo, sponsored by Mr Yuy. And ... um ... yeah, he dropped your piece off just this morning. Got a practicum I see. Well, you better look out ‘cause the guy in charge of this one is ex-military and he’s a real pill. But he’s one of the best and if you want to pass you better listen. Now. You press your thumb here, that’ll give me an exemplary. Then, every time you come in, you print here to get in. Then you print at your locker. That keeps unauthorized people from handling your piece. And we have a good gunsmith. But you should learn to do minor stuff yourself. That’s something the teacher won’t tell you. Now. I’ll buzz you through and show you your locker.”

Duo opened the gate when the lock buzzed. He couldn’t help checking it out. He sighed, mumbled, ‘cracker box’ and followed the girl to his gun safe. Which was also a cracker box.

Duo shook his head in disgust, this was really bad. “Look, I hate to be ... disrespectful, but this is just not acceptable. This thing ... I could open it before I was twelve. Don’t you have anything better?”

She didn’t even blink, just shrugged and said, “We do but they’re expensive. I just put your piece here until you could either approve it or ask for something better. Mr. Yuy didn’t like it either. He ... let me check.” she consulted a hand held and nodded to herself. “Yes. He said that you should pick what you like. He said for me to show you his locker and ... there’s three empty ones, one beside it, one across the aisle and one a couple down. Come on.”

Duo hoped that he wasn’t going to be late to class but this was important so he followed the girl deeper into the locker rooms. He chose the locker next to Heero’s opened it and smiled, there was room in it for four long guns and six hand guns. Plus room to hang a jacket and a suit bag. It looked like one of the lockers in Preventer HQ. Duo stuck his book bag in it and accepted his gun case from the girl. She’d snorted when she’d said, “I have to take it from here to there, so you can print the lock. No sense in printing both of them.”

He printed the lock and the clerk checked that it had activated properly. She left and Duo donned his holster and holstered his piece. He didn’t load it as he wasn’t sure of the rules of the range yet. It wouldn’t do to show up with a loaded piece if it wasn’t allowed, but showing up with an unloaded one when it was allowed was a sign of courtesy in the range. He’d rather err on the side of caution, rather than piss off the range officer. He felt like he’d learned a few things during the war.

.

Duo entered the range, realizing he was more than a bit early. The walk across campus hadn’t taken as long as he’d thought it would. He didn’t realize that his idea of a stroll, even in his weakened state, was everyone else’s idea of a jog.

He started to explore. The range had six lanes, somewhat like a bowling alley. Each lane had a bench across it flanked by high free standing walls. The overhead track held a slender rod of gundanium with a clip at the end. The paper targets were fairly rigid cardboard with a target on it. Some had silhouettes others bulls eyes. The track was motorized so that the target could be moved from within a few feet to the far end at 200 yards. Duo fiddled with the control for a moment watching the holder whiz backward and forward.

“Hello.” Duo nearly jumped out of his skin, hitting the floor with his 9mm in one hand, the other braced on the floor. “Um ... I’m the range officer. Could you not point that at me?”

Duo flushed heavily and stood up. He holstered his piece and sighed. “Damn, man, you nearly gave me a heart attack. I didn’t hear you over the motor. Sorry about that. I’m a little flinchy.”

“I can see that. You’re a bit young to have reflexes like that. Where were you stationed?”

Duo frowned, trying to decide what to say. The instructor just stood, waiting.

“I’m colony. Um ... I was one of the Gundam pilots. Duo Maxwell, 02.”

“Well, I can see why you’re a bit jumpy. I was an arms instructor. Oz, 12th Battalion. Pleased to meet you. Name’s Gerard. Instructor Gerard.” he grinned at Duo, holding up one hand. “And, no, I won’t tell you my first name. It’s too awful to contemplate. Go on. Pick a lane.”

Duo decided to stay on the one he was at. Instructor Gerard greeted the rest of the students as they came in, assigning each one a lane and telling them to place their piece on the range bench in front of them. Duo had already done so out of habit.

Instructor Gerard called roll, checked off the names and put his PDA away. “Very well, everyone’s here.” he started pacing in the large front end of the range. “First I’ll explain the various areas of the range, so that there won’t be any misunderstandings. Every range names things their own way, so, for some of you this is necessary. And I won’t hurt any of you. Where we’re standing now is the front end. The cubicles where you stand are bays, and the place where the targets are is called the back end, each individual shooting line is called a lane. If I tell you to enter the back end stay in your lane unless other wise instructed. Never go into the back end without making sure that no one else is shooting. If something goes wrong with the target holder, yup that’s what it’s called, do not, I repeat NOT enter the back end without consulting me first. I’ll stop the practice and everyone will enter the front end. If I tell you jump you don’t ask how high, you just jump and hope it’s high enough. Any questions?”

There didn’t seem to be any, so Gerard instructed every one to enter their bay.

“Do not touch your piece. I will issue you your ammunition, scores are partially based on how much you shoot. You will be issued ammunition in boxes of five hundred, turn in any unused ammo at the end of your session. The number of shots you’ve taken will be recorded for you. Do not take ammo out of the building. Anyone caught doing so will be expelled, not from the class, from school altogether. And getting it past the metal detector is impossible. All papers will be turned in at the same time you turn in unexpended rounds. They will be scored. Don’t worry about that just now. You’re learning to aim. The papers will be used to help you get a handle on aiming. Later the scores will contribute to your overall.”

He activated something in the back of the room beside the entry way. A chart descended from the ceiling.

“This is a round of ammo. This is NOT a bullet. You will lose 20 points every time I hear you refer to a live round of ammunition as a bullet.” Duo couldn’t suppress a slight snicker. “Something funny, Maxwell.” Duo shook his head, grinning. Gerard grinned back. “Didn’t think so.” Gerard went on to explain that the brass part was referred to as brass, empties, expended shells or popped ones. The live stuff was called live rounds, ammo, shells etc. He’d ended by saying, “the thing in the end that goes out of the gun is a bullet. Don’t forget it.”

Duo had to grin again, the explanation was the same one he’d heard several times before, different words, same information. The bit about the bullet was priceless. Gerard had broken the tension without breaking the mood.

“I’ll walk around and show those of you who are inexperienced how to load and where the safety is. Maxwell, you’re on your own. Go get your ammo at the window, the rest of you don’t go until after I speak to you.”

Duo went to the window got a thousand round and returned to his place. He loaded a magazine, picked up his piece, and snapped the magazine in place. He was glad to notice that there was already a target in place. His lane had one on the clip and several in a holder under the shooting bench. Using the control on the wall, Duo ran the holder down the rail watching the digital readout until it said 75 feet. He’d start there until he got used to the pistol. He was well aware that this was a great deal farther than most people ever shot a pistol of any kind that was street legal. Twenty to twenty-five yards was the maximum for most. He wasn’t as good as Heero but he was so much better than almost anyone else that he was in a completely different class. Olympic shooters weren’t as good as he was. Of course their lives never depended on their shooting.

Duo took two shots, grimaced and fished a small screw driver out of his kit. The sights were just a click off. He made his adjustment and tried another two shots. These were right on so he continued to shoot until Instructor Gerard got to him.

“Well, how are you doing?” Gerard examined the targets Duo had already shot. “Nice papers. Be sure to turn them in. Any questions? Problems?” Duo shook his head to both questions. “Um ... I’ve been thinking. I was Oz, you were Alliance. That going to be a problem?”

Duo shrugged slightly. “Only if you make it one. Advice?”

“Talk.”

“How many rounds a day is gonna get me an A? I really need all the A’s I can get. Some of the standard classes are going to give me fits.”

Instructor Gerard looked puzzled. “Standard classes? Not sure what you mean.”

Duo’s gaze caught him straight on. “English, math, that sort of thing. Math not so much, but basic stuff, I didn’t get much of it.”

Gerard shook his head in wonder. “Man, you don’t have to take any of that stuff, unless you want to. Certificates don’t require academics other than what applies to the subject of the certificate. If anyone talked you in to English Lit 101 or any of that shit, just go to the office and drop it. Waste of time.”

Duo waited until the instructor was at the next station then did a little dance of joy, braid swinging jauntily from side to side. He’d been dreading the only two classes that he’d been talked into that weren’t on the certificate list. He’d never understood why he’d needed History of the Colonial Age or Business Writing for his certificate. He was going to drop them like a hot rivet. As soon as class was over.

He managed to get through 500 shells before the end of the class period. Two hours, 500 shells, not a problem it was less than four shots a minute. That gave him 14.4+ seconds to cycle. Very doable. He did the math to get through a thousand. 7.2 seconds per shot was still possible but he worried about overheating the barrel. Shooting that fast didn’t allow time for cooling. He thought he could keep up that rate of fire for a while, changing magazines being an issue but was it really necessary.

“Maxwell, problem?”

Duo turned around and explained his thought process to Gerard. He shook his head in amazement or amusement, the expression on his face a combination of the two.

“Well, it’s doable. But why? You’re right. You’ll over heat something awful. You’d need a max capacity magazine or a ton of standards. We expect you to come in and shoot at other times besides classes. I figure if you can get through a box in three hours you’re doing good. Ok?”

Duo grinned. “Very ok. That takes a load off my mind I was really wondering how some of these others were going to get in their daily average.”

Instructor Gerard called the class to attention, dismissed them, and made sure that each person knew what to do with their piece. At this time they were to turn it in to the gun smith for cleaning and inspection, he would return each pistol to the proper locker after he was done.

Duo pulled up short. “Instructor, I’m qualified to clean my own and I’d rather. What now?”

“Just take it to the gun smith yourself. He’ll watch you clean it and sign you off on the module.”

Duo nodded, not noticing the expressions on the faces of two of his classmates.

.

Duo knocked on the door jamb of the smithy and waited to be invited in. It was, technically speaking, public rooms, but anyone who dared step into a smithy without the express invitation of the smith was just plain foolish.

“Well, come in. Don’t just stand there blocking sunlight. What can I do ya for?”

Duo explained what he wanted and handed the smith the sign off sheet. The smith just pointed to a work space and said, “Fine, show me what ya got.”

Duo stripped down the semi-auto, cleaned it and reassembled it. He took his time and did the job right.

The smith nodded his head, signed the paper and leaned back. “Ok, where’d you learn that. Only place I ever saw anyone remove an OS clip like that was Alliance.”

Duo settled in for a bit of gossip. “I was Alliance. Learned it at my Daddy’s knee. Sort of.”

“I see. Resistance. They took in a lot of youngsters. Hard life.”

Duo accepted the cup of coffee the smith offered. “What’s your name.”

“You laugh and I’ll whack ya. John Smith.”

Duo knew better than to even crack a smile. “Well, John. You saw my name on the sheet. No comment?”

John shook his head. “Not my place, even if I did have an opinion. Stick around a while.”

Duo did, sipping coffee and swapping lies while the man cleaned an assortment of junk belonging to his class mates.

“Where do they come up with some of this shit? I swear I could buy better on a street corner.”

The smith just grunted as he pulled the barrel off a .380 pearl handled, chrome plated knock off. “Don’t know. Pawn shops mostly, I’d guess. Don’t know why they cut corners like that. Look here. Slides so worn it won’t hardly stay seated. Got to red tag this one.”

“Red tag?”

“Not fit for service. Whoever this belongs to will have to get a better weapon or drop out. And I’m sure to hear about it.”

He red tagged two more pieces then started putting each one back in it’s carry case, checking serial numbers to be sure he got each one back in the proper case. When he was finished, he said good-bye to Duo and went to return all the guns to the proper lockers, Duo let him take his as well, having fiddled around a bit too long gossiping.

“I’m headed to the enrollment office to drop a couple of classes I found out I don’t have to take. See you.”

The smith just nodded and left.

.

“Look, I don’t need my money back, give me a credit on next semesters classes. But you finagled me into taking classes I don’t need and I’m not takin’ ‘em. It’s too big a load. No one told me that 18 hours was a heavy load.”

The clerk looked smug. “Well, Mr. Maxwell, it’s not my fault that you didn’t take the advice of your councilor. I know they all tell you freshmen not to take more than 12. But do you listen? Of course not. You’ll just have to keep up or drop out.”

Duo gave the man a narrow eyed look that boded no good for him or the college. “Ok, so first you talk me into doing something that any high school councilor would tell me not to do. Then it’s my fault I trusted you. And I can’t get a credit or anything. I see. You’re a real smart ass, ya know?”

“Now see here, I don’t like your inferences...” the clerk started to sputter.

“I’m not inferin’ nothin’. I’m sayin’ it right out loud. You screwed me. So, you got two choices. Give me a refund or I’ll report ya to the administration. Get over yourself.”

Duo’s temper was beginning to get the better of him. The man was pulling one of the oldest college scams in the universe. The college itself wasn’t guilty of anything, but the clerk was padding the college’s bank accounts by over enrolling students. They then had to either carry the load or drop classes and lose their money. Duo wasn’t about to join the ranks of the ignorant and cheated.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’d suggest that you go on your way before I have you expelled for ...”

Duo just snorted. “You can’t have me expelled for a billing grievance. I’m not as stupid as you think. So, here’s the deal. I’m sick of messing with you so I’ll go. Expect to hear from me very soon.”

Duo picked up his paper work, surreptitiously picking up his folder at the same time. He distracted the man with a little temper tantrum and got out of the office. He called Heero to tell him he was ready to be picked up then settled on a bench to read the files he’d snatched.

.

Heero pulled up and beeped his horn to attract Duo’s attention. Duo looked up, grinned and hurried to scramble into the passenger seat.

“Heero, man, I’m glad to see you. Debrief?”

Heero nodded his head, keeping his eyes on the traffic. “Please.”

“Ok. Here’s the low down.” Duo proceeded to tell Heero all about his day, ending, “and I want my money back but the idiot says I can’t have it. Not even as a credit against next semesters expenses. So, now what?”

Heero frowned as he turned into their driveway. “Well, let me see what I can do. If that doesn’t work. I’m not sure. We’ll just have to see. Maybe a call to Buck. He’s good at this kind of stuff. I hate red tape.”

Duo climbed out and leaned into the truck to get his backpack. “Me too. Makes me want a really big knife.”

Heero turned to look at him. Duo handed him his most innocent expression. “What? To cut the red tape with. What did you think?”

“That a pair of scissors would work better. Come on. I’m hungry, you cook, I’ll start seeing what I can do about this mess.”

“Ok.” Duo agreed readily, he liked cooking. Heero was a good cook, but didn’t like it much. Duo liked cooking and wasn’t that happy with laundry, Heero did laundry without even thinking about it. “Bring the laptop to the kitchen table?”

“Sure. I’ll be back in a sec.” Heero went to fetch his computer from the fancy upstairs office. “Oh, the architect called today. They’re going to be ready to do the job next week. They put it off again so they would have a crew big enough to do it in one day.”

Duo shook his head. This was the second time they’d put the renovations off. The first time was for the sting, then the flu had gotten to the crew, the architects had sheepishly admitted that they couldn’t do the job. Neither Heero nor Duo was in that big a hurry to get the job done. They wanted it done right, so they’d agreed with the firm to put it off again. This put off was just another annoyance in a string of them.

Heero settled at the table with his computer. He entered Duo’s student ID number from memory and waited while the college site did its search.

“Spaghetti all right?” Duo raised his head from rummaging in the cabinets. “Not much else right now. There’s ‘burger, sauce and noodles, Capelleni. Plenty of Parmesan. And greens for a salad. Bottled dressing, either buttermilk ranch or Itallian. And, you pick the wine.”

Heero nodded. “Sure. I think ... yeah, here we are.” Heero read for a moment then asked with unusual sarcasm. “So you got a brain fart? Or what? How the hell did you get talked in to taking this shit.”

Duo sighed. “I didn’t think. He’s supposed to be a councilor not a pimp. But he pimped me. He said I had to have the credits to get my certificate. I should have read the requirements more carefully. I should have been able to trust him. So ... fix it. Or I will. Any how, the one’s I really feel sorry for are all the kids who really can’t afford it who got talked into taking classes they don’t need and can’t afford. Someone needs to complain. ... oh, I guess that’d be me.”

Heero just grunted absently as he read the TOS. “Well, let me see. First we need to fill out a complaint against him. Then a request to drop, a request for refund with reason for same. Then we ... you have to appear before a student court. To support your complaint with facts. This is so not going to be fun.”

Duo banged a frying pan down on the stove top, turned on the heat and began to chop garlic. “Fuck! That’s stupid. I feel like going down there, pulling a gun and demanding my money.”

“What good would that do. You’d be in jail and still wouldn’t attract the kind of attention this will.”

Duo sighed, tossed the hamburger into the now hot skillet and remarked. “I know. Just because I feel like it doesn’t mean I’ll do it. I do have some impulse control, ya know.” he stirred the meat around then added the garlic.

“Yeah, I do. I really feel like going down there and beating that bastard senseless.”

“Don’t bother. He’s already stupid.” Duo dumped the sauce into the pan and checked to see if the pasta water was boiling yet. “Water’s not quite boiling yet so we’ve got about ... fifteen minutes.”

Heero looked up and smiled. “Question.”

“Sure.”

“How the hell did I manage to get this lucky. I figured that you’d hate me.”

“Fuck, Heero. You came when I needed you the most. Suits me.”

“Ok.”

Duo turned back to the stove like they hadn’t had the most important conversation of their relationship, to date.

“You want garlic bread? There’s half a loaf of French bread. A bit stale but ...” Duo turned back to glance at Heero with a tiny smile. Heero grinned back and made a motion to indicate he didn’t care. Duo started slicing the bread.

While he made garlic bread, Heero found and printed out the forms that Duo needed to fill out for the complaint, the drop and the refund. He eyed the pile of paper. “Duo, you’re filling this all out yourself. There must be ... fifteen pages here.”

Duo’s expression left little doubt of his feelings. “Damn, I hate paper work. Oh, well.” he poked the contents of the skillet. “Sauce is done. Pasta?” he picked a piece off the fork and tested it. “Not quite. The bread won’t be done in time. I didn’t start it quite soon enough. Make the salad real quick, will you?”

Heero just got up and started getting the salad fixings out of the fridge.

It didn’t take him long to throw together a simple salad of greens, sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes, with a few croutons tossed on the top. He put the salads on the table, checked the garlic bread, which was done, and danced out of the way as Duo eased by with the plates of spaghetti.

While they ate Duo went over the papers. It was just as Duo had feared, round and round with no end in sight. He checked twice. “Heero? You realize that at least half of these questions are repetitious? I could ... well, wouldn’t do much good. They do prize their paperwork, don’t they?”

Heero mumbled something around a mouthful of spaghetti. Duo snorted sourly, “what ever!” then went into a rant about bombing the place.

“Wouldn’t do any good. They’ve got double redundancy backup systems. The secondary backup is stored off campus. But it would be nice. I do so love a good explosion.”

“Me too. But times change and we do too. More salad?” Duo started to rise.

“Sit. No more salad. And don’t try to get out of it. Fill. I’ll wash the dishes.”

Duo started to protest then realized that he had to fill out the forms so he’d know what was in them for the student court. “Well, fuck.”

He started writing.

.

It didn’t take long for the administration to get back to them. Two days later Duo had an appointment with the person in charge of handling his complaint. Mr. Long, the clerk who’d started this whole mess.

“Oh, this is just peachy. Who the hell put you in charge of investigating your own fraudulent behavior. Jesus!”

“Now see here, buster. I’m entitled to confront my accusers.”

“Yeah?” Duo ran a hand through his bangs. “Not really. This isn’t a criminal case. It’s civil. Or ought to be. I’m going over your head. Either tell me who your boss, the idiot, is, or I’m calling the real law. Got me?”

Mr. Long puffed up. “Sit down! I won’t have you making a scandal. We’ll figure out something.”

Duo just walked to the door. “No we won’t. You’re in so deep you’re shuckin’ and jivin’ just to cover your ass. You never thought about all those students you cheated. Just making money for the college. What? You get a percent cut? Pig. I’m so gone.” He looked at his watch. “I’ve got a class in twenty minutes. One of those one’s I don’t need.”

“I’ll get you expelled.” Mr. Long smirked like he’d played a trump card.

“Yeah? Then I’ll get my refund. It hasn’t been ten days yet. See ya, wouldn’t wanna be ya.” Duo left, letting Mr Long stew for a few moments. He knew he was in big trouble but he thought he had a way out. He turned to his computer.

Duo sat through his history class in a blue funk. This was not going to go well. He knew how bureaucracy worked, he just hated dealing with it. One of the reasons he hadn’t wanted to work for Preventers was the paper work, red tape, and political maneuvering. Not for him, thank you.

“Mr. Maxwell, are you listening?”

Duo blinked at the professor. “Not particularly. All the facts are wrong.”

“And how do you know that?”

Duo flipped the book open. “Well, let me see. The book says that Maxwell Church was destroyed, true. It says that there were no survivors, false. I survived, and I can prove it. It says that the plague killed 3% of the population of L2-117, false. It killed more than 15%, but most of those killed were street people or poor. The death certificates are there, just, there’s no one to insist that they be counted. Want me to go on?”

Dou gave the professor a bleak look and shut the book. The professor looked profoundly disturbed. “I see. Well, that just goes to prove the old saw. The winners write the history books, the losers know the truth. I think I’ll dismiss class a bit early. Please read. ... um ... the news paper. We’ll be discussing current events for the next week”

the class filed out silently, every student thinking about what Duo and the proffessor had said.

.

Duo glanced at his schedule and realized that he had two hours between this class and the next one. He idly wondered exactly what Business Writing was all about.

He took his time and wandered across the campus to the student union. He’d never been in one before.

He looked around the huge room. There was a buffet bar across the back with kitchens behind. Over the back of the bar was a huge menu billboard with every thing from hamburgers and fries to Pad Thai noodles. He grinned, this might turn out to be his favorite room.

He examined the floor and looked for exits. The entire floor was divided into cubicles by lines of bench seats. Tables were situated along them with chairs on the outsides. There must have been seating for at least 300 people and the noise indicated that there were probably that many people in the room now.

He went through the service line, picking a burger, fries and chocolate shake. He paid after showing his student ID and looked for a place to sit. It was then that he realized that he hadn’t seen an empty table anywhere in the room. “Well, shit.”

The boy behind him nudged him with the edge of his tray. “Come sit with us. My girl is holding a table. My name is Charlie Parkinson. We’re trying to find a study buddy. Want to sit in?”

Duo looked the boy over for a second. He looked harmless so Duo just nodded. “Sure. Lead on.”

They wound through the tables, chairs and wandering bodies until they got to a table. Charlie introduced Duo to his girlfriend by announcing, “Pammie, I found another victim. Hey, what the hell is your name and what’s your major.”

Duo put his tray down and settled next to the girl who was seated on the bench. He wasn’t about to have his back to a whole room of strangers. “Duo Maxwell. Major, fugitive retrieval. And applied law. What’s yours?”

Charlie laughed, “Accounting. And Pammy... Um ... hon, what’s your major this week?”

Pammy sniffed and turned her shoulder to Charlie who rolled his eyes and glanced at Duo. Duo kept his face blandly blank, he’d got himself into this, he could get himself out of it.

“My major is now settled Mr. Smartypants. I’m taking corporate purchasing.”

Duo bit into his burger, wondering if this was going to work. He didn’t think he wanted to be in a study group with an accountant and a purchasing agent. He decided to stick it out for a while. Lance was a good choice, but these two? He wasn’t so sure about them.

“I’m gonna call this guy who’s in one of my classes. Maybe he’s free now and can come to see you guys. Ok?”

Pammy sniffed again and shrugged her shoulder rather sullenly. “Guess.”

Charlie made a ‘what can you do’ sort of face and nodded. “You do that.” He turned to Pammy.

“Come on, hon, don’t be like that. Kissie? Make up? Ok?”

Duo turned his back and decide he was really glad he was gay. He couldn’t imagine Heero pulling that sort of crap. Or being stupid enough to say something like that. Neither one of them was that immature, and what did that say? He wasn’t sure. He made his call, got Lance and found out that he was not only free but had two people lined up for study buddies. Duo told him to come to the SU but make it kind of quick as he had class in an hour and a half. Lance agreed to be there in fifteen minutes or less.

He showed up with a man and a woman in their late twenties or early thirties. The woman was a Valkyrie and the man was huge. Duo just grinned at them.

“Hi, Duo Maxwell, Charlie Parkinson and Pammy. No last name.” Duo pointed at each person as he introduced them.

Lance did the same, “Hi back. Lancelot La Grange, Gloria Marks, and Frank Jones. We’re all in the fugitive retrieval program.”

They all took seats, Lance and Gloria taking empty chairs from other tables. They put their heads together and started comparing course requirements. Pammy and Charlie soon realized that the only class they had in common was Business Writing. They cheerfully excused themselves and took off to look for more compatible study buddies.

Duo settled back, looked at his watch and announced. “Ok, we’ve all agreed that taking a combined major of Fugitive recovery and Private Investigation is a good idea. And that we’ve all been roped into taking unnecessary courses. So, I suggest that we meet back here after Business Writing. Which three of us have in .... fuck! Ten minutes. We better run.”

The four, Frank, Lance, Gloria and Duo, headed out, backpacks on their backs, at a quick trot. It took them three minutes to get there.
.

The Business Writing class was as useless as Duo had thought it would be. All they were really learning to do was fill out forms and write the sort of reports he already knew how to compose. Duo finished his work in about five minutes then sat back to watch. He wondered why the class was so full, then it hit him. He thought frantically, making notes in one of his binders.

“Well, Mr. Maxwell, why don’t you share whatever it is that is keeping you from doing your class work?”

Duo just held up the papers allowing the teacher to pluck them from his lose hold. He continued to scribble as the teacher looked over the forms.

“Very well done. I’m a bit surprised that someone of your age could fill out a request form properly, or at all.”

Duo shrugged. “Man, you know what kind of paper work I had to fill out to get a new vernier? Killed a whole tree.” Duo didn’t even realize what he’d said until the teacher gasped. “What?”

“Paper work for a vernier engine? How did you get into the military? No, it’s impossible.”

Duo trotted out the same old saw that he always did. “I’m colonial. We inducted lots of really young guys, and gals too. And I’m older than I look.”

“I see. Well, continue. Doing other homework?”

Duo just closed his book. “Yeah, but I’m done now. Um ... class is nearly done. Do I have to stay?”

The teacher, who’d actually forgotten to introduce himself or even write his name on the dry board, shook his head. “I’d rather not set the precedent. Just read something.”

Duo shrugged and settled back in his chair to wait out the last fifteen minutes of class. He spent it day dreaming of Heero.

.

When class let out Duo took a few minutes to get phone numbers and make a study date. Then he headed for the gate where he was too meet Heero.

He didn’t have to wait long. Heero drove up in the SUV, opened the door and whistled. Duo laughed and ran to the vehicle. He hopped in and settled in his seat, kissed Heero and fastened his seat belt.

“I decided on a second major. Private Investigation. About a third of the classes are for both majors. What do you think?”

Heero smiled. “I think you’re wonderful. I think the moon is ...” Duo tossed a ball of paper at him making him duck and laugh.

“Do not start with me. And I had an idea. We need to see if we can’t figure out which classes are being pushed and if there’s any connection between Mr. Long and the teachers there of. So ... hmmm... ask around campus seems to be the ticket. What do you think?”

Heero nibbled at his very kissable lower lip, making Duo lose his train of thought for a moment. “I think I could run their enrollment data against the requirements for all classes and see .... hmmm .... not too easy but fairly simple. I’ll need some ... dammit!” Heero jerked the wheel to avoid a bicyclist and announced that he’d think about it after they got home. Duo just grunted and agreed. He really didn’t want to be in a car wreck
.

Heero pushed the door open and dumped Duo’s pack on the floor. Duo had his arms full of grocery bags and staggered, rather dramatically, to the kitchen area to dump them on the table. He started putting groceries away while Heero set up his lap top. Then he realized that it was his turn to cook supper. He gave the computer one longing look but got up to start his prep.
While he was chopping onions for his stir fry, Heero was thinking about parameters for his search, arms suddenly circling his waist made him flinch slightly.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” Duo rubbed his chest.

“ ‘S ok. I was thinking about search parameters.” Heero patted the hands at his waist. “We’ve got to put the pressure on the administration too. If they don’t know what is going on, they should have. We need to file a protest about having someone investigate the allegations of fraud against themselves. Someone was taking their stupid pills.”

Duo nibbled on the back of Heero’s neck. “Really? Ya think?” He moved a bit lower and bit lightly over one of Heero’s shoulder blades. Heero moved to dump the stir fry onto a platter. Duo went with him, clinging like a limpet.

Heero took the top off the rice cooker and checked to see that the rice was really done, sometimes the cooker would ding, but the rice was still a bit hard. It was done so he spooned portions into bowls.

They settled to eat, but Duo was feeling playful so they wound up feeding each other. Heero picked out the broccoli as he knew Duo liked it and Duo was careful to feed Heero all his water chestnuts, he didn’t care for them that much and Heero loved the crunch. They fiddled around, feeding each other and getting ‘playful’ as Duo put it. Heero finally gave a chuckle.

“If you’re going to put your foot there, we might as well give up on the dishes. Come on. Bed.”

Duo laughed, got up from the table and started putting the dishes in the washer. Heero just took the bowl out of his hands tossed him over one shoulder and headed up the stairs, careful not to bump Duo’s head on anything. Duo laughed until Heero gave a few jerky hops, shutting him up for lack of breath. Heero’s shoulder in his stomach took care of it.

Heero dropped Duo on the bed and attacked his boots. He pulled them off and tossed them into one corner. Duo used his toes to pull off his socks while Heero tugged off his own foot wear. They proceeded to strip themselves and each other with swift efficiency.

Tumbling on the bed wasn’t such a good idea, they bounced then rolled off onto the floor. Duo landed on top of Heero squashing the breath out of him. Heero kissed Duo and pushed him back to his feet. They tried again and this time they managed to stay on the bed.

Then it was a storm of kiss, lick, nibble, stroke, touch. Duo whimpered, “In me. Heero, now!”

Heero knew he wouldn’t hurt Duo, but he took some time in his preparation anyway. He eased his way with gentle care and plenty of slick. Duo moaned and grumbled that it was taking way too long.

When Heero finally entered him Duo moaned and jerked. Heero stopped moving, a tiny frown between his eyes. “Ok?”

“No, I’m not ok. Move already. I’m dyin’ here.”

Heero laughed and continued his motions, pumping in and out of Duo, making sure to hit the sweet spot as often as he could. His aim was as good in this as it was with a fire arm. Duo came with a scream like a scalded cat. Heero howled like a wolf as he followed two strokes later.

“Damn! That was good.” Duo flopped back, lowering his legs with a thump. “I’m limp.”

“In more ways that one.” Heero chuckled. “I am too. Sleep?”

Duo wrinkled his nose. “Shower. And clean sheets. I’m not sleepin’ in a wet spot.”

Heero grunted. “Sleep in your room.”

Duo shook his head. “No. The bed’s a full size. Too small. One of us is sure to wind up on the floor...again.”

So they showered, fooled around a bit then changed the bed and fell back into it to sleep the night away.”

.

Breakfast was interesting as both of them were distracted. Duo by his continued war with Mr. Long and Heero by the search for his new bounty. They sat across the table from each other eating eggs and toast and typing on their respective lap tops in companionable silence.

Then the inevitable happened. Duo got up to get some more coffee and caught the cord of his laptop with his foot. It pulled the computer off the table and, despite Heero’s lightning reflexes, the computer hit the floor with a resounding crack.

“Fuck! Dammit, now I’ll have to recover the damn hard drive and that’ll put me behind. Shit! We need to get that office done. A-sap. And I mean now. I’ll call the architect. Weren’t they supposed to be here? Like last week?”

Heero checked his schedule. “No, next week. But call them and see what you can do if you like.”

Duo muttered, “Either they get here today or I’ll do it my fuckin’ self. Been put off one time too many if you ask me.”

Heero grinned at Duo. “Didn’t ask you but ... me too. Call already.”

So Duo called the firm and asked when they were going to come do the renovations. They said that they could actually come today as their job had cancelled. Duo thanked them politely, hung up and whooped with triumph.

“They’ll be here in two hours. All I’ve got today is a practicum so I can stay here and oversee the whole thing. You be here?”

Heero gave Duo a broad wink. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” His memories of Duo overseeing repairs to his Gundam danced behind his eyes.

Duo pointed a sour glare Heero’s way, making him smirk. “I bet”
.

“Well, I’ve looked at the blue prints and the original floor plan and I don’t see why we can’t get the job done in one day. All we’re really doing is taking down a floating wall and dropping electric and internet lines from the ceiling. Not like we’re messing with load bearing walls or anything. And you want built in bookcases? Or will these do?” the foreman handed Duo a flyer for a well known company that manufactured excellent quality office furniture. “If you want built in, it’s going to be more expensive and it limits you later. If you want to move them you have to have them torn out.”

Duo glanced through the flyer then looked at Heero. “What do you think? They look good to me and if we want the built in look, I think ... well, I don’t know.”

Heero checked the flyer, liked what he saw and handed it to Duo. “I like these. The blond ones will look great in here and built in or not. I don’t care. I just want to make sure they don’t topple over if we have a quake.” He shifted his attention to the foreman, making him squirm a bit. Heero’s intense gaze was sometimes hard to tell from his ‘I’m going to kill you’ glare. “I just want it done quickly. We’ve got a busy life style and he’s” Heero pointed to Duo. “in college, so we don’t have a lot of time to fool with this.”

The foreman just shrugged. “We can get it done today if you’ll accept the ready made. They’re very good quality. Frankly, better than we can do on this short notice.” He held up a hand. “I know we’ve been messing around with this for weeks. But there’s a lot of confusion right now, the secretary in charge of your account got fired ... last month, I think it was. So we didn’t get the paperwork we should have. That made it short notice for us. So, I like them, I’d put them in my house. Let me measure up and give you the quote, Ok?”

Heero nodded, one jerk of his head. “Fine. I’ll inspect them after you’ve got them up. If you like them, I’m sure they’re going to be fine. Now. I have a bounty to pick up, so I’ll be gone. See Duo for instructions.”

Duo just sighed. “Ok. I knew this was coming. You don’t love me any more.” He pressed the back of one wrist to his forehead dramatically and swooned against the wall behind him. The foreman snickered and started measuring the wall they wanted the cases on.

“I’m really sorry, but this one is just too good to pass up. He’s an easy pickup and the bounty is huge. Ok, so I’m a greedy bastard. You’ll manage. If you need me, I’ve got my phone on vibrate. I really shouldn’t be gone more than ... three or four hours. If the little prick is where he’s supposed to be. Bye, love.”

Duo gave Heero a quick passionate kiss, much to the foreman’s amusement and Heero took off.

Duo turned to the foreman, read his name, embroidered over his pocket and announced. “Well, Harry, the first thing we need to do is get this furniture out of here. I’ll start. ..”

Harry just chuckled. “Look, I got a crew of six coming in about ten minutes. Meet them at the door and bring ‘em down here. We got a contract that says we do it all, and I mean all. You don’t lift a lily white finger. I don’t care if you’re King Kong. Little bitty guy like you, you’ll strain your milk.”

Duo nearly fell over laughing. Here was a guy who, well, did construction, telling a man who worked on Gundams by himself that he might hurt himself lifting boxes.

“And I don’t care who you used to be or what you used to do. This is now, that was then. I do my job right. Now scat.”

Duo blinked at him for a moment, trying to figure out exactly what Harry meant by that. He decided it didn’t make any difference and went up stairs to wait for the crew.

It didn’t take them long to arrive. They came in a pickup and a large flat bed. The flat bed was loaded with all the materials they needed to do the job. Duo showed them the back way, down the outside stairs and in through the lanai. They were glad for this as it kept them from tracking construction filth through the house proper. Duo was glad too as he knew who was going to wind up cleaning up the mess. And his name wasn’t Heero.

It didn’t take the men long to get all the materials down to the bottom floor. They started moving the stuff in the two rooms into one of the small rooms Heero had designated as storage. One of the men called Duo into the room and said, “Look, I know I’m minding your business but why don’t you have some shelves set up around the perimeter of the room and start stowing all this stuff on them. Clear the floor and keep the mess down to a minimum.”

Duo eyed the room and decided that was a good idea, all the stuff piled in the middle of the room was unsafe and neither of them could find anything. He nodded to the man, announcing. “Good idea. I’ll go tell the foreman. He’s going to have to send one of you to get bookcases anyway. You might as well get the shelves and put them together too.”

The crew man nodded and pulled out a tape. “If I measure right and we get the right kind of shelves I think we could put a row down the middle of the room. It’d be a bit tight but if all you’re going to store is papers, might work. I’ll see.”

Duo thought carefully. “I think I’d rather have a table in the middle of the room. Make it easier to find stuff. Put the box on the table to go through it. Ya think?”

The man nodded. “Good idea. I’ll measure to see what size table will fit. Need to leave 36 inches or more all the way around or you’re going to have problems moving around.” he plied his tape, making notes in a small note book.

Duo left him to his mutterings and went to see the foreman. Duo told him about the crewman’s idea and told him to get with the man and add the expense to the bill. The foreman frowned a bit but went to see what was up.

Duo happened to over hear their conversation.

“Look, we gotta be careful. This job has a damn jinx on it.”

“Yeah? So?”

“If we over run too much, those kids are so young, they might not have enough money to cover it. We don’t need the grief.”

“Ok. But I’ll do what the kid said, he ought to know how much money they have for the job. We give him an estimate, he can say no. Just make sure he realizes that. ‘K?”

The foreman heaved a heavy sigh. “Why do I hate it so much when I know you’re right?”

“Cause I’m the little brother? Go talk to the kid.”

So Duo was ready for Harry when he came to talk to him.

Duo settled the man at the small table in the lanai and offered him some coffee. Harry accepted the cup, black, and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Look, I’m mindin’ your business again but I don’t want any misunderstandings or anything.”

Duo just nodded waiting for the man to go on. “See, you’re makin’ additions to the job. The built in bookcases were last minute. And now you want a whole room full of shelving. And a table. It’s adding to the invoice. See?”

Duo smiled at Harry, a cheerful friendly sort of smile that made Harry smile back. “Yeah. I get it. You’re afraid that you’ll run us out of money. Don’t worry about it. We can afford it. Heero’s rich and I’m not far behind. We just ... well, we got money from ... government pensions. And ... stuff.” Duo wasn’t about to tell Harry that they both had Oz money stashed away. “Plenty of money.”

“Ok. I see ... I think. Just as long as we don’t run up the tab to more than you can afford to pay.”

“Thanks, really. I appreciate it a lot. Coffee?” Duo picked up the thermal pot and offered Harry a refill on his coffee.

“No, better not. I got to get back to the crew. That bunch could fuck up a two car funeral if I don’t keep an eye on ‘em.”

Duo laughed at the old saying and settled back to finish his cup. “I’ll be right here for a while. I’m gonna finish my coffee. Then I’ve got homework to do.”

Harry gave him a disbelieving glance then turned away. Duo just laughed and opened his book.

.

Then next time Duo saw Harry, Harry was wanting him to examine the blue prints and tell him where the internet wiring was. Duo sighed, this came up from time to time.

“There isn’t any, it’s all wireless. We have a hub in the room in the back of this level. It’s all broadcast from there. Every computer in the house is set up for it. All we need is power.”

Harry just nodded. “Ok. I’ll run power to the desks ... somehow. We’ve got a problem. The floor on this level is concrete. So we got two options. Cut a grove in the floor, or bring it down from over head. What’ll it be?”

Duo thought for a moment. “I better call Heero. He might not be too thrilled with the idea of cutting the floor. Be a few. Just hold on, ok?”

Harry shrugged and smiled slightly. “We’re just about ready to break for lunch. Might as well go on and do it. You better eat something too. You’re too skinny. A heavy breeze will blow you away.”

Duo dialed Heero told him what was going on and got the answer he’d expected. He laughed a bit at Heero’s, “Sure, let’s just cut a chunk out of the floor so it’ll crack like glass during the next quake. You know better.”

Duo had replied. “I do but I thought I’d better check with you. Besides, I miss you and wanted to hear your sarcastic ass. Love ya, bye.”

Heero had just snorted and hung up. Duo made a moue of amusement and shut his phone.

“We’re going to that pizza place about three blocks away. Want to go?”

Duo accepted their invitation with relief. He hadn’t been looking forward to eating alone today.

They all decided to walk as there wasn’t enough room in one vehicle and they all were more than able to make it.

The men all laughed and joked as they walked. Duo was a little more circumspect, he was getting some odd vibes from some of the men and he was a bit cautious. But they all seemed ok, so he decided he was just being paranoid.

.

At the parlor they were seated in a small room near the front of the dinning room. It wasn’t actually a room but a sort of off set behind the register. A half wall with fancy pillars separated it from the main dining room

They ordered and settled back to gossip until the pies came.

Duo was surprised when one of the men poked another in the side and demanded. “Ok, tell. You promised.”

The man grumbled, “Well, shit, I figured I was safe. You never managed more than a month before.”

“Well, I managed this time and I’ve quit for good. You promised us a war story if I quit for six months. So I want my story.”

“Ok, ok. You know I was a specials foot soldier during the war. Got a pardon because I was taken in a sweep. So ... what do you want to hear about.”

One of the men called out. “Gundams ... tell us about the gundam.”

Duo shifted uncomfortably in his seat. This might not turn out well at all.

“Want a gundam story do you. Well. ... I was stationed in Africa and ... man, you should have seen it. Huge. Bigger than an Aries by a factor of ... oh, two or three.”

Duo mumbled. “One point five”, but not very loudly. He was getting interested now.

“Did you hate them? Were they out to get you?”

The man shook his head. “No, I didn’t hate them. You never saw one of the pilots. They were just little kids. Fifteen, is what I heard. And they weren’t out to get us. None of them ever tried to step on us or anything, in fact, they stepped over tents an’ such whenever they could. Good fighters too. You didn’t see the one guy. The pilot of the big black one. Deathscythe.” Duo nearly fell out of his chair. “I wouldn’t recognize him now if he was sitting beside me.” Duo was sitting across from him.

“Why? We never saw all the footage the local station censored a lot of it. Edited out most of the close-ups.”

“Well, I can surely see why. They nearly beat that kid to death. Dragged him all over like some kind of dog or something. Little-bitty thing too. Long hair. Looked like a girl until you saw his eyes. And I’ll never forget them. Like looking into hell itself. Glare like a buster rifle blast. Course I don’t blame him. I’d glare too if they were going to execute me in public like that.”

Duo felt very uncomfortable, he hated thinking about that. He still had scars.

“So, how did he get away?”

“One of the other pilots rescued him. Got a lot of us thinking about things. We all ... sort of walked off. Got sent to a POW camp and sat the rest of the war out there. Nice place. If you don’t mind barbwire. Which I didn’t. Frankly, I was glad to see the end of it all. Stupid waste of resources. But any who. He never did stop spitting like a cornered wild cat. And I actually saw that Chinese boy close up. He came into the POW camp with an offer. Special privileges if we’d work on his suit. I volunteered. He was good to us. Got us special food and better beds. Not that they were cruel to us or anything. Just, it was a prison and they didn’t waste any resources on us. Food was good, clean and plentiful but not anything to write home about. So he saw that we had steaks and beer and apples. I craved apples. And oranges. So we worked on his suit. But he didn’t just stand around and issue orders. He was right there with us in the thick of it. Lifting heavy stuff and crawling around in its guts. Wiring and things. When we were done he bowed to us and thanked us. Tiny little thing, tough as boot leather.”

Duo, by now was practically squirming off his chair. He was really glad to see the pizzas arrive at the table.

They ate in silence, except for demands for pizza, and things to be passed, for several minutes. Then someone noticed that Duo was really quiet and remarked on it. Duo just shrugged and said, “War stories just aren’t my cup of tea. Squicks me, ya know?”

“Yeah, well what would you know about it anyway?” The ex-smoker managed to sound both challenging and sullen. Duo just shrugged and stuffed his mouth full of pizza. And that was what did it. With his cheek bulged out with pizza he looked enough like the pictures the colony had broadcast before his near execution that the man recognized him

“Oh, fuck! It’s you! You’re that kid pilot. The one ... the kid. Holy hell.”

Duo choked on his pizza and had to take a gulp of his soda or strangle. He managed to force the soda and pizza down his throat. Then he looked for a line of retreat. No go, he was trapped in this room with six big guys at least two of which had been Oz. Not good.

Another of the men yelped and exclaimed. “Where, where. Who? Which one?” Frantic pointing dragged all their attention to Duo who was sitting with an ‘oh, my god, now what?’ expression on his face and a glass of soda in his hand.

“Him? You’re kidding. He’s so little. Sorry, no offence.”

Duo shook his head making his braid swing. “None taken. So ... um ... no one wants to fight me? I hope.”

Shaking heads from around the table eased his fears. “So what then?”

“Nothing. We’d like a story, but if you’re not up to it, no biggie.”

Duo bit his lip, he didn’t like talking about the wars much. He didn’t feel his face freeze into the maniacal grin and wide blank eyed glare of Shinigami. He looked up to see all six men and Harry backing away looking decidedly pale.

“Look, Commander Maxwell, if you don’t want to that’s ok. Just ... we don’t want any trouble. Ok?”

Duo felt like he’d somehow missed out on something. “I don’t want any trouble either. And you guys have to come home with me and finish the job. So ... um ... what?”

Harry decided to seize the bull by the horns. “Well, that glare could freeze hell over. And ... we ... didn’t think ... we didn’t mean to offend you.”

Duo shrugged. “I was thinking. Don’t mind me. Sit down, eat. We’ll stuff our faces and go back to work. We should maybe change the subject.”

“Ok. How ‘bout those Mets?” the question was rhetorical as the Mets had disappeared nearly a hundred years ago but the ‘change the subject because this is awkward’ phrase had managed to remain.

Duo just leaned back and listened as the men discussed a base ball game. He didn’t feel like talking right then, old bad memories had come back to torment him.

.

After the last bite of the pizzas was gone, the last drop of soda sipped. They settled the matter of the bill by drawing straws made of lengths of soda straw. Harry got the long piece and whimpered, “Man, I’m gonna be so broke, you guys eat like L2 orphans. Shit!” they all turned wide eyes to Duo who just grinned.

He burped and announced. “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. I took it easy on you all. You guys need to keep up your strength.” You could almost hear the sighs of relief.

They trailed up to the register to pay the bill, standing around while Harry paid. Duo announced that his soda ‘wanted out’ and left the group, telling them he’d catch up.

When he’d completed his business he washed his hands and started out of the restroom. He froze when he heard, “Money! Give me the damn money!”

He sighed, “Well, fuck. Here we go.”

He walked out of the short hall that contained the restrooms and looked for a weapon. He didn’t find one but did see the mirror on the wall. It was situated in such a way that he could see the register. The robber only had a knife. He was waving it around like some kind of lunatic, which Duo decided he had to be. He leaned over the counter and took a swipe at the terrified girl at the register.

Duo sauntered out of the hall. “Now that’s just rude. Where’s your manners, man?” his sharp eyes noted the needle marks on his skinny arm and the shaking hand that held a dull and rusty knife.

“Money! Give me the money and no one gets hurt.”

Duo grimaced, the guys were coming back, most likely to see what was holding him up.

He moved to put himself between the door and his man. The poor hostess had managed to duck down behind the counter beyond arms reach. Duo was glad to see this, now he didn’t have to worry about her getting hurt.

He feinted toward the man then backed away as he followed Duo into the open space in front of the register. Duo still between him and the door. He heard the door open and someone, he wasn’t sure who, say. “What the hell?”

The junkie jumped Duo, who’d been expecting it. He kicked out and caught the man right in the solar plexus. The junkie wheezed like a ruptured accordion and bent double. Duo followed his kick with a round house right, brought up from the floor and powered by the follow through of his kick. The junkie went down like a sack of nails. Then the foyer was inundated in a flood of bodies.

Duo took charge without argument.

“Harry, call the cops. You,” he pointed to a fatherly looking man, “take care of the hostess. Someone got something to tie this joker up with?”

Someone produced a handful of long zip ties. Duo took three of them and fastened two around the junkies wrists, loose enough not to cut off the circulation. Then he ran the third one through each tie and zipped it just enough to keep him confined.

“That ought to hold the prick. Imagine coming into a family restaurant and holding up the damn place. Idiot!”

The siren let everyone know that the police were coming.

Duo nearly had a heart attack when they came in. One cop just wandered in, thumbs in his belt. The other one was still on the radio to dispatch, trying to find out what was going on. Duo covered his eyes with both hands and shook his head, moaning, “Fuck me. When did they graduate? Yesterday? Hell on a hockey stick.”

“Ok, what’s the problem here?” The cop looked around, saw the junkie and froze. “Shit. What’d he do now?”

Duo exploded, went quietly Shinigami and snarled, “Tried to hold the place up. Tried to cut that little girl over there. And assaulted me. I took him out, tied him up and now you come wandering in here like a lost pup. You’re gonna get yourself or someone else killed. Pay attention here! Get him up, take him in. Do your damn job.”

The cop got pissed and told his dispatch that the problem was taken care of. Then he turned to Duo. “You arrested him, wise guy. You take him in. Citizen arrest? You deal.”

Duo threw up his hands and announced. “Ok. Fine, I’ll handle it.”

He sorted his crew again. “Ok, Harry, you go on back to the house. Finish your job. I got to stay here and deal with this crap. Can I keep that guy with the hostess?”

Harry told the crew to head back for the house, accepted the keys from Duo and said that, of course, Duo could keep Andy.

Duo told Andy to get hold of Alice’s significant other, parent or whatever and have her taken to the hospital. The manager of the restaurant had managed to keep all the customers out of the mess and now he was sending them on their way with comps and smiles. He called Alice’s mother and told her to get to the restaurant, now. She was on her way before she hung up. Andy just sat at a table with Alice, talking to her calmly and patting her hand.

Duo called Heero and told him what had happened. Heero nearly exploded. Duo told him to yell later, get there now. It took Heero about ten minutes to get there.

.

“Duo, what the hell? Duo? Dammit.” Heero got a really good look at Duo and swore some more. Duo was completely in combat mode.

Duo turned to see Heero and went sort of limp for a second. Then he straightened his shoulders and smiled for Heero. “Hey! There you are. Pick up this sack of shit and process him in will you. I have to get back to the house to supervise the crew. Not that they aren’t a great bunch of guys but they think they need me there.”

Heero dragged the junkie off the floor and shook him. “Name!”

The junkie mumbled something that sounded vaguely like ‘tom’ something. Heero shook him again. “I said, what’s your name! Don’t mumble on me. Speak up.”

“Tom Adams.”

Heero glanced at his PDA and blinked. “Well, well, Duo, It looks like you picked up a good one. Seems our little junkie has a bounty of 30,000 euros on his head. I’ll take him in, collect the money and be home in ... two hours.”

Duo was sipping a soda the manager had given him. “Did you get your guy?”

Heero smirked at Duo in a very satisfied manner. “I sure did. He was worth 20,000 euros. Your bounty is bigger than mine. Great going.” Heero didn’t seem in the least upset that Duo had done better than he had. Duo’s grin was more a grimace but he managed.

“That’s great. But, if I don’t have a certificate, will you get in trouble?”

Heero shook his head. “Nope, you just performed a citizens arrest. I took the bod off your hands. So ... see you in a few.” Heero hauled Tom to his feet and hustled him out the door. Duo waved as Heero drove off, getting a quick beep of the horn in return.

Duo jogged back to the house, using the time to get himself back in ‘civilian’ mode.

.

The guys met him at the door. He was chivied to the couch, given a hot cup of tea and covered with an afghan. He sighed, who’d have thought a bunch of construction workers would turn out to be a clutch of mother hens.

Harry scolded Duo softly. “Boy, you’re crazy. Whatever possessed you to pull a damn fool stunt like that. You could have gotten yourself killed. That crazy junkie would have stabbed you in a heart beat. Idiot.”

Duo gulped his tea, winced at how sweet it was and replied. “Gundam pilot, remember. I’ve fought guys your size and won. That guy wasn’t that much bigger than me. And I’ve had hours of martial arts training. Relax. And thanks for the tea an’ stuff.”

Harry went back to work but over the next two hours each man took the opportunity to fuss at Duo for taking such a stupid risk. Duo finally muttered rather mutinously, “Yeah and those cops were so good at their job. Not!”

Heero arrived to find Duo still seated on the couch, wrapped in his afghan and sulking.

He hurried over to sit beside him, asking worriedly, “What is it, love? What’s wrong?”

“Those guys.” Heero stiffened and went on the defense. “No! Not anything bad, really. Just, they act like I should be traumatized or something. I just got a little spell of combat shakes and they act like I’m gonna die or something.”

Heero rubbed Duo’s shoulders gently. “Oh. I think it’s kind of nice myself. I remember when I was training, if I got the shakes I got punished. Wouldn’t do for the perfect soldier to get shaky.”

Duo laid his head on Heero’s shoulder and sighed. “I’d still like to get my hands on J. Just for a second or two. It’s a wonder you’re not completely psycho.”

Heero chuckled deep in his chest, making his whole body tremble with his mirth. “I have it on good authority that I’m a sociopath not a psychopath.”

Duo pulled back, an indignant expression on his face and demanded, “Who said that? I’ll give them a piece of my mind.”

“J. And keep your piece of your mind, you need all of them you’ve got.” he gave a grumbling Duo a quick hug, checked his tea cup and headed for the kitchen. “Is there more tea? I could go for some myself. I’ll get a cup and tell you all about the bounties. We really cleaned up today. I can’t wait until you get your certificate. Buck has agreed to take you on as a journeyman. I can’t do it as we’re together. Conflict of interests and all that shit.”

He came back with his tea and endured an interruption as Harry came back to check on Duo. “Oh, glad to see you back. You need to have a talk with him. Might have been a gundam pilot but a high wind would blow him away. Piloting a mecha isn’t the same as gettin’ down and dirty. Right?”

Heero nearly choked on his tea. Piloting a gundam, especially in zero-G combat was as hard as it got. “No, it isn’t.” Harry gave Duo a ‘see, I told you’ look. Heero continued. “It’s harder to a power of ten. I got more broken bones getting slammed around in my harness than I did in hand to hand combat with OZ specials.” Harry was giving Heero a doubtful, rather confused look. “Yuy, Heero Yuy. Pleased to meet you. And thanks for taking care of Mr. I’m-Made-Of-Iron.”

Duo punched him in the back. “Yeah? Look who’s talking. I-set-my-own-bones Yuy. Asshole.”

Heero obligingly cringed a bit then laughed. “Well, you got me there. Idiot.”

Harry grinned at that and just went back to work, reassured that Duo was going to be fine.

.

Heero drank some of his tea, realized that it was too hot for him and set the cup on the coffee table.

“What a day. Mission report or verbal?”

Duo poked Heero with his foot. They had settled in the corners of the couch sardine style, legs entwined. “Verbal. I’m gonna have to write enough mission report stupidity in that Business Writing class. Don’t need it at home too.”

So Heero told Duo all about his day.

His first stop had been at the bail bonds man’s office to get the paper work, a picture and some info on where he might be. Then he started checking all the known hangouts for his target.

It took most of the morning to run him down in a small greasy spoon a few blocks from where he lived in a nasty dive of a motel. ‘No-tell’ Heero remarked in an aside.

He wasn’t completely successful in keeping the pick up low key. “The fuck wad saw me and recognized me. He did a runner.” So Heero had to chase him two blocks, the only reason it had taken him that long was he didn’t want to knock anyone down so he’d had to dodge pedestrians all the way. “So when I get the idiot and start cuffing him I find out that he didn’t know I was a bounty hunter, he thought I was after him for his activities during the war. Turns out he was a really low level Oz foot soldier. Got delusions of his own worth and scarpered because of that. I really wanted to smack him some, but I just turned him in. The reward was 20,000euros. Buck hated to tell his Mom that she was that close to losing her house. I don’t think he’s going to get out on bond again. His Mom was there, at the jail, and she smacked him a good one. I just let her have at him. Imagine, letting your mother nearly lose her home. Ass. The cops made her quit after the second slap. I’d have let her do her thing until she got tired. Then she falls on my chest, cries and tells me I’m a good boy.”

Duo snorted into his tea, nearly getting it up his nose. “And what did you say?”

Heero shrugged trying for casual and failing. “I just said ‘Yes, Ma’am.’ what was I supposed to do. She was happy, let her be. She looked like she hadn’t had many happy days in a while. I hope they never let the little prick out.”

Duo nodded over his cup. “Shouldn’t. I never did understand why they let someone known to be a runner out again. But, bureaucracy, what can ya do?”

“Beats me. So anyway. Then I get a call from you and nearly have a heart attack. I heard about something on the radio and was headed this way to check on you and you call telling me you’ve got a pick up? Dammit! I nearly hit the back of a BMW.”

Duo snickered into his cup. “Well, shit, Yuy. It’s not like I’m some incompetent, or something. I’ve been in ... did you take a really good look at that guy? He’s a junkie, strung out and starving. What the hell did he do, anyway?”

Heero settled back against the couch and ran his foot over Duo’s calf. “He’s one of three men who robbed some quick stop or something. Killed everyone in there. Four innocent bystanders who just wanted a soda or something.”

Duo snarled softly. “So, you see? You’re just as guilty of misjudgment as those guys down stairs. He really could ... well, seeing as it was you, probably not. But he had a knife.”

Duo shook his head. “Didn’t know how to do it. I bet he was just a hanger on in that murder. But why was he out? That’s the question I want an answer to. Who went his bail?”

Heero picked up his cup, checked to see if the tea was cool enough and grumbled, “Don’t know. Don’t care. Shouldn’t have been out but he was. We got a good bounty out of it. The jail was really glad to get him back, I can tell you. Maybe he got out by mistake or something. But next time you get a bounty, get a clean one. I’m gonna have to fumigate my truck. He really stank.”

Duo bit back another snicker. He knew how sensitive Heero was to smells. One of the things J had messed with. “Poor baby. Was it really bad?”

Heero waved a hand in front of his face to illustrate how bad it was. “Nearly choked me to death. Guy hadn’t had a wash in at least a week. I believe Quatre would have said, and I quote, ‘Eeeeuuuwww! Man!’” Duo just snorted into his tea again.

Duo shrugged off the afghan and folded it, tossing it across the back of the couch, he ambled into the kitchen to get rid of his cup. “You done? I need to get back down stairs and see what’s going on. Don’t want them to do something we don’t like and have to do it over. You coming?”

Heero finished his tea and brought the cup to Duo to put in the washer. “Yeah, I want to see what your design looks like in real life.”

.

When they got to the office the first thing that happened was Andy pointed to the fax and announced. “The second I hooked that devil up, it started printing out.”

Duo made a face and, mumbling, “What the hell now?” went to take the sheets out of the printer tray. He read, handed Heero most of the sheets telling him they were info on the two captures of the day, then went rigid. “Damn them. I’ve got student court tomorrow. Fuckers think they’re going to catch me out? Got another think coming. Don’t think on my feet like a track star for nothing and I’ve already got all the papers they want together. They’re in the upstairs office in the second drawer down on the left. Heero, will you put all this shit there too. I don’t want to mess with it right now. I’ll work on it tonight, when we’ve got time to do it together. Ok?”

Duo turned to look at Heero who was looking like he wanted to shoot someone. “Sure. Why don’t I go on up and start reviewing it all. I like everything you’ve done here. But ... bookcases?”

“We decided on high quality prefab. We can anchor them to the wall to keep the tip hazard to a minimum, but that means we can still move them if we want. That ok?”

Heero didn’t even think about it. “Sure, if you think it’s a better idea, go for it. I’ll be upstairs if you want me.”

Duo nodded. “Ok. Thanks, Heero, I really appreciate a second opinion on my defense.”

The crew, who had been working and eavesdropping, pounced the minute Heero was gone. Duo explained his trouble and got some unexpected help. One of the men said that his niece and daughter had the same problem. Duo stood in the middle of the floor, rubbing the back of his neck and thinking.

“Look, you guys know what a daisy chain is?” Heads shook all over the room. “Well, it works this way. I call someone I know who has something I want, or whatever, they call anyone they know that might have it or ... so ... could I call your daughter and niece or have you do it and have them call anyone they know who has the same problem I do and they call anyone they know and have them all meet at the student court at...” he consulted his schedule. “10:30 am tomorrow? That’d really get some attention from the administration, if I could get even fifteen people. Please?”

“Sure, I’ll call her. That way she’ll know it’s legit. And I think she knows at least two others, my daughter, that is. Nancy I don’t know about. I know she had problems last year. This year, she’s a sophomore and knows better. I’ll see if one of them won’t put up an announcement on the All About U. Web site. That might get some more. How’s that?”

Duo bounced on his toes, making his braid swing and making him look about 8. “Thanks. That’s great. The more attention I get, the more attention the administration will pay. The better it is for all the students. Maybe we can get this shit stopped. I’m gonna go up and tell Heero what’s up. And, guys, the room looks perfect. Thanks again.” He waved over his shoulder and headed up to talk to Heero.

.

When he got up the stairs, Duo found Heero in the, what he called fancy office, with all his papers spread over the desk. He was reading one and making notes on a legal pad. Duo plopped into one of the visitor’s chairs and sighed. Heero glanced up, picked up another piece of paper and continued with his work.

When he finally finished, Duo had made more tea and some sandwiches. “Here. Eat. Talk.”

Heero knew Duo was worried. He got very terse when he was. The incredible babble machine, as Wufei called it, turned off completely when Duo really got down to business.

“Well, as far as I can see, what Mr. Long is doing is against policy. And how he ever managed to get assigned to investigate a complaint against himself is something I’d really like an answer to. His own behavior is ... I’ve got some ideas and I’m not to happy with them. He seems to be directing all his efforts to three classes. And they’re all supposed to be electives. But they have a huge enrolment. I think I’d really like some time on line to see if I can’t find a connection between him and the professors in question. I ... here, take this and see what you can find out about Professor Parks. He’s History of the Children’s Crusade for god’s sake. What use is that? But Long has been forcing kids into it for two - three years now.”

Duo took the sheet of paper and glanced over the data. He grumbled at the percent of enrollees that took the class and wondered if he could get hold of any of them before tomorrow.

Then the phone started to ring, and ring, and ring. Every ring was another student who’d been enrolled without their permission, coerced into enrolling, or denied refund for one of the three classes that Mr. Long seemed to be pimping. Duo started taking names and other pertinent info on the first person. By the time Heero was done going over the papers, Duo had collected over two hundred names and they were still calling.

.

“Here, read this. I’ll answer the phone for a while.”

Duo picked up the tablet and started to read. Heero had summed up the complaint and noted all the important points in Duo’s defense of his position. Duo hadn’t realized until now that student court was more a debate than a real trial. Each side tried to convince the tribunal of seven of their point. The administration tended to go along with student court when the matter concerned students and classes. Matters of law, like drunkenness on campus and such the administration bowed to the local police advocate. This might just bring the advocate into play, if fraud could be proven. Duo decided they better be sure to have all their ducks in a row.

He asked Heero a few questions about some of the data and made some notes of his own. Then they went back to check on the construction again.

It was almost done. All the men had to do was clean up a bit and make sure the bookcases were solid.

Duo and Heero examined the results of the revamp. The room was now twice the old size, a wall knocked out between two smaller rooms. Their desks were in the middle with a conduit dropped from the ceiling to provide power for their computers and other equipment. The men had boxed the conduit in with some very nice paneling and sealed the edges with half round edging. A side table behind each desk provided extra work space and room for files to be sorted and collated. File cabinets in each corner gave plenty of space to store ‘work in progress’ older files would be stored in the refurbished storage room. The rest of the space was taken up with pot plants and a small coffee ‘kitchen’ composed of a sink and a small surround to hold the pot with room under for storage of coffee, filters and other necessities. There was also a tea kettle. The bookcases took up the wall between the two doors, one on each end of the room.

Duo looked around and smiled. “Very nice. Heero?”

Heero ducked his head. He wasn’t good at compliments. “Acceptable.”

The crew all smiled, Heero was obviously pleased and just as obviously uncomfortable trying to say something nice. Most of them sympathized. Duo grinned at them from behind Heero’s back.

“Why do I get the feeling that you’re doing something evil back there?” Heero turned to glare at Duo.

Duo shivered dramatically. “Oooo, don’t hurt me mister. Just check the storage will you? I’ll finish checking around in here. It looks perfect though.”

Heero left to look at the storage and Duo finished checking out the office. The sliding doors from one of the rooms had been replaced with a deep bay window. The other ones, the ones that opened into the middle of the lanai were still in place. Duo examined the bay window. The men had tiled it with small Italian tile. Very easy to keep clean. They’d lined the window side with seating with padded cushions. It was a nice place to sit and drink coffee or just think.

Heero returned to tell Duo that the room was more than acceptable. The crew had put in shelving all around the perimeter of the room and file cabinets down the middle leaving enough room on each end that it was easy to walk around. They’d put a large counter top on top of the cabinets to make a table. Heero approved. His small nod pleased the men as they knew how hard it was for him to show his emotions to strangers. Duo was beginning to realize that a lot of men were nearly as terse as Heero, at least with strangers.

Heero thanked the men again and asked them to come to the office up stairs. They did and he thanked them for being nice to Duo and taking care of him during his reaction. He gave them each a bonus and snarled at them when they tried to refuse. Harry laughed, “. That won’t work we got your number.” Heero managed a small smile in return.

He watched as they all filed out the door, climbed into their trucks and drove away.

.

Duo fiddled nervously with his papers. He felt like he was going to be sick. It was too much like his mock trial from the war. Heero petted him a bit then whispered, “Can you do this? Or do you want me to take over?”

Duo sighed. “You can’t. I have to do it myself.” He took a deep breath to steady himself. “Oh, look. They’re about to open the doors. Let the observers in. All ... three of them.” Only there weren’t three of them. More like three hundred. The auditorium was completely packed, standing room only. Heero smirked a bit, Duo started sweating.

The student council filed in and settled in their seats. The head of the council called the meeting to order and asked where Mr. Long was. He wasn’t there. Duo leaned over to ask Heero what that meant to them. Heero just shrugged. “Dunno.”

The council held a quick conference then announced that they would have a ten minute recess while they waited for Mr. Long to appear. If he didn’t appear after that time, Duo would be allowed to submit all his evidence into the records and the council would make their decision based solely on his evidence. Mr. Long’s failure to appear would be taken as agreement with the presentation. Duo rubbed his face with both hands and grumbled, “Trust the fucker to put me to all this trouble and not show. Jackass!” Heero retreated to a sole grunt in reply.

Ten minutes passed quickly with the audience murmuring in the back ground. Duo fiddled with his braid. Heero just sat with his arms crossed, staring blankly at the wall.

“Attention. The court will now come to order.” The bailiff wasn’t a police officer, he was just another student. He called for order again and the audience fell silent. Duo was called to present his evidence so he stood up and started.

He explained his problem, the fact that Mr. Long had been allowed to cover a complaint against himself. And his findings that the three professors who’s classes were being pushed where his brother-in-law, a cousin, and his uncle’s lover. All three were classes that had been on the verge of being cancelled three years ago.

After Duo was through speaking, one of the council members recused himself as he’d been victimized himself. The remaining council members called for remarks from the floor. Heero raised his hand and was recognized.

“I’d like to call for a show of hands from the observers.” The council members showed their approval by nods of their heads, they all nodded. “How many of the people in the audience have had one or more of the same problems as Mr. Maxwell? Raise your hands.” nearly every hand in the place shot up. Heero sat down.

The council announced that anyone in the room that had a complaint was to see their student advisor within the next week, fill out papers and make sure that their complaint was filed properly. The administration, in the person of one of the board members attending the meeting, announced that they were going to review the entire enrollment of those three classes for the last two years and they were suspended until further notice. Duo wondered what was going to happen next, so he asked.

“Excuse me. But what about my refund. It’s been proven to your satisfaction that I don’t need, nor do I want, two of my classes. I want to withdraw and get my money back. What about it?”

Heero winced slightly. The administrator examined the page that the bailiff gave him. Duo expected to hear something on the lines of the administration would take his request ‘under advisement’ or something. Instead the man just sighed and said. “Well, Mr. Maxwell, you’ve proven that you’re entitled to a full refund on these two classes. And we thank you for bringing this to our attention. You’ll be receiving a check in the mail. Or an electronic refund. Whichever you prefer.”

Duo thanked the man with grave dignity and sat back down. He quivered with suppressed delight, waiting until a better time to express it.

They stayed seated until the auditorium was almost empty then slipped out a side door.

“Man, I did it. I got them to listen. We did good, partner. What a rush.”

Heero just grinned and hugged Duo.

.

Duo checked his revised class schedule the next morning and found that he had only three classes now. His practicum on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A law class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And a self-defence and apprehension class on the same days.

He grinned. “This is great. And I can test out of some of the required non-course related stuff. You know, the general education classes. So ... and I bet I can already pass the shooting. If I can get in enough rounds quickly, it’ll take more load off me.”

Heero was busy examining the course requirements. “I really would like to sit in on Skip Tracing Tactics. The instructor is an idiot. I know him slightly and he couldn’t find his ass with both hands if he was sitting on it. And this. Phone Techniques? What the hell is that? I didn’t take it.”

“A time waster if you ask me. But what can I do? I want my certificate so we can work together. I got to have those classes. Gimmie.” Duo held out his hand for the book. Heero handed it over with a sigh. “And don’t do that. You sound like you got a leak in your radiator.” Heero snickered a bit at that one.

Duo looked at his watch. “Man, it’s later than I thought it would be. I’m starving. Let’s go eat.”

Heero realized that it was almost 2 P.M. and they were both really hungry. Duo had been too nervous to do more than nibble at a piece of toast. Heero had eaten but he could always eat again and he liked his meals closer together than eight hours. He followed Duo out the door.

They wound up in a small Greek restaurant about ten blocks from the house. It was free standing, rather than stuck in a strip mall and Duo fell in love with it at once. It was small, neat, clean and decorated in a tidy style without the usual tourist ‘crap’ as Duo called it. They settled at a table near the kitchen and picked up the menus.

“I want gyros, souvlaki, and those meat balls wrapped in grape leaves. What the hell are they called?”

“Dolmades. Order a double? I really like them too.”

Duo nodded. “Sure. And ... calamari? If it’s not frozen.”

“Done.” Heero put his menu down. “I’ve been looking at the required courses and some of them are useless as tits on a boar hog. Others are sound choices. I’d like to revamp your classes if you don’t mind. No sense in you wasting valuable time on nonsense.”

Duo sipped at his water then smiled at Heero. “Sure thing. I just took what Long advised. Some advisor, huh.”

Heero snorted in disgust and said frankly, “I’d like two minutes in a locked room. Not only for you but for all the innocent kids he cheated and lied to.” Duo started to say something but Heero cut him off. “And I know you’re not innocent but most of the others were. Or were intimidated. So ... but we fixed him, didn’t we?”

Duo puffed out his chest a little. “Yeah, we did good, didn’t we?”

“We did”

Then the waiter came up and they turned to ordering their food. They passed on the calamari as it was frozen. The waiter smiled at Heero, who had pronounced all the dishes properly and hustled away to turn in their order.

He brought back a large plate of appetizers and cups of coffee. Heero glanced at them and then said, in his best Greek, “I’m sorry. There’s been some mistake. We didn’t order this.”

The waiter nearly swooned. “I’m callin’ Mom. You sound just like Uncle Nestor. She’ll love it. Please? If you don’t mind.”

Heero couldn’t help but smile, the boy seemed so eager and pleased. “Sure. But my Greek isn’t up to more than complicated conversation.”

The boy just grinned. “Not like Mama is going to want to talk rocket science or something.”

He hurried away and came back in just a few minutes with a nicely groomed woman of about 50. She was fussing at him about bothering customers. He just told her, “Sit, sit. I’ll get you some coffee.” She sat and Heero greeted her. She introduced herself as Hypatia and said that Heero’s Greek was very good. Duo smiled and introduced himself, his Greek was not very good but he could manage a few civilities and follow the general conversation enough that no one felt he was left out.

They all gossiped about current events and colonial news. Heero told a few jokes he’d learned from somewhere. Duo understood well enough to laugh along. When the food came Hypatia got up and announced she had things to do in the office. She thanked them for letting her sit with them and asked when they would be back. Duo grinned at her and said, “Soon, lady, soon.”

Their food was delivered with smiles and thanks from the boy, who introduced himself as Anakos and admitted that he was third generation, nineteen and that Heero, no, Duo’s Greek was better than his. He bowed slightly and left.

Duo picked up a Dolmades and bit into it. His expression of ecstacy was enough for Heero he took several and put them on his plate beside his gyros. The sandwich was well made, full of meat, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce. The French fries were crisp outside and tender inside. Not greasy or limp. And the salad was full of feta and olives. The dressing rich with herbs. It was all delicious and they gobbled up every bite.

Anakos returned twice to fill their water glasses and ask if everything was alright. He laughed when Heero said ‘affirmative’ with the blandest expression on his face. Duo had just bitten into his gyros and the gymnastics his face went through while he tried not to choke on the bite and laugh made Anakos and the rest of the Greek crew laugh as well.

They finished their food in record time. When Heero started to ask for the check, Anakos nodded but came back with Baklava and more coffee. “On the house.” Duo objected this time and was told that Alice was a family friend and they should enjoy as, “Papa was a regular tight ass and rarely comped anyone for anything.’ They just settled to do exactly that.

The baklava was rich with nuts, honey and rose water. The coffee was strong enough to dissolve the spoons. Duo loved every bite of it. Heero enjoyed the baklava but the coffee almost did him in. He preferred tea and only drank coffee when he couldn’t get the tea. Or when he was working He wondered if they’d be mortally insulted if he asked for some hot water to dilute it down to a consistency some what less than varnish. But Duo liked it so he kept his mouth shut.

When they asked for the bill this time, they got one. The appetizer was free as were the baklava and coffee. The rest was very reasonable, especially for the quality and quantity. Duo glanced around the homey, family style place and announced, “I like it here. Place is great. Can we come back?”

Heero nodded as he fished his wallet out of his pocket. “Sure, I like the place too. Rather have tea than that coffee but whatever.”

The person at the register looked up from counting change out to her present customer, then thanked the man and wished him a good evening.

“I’m sorry. Did you order tea and get coffee?”

Heero shook his head. “No, it was free. Very kind of you by the way. But I really don’t care for coffee much and coffee that strong will keep me up at night. I’ll probably be awake until 1 or 2 now. I really prefer tea. But I’m grateful for your generosity.”

The girl smiled. “You’re the guy who was with the guy who saved Alice. She’s my BFF and my G. She was so scared and that guy with the braid was just the best. He’s a real HOTP. And a bod from what I heard. And we saw some footage from the on site camera ... OMG. WAB! And ...”

“Child. Stop chattering at the man. What with all those letters and how fast you’re talking, how’s he supposed to understand a thing.”

The poor girl turned red at the reprimand and her lip quivered a bit. Duo bounced up having deserted Hypatia to rush to the rescue.

“Hey, I understood every word and I’m sure Heero did to. He’s even more net savvy than I am. BFF .. Best friend forever. G ... girl. In girlfriend. And HOTP I don’t know that one. But OMG is oh my god and WAB is what a bod.”

Heero smirked at Duo. “HOTP is hero of the people.”

Duo slapped his forehead and groaned. “Man, please tell me I’m not plastered all over the news.”

Heero just pointed at a screen in one corner, neatly hidden behind a short divider.

The checker and the host turned to watch the news. Heero glanced at the bill, pealed off enough bills to cover it and a small tip and pulled Duo out the door.

.

They got home just in time for the ESUN-CNN news. Duo was given a 30 second bit before the first commercial. He groaned. Heero grinned.

Heero insisted they sit through the entire news segment, made sure the recorder was on and recorded the whole thing claiming it was for posterity. Duo made a rude noise and said, “You mean for posterior. You just want to drool over my ass.”

Heero grabbed him, flipped him over on his stomach and bit him on the left cheek. It didn’t hurt because Duo was wearing jeans and Heero didn’t bite all that hard. Duo yelled, kicked around and they both fell off the couch onto the hard wood floor. Heero oomphed and Duo whimpered. He’d wrenched his knee in the fall.

“Damn! Duo, are you alright?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll be ok. Just wrenched my knee. Get me some ice will ya?”

Heero went into the kitchen and got out a zip lock bag. He turned the fridge ice maker to crushed and half filled the bag with ice. He added a bit of water and wrapped it in a towel. Taking it to Duo he apologized and handed him the ice. Duo plopped it on his knee and huffed in disgust.

“And that’s what we get for horsin’ around. This’ll hurt, swell and keep me off my feet all week end. Fuck!”

Heero settled in his corner of the couch and tugged Duo around until his feet were in his lap. Heero rubbed Duo’s feet and turned slightly to see the tv better. They spent the rest of the evening watching Television and talking.

.

Duo got up late the next morning and found that Heero was sitting in the kitchen with a man he didn’t know. He couldn’t help his reaction. He ducked behind the door frame for a second. Heero called his name, so he entered the kitchen.

“Duo, this is Buck. He’s a bail bonds man. I usually work for him and a couple of others. He also gets me jobs from his contacts. Sit down. Coffee?”

Duo accepted the coffee and sipped happily.

Buck eyed Duo for a second then opined. “You feed that boy? Bit on the skinny side if you ask me. Could do with a good feed or two.”

Duo wasn’t offended, Buck reminded him of Howard. “He feeds me. I just can’t eat too much at one meal or I get sick. I’m getting better. You should have seen what I ate last night.” He shifted and winced slightly. “Damn. Heero, more ice, please?”

Heero hadn’t waited for Duo to ask. The minute he’d seen Duo wince he’d gotten another bag out. He was standing at the fridge, filling it even as Duo spoke.

Duo accepted the bag and plopped it on his knee. He knew he needed heat soon.

“We got a hot water bottle? I don’t remember.”

Buck snickered softly. “Yuy, you sound like a mother hen.”

Heero snorted. “You should hear him, when he gets started ... well, it’s something. I remember one time I got shot. He hauled my ass three miles, bitching all the way. Then he sewed me up.”

Buck blinked then asked, “Bullet?”

“Through and through. He bled like a stuck pig. All down my side. I was so scared that he’d bled out on me before I could get him to the safe house. Idiot.”

Buck shook his head in wonder. “Skinny little thing like you, carrying his heavy ass three miles? I’d have to call you a liar except I know Yuy. You been sick or something?”

Duo gave him a sad sort of look. “Or something.”

“Well, I ain’t one to pry. Here. Take a look.” Buck slid a folder across the table to Duo. Duo took it and started reading, absently taking the hot water bottle from Heero and exchanging it for the ice. He sipped his coffee and read.

After he was done, he looked at Heero. “You read this?”

“Yeah, what do you think?”

“He’s a freak. We need to get him off the street. Now.”

“Yeah, I hate to put you on him so soon, but we need to do it.”

“Yeah, and I’ve been meaning to bust your chops over some of the targets I’ve been getting. They’re all cry babies, wimps and losers.”

“And you aren’t going to get any big boys, except for this one, until you get some experience under your belt. I’m not breaking centuries of tradition just to coddle your pride. I won’t get you killed by jumping the gun. We both had enough of that in Operation Meteor, just dump five fifteen-year-olds on Earth and let them go at it. You know damn good and well that training missions and simulators didn’t really leave us prepared to handle the job right.” Heero gave Duo a look of mingled disgust and fury.

Duo made a face but shrugged. “Ok, don’t glare at me like that. I’ll bait him.”

Buck looked from Duo to Heero then back. “You ... what? Gonna turn him out? Make him bait? You sure?”

Heero nodded. “That guy’s gonna kill someone next time maybe. We can get him.”

Buck grumbled. “Well, yeah, but I don’t have to like it. What if he gets hurt? He’s not licensed yet. Needs his certificate and his ‘on the job’ my insurance agent will have a fit if he finds out.”

Duo stretched. “We’ll just have to make sure he doesn’t find out then. I’ll see what I’ve got in my closet. We might have to go to a used clothing store or something.”

Buck shrugged easily. “I’ve got some shit at the office and my daughter dresses like a slut, I swear. You can have any of her rags you want.”

Duo shuddered. “No thanks. Get between a lady and her wardrobe? Not me. I gave up suicidal for Lent.”

Buck laughed then asked. “You Catholic?”

Duo thought about it for a second. “Nominally, but I haven’t been to confession since I was ... nine? Whatever.”

Heero smiled at Duo and caressed his cheek with the backs of his fingers. “How about that pair of leather pants you said shrank when you sweated them? And there’s a black, sparkly t-shirt Wufei gave me as a gag gift. Combat boots?”

Duo nodded, thinking carefully. “Yeah, he likes those. Then all I have to do is sashay my ass by him a few times. He’ll follow like a dog after a bitch. I’ll duck into the ... where ever you set up, and you can snatch him up. How’s that?”

Buck examined the plan from every angle. He couldn’t find anything wrong with it but he was still worried. “Don’t know. Something. Can’t put my finger on exactly what.”

Duo scampered upstairs to change into the leather pants, t-shirt and boots. He rummaged in Heero’s disguise kit for some eye brow pencil or something else suitable for eyeliner. He found an unused kohl pencil in a deep purple, so deep it was almost black. He lined his eyes and put a beauty mark just under the curve of his lower lip.

When Buck saw him all he could do was stare. “Damn, boy. All of a sudden you look like sex on two feet. We’ll catch that pervert for sure.”

.

Duo got out on the street corner about a block and a half away from where their target usually hung out. He sashayed along, taking a slow gait to spare his knee, stopping to look in windows. He took his time, attracting all kinds of attention.

Some of which was really annoying. Like the Holy Roller who tried to ‘redeem’ him by wanting a blow job, and the reformist who lectured him for ten minutes on how he was going to hell if he didn’t change his ways. He gave the Holy Roller a price that no one in their right mind would pay and just stood and rolled his eyes at the reformist. He could see Heero and Buck in the nondescript boxy bodied van, they were laughing their heads off.

“I’ll get you two, sooner or later. Just you wait and see,” Duo muttered into his wire. Putting that on had been interesting. Duo had worn wires before, during the war. But this one was so small and so powerful that they’d just stuck it in his braid, running the antenna down it. It picked up everything. And a few locks of artfully disarranged hair hid the earpiece completely.

“Sorry, love. It’s just that the phrase ‘Demon brat’ just got me somehow or other. And, cushioned in the arms of lust? Please.”

Duo snickered softly, swished his ass and ambled on. It took him two trips around the small park before he captured the interest of their target.

Heero watched through field glasses while Duo cut through the small park followed by their target. A bi-partisan rapist who didn’t care about gender only appearance. He liked long haired, big eyed, slender types. Androgynous was the word Buck used.

Duo was usually very masculine, no matter his looks. But he could and had put on a persona that was ... ‘femmi’ was Duo’s word. “This guy” Meaning his character. “is so swish you can feel the breeze ten feet away.” Duo had told Buck. Now he was proving it.

He wandered along, luring his target. The target followed him into a dead end alley and found that his ‘helpless’ quarry wasn’t helpless at all. He grabbed Duo, Duo grabbed back. Duo dumped him on his butt and Heero appeared in the mouth of the alley ‘ready for bear’ as the saying goes. The pick up took one look at Heero’s cold feral expression and totally lost it. He managed to punch Duo in his sore knee, tipping him off balance as he flinched away from the blow. He scrambled to his feet and took off running. Heero followed, leaving a trail of profanity in his wake.

Duo hopped on his good leg for a second, gritted his teeth and took off after him. He barely heard the screech of tires as Buck accelerated the van to follow all three of them. ‘Lester’ ran down the alley, slammed his shoulder into a small door and shoved his way inside. Heero finished the demolition of the door with his booted foot and followed. Duo nearly trod on his heels.

“Where’d he go?”

Heero glanced around. One of the men sitting at a card table glared at him but pointed.

“Through there. He owes me for that door.” He went back to his cards with a grunt. The other men in the group ignored them completely. In this neighborhood this attitude wasn’t that unusual. Duo made it to the door first by the simple expedient of rolling over the small bar between him and the door. He yelped as he hurt his knee but kept going.

Heero jumped onto the bar to give himself a high point. He nodded to Duo who opened the door and pivoted out of the way, hopefully not giving their perp a chance to target him.

The man was trying to crawl out a small window but wasn’t having much luck as Buck had managed to figure out where he was going to exit and was doing his best to stuff him back in the room. Heero jumped off the bar and made it across the room in one bound. He grabbed their man by the seat of his pants and jerked. The man flew across the room and landed in the middle of the floor. He bounced like a ball but he didn’t give up just yet.

Instead of doing the sensible thing and giving up, he grabbed for Duo. Duo kicked him in the head with his bad leg and gritted his teeth as the impact sent a jolt of pain up his leg. The rising spin kick put the man flat and Heero pounced on him. He got a grip on his shirt collar and slugged him in the face, stunned, the man finally gave up. He flopped onto his back and just lay there.

Buck showed up just as Heero was checking for weapons. “Boy, don’t you have any brains at all. Put on some gloves. That creep is filthy. He stinks.”

Duo handed one of the pairs of gloves Buck tossed him to Heero who pulled them on without comment. Buck snapped the wrist of one he had on, grinning.

“I’m not filthy. I’m just over heated.” Their perp actually managed to look indignant.

Buck told him to shut up while Duo snorted in disgust and Heero just produced handcuffs and told Buck, “Grab him and roll him over. I’ll hook him up.”

Duo did a little victory dance, crowing. “Cuffed and stuffed.” Then the over strained leather pants split clear around the crotch. He yelped then started laughing hysterically. Buck guffawed. Heero dragged their perp to his feet, noticed exactly what had happened and started laughing too. The perp demanded indignantly to know what they thought was so funny.

Heero jerked ‘Lester the Molester’ by one arm told him to get over himself and dragged him off to the van.

Duo followed with Bucks light jacked wrapped around his waist. He changed into a pair of sweat pants Buck had in the van. They were a bit large and an odd shade of blue, but Duo was glad to have them none the less. They were much better than wandering around in a pair of pants with no crotch.

.

The trip to the lockup was interesting because the idiot, whose name turned out to actually be Lester, made a pass at Duo. Duo just looked at him. Buck was driving so Lester was treated to one of Heero’s most steely, ice coated glares. Duo cracked up and advised the man to shut up before he froze to death.

Buck pulled up at the nondescript door and let Heero out. He dragged Lester out of the van and frog marched him up to the door. Duo followed at Buck’s direction. Buck told Duo that he needed to go through check in to learn the procedures and introduce himself to the staff.

Duo nodded and trotted after Heero, catching up just in time to be buzzed in.

The desk Sergeant was a tiny woman of about 40. She smiled at Heero and glowered at Lester.

“Well, I see you got him. How’d you do that?”

Duo stepped up to the counter and remarked, rather smugly, “Followed my hot ass into an alley way. Numb-nuts here has no self control at all.”

Lester whined about entrapment and police brutality. Bonnie just told him to shut up.

“Hey, cutie, that was quite a chance you took there. You don’t know his rap sheet. He could have really hurt you.”

Duo eyed the fat slob and shook his head, shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth. “Don’t think so. Unless he fell on me. Then he might have had a chance.” Heero snorted his opinion of that bit of silliness. “Well, he might.”

Bonnie eyed Heero and quipped, “There’s a story behind this, isn’t there?”

“Duo Maxwell, meet Bonnie Fallon. Desk Sergeant extraordinaire, and a beautiful lady.” she blushed and Heero said in an aside, stage whisper. “See, I can too pay compliments.”

Duo gave him the raspberry and Bonnie laughed. “Ok, ok. Maxwell? Name sounds familiar and the face rings a bell.” She didn’t even realize that she was running Duo until the data came up on her screen. Duo just posed for her and Heero rolled his eyes in mock disgust.

“I’m so pretty. Yes, I know.” Duo did a little jig, hyped on adrenaline, and Bonnie laughed. When she looked at her screen her jaw dropped to her knees.

“Holy crap. You’re that Maxwell. I see you and Heero teamed in the war. Now you’re teamed again. That’s ... good?”

Duo nodded. “Yeah, real good. I’m happy. This is my first job as a bounty hunter.”

Bonnie snapped her fingers. “Sure it is. What about day before yesterday. It was all over the news.”

“That was an accident. Right place, right time sort of thing. Idiot walked in, held up the place and ran into me. Tough on him.”

Just then Lester demanded to be processed so he could call his lawyer. Bonnie grumbled ‘spoil sport’, but took the blood sample and retinal print, processed their prize and paid the bounty into their account. Duo watched with bright, interested eyes as she did the intake paperwork, ran Heero’s bank card and handed him the receipt. Heero tucked it into his wallet, motioned to a hovering officer to take Lester and headed for the door. Duo followed waving over his shoulder to Bonnie and telling her he’d be back, with bounties of his own. She waved back then turned back to her computer to finish signing Lester in.

.

Buck drove them home and let them out with a cheery, “See you when you get your license, boy. Study hard.”

Duo hollered back, “Don’t be a stranger.”

Heero opened the door and they went inside. Duo made a bee line for the bathroom, announcing, “I feel filthy. That perv had his hands, eyes and thoughts on me. Yuck!”

Heero didn’t follow him, instead he went into the kitchen and started making stir fry. He knew Duo well and knew that he probably had an upset stomach. Due to years of near starvation and a round of water torture, Duo had a delicate stomach. Or, as he put it, ‘I’m pukey as a cat.’

So he was going to make a simple ginger chicken stir fry and ginger-peach tea. Both had plenty of ginger in them, the chicken spicy with fresh ginger and the tea mellow with both dried and candied ginger in it. He hummed as he chopped and sliced. He decided to go up stairs and ask Duo if he wanted water chestnuts in it.

He found Duo standing in the shower, crying his eyes out.

“Hey! Come here.” Heero snatched up a towel and pulled Duo out of the shower. Wrapping him in the towel he took Duo into the bedroom dripping hair and all. Sitting Duo on the bed Heero hurried back into the bathroom and gathered up more towels. He returned to Duo and wrapped two towels around his hair then used another to dry him.

While Heero was drying him Duo struggled to compose himself. He finally succeeded just about the time Heero got him dry. Not his hair, just him. The Hair, as Heero thought of it, took nearly an hour to dry with a blow drier. Then he sat down next to him and rubbed his back for a few moments.

“Better? I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”

Duo heaved a hitching sigh and moved to sit against the head board. He started blotting at his hair with the towel it was wrapped in. Heero waited patiently, Duo would talk once he got his thoughts in order.

“I don’t talk much about my ... early life. Not something I want to remember, or burden my friends with. But ... damn this is really harder than it should be.”

Heero scooted up to sit next to Duo. He took the now wet towel from him exchanging it for a dry one. Duo pulled the towel from his head and tossed it on the floor with the first one. Heero just pulled him around so that he could comb Duo’s hair for him.

Finally Duo heaved another sigh and started talking. “When I lived on the streets ... Solo was sort of a big brother to me and the rest of the gang I ran with. He always said, ‘Kid, never sell your body. The type that’ll buy it‘ll eat ya alive. Lie, cheat, steal, but never, ever sell your self.’ and I never did. Came damn close to bein’ raped a few times but I never sold myself. And that creep ... he made me realize that Solo was right. Deep down in my soul. It kinda freaked me out. Sorry to be such a girl.”

Heero just pulled Duo close and kissed him. “Never be ashamed of an honest emotional response. Ever.” Duo nodded against Heero’s chest and shuddered. “Ok? What’s wrong?”

Duo chuckled a bit. “My still wet ass is freezin’. I better get up and put on my bathrobe. What are you cooking?”

“Ginger chicken. You want water chestnuts?” Heero gave him a hopeful look.

“Oh, all right.” Duo’s much put upon expression made Heero laugh. He knew very well that if Duo didn’t want them he’d just pick them out.

“I’ll go back down and start. Ginger-peach tea. The expensive kind you like best.” Heero waggled his eyebrows at Duo in a manner guaranteed to make him laugh.

Duo did laugh, a soft chuckle that relieved Heero’s mind.

.

Duo came downstairs just as Heero was starting the stir fry. He picked up the kettle and filled it with water, plugging it in, he settled at the table to watch Heero.

Heero glanced over his shoulder at Duo and nodded to himself. Duo was filling out nicely, gaining weight and muscle tone. He filled the robe out neatly, not too bulky and not rail thin anymore. Heero smiled into the wok. Duo had great legs. Long, slender and elegant with well filled out calves and firm thighs. Very firm thighs. And his feet were great too. High arched and long toed. Heero dragged his thoughts from Duo’s legs back to his cooking.

Duo jumped slightly when the kettle started to whistle, he noticed that Heero did the same. Their eyes met and they both snickered a bit. Duo picked up the kettle, scalded the pot, dropped the tea into the pot and poured the boiling water in. He put the pot on a small tray and covered it with a cozy.

“Heero?”

“Hn.”

“Baka.” Duo’s voice held a world of amusement. “Why do you have a cozy shaped like a hand grenade?”

“One of Quat’s sisters thought it would be amusing. I do think it is. Don’t you?”

“Hysterical. Time to dish the rice?”

Heero eyed the stir fry. “Yeah, by the time you’re done dancing around, it’ll be done. Pour my tea?”

“Sure.” Duo started dishing rice and pouring tea. He put the bowls on the table then asked, “Bowl or plate?”

“Bowl. Is there anything for desert?”

Duo flushed a bit. “No, I ate the last of the ice cream yesterday.”

“Don’t flush like that. Why shouldn’t you eat it if you want it?”

Duo eased up behind Heero to hug him. “Sister Helen always said it was bad to take the last of something without letting someone know. I never figured that out.”

Heero thought about that as he split the food into two servings. He put one bowl in front of his place and handed the other to Duo, sitting across the table from him. He ate in silence for a few bites then said, “Maybe ... because that way they’d add whatever it was to the shopping list?”

Duo mulled that over then shrugged. “Well, might be. But I don’t ever remember a shopping list. There wasn’t very much money and we just about lived on donations from restaurants. We got a lot of the last of something.” Heero paused in his meal, the chopsticks still in his mouth and gave Duo a questioning look. “You know, the stuff they cooked and didn’t sell? We’d get it after closing. Sometimes we didn’t get supper until after midnight. But at least we ate.”

Heero nodded. “I really hated having to get into a dumpster to get something. Never knew if it’d been dosed with bleach or something. Or if it was rotten. Until I smelled it. Gag. We should change the subject before we’re both to grossed out to eat.”

Duo gave Heero an understanding nod and changed the subject to how his knee was much better and his new class schedule.

.

Duo was rather proud of his schedule as he’d managed to replace the two classes he didn’t need with two he did. He’d exchanged for Principles of Criminal Culpability and Escalation and De-escalation, the Use of Force. Both were classes that were very important. He’d also managed to add Criminal Codes, Statutes to Aid and Block Acquisitions. And Seizure and Entry.

There’d been some back and forth by fax and phone but he’d managed to convince the new councilor that he could handle it. He was sure he could because they were all lecture classes with no workshops except for S & E and E & D, Use of Force. He couldn’t wait. He’d also managed to get them all on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with the workshops on Tuesday and Thursday.

That meant that he had Tuesday and Thursday afternoons off. He intended to use the time to shoot off his required ammo. He figured that it would only take him two weeks to do it, that would leave him most of the day to work on homework or just slack off. Saturday and Sunday were ‘family’ time. He insisted, arguing that it was the only time he and Heero would have together until he finished his certificate. He did allow that, if the bounty was big enough, they’d work an acquisition.

.

Heero didn’t drop Duo off the next day. He parked and went with him to his first class. Heero dropped him off at the door and gave him a quick peck on the cheek in farewell. Duo smiled after him as he strode away.

He went in and sat down. It didn’t take him long to realize that at least half the people in the room were giving him quick sneak peeks, side long glances when they thought he wasn’t looking. He began to feel a bit paranoid. What were they looking at? He didn’t have a hickey and he knew his face was clean. He began an inventory of sorts, trying to figure out what they were staring at. Nothing came to mind so he began to fidget.

The professor came in and immediately noticed something off in the room. Being an intelligent man he realized that nothing was going to get done until he got the atmosphere cleared.

“Ok, people, someone want to tell me what is going on? Anyone?”

Duo held up his hand, stood up and announced. “Ok. So I’m a paranoid asshole, but every one keeps staring at me when they think I’m not looking. I feel their eyes on me. And it’s frankly freakin’ me out. So what’s up with that?”

“All right, Mr. Maxwell, with your past history I’m sure you know when you’re being surveiled. Any one want to explain why they, personally have been staring?”

A pretty girl held up her hand. Professor Sharp glanced at his seating chart. “Miss. Feeny?”

“Well ... um ... I saw that guy you came in with. Who’s he? Is he dating anyone? Do you have his number?”

Duo laughed softly. “Ok, questions in order. Heero Yuy. No. Yes, but he’s not dating because we live together. Not available. Hands off.” But he eased the sharpness of his remarks with a grin, “Sorry. Mine.”

She snapped her fingers and grouched. “Well, shit. All the good one’s are taken.”

The class all laughed at that. Then Professor Sharp moved on to another hand.

“Mr. Jackson? You have a pertinent comment.”

“Yeah. Just ... um ... thanks. Really. I got enough back on three classes that I didn’t need that I can almost pay for next semester. Anyone else in class in the same boat?”

His question made almost every one who’d been staring, raise their hand.

“Well, how about a round of well earned applause and we get back to work.” Professor Sharp got the class back to business with this remark. After the applause, he began his lecture.

When the seemingly interminable lecture finally dragged to its end, Duo dumped his notebook and pen into his backpack and escaped before anyone could corner him. He felt a bit off balance the applause had left him feeling – exposed. He wasn’t happy with all the attention he’d attracted.

The other two classes were nearly the same. Staring, congratulations, lecture. The only difference being that he was given catch up notes and the content of the lecture he’d missed. It wasn’t going to be easy to catch up on three classes, but since he’d only missed the first two days, he wasn’t going to sweat it. It wasn’t as if his life depended on remembering every detail. He’d prepared for extremely complicated missions, absorbing ten times the data, in less time than he had to catch up on the information. The professors had all warned him that he had less than ten days till he’d be tested. Ten whole days. It seemed like an eternity compared to the time he sometimes had.

He met Heero at the student union and settled in the place saved for him.

“How the hell did you manage to save a whole table? Usually people just plop down and you’re stuck.”

Just then someone started to do exactly that. Heero just looked up, glared and announced. “Saved. Study group. Sorry.” But the sorry didn’t sound much like sorry. It sounded more like ‘fuck off!’ The kid made a sound like a stepped on mouse and backed away.

“Ok. Got that in one. Are you really saving the table for the study group?”

Heero shook his head. “No, but if any of them show, they can sit. I’m starving. You stay here, I’ll go get us something to eat. Salad?”

Duo shook his head. He was starving too. “No, they’ve got chicken and dumplings. I’d like some of that. Ok? And apple pie.”

“That’s good. Milk? Or tea.”

Duo thought for a second. “Milk if they’ve got skim, whole upsets my stomach. If not, then tea.”

Heero sauntered off to get their food and Duo stuck his nose in one set of lecture notes. He looked up just in time to fend off a group of rowdy footballers. They took it a bit amiss until Duo invited Shinigami out to play.

“Excuse me. I said all the seats are taken. You want to take this outside, I guarantee that you won’t like it.” The look on his face scared the much bigger boys off. They left grumbling about ‘psycho midgets’ but they left.

Heero plopped the tray in front of Duo, remarking. “What was that about my expression? You always look like you’re an inch away from shooting someone.”

Duo snorted. “And you look like you’re trying to decide where to shoot them first.”

“I rest my case.”

They both laughed and settled in to eat their food.

.

Duo checked his schedule and sighed. He was done with classes for the day. He decided to go to the shooting range and get in some practice. He was going to have to hustle to get in his required practice time.

“‘Ro, I’ve got some major practice to get in. I just looked at the requirements for passing Firearms. I’ve got to shoot a case of ammo. Then I’ve got to get a combined total of ... um ... 6,000 points. Just punching paper but I can’t combine the two. So. I’m going to be at the firing range for hours. I’ll try to get it over with as soon as I can but it’s going to be at least a month of two hours a day to do it and everything else. What is it? These guys think their class is the only one I’m taking?”

Heero rubbed the back of his neck “I think so. Look, if you take all Saturday morning, from seven til noon, will that help?”

“Yeah, but it’ll eat into our time. You know.”

Heero sighed. “I’m sorry to say that I’ve reached the point where I can’t turn down a bounty for any reason for a while. I’ve got a bunch right here in the city but I need to get them all soon, or my bonds men will be finding someone else to do the job. Sorry.”

Duo sighed, he’d known this was coming, just not quite this soon. “That’s ok, ‘Ro. I know you’ve been putting them off for weeks. While I was visibly sick they didn’t get on you. But I’m well now, and just getting back to normal. What ever that is for us. So they want you back on the job. I don’t blame them a bit. You do what you need to do. I’m going to the range right now and get in an afternoon’s practice. Ok?”

Heero kissed Duo and then nodded, “Sure, I’ll be on the streets. Buck is going to have a list for me at one.” He glanced at his watch. “I better get going. It’s almost one now. I’ll be late as it is. Bye.”

Duo waved as Heero took off. He headed for the range with a sour expression on his usually cheerful face. He wanted to be on the streets with Heero, not stuck in a firing range doing something as stupid as proving that he, an ex-gundam pilot, ex-terrorist who’d practically cut his teeth on guns, that he wasn’t going to shoot himself in the foot. But his appeal had been refused, the councillor had admitted that insurance wouldn’t let them give any passes on the Pracitum

Duo checked in, got his piece and descended into the firing range to rack off his daily allotment of gunpowder.

.

Heero settled across from Buck with a pile of files at his elbow. He was going to have to work fast, he wanted to be back at the campus when Duo got out of the range. So he settled into what Duo called mission mode and started flipping through files.

“Slow down, boy, you’ll miss something.”

Heero tossed the file to Buck. “Pick a page, paragraph and line. Don’t care where, I’m done with that one.”

“Ok ... um ... page six, paragraph four, line ... three.”

Heero closed his eyes, a luxury he’d been denied in his training, and started quoting. “The girl friend quote Mary Torson endquote is well known for carrying a knife and ...”

Buck snarled then laughed. “All right, all right. You got me. How the hell do you do that?”

Heero looked Buck in the eye. “Got it beaten into me early. Oden Lowe wouldn’t tolerate a mistake. And ... you know ... this is just like an assassination except I don’t have to kill my target just acquire it and catch it.”

“Son, do the letters TMI mean anything to you?”

Heero made a sound somewhere between a chuckle and a snort. “Yeah. But I trust you. Besides, statute of limitations covers most of what I did when I was under sixteen and my others are covered by ‘winning side is right’. So, we gonna do this or what?”

“We’re gonna do this. First acquisition is this ... Frank Miller. I swear, I wish I could ... never mind. We got an address that’s good. Girlfriend actually called me early this morning. He’s hanging around her place, she can’t get him out because he’s on the lease. She’s moving tomorrow and wants him in jail until she can get out. Don’t blame her either. Guys a real prize. Drugs, guns, assault. Bond revoked due to failure to appear.”

Heero closed his eyes again and did some quick figuring. “The address he’s supposed to be at is near, within three blocks one way or another, to three other bounties. If we work it right we can get all of them. Bet you a fiver that they’re all hanging together. Birds and all that.”

Buck shook his head in disgust. “They never learn. We’ll take the big van. Just in case. Let’s go.”

So they picked up the rest of the crew from the lobby, briefed them on the targets and headed out.

It didn’t take them long to get to the first address, in fact, just in time to hear a woman start to scream. Heero bolted from the van and made it to the door first. The rest of the men followed, yelling, “Fugitive Recovery Team. Out of the way.”

Heero hit the door like a bomb. The door obediently collapsed in a pile of fragments and Heero grabbed the man who was in the process of smacking his ‘girlfriend’ around. She dropped, rolled and got out of the way.

The next two men in the door grabbed their target and with Heero’s superior strength, dumped him on the floor, wrestled him into submission and got him cuffed. Heero turned to the girl friend to see that Buck was holding her in his arms in a fatherly embrace and offering her some tissues.

“There, there, pretty girl. Here, blow your nose. We got him and I guarantee that he’s going away for at least ninety days. You do your move. Never get in contact with him again and have a nice life.”

She blew her nose, handed Buck a legal document and announced. “I’d like you to serve him with this. He says it’s not legal unless an officer of the court gives it to him.”

“That’s not true, but I’ll do it. That way he doesn’t have any excuses. You best put some ice on that eye.”

Heero held their perp as Buck handed, or rather tucked the papers in his waist band, and explained that, as an officer of the court, he was serving these papers. “An’ mister, if you violate them, I’ll let Yuy have you. Take ‘im out.” Heero turned him over to two of the other officers and looked around the tiny apartment.

“Looks like she doesn’t have much. We got ten minutes?”

Buck looked doubtful. “Maybe.”

“My name’s Sherry. Thanks for haulin’ that ass off a me. Look, I got a brother comin’ in about fifteen minutes and I got to pack up my stuff. You go along off now. If you hurry. You can get to Sullivan’s before the rest of that pack takes off.”

Heero gave her a solemn nod then asked if she needed any help to pack. She shook her head while stuffing things into a duffle.

“Nope, I got some clothing and a few nick knacks. Other than that, the apartment is completely furnished. My bro’ is just comin’ to pick me up and carry this.” She gave the duffel a tug.

“Would you like me to carry it down stairs for you? You go get yourself some ice like Buck said, and I’ll take this down for you. Is there any food in the fridge?”

Sherry shook her head. “Naw, asshole ate it all. And some of it wasn’t really fresh. Had some Chinese in there that I forgot about. Wound up behind something else. Best watch him. He’ll probably puke. I’m gone.”

She nodded to Heero to take her duffel, put the ice bag she’d made while she was talking on her eye and followed him down the stairs.

.

It didn’t take long to find Sullivan’s Bar and Grill. It turned out to be more bar than grill, no surprise there. Heero wandered in wearing well worn jeans, t-shirt and flannel over shirt. He looked around and identified their targets, all four of them. They were right there at a table in the rear.

It wasn’t hard to slip right through the crowded bar, out the back door and into the alley. Heero looked up and down the alley way and made sure that there were no exits other than the front and back doors. There weren’t, not even a way up to the second floor. He saw a narrow doorway off to one side, behind a dumpster. That had to be the door up.

Deciding that it wasn’t a threat, Heero made the call to do the take down.

It was going to be a bit of a problem, the rest of the men in the bar were sure to start trouble, just on general principles. But Buck had a way around that. He just walked in the door, held up his badge and announced, “Fugitive Recovery agent, if you don’t have a problem with me, I don’t have a problem with you. Start something and I’ll take you all down town.”

No one wanted to be the one to start something. You wouldn’t think it would have worked but the criminal mind is a strange thing. They wouldn’t stand up for each other. All they would do was start a mob. When they were personally threatened they caved.

Heero sneered, he’d heard the whole thing from his post by the alley door. He was there, waiting for someone to do a rabbit. The rest of the crew was picking up their targets and getting them out of the bar as quickly as possible to avoid anyone working up the nerve to start something.

There was no trouble on this pickup and they took the five men down to the jail and left one of the crew to do the paper work and collect the bounties. He would meet up with them as soon as he was done.

Heero settled in the passenger’s seat next to Buck. Buck turned his head to look at Heero. Heero, in mission mode, scared the shit out of him. If Heero ever pointed that, cold, dead gaze at him, he was shooting first and asking questions later. Granted he’d shoot Heero in the leg or somewhere else non lethal.

“Ok, now where. Heero, check the files and figure out another hit like that last one. Great idea.”

Heero settled back in the seat and went through every file he’d looked at. He asked for a map of the city. Buck handed him a well worn one from the door pocket. Heero unfolded it and sat staring at it for a few minutes. Everyone just waited patiently. The ones that had worked with Heero before knew what he was up to, the rest trusted Buck.

Heero gave Buck an address then said, “Take us there. We should pick up at least two men there. They may know were other’s are. Why do these idiots run in packs like that. They know they’ll only get in more trouble for fraternization.”

Buck sighed softly. “Sorry state of affairs. They got no good friends, they’re not allowed to be with the friends they do have. So they stick together anyway and get themselves into trouble for hanging with the only support system they’ve got. And all it does is go round and round.” He put the van in gear and pulled out. “Well, let’s get this freak show on the road.”

The silence was broken by a rather uncomfortable titter from the back. Heero snorted and settled back to look out the door and think of Duo.

.

Duo glanced around the front end, found the range officer and signaled him. He was a man Duo didn’t know, which made Duo a bit uncomfortable. But the man was easy going and just motioned to Duo to get his ammo and pick a bay.

Duo went to the window and asked for two boxes. The clerk just shrugged. “It’s your hands, buddy. Sign here.” He handed Duo a clipboard. Duo signed in, made note of the caliber of his piece and waited as the man checked the info. He turned around, pulled two boxes off a shelf and set them in a small plastic tub. “Got an ammo catcher?”

Duo nodded, “Yeah, don’t fancy crawling all over the floor to pick it all up.” He craned his neck to see the man’s name badge. “Lonnie.”

Lonnie gave Duo a quick grin. “You wouldn’t believe the idiots that think we some how magically deal with getting the empties back. We do reload and that brass doesn’t need to be stepped on. Don’t bother to re-rack them. They all have to be tumbled before we reload them.”

Duo accepted the tub and checked to see if the back lane was empty. It was, so he headed that way. He liked that lane and was going to use it whenever possible. It was the last lane, farthest from the entry. And near the emergency exit. He felt comfortable with its positioning

Duo opened his shooting bag and got out his clips. He spent a while loading them, all six of them. And checking to see that his targets were ready.

Then he picked up his piece and started shooting.

He was nearly done with the first box when the range officer came over to check on him.

“How ya doin’, son? Need anything?”

Duo took off his headset and leaned against the shooting bench. “Fine. Don’t need anything. Think I’ll take a rest and get a drink. Want to safety me?”

The RO looked at him for a second. “No, wouldn’t insult your intelligence or mine. I know who you are.”

Duo blinked for a second. “Going to be a problem?”

“No. Just wonder what the hell you’re doing here.”

Duo thought for a second, realized there was no need for secrecy and replied. “Getting a recovery agent certificate. Heero and I are setting up in business.”

“I see. Good luck. If you have trouble with anything or anyone, let me know. I mean it. Ok?”
Duo nodded and said ‘ok’ but his puzzlement showed. The RO refrained from further comment, safetied him, checking to see that his piece was cleared of live rounds and let him go.

Duo went to the small cafeteria, just a room with some vending machines really, and got a package of chips and a soda. He settled himself in a corner with his back to the wall, facing the door. The back of his neck was crawling.

It turned out that it was with good reason. Two men came in about ten minutes after Duo. They bought coffee and sat on either side of the table, supposedly trapping Duo in the corner. Duo just watched them, calmly crunching chips. It didn’t take long.

“You’re quite the smart ass ain’t ya?”

Duo just nibbled on a chip.

The other man chimed up with, “Gonna just sit there?”

Duo glanced from the red-headed man to the chubby blond. He decided to think of them as Red and Chubs. Just for something to call them that wasn’t Fatso and Stupid.

“Planned on it.” Duo eased his chair back from the table a bit. He was constrained by the corner behind him and cursed himself for not leaving more room.

“You know, you’re nothing but a trouble maker. We both had good guns, but after your little visit with the smith, we got red tagged.”

“Yeah, now we have to rent guns from the school until we can get something the smith will pass.”
Duo glanced from one man to the other, sort of like watching a tennis match, while they took turns bitching. He sighed, thinking, ‘When am I gonna catch a break?’

“Look. I don’t have any influence with the smith. If you got red tagged, it’s because your pieces were crap, not because of anything I did. We just shot the shit a little.”

“Yeah, sure. I believe that. You’re just jealous because we’re going to be better than you.”

Duo blinked then just waited while they harangued him from both sides. Obviously they’d convinced themselves that Duo was at fault somehow and nothing was going to change their minds.

After a few minutes of listening, Duo interrupted them. “Won’t say its been fun, cause it hasn’t been. I’m leaving now. But I’d suggest that you leave me alone. You’ve had your say, stupid though it is, and I’ve listened. And, you know that can of patience I just opened on your behalf? Well, it’s empty now.”

Red sputtered in indignation. Chubs reached for Duo. Duo slapped his hand away and decided he’d had enough. He needed room so he just tipped the table out of his way. The noise brought the RO and another man running. But by the time they got to them it was all over.

Duo set himself the second the table was out of the way. Chubs charged him first and grabbed at him. Duo let him grasp his wrist then twisted his own grasp around to catch the wrist of the hand that had grabbed him. He tucked his hip in Chubs groin and flipped him neatly into the wall. He hit with a loud thud and slid down to rest on his side, groaning.

Red took his shot while he thought Duo was distracted by Chubs. He jumped right on Duo’s back. Which didn’t do him any good at all. Duo just bent over and flipped him onto his back on the floor. He punched Red in the throat hard enough to make him choke.

When he heard the noise behind him, Duo whirled, taking up a defensive stance.

“Easy there, we saw enough to know that those two were the aggressors. What was their problem?” The RO eased into the room, careful not to set Duo off. “Will you let us in?”

Duo realized that the RO knew who he was and was being very careful not to look threatening. He released his stance, allowing his hands to drop to his sides. Smiling, he jerked his chin towards Chubs. “Ya wanna pick up the trash? Fine by me. I’m going out.” Everyone scrambled a bit to get out of Duo’s way.

Duo walked into the hall and glanced up then down. He didn’t want to return to the range, he was feeling a bit insecure about exposing his back. He stood still long enough that one of the bystanders felt safe speaking to him.

“Look, I know you’re probably feeling ... creeped out. Would you like to come into my office? It’s right here.” He motioned to the door right behind him and stepped out of Duo’s way.

Duo glanced into the room and nodded. “Be fine. Nice office. What do you do?”

Duo settled onto the couch against the wall. It was situated so that he could see the door, the desk and out the windows. The little standup on the desk said, ‘Michael O’Keef, Range Master’. Duo smiled at that, no wonder he had such a nice office.

“I’ll let you stay here until the police come. I’m afraid they’ll want to interview you. Would you like some coffee?”

Duo did a quick mental ‘inventory’ and decided against anything with caffeine in it. “No thanks. Don’t need it. Got the shakes a bit. Any kind of tea?”

“I’ve got a personal stash of bagged. I think there’s some with catnip in it. Or chamomile?”

Duo shrugged. “I’m sure either will be fine. Thanks.”

.

Duo sat, waiting for the police to come, until he decided that he was fed up with waiting. He stuck his head out the door and found that the police were still questioning Red and Chubs. He asked, as politely as he could manage when someone was going to talk to him.

“We thought we’d give you time to finish your tea and get ... um ... settled? You know.”

Duo couldn’t help but smile at the officer. She was a uniform, a sergeant and looked like someone’s mom.

“Oh, ok. I’ve calmed down as much as I’m gonna. Why don’t we get this over with so I can go home?”

“Sure thing, Mr. Maxwell. I’ll just tell my partner and get my book.” she turned back to the room and Duo returned to the couch.

Mr. O’Keef had told Duo to make himself at home and use the tea kettle and bagged tea again if he liked. He did like and offered the uniform a cup. She accepted and, as she said, ‘parked her weary butt’ in the wing back chair set at an angle to the couch. Another on the other side of the coffee table completed the comfortable sitting area.

“Ok. What the hell went on? And ... shit ... what’s your full name. All I got out of that couple of idiots was Gundam fucker. What is wrong with them? The gundam pilots gave us peace and freedom. Stupid assholes.” she flushed and apologized, Duo just flapped his hand saying. “Don’t sweat it.”

They settled with their tea and the officer finally introduced herself. “Sorry about all the confusion. My name is Shelly Graves.” She rose to shake Duo’s hand, juggling her notebook and tea. Duo shook, careful not to crush her hand. He didn’t have Heero’s gorilla grip but his was more than adequate.

They settled back in their respective seats and Shelly began her interview.

She asked intelligent questions and Duo answered as best he could. They finally came to the only conclusion possible. The two men knew who Duo was, had a grudge and used any excuse they could come up with to attack him. She flipped her book shut and stood up.

“Thank you for your time. I’ll write up my report and send you a copy, shall I?”

Duo nodded. “Might need it if those two decide to go civil on me. Thanks.” He held out his hand. She shook it again, turned and motioned to her partner. They left with no fanfare, following the other team with Red and Chubs in tow.

He turned just in time, Heero came busting down the hall at a dead trot, with Buck right behind him.

“Are you alright? What happened? I’m so sorry we couldn’t get here faster. Traffic is a bitch and we were clear across town.”

Duo sighed and relaxed completely in Heero’s embrace. He grumbled, “You won’t believe it. Just take me out of here. I just want to sit down somewhere and ... just out, ok?”

Heero didn’t argue, he just hauled Duo out the door and into the van. One of the men there instantly demanded, “Is he ok? What the hell happened? Who do we get to snatch up?

Heero urged Duo into the empty middle seat and climbed in after him. “We’ll find out in a minute? Duo?”

So Duo told the whole story again, this time with all his observations and conclusions. He sighed, “They got a bug up their ass about me being a Gundam pilot and the fact that my piece is better than their junk. Buy a hand gun off the street? Suicidal ring a bell? So they jumped me. Tough luck on them. But I’m a bit shaky and really tired. Adrenaline rush will do that. And I’m hungry.”

The last was said in a childish whine that made Heero snicker and the rest of the men groan. Duo just laughed, although a bit weakly.

Heero poked Buck on the shoulder, rolled the door shut and they were off to the nearest drive through to get them all something to eat.

None of them noticed that Duo was still wearing his weapon, holstered on his thigh.
.

Buck pulled up in the parking lot of the burger joint. Turning around, he announced, “Ok guys, who wants what?”

The men took turns giving their orders which one of the younger guys wrote down on a scrap of paper. They played rock/paper/scissors to see who would go in. Duo didn’t know the guy who lost but he was good natured about it, only remarking that someone had to come with to help with the drinks as he wasn’t juggling sacks and two trays of drinks. Duo thought he ought to offer buy Heero squeezed him gently so he kept his mouth shut. Besides, he didn’t really feel like it. He just wanted to stay here and relax, he could still feel his nerves twanging.

Heero ducked his head and whispered in Duo’s ear, “How you doing? Ok?”

Duo turned his head on Heero’s shoulder. “I’m ok. Just a bit shaken. Seems odd, being what we are, but I didn’t expect it. Not at a school. Bastards! What if it was some kid that wasn’t capable of handling it? They could have really hurt him, or her. Wonder if they would have picked on a girl.”

Heero sighed, Duo would be fine soon. When he started wondering about stuff like that he was fine.

They were still waiting for the food when a police car eased through the parking lot. The car stopped near the van and one officer got out. He glanced at the van, the armed men standing around it and circled back to his car. Buck followed him carefully.

“Excuse me officer. Is there a problem?”

The cop looked at Buck and then glanced at the group near the van. “Not sure. What’s going on?”

“Just stopping to get some lunch. We all got papers, need to see them?”

The officer leaned against the side of the car so he could talk to his partner without turning his back on the group. His partner said, loud enough for Buck to hear, “Boss said to check papers and, if they check out, just let ‘em go.” Buck relaxed.

So the cops lined them up, good naturedly telling them to produce or perish. Duo lined up with the rest of the guys without thinking a thing about the fact that he didn’t have his certificate or a permit yet.

Duo stood at the end of the line, white faced and worried. It had finally dawned on him that there might be a problem. Heero stood next to him, not noticing his discomfort until it was too late.

“Papers.”

Duo bit his lip then admitted, “I don’t have any. I’m still working on my certificate.”

Heero turned to look at Duo. “What difference does that ...” Then he noticed Duo’s weapon. “Oh, shit!”

Buck just walked over, demanding, “What the hell?” He got a good look at Duo and started yelling. “Damn it, boy, didn’t I tell you to put that thing back in your locker at the range before you came out?”

Duo got the hint, hung his head and mumbled, “Forgot. ‘M sorry.”

The cop just rolled his eyes. “Shit, kid. You’re in for it now.”

Duo shrugged sullenly. “But it’s not loaded. I cleared it before I left the range then I forgot to leave it because I didn’t go to my locker. I’m sorry.”

The cop just rubbed the back of his neck, looking into the van he brightened. “You got a weapons locker in there?” Buck nodded. “Just take it and stick it in there.”

Duo obediently took off his belt and handed it to Buck, who took it remarking, “...And you’re grounded for the week end.”

Duo grumbled. “Well fuck.” Buck just put his belt in the safe and shut it.

The cop turned to see the last two men coming back with the food. Neither one said a word, just handing over their papers without being asked. The cop checked them, glanced around then told them to ‘carry on’ causing Heero to snicker a bit. The cop gave him a saucy grin and returned to his partner. They drove away, leaving the bounty hunters to eat their lunch in peace.

.

The minute the cruiser turned the corner Duo begin chastising himself, snarling, “Stupid, stupid, stupid. I’d never have done something like this even a year ago. I don’t know where my head is.”

Heero reached out and caught Duo in a hug. “Hush, love, this isn’t the wars anymore. You’re entitled to make a mistake now and then. It’s ok. Just let it go. You’ve had a hard enough day without this.” He petted Duo until he calmed down then handed him his food which wasn’t even cold, due to the packaging not being opened yet.

Duo unwrapped his burger and took a bite. “Man, that’s good. I’m so hungry my stomach thinks my throat’s been cut. And ... Dad … ” His voice took on a definite whine. “I’m grounded all weekend?” Everyone laughed and the tension was broken.

“Yeah. Well maybe that was a bit over the top. But, boy, you gotta be careful. You get into trouble with that an’ you’ll have trouble gettin’ your license. An’ I don’t need that. Yuy’ll sulk for weeks.”

Heero snorted around a mouthful of fries. He swallowed quickly to blurt, “Will not. I don’t sulk.” The look on his face was priceless. A combination of indignation and surprise.

Buck crowed. “Gotcha!” And tossed a wadded up napkin at him.

Heero mumbled, “I don’t sulk,” into his soda while everyone else chuckled at the look on his face. Duo grinned like a loon.

While they were bantering back and forth they finished eating. Buck decided to call it a day as everyone was tired after wrestling with the perps they’d already picked up. Heero wanted to get Duo home and the rest just wanted to go home too.

Buck drove them back to the office. Everyone bailed out of the van and headed for their personal vehicles. Duo and Heero followed Buck into the office to pick up Duo’s hand gun before they headed for home.

Duo expected to get a lecture from Buck for forgetting to locker his piece. Buck just handed over the belt, holster and pistol without comment.

“Thanks, Buck. Both for the out and not lecturing me.”

Buck just grinned at Duo. “Don’t need to lecture someone who made an honest mistake. And ... why the hell they don’t just let you opt out of half these classes, I surely don’t know.”

Duo brightened, “Opt out? What’s that?”

Buck grumbled as he realized that Long had screwed Duo over in more ways than one.

“If you’re knowledgeable in a subject you can take the final and test, or opt, out of the course. You still have to pay for the hours but you don’t have to sit in the damn class. Waste of time doing a course you already know. Now, what I’d suggest is you go on line and test out of everything you can. That’ll take a real load off. Get you your certificate sooner, then you still have to pass a test for your license. Damn waste of time all those tests. Ought to just let you go out with me a few times and have me critique you. Used to do that all the time. Then the do-gooders got hold of it.” Buck continued to grumble while Duo and Heero looked at each other. Duo just grabbed Heero’s hand and dragged him out the door while buck was still talking. He just laughed and got ready to go home himself.

.

Heero let Duo drive home as he was still a bit twitchy and the concentration needed to drive usually helped him center himself again. So Heero let him drive and worried.

“What’s got that frown on your face, love.” Duo turned his head for a second to look at Heero.

“You really alright? How do you feel?” Heero worried at things like a dog with a rag and Duo told him so.

“And you better relax or you’ll have an ulcer or something. Ok? I’m fine. By the time I get us home I’ll be ready for supper.” Duo grinned at the thought of the steaks put in the fridge to thaw.

“Supper? Duo, you just ate lunch.” Heero couldn’t help the grin he turned on Duo.

“I know, but by the time they’re finished thawing, it’ll be time for supper. And baked potatoes. And salad and ... Heero? Do we have anything for desert?”

Heero thought for a moment then shook his head. “Don’t think so. We ate the last of the ice cream last night and there’s no fresh fruit or anything.”

Duo sighed and took the next exit. He wanted pie for desert and he wasn’t taking no for an answer. Heero refrained from comment knowing that, in this mood, Duo would only dig in his heels.

“I’ll just stop at the fruit market. I can get some apples and make a flan or something.”

Heero thought for a few minutes then asked, “Why not make one of those peasant tart things. It’s just pie crust and fruit, right?”

Duo nodded, licking his lips in anticipation. “Yeah, all I have to do is make the crust and peal the apples. No pie pan, just flop it on a cookie sheet and bake it. It’ll go the same time as the potatoes and the same temp. Yay, got it in one. Love you, ‘Ro.”

Heero didn’t bother to try to keep the affection out of his voice. “Love you, too, Duo.”

.

Duo held up his knife and announced. “This is a knife, it is a tool. Used to peal apples, cut them up and make a pie. It is also a weapon. One used to protect the peace of the world and colonies. And when will we ever get the benefit of it.”

Heero gazed at Duo with some dismay. “What brought that on?”

“Those guys today. Called me gundam fucker. I don’t know what I ever did to them and I don’t really care. There’s never going to be real peace. You know that, don’t you?”

Heero sat down to help Duo peal the apples for their pie. “Yeah, I know, human nature being what it is. That’s one of the reasons I like being a bounty hunter. I can get some of those idiots off the streets. At least for a little while.”

Duo sighed wearily. “I’m just really tired. I’m getting better aren’t I? A little?”

Heero nodded. “Yeah, and it’s time for you to start going to the gym with me. We’ll start tomorrow. Before your first class.”

Duo nodded. “That’s the reason I made sure that my first class wasn’t until ten. If we get up at seven, have breakfast and get to the gym on time, I’ll have plenty of time to make it to my first class.”

Heero finished with the apple he was pealing. He cut it up and added it to the bowl of bite sized pieces. “There, all done. I’m going to look into testing out of some of your required classes. If you can test out of two or three, it’ll only take you two semesters to get your certificate.”

Duo got up to make his tart.

He made his crust while Heero added butter, sugar and cinnamon to the apples. “I need to add some flour to this?” Duo looked up, examined the apples and nodded. Heero got out the flour and sifted some into the bowl.

Duo couldn’t help the snicker. “We’re so damn domestic. It’s nice, isn’t it?”

Heero nodded gazing at Duo with a rather silly fond expression. “It is. There were times I wasn’t sure I was going to survive the night and others I really didn’t want to.”

Duo shuddered. “Me too. I thought sure I was going to get executed that time. I ever remember to thank you for that rescue?”

Heero put the apples aside and went to wrap his arms around Duo. “Several times. My pleasure.”

“You looked really pissed at the time.”

“I was. You looked like they’d run you through a meat grinder. I still don’t know how grown men could have done that. Bastards.”

Duo finished forming his crust with Heero’s arms firmly around his waist. He got the tart in the oven, along with the potatoes.

Heero went out to the upper balcony, through the sliding glass doors right beside the kitchen. He lit the grill and then leaned on the railing to watch the boats on the bay.

Duo made a soft noise in his throat so that Heero would know it was him. “Hey, didn’t mean to spoil the mood, sorry.”

Heero pulled him close. Duo leaned on the railing too. “Boats are neat.”

“Want one?”

Duo snorted. “Can’t swim. Don’t see me and boats getting along too good.”

Heero hugged him with one arm. “Me neither. Don’t trust ‘em much.”

“Yeah, what with the sinking and all. Now a good motorcycle, that’s a thing of beauty. Seen the new Viking? Runs on an ethanol/nitro fuel.”

Heero nodded eagerly. “Really nice piece of machinery. Looks like an antique 20th century Harley. V-twin, four stroke. Great brakes too.”

Duo sighed wistfully. “Be nice to get matching bikes and leathers. What color would you like?”

Heero thought for a moment. “There’s a custom shop over in Baytown. Black and silver. Maybe someday. Graduation present maybe. Where’s the time right now?”

Duo grunted and dropped the subject. “Bring out the steaks?”

“Grill’s hot. Better.”

.

Heero burped and pushed back from the table. “I’m stuffed. All I want to do is fall on the couch and watch the news. Help with the dishes?”

Duo just picked up his things and headed for the sink. “I’ll scrape. You stick ‘em in the washer?”

“Sure. I’ll put on the kettle for tea.”

They settled on the couch shoulder to shoulder and watched the news. The attack at the school actually made the evening slot. But it came on after sports and weather. Duo snorted. Heero hugged him and pulled him closer.

They spent some time necking and things took their natural course from there.

Much later, Laying sated and lethargic, Duo announced his plans to find out which courses he could test out of and which he had to actually take. “If I know the materials and I’m willing to pay the fees, what’s the problem? I can get my papers that much sooner. I’m just not cut out to be a school kid.”

Heero just hummed in agreement and rolled over. He grumbled a bit as he’d wound up in the wet spot.

.

Heero woke with the sun in his eyes, a thing that didn’t happen often. He rolled over, realized that he had a towel bunched up under his hip and grinned. Trust Duo to see that he didn’t sleep uncomfortably all night.

He got up and wandered into the bathroom, taking a detour to drop the towel in the hamper in the closet and get some clean clothing to wear. He showered, checking the towels to see if Duo had already done so. The towels on Duo’s rack were damp so Heero knew that Duo had taken care of things. He wondered where Duo was. He couldn’t have left the house as neither one of them would do so without telling the other.

Heero took his time, shampooing his hair twice and conditioning it while he washed. He rinsed the conditioner out and turned the shower off. Reaching out to get a towel for his hair, Heero realized that he was dripping all over the floor so, after drying off, he used one of the wet towels to dry the floor. He grimaced at the dirt that he picked up. He was going to have to make a note to mop the floors.

Heero slouched his way down the stairs and into the kitchen, he’d found that he really wanted either coffee or tea, or any other form of caffeine first thing in the morning. The coffee pot was half full so he helped himself to pure, unadulterated coffee. He sipped a bit, shuddered at the strength and added a bit of water from the kettle, it was hot and he wondered why.

Absently scratching his ass, he opened the sliding glass doors to see if Duo was on the terrace watching the boats. He wasn’t so Heero grumbled a little about the hide and seek his lover was inadvertently playing with him. Where the hell was Duo?

He finally decided to check the office on the ground floor. It was empty but there was a note on the blotter. “Down stairs in the real office. Bring coffee or die.”

Heero snorted into his coffee cup, making him realize that it was almost empty. He went back into the kitchen and started a new pot. After some rummaging he found a thermal pot. He rinsed it with hot water and turned to get the pot of coffee. It wasn’t quite done so he leaned against the counter, arms crossed one foot on the floor the other across that ankle. He wondered what Duo could possibly be doing in the office this early in the day. Especially since Duo had gotten up before he had. He yawned and scratched his stomach, he was going to have to get rid of these sweats, the elastic was irritating.

He poured the finished coffee in the pot, gathered up creamer, sugar and a spoon. He knew there was a coffee bar down stairs but Duo’s ‘bring coffee’ jump started his brain enough to realize that they’d never stocked it. “Shit” he dumped his load of stuff on the table to make a note on the shopping list on the fridge. ‘Stock for office coffee bar’

He slapped the magnet back on the note and headed for the downstairs office.

.

“Here, coffee, so you don’t have to kill me.”

Duo looked up from his computer and grinned at Heero. “I’ve been downloading all the old lecture notes for all my classes. And I do mean all. I can’t test out of more than three classes a semester, so I’m trying to decide which one’s to take and which one’s to test. What do you think?”

Heero stretched, displaying his hard abs to Duo. Duo snorted. “And don’t try to distract me with sex. Think.”

“Ok, not that I was really trying to distract you. Got a hitch in my shoulder. But ...” Duo got up to stand behind Heero. “You can’t test out of anything with a lab, or practicum. They won’t let you. So that means you’re stuck with Entry and Force. The rest you can test out. And Firearms. Stuck with that. Sorry.” Duo just shrugged and continued his massage. “Mmmmmm! I’ll give you a week to stop that.”

Duo just continued his massage until he had the knots out of Heero’s shoulders. “I put a towel in the bed when I got up to piss. Did you find it? I figured that it would be down at the foot of the bed by the time you got up.”

Heero took one of Duo’s hands and kissed the tips of his fingers. Duo curled that hand around Heero’s mouth so that he could kiss the palm too. He did so then rubbed his cheek in it. “It was bunched up under me. Thanks though.” He reached over to turn Duo’s monitor toward his chair.

Duo pointed. “Already got all the data loaded so you can access from your computer. Go take a look, ok?”

Heero settled in his chair and started going over Duo’s projected schedule. He was contemplating testing out of every subject that didn’t have a workshop, laboratory, practicum; whatever you called them. Heero wondered how Duo was planning on doing that. It had been nearly a year since either one of them had a mission – no, more like nearly two years. He wondered if Duo could pull it off. If he couldn’t he’d be miserable. Duo hated failure nearly as much as Heero did.

“I’m gonna start with one class and stick with it until I can pass the final, then move on. I’ll keep up with the labs fairly easily. I’ll just stay in the classes I have, but I’ll start by testing out of them first. What do you think?”

Heero brightened. “If you work on one at a time, we can do this.”

“We?”

Heero gave Duo a smug little grin. “I’m a qualified bounty hunter. Think I haven’t covered all this shit. You know J. So what do you want to start on?”

Duo eyed the list with a sour expression. “How ‘bout Signing In, it’s paired with Jail Procedures and Relations. What’s that?”

Heero nearly hurt himself laughing. “They have an actual class in that? Damn waste of money, that. All it is, is how to fill out the paper work for a pick up. The bail bondsman usually does that. And how to fill out paper work to make sure you’ve got the right guy, sign him in and collect your bounty. The second half is just how to avoid pissing off the desk sergeant and the jail personnel.”

Duo frowned. “And it’s not a practicum, why?”

“Most jails won’t let anyone in that isn’t already qualified. If you were as busy as those guys are, would you want a bunch of snot nosed newbies all up in your face?”

Duo admitted that he wouldn’t. “So, I guess I’m going to have to actually take that one. Shit!”

Heero shook his head slowly. “Maybe not. I think ... yeah, here it is. Right at the bottom of the last page here. Says if you’ve ever actually done it and a call to the jail proves that they ‘accept you into the fellowship of officers’ idiots, who thinks up the phraseology in these? Anyway, you can pass easy.”

“Yeah?” Duo got up to get more coffee.

“Sure, we’ll just pick up someone. You come along on a ride along. I can do that without any problems. You’re my significant other so no one will think a thing of it. I’ll see Buck later today and arrange that for tomorrow. We’ll head down early enough that Buck can show you how to do the pickup papers and we’ll just do it. Then all you have to do is get this ...” Heero reached over to the printer to take out a check sheet. “Signed and initialed by all our contacts and ... hey! Presto... pass.” Heero grinned at Duo who grinned back with a slightly evil glint in his eye.

“Super. That’s one down and ...” he eyed the list. “... Six to go. Two of them practicals. Damn. But it could be worse. I could want to be a brain surgeon or something.”

Heero snorted his coffee up his nose.

.

Buck settled back in his chair and grinned, thinking, ‘Trust Yuy to figure out how to get around anything he considers inconvenient. Sly dog. Well, I’ll be glad to help the boy. He needs that partner of his on the streets with him. Not lollygagging around in a class room somewhere.’

Buck checked the files, he wanted to give them an easy pickup, not someone that they’d have to chase all over. Duo was learning about the paper work this time. When it was time for him to do a hard pickup, Buck was sure that he’d find some asshole to fill the bill. He sighed and rubbed his face. He was getting too old for the business, the physical demands were beginning to really wear on him. He was hoping that Heero and Duo would take over the recovery side of the business for him and leave him to the bonding side. Things were looking up.

Buck sat out all the things he’d need to show Duo how to fill out the papers needed to get a court order for the arrest. It was a simple form and all he’d have to do was fax it over to the court. A judge would review it and issue the order, which would be faxed back.

He poured some coffee and settled back to wait until ‘his’ boys came in.

It didn’t take long for Duo and Heero to arrive. They thundered in the door like a herd of buffalo. Buck shouted them into chairs and laughed at them. Heero was so eager to take Duo out on an authorized bust and Duo was just as eager to go. But Duo was also eager to learn.

Buck settled in to show Duo how to fill out the paperwork. Duo didn’t have any trouble filling out the form. All it wanted was the name of the pick up, id number, and reason for revocation of bail. Duo filled it out and faxed it to the court. It came back in thirty minutes, approved of course.

Duo whipped the page out of the machine, folded it properly and tucked it into a folder.

“Ok, now what?”

Heero eased out of his chair, “We go pick up...” he glanced at the papers. “... Jessie Adams. Buck, you got any intel?”

Buck just handed over a small file. “This is all I got. Not much, but the address is current.”

“You sure?”

Buck eyed Duo for a second then realized that Duo didn’t know him well enough to realize that that was an insult. “Yeah, I am. Bonder is his girl ... ex-girl friend. He messed up by screwing around on her. Pissed her off. So she pulled the bond. Said it was because of something else but that’s what it’s really about. Doesn’t make any difference, a bonder is entitled to pull their bond for any reason at any time. So go, bring me back a body.”

Duo stood up, gave Buck a jaunty salute and announced, “You got it, boss. On our way.”

Heero smacked him in the back of the head and announced, “Come on, mace only.”

Duo nodded, “I’m not sure about that. I’m not certified with it.”

Heero just laughed. “Don’t have to be. This stuff’s not lethal so you don’t.”

Buck just gave one quick short nod. “Off you go, guys. See you on the flip.”

Heero handed Duo a can of mace, explaining as they left. “You know how this stuff works. We’ve used it before. This is the foam type. You drive, I’ll navigate.”

Duo scrambled into the drivers seat and started the engine. Heero punched the address into the GPS system and they were on their way. As Duo drove toward their destination, Heero went over what was going to happen on their pickup. Duo listened carefully so that, if there was a problem, he wouldn’t be the one who caused it.

They pulled into a parking lot at a small apartment complex. Duo realized that Heero had guided them to the lot on the back side of the building their target was in. He had to grin, Heero was avoiding all the triggers that would have set them running only two short years ago.

They cut through the open walkway between the two halves of the building and climbed the stairs to the second level. Heero checked the arrest warrant and pointed to the apartment. He always checked and double checked, it wouldn’t do to break in on some old lady or innocent family and scare them half to death.

Duo nodded. He was ready.

Heero pounded on the door with his fist, “Jessie Adams! Fugitive Recovery! Open the door!”

They heard a shrill scream in the apartment so Heero slammed his foot into the door beside the lock. The cheap door and lock didn’t have a chance against his steel-bending strength, it popped open like a can of soda.

The little girl who’d screamed, wailed again then started to cry. Her mother darted out of the kitchen where she’d been standing, frozen in startlement, and scooped her up. She scrambled back into the kitchen, yelling, “Jessie, you get your worthless butt out here. They’re scaring Angelina.”

Heero and Duo prepared to do battle but all that happened was anticlimactic at best. Jessie wandered out of the bedroom, pulling on a t-shirt.

“All right, all right. Geeze, gimme a chance. What’m I supposed to do, Francine?”

Francine glared then snarled. “How ‘bout, stay out of trouble. Moron!” Angelina hid behind Francine, staring at the two bounty hunters with wide eyes.

Heero handed Duo a pair of handcuffs and started the procedures. “Turn around, hands on the wall.” Jessie turned, put his hands on the wall and spread his legs. Heero kicked them wider apart. “You don’t have anything in your pockets that’s going to hurt me, do you? No needles, knives, blades. No dope, no alcohol?” Jessie shook his head. “Nothing in your shoes?”

Francine called from the kitchen, “If he does, he’s dead. I don’t allow that around Angel. And you just tell him, he comes back, I’ll put him in jail again. I’m gettin’ an order. He can’t come back here.”

Jessie started to whine. “Aww! Francie, I ain’t done nothing. Why you wanna be that way?”

“Because you’re a ... bum. I don’t want you around any more. You drink, you smoke junk and you haven’t had a job in I don’t know when. You’re a drain on my budget that I don’t need. I got to take care of Angel. See what you done now!”

Francine pushed a still weeping Angelina into the living room. Duo felt sorry for the little girl. She was obviously scared and didn’t need to be shoved into the middle of this mess. But she was a brave little thing for all the noise had scared her.

She looked up at Duo. “You gonna take him away, mister? You gonna make him stay away? Please? I don’t like his friends, they look at me funny. And he smokes stuff that makes me feel sick. Please? Make him go.”

Jessie started to sputter but Heero smacked him and told him to shut up. Then he called Duo over. “Ok, cuff him. Then search him good. After what the lady said, I wouldn’t put it past him to pull some stunt or other.”

Jessie shook his head the best he could while pinned against the wall by Duo. “No, man, I’m not causin’ any trouble. I swear, I’m not. All I want to do is get this over. I know I’m goin’ back in. But ... well, I stuck my foot in it, didn’t I? So ... you know? Just don’t hurt me, ok?”

Duo cuffed him while he was babbling. “No, man, I don’t know. I’m not going to hurt you if you don’t start anything. You be cool, I’ll be cool. Come on.”

While Duo was cuffing an unresisting Jessie, Heero was checking to make sure that Francine and Angelina were all right.

He knelt in front of the little girl and peered into her eyes. “You ok? We didn’t mean to scare you. I’m really very sorry, forgive me?”

Angelina looked him over carefully then nodded. “Un-huh. If you promise to take him away and make him stay. I don’t like him. And his friends are creepy.”

“We’ll take him away. And your mommy is going to get a thing called a court order to make him stay. How’d you like that?”

The little girl gave him one of those looks that only a small child can manage, full of innocent contempt. “A court order is just a piece of paper. How can a piece of paper make him stay away if he doesn’t want to? That’s just stupid. An’ if you call the cops are they gonna come before he does something bad? An’ his friends will come and hurt us. He said so.”

Francine finally managed to put something Angelina said together with this remark.

“Oh, god. Oh, baby, his friends didn’t touch you did they? Did they?” she was rapidly getting hysterical.

Then Jessie chimed in. “Hey! None of my friends are perverts! They wouldn’t do that. They wouldn’t.”

Duo gave him a hard shake. “Be very sure of that. I’ll bust your head for you.”

Angelina was shaking her head vigorously. “No! Nonono. No one did bad things to me. I think they might though. They look at me an’ it gives me shivers. An’ they say stuff. That’s all. So far.”

Francine just gave Jessie a look, the sort of look that promises doom and disaster to anyone who’d dare touch her child. “If you so much as show up in the complex and I find out about it, I’ll have you locked up. You go away and stay away and you tell your worthless friends that if I see them I’ll have them arrested too. You understand me? Do you?”

Jessie cringed away from the angry woman, hiding behind Duo. Duo pushed him into the middle of the room.

“Look, sweetie, Mommy paid to bail him out of jail, now he’s going back because he did a bad thing. Ok? And that piece of paper gives Mommy some protection. We’ll be keeping an eye on him too. Ok?”

Angelina examined Duo for a minute. “Ok, I guess. But ... if he comes back, will you step on him with your gundam? Please?”

Duo had to laugh. “Sorry, angel-face, the gundams are gone. But I’ll send Heero over to talk to him.”

Francine and Jessie finally made the connections that Angelina had made. Jessie just groaned, “Oh, fuck, I’m dead.”While Francine got a hopeful look in her eye, maybe these young men could keep Jessie away.

Jessie gave up entirely. “Ok, look, I don’t got much. You put it in storage and pay for it. I’ll pay you back when I get out. Ok?”

Francine just wrapped her arms around her daughter and snorted. “Ok. Paint stupid on my forehead. You want your shit ...” Angelina exclaimed indignantly. “Mommy! Language.” Francine sighed. “Ok. Stuff. If you want your stuff you better arrange for one of your useless friends to come get it. It’ll be packed up and beside the door, inside, for exactly 48 hours. Then it’s in the dumpsters. Do you understand?”

“You are one cold hearted woman. I’ll see if my brother won’t come to get it. And my tv.”

“It’s not your tv, it’s Angels. You gave it to her for her birthday. Will you please get that moron out of my house?”

Duo smiled at Angelina then Francine. “Sure thing. Sorry about scaring you.” He started out the door, which was hanging rather forlornly from on hinge. “Um ... and the door. Come on you.” He took Jessie by the arm and tugged.

Heero ducked his head at Francine and touched Angelina gently on the shoulder. “Sorry, little one. Ma’am. I’ll call the super and see about getting that door fixed. Bye.”

They frog marched Jessie down to the van and stuffed him in. To the applause of half the complex.

.

It didn’t take them long to get to the jail. Duo helped Jessie out of the van and led him to the single, nondescript door. He buzzed to be let in and heard a disembodied voice.

“How can I help you?”

“Duo Maxwell and Heero Yuy. Recovery Agents. We’re here to turn in Jessie Adams.”

“Fine. I’ll buzz you in. Go straight ahead to the sign in desk.”

Heero opened the door when it buzzed and held it until Jessie was through. He took the man by one arm and started for the desk. Duo trailed behind looking around.

All he saw at first was a short featureless hall. This let into a room about 10x20 divided across the short section by a counter. The fore end of the room was not more that eight to ten feet deep with an equal amount of room behind the counter. The visitor’s side was bare of much more than a bench bolted to the floor and a door in the side opposite of the hall.

Heero motioned Jessie to sit on the bench, he did and Heero pulled a chain from a small receptacle in the side of the bench and hooked it to the cuffs. Then he went to the desk.

Duo was already standing at the desk talking to the Booking Officer.

“Ok, so I’m so green, my name should be grass. I have no clue. So help a fellow out?” Duo turned to smile at Heero. “Officer Grady here was just saying he’d never seen me before but he was sure he knew me. Good eye, don’t you think?”

Heero smirked at Grady, who had taken three weeks to figure out who Heero actually was. A lot of the old wanted posters didn’t have their names on them just a description. “You’ll figure it out. And, Duo, you’re not allowed to tell. Swear.”

Duo shrugged, bent his right little finger into a curve and kissed it. “Pinky swear. Now, what do I do?”

Officer Grady gave Duo a fatherly smile. “Well, the first thing you do is give me the warrant. Then I enter the case number into the computer. I get an acknowledgment that the warrant is valid. Then we id the perp. I need blood, cheek cells or a hair with a follicle and a retinal scan. Not that hard to get. Most guys give up by the time they’re in here. If they don’t we just go with the DNA and add a charge of resisting arrest and one of assault on an officer of the court. And, if they fight the jailors, a charge of assault on a police officer. Isn’t worth it. So. Warrant please.”

Duo handed over the papers and waited while Officer Grady checked the ID number. It came up valid so they did the next step.

Jessie wasn’t in the mood to fight so it didn’t take long to verify his identity. He obediently opened his mouth for the oral swab that Duo did. He also leaned over the counter enough that the retinal scanner could be applied to his eye.

Officer Grady verified his identity and nodded in satisfaction. “Well, he’s your guy. Now all I have to do is find out what he’s worth. I’ll call the jailors and have them come get him while we wait for the paperwork to come through.”

Duo grinned at the man and tugged on Heero’s belt to get his attention. “‘Ro, you’ll have to give him your credentials.”

Heero jumped a bit, he’d been contemplating Duo’s – figure. He gave Duo a sheepish glance as he handed his badge wallet over to Officer Grady. Grady snickered as he punched in Heero’s ID number and pulled up the pertinent information.

“Ok, here we are. I’ll deposit the money in your account.” He tapped at the keyboard, clattering in the data. “And ... here we are. Now, Duo, you keep this ... stick it in a file. When your bank statement comes in, you check the transaction number, here, against the statement. The number will be ... somewhere in the transaction line. Heero will show you. I’m not sure exactly as I’ve never been on that end of the thing.”

Duo nodded, took the slip of paper and handed it to Heero. “I’ll let him keep that. He’s got a file somewhere, so he’s better off with it.” He produced the check sheet. “I need you to sigh here to show that I did the work. Thanks.” he grinned at the man who grinned back. “Now what?”

The desk officer smiled a bit grimly. “Now we wrestle our perp into the back and do our thing. See ya.”

Duo blinked for a second. “We don’t help?”

Heero smirked happily from where he was taking the cuffs off Jessie. “No, all I have to do with him, is claim my cuffs and off we go.” he pushed Jessie in the general direction of the jailors, who had just come through the locked door in the corner. Jessie didn’t show any indication that he was going to put up a fight. He didn’t and the jailors led him away without more comment than, “damn, Jessie, I was hoping not to see you quite this soon.” Jessie just hung his head and went.

They left and climbed back in the van. Duo just sat for a moment. Then, he whooped with glee.

“Whoo-hooo! I did it! We did it! I got signed off and everything. You think I got a good relationship with him? I hope. And what was that with the don’t tell him who I am?”

“He has one of those memories that ... he can remember people he sees, just sometimes not the name, the rap sheet yeah. And it took him three weeks of fussing to remember me. I’m hoping it’ll take him longer to remember you. Just to aggravate him. When he remembers, I’ll take him in a pie. He likes cherry.”

Duo bit at his lip, finally he said a bit doubtfully, “Should you do that? Won’t it piss him off?”

Heero chuckled as he pulled into traffic. “Piss him off more if I tell him. Don’t worry about it. And the story will get around as he tries to figure out who you are. If someone else does it first ... well, he’ll throw a piss fit then laugh his ass off.”

“Ok, if you’re sure.” Duo leaned back, the tension of his first pickup making him sleepy. He grumbled, “Damn, coming down’s a bitch.” Heero just mumbled some agreement or other and paid attention to his driving.

.

Duo faxed the check sheet in to the college and waited for their reply. It didn’t take long to show up. Within fifteen minutes they got a fax that he’d gotten and ‘A’ on the course final and they owed the class fees, to be paid within ten days. Duo made the arrangements to pay and leaned back in his chair.

“Ok, what next? Which class do I shoot down now?”

Heero shrugged. “Why not kill one of the ones you’re taking that you don’t like?”

Duo fiddled with a pencil for a moment. “I don’t like any of them. They’re all stupid.”

Heero gave a stoic twitch to one shoulder that should have been a shrug, if he’d bothered to work on it. “I know. Classes don’t prepare you for the real world. But, if you want your certs you’re going to have to have them. Buck and I will teach you the stuff you really need to know. So ... which class next?”

Duo thought about it. “Well, there’s a lecture class that I’m in. Soporific doesn’t even begin to describe it. I’ll check the prospectus and see what the requirements are. I wish I knew what was going to be on the final. I could... what?”

Heero was smirking in a fashion that Duo would have called evil, if he wanted to be mean. “You can’t find out exactly what will be on the test, but you can get copies of old tests and there are some example tests on the college web site. I’ll down load them and you can take one. We’ll see what you don’t know that might be on the test. If we keep doing that, you should be able to pass the test in ... two weeks. What do you think?”

Duo just picked up the book and waved it. “Reading. See me reading my book. Go away and let me read.” he grinned over the top of the book. “I’ll pass that test first time, you’ll see.”

Heero didn’t bother Duo anymore, he just got up and settled in front of his computer to start downloading practice tests and anything else he could find that would help Duo pass the tests. He wasn’t worried about that, he was worried about Duo taking the practicum classes.

Heero decided to sit in on a few of Duo’s classes. It wouldn’t be easy to organize, even if he could arrange it. But he was going to try, something still bothered him and he couldn’t put his finger on it.

.

Duo spent most of the morning studying for a practice test in Law and the Bounty Hunter. It was the class that he’d said was boring. It was, but only because the professor was a terrible lecturer. his voice was a monotone worse than Heero at his stiffest, and he managed to turn a fairly interesting subject into something ‘dull as a butter knife’. Duo decided that he was going to be glad to test out of it.

Heero meanwhile was fussing at himself. They’d decided to go to the gym every morning to build Duo’s muscles up again but, due to one thing and another, they hadn’t been yet. He decided to remedy the situation that afternoon. Duo was going to need to work out a bit to relieve the tension of all that book work.

So just before lunch, Heero knocked on the door to the upstairs office. Duo had taken it over for study as it was closer to Heero, and the kitchen. The downstairs offices were for business.

“Duo? How far are you in that book. I have some practice tests downloaded, but I think we need to go to the gym. We were supposed to start going three days ago, but shit came up.”

Duo looked up from the book, grinned and tossed it onto the desk. “I’m dyin’ here. This is the most boring stuff in the world. Interesting in a lot of ways and useful but dry. Gym, here I come.”

Heero chased Duo up the stairs, into their bedroom and fought with him for the doorknob to the closet. Duo won by a fingers width. He pulled the door open and found their gym bags. He tossed Heero’s to him and held his own up in one hand. “Ok, got it. Let’s go.”

.

They got to the gym at a decent time. The staff was all back from lunch and settled in for the afternoon.

Heero checked them in at the desk and got their room assignment. This gym was very expensive and provided small workout rooms with machines for every imaginable exercise, along with a personal trainer. He knew he was qualified to do the job but didn’t want to as it sometimes caused problems in a relationship. He didn’t want any problems with Duo and he didn’t want to have to push him as much as might be necessary to get him back in shape.

He had forgotten how hard Duo could push himself.

The trainer was a bouncy little thing with the silly name of Fanny Bright. Duo snorted and Heero gave her a grin.

“Ok, ok, it’s a stupid name. But I’m not. So have you filled out a personal interview? No? Ok, you need to do that and list all ...” she eyed the two as both of them shook their heads slowly.

Duo just announced stubbornly. “No, not gonna happen. I just have enough time today for a good workout and I’m not wastin’ time with paperwork. You want it filled out you do it yourself.”

Heero meanwhile had taken the data pad from her and started filling out the form himself.

“Hey! You can’t do that. What if you answer a question wrong?”

Heero snorted and pinned her with an arctic glare. “I know him as well as I know myself. If I don’t know the answer or have any doubts, I’ll ask him.”

Duo had settled himself at a machine while Heero and Fanny were arguing and had started his workout. Heero snickered at the amount of weight Duo had on the machine, weight that he could handle, even in his weakened state.

Fanny noticed and yelled, “Hey! That’s too heavy for a beginner. What do you think you’re made of, steel?”

Duo grunted as he pushed the weight to the top of the pushup machine. “No, that’s him. I’m just crazy.”

Heero snorted again at that. “How many broken bones have you had?”

Duo thought through three reps, Heero waited patiently. Finally, Duo came up with, “Not really sure. But while I was a pilot, left tibia, right fibula, two ribs left side, three right, right clavicle, you need me to list the hand by bones or is right wrist and six fingers good enough.”

Heero considered for a moment, long enough for Fanny to exclaim, “Jesus, I hope who ever did all this is under the prison. Bastard.”

Duo gave Heero a puzzled look which he returned. “Excuse me?”

Fanny growled a bit. “Well, if someone was abusing you that badly, surely someone reported them.”

Duo just gave her an owl-like stare, while Heero imitated a carp. “Abuse? Um...no.” Duo shook of his shock. “I’d like to see some one try it. Even when I was too small to fight, I could run like a rabbit. I may run, I may hide, but I’ll never tell a lie. That’s my motto. Now.”

Fanny turned a rather frightening shade of red. “Oh, my god. You’re ... you’re ... oh, wow. You’re ... and he’s...” she couldn’t seem to find a thought and stick to it. She gulped then hurried out the door, calling over her shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”

She came back in about three minutes with a huge man, drill Sergeant material, if Heero’d ever seen it and pointed to Duo. “He’s all yours, cute butt and all. I’m not going to try to figure out what’s good for a gundam pilot.”

The man just sighed, rubbed his face and announced, “Do you need me? If you don’t, I’ll go.”

Heero completed another line on the data pad, Duo finished with the set he was working on and the trainer waited patiently.

“I could use some help. Heero won’t do it so we don’t get in a fight. What next?”

“Ok. Fine. My name is Waldo. And I don’t want any jokes, ok? Now which ones’ are you? I never put faces to numbers. Wasn’t in my line.”

“Alliance or Resistance?”

“Resistance. Liaison. Easy with my job. Just come to the gym and accidentally drop some innocuous something or other. Would it make any difference?”

Duo grunted in exertion.

“Not really. Makes more difference to them than to us. As long as there wasn’t any actual personal contact, who cares?”

“Exactly ... are you done with that form yet?”

Heero eyed the readout. “Nearly. There’s a couple of questions that I don’t think are pertinent but the system insists that they be answered.”

Waldo took the device from Heero and glanced at it. “Now why the hell? ... bugger! I’ll be right back. I have to go to the front desk and fix this. Duo, you just go on with your workout. The machines will record your levels and I’ll be able to set up a regimen for you.”

Duo took a moment to wipe sweat off his neck. “What questions? Why don’t I just answer them?”

Heero smirked at Duo. “Ok. Let me see ... um ... have you ever been pregnant? Have irregular menses?” Duo smacked him in the face with the sweaty towel, throwing it just hard enough to make him duck. “Well, you asked.” Heero managed to sound indignant as well as amused.

“Ass.” Duo moved on to the next machine. “I think I should have warmed up a little more.”

“I’ll give you a massage when we get home.” Heero waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“You just want to get into my pants.” Duo turned his head to look at Heero.

“Don’t turn your head. You’ll hurt your shoulders. And always.”

Duo laughed softly and went back to his exercising.

Waldo came back in and announced “Now that that silliness is over, how are you doing?”

Duo just grunted. Heero went over to the small desk inset into the wall and checked the readout. “Not to bad. He’s still really weak.”

Waldo just blinked at the information on the display and mumbled, “Weak? Ok, what’s his stats when he’s up to strength.”

Heero took him seriously and announced in his ‘perfect soldier’ voice. “About half again that. He’s nearly as strong as I am. And a lot more flexible and nimble as a monkey. Good partner.”

Duo overheard him and felt his heart swell. He wasn’t used to getting any sort of compliment, never mind one from Heero. He felt the glow clear down to his toes.

When he was done talking to Waldo, Heero started his own workout. He started with the machine that Duo had just finished with. He put on more weight and started ‘pumping iron’.

“Duo?”

“Hmmm?”

“Why do they call it pumping iron? I never could figure that out.”

“Old days term. Back when, they used free weights and had to have spotters to keep them from killing themselves. They called it pumping iron because the weights were in plates and actually made from iron. Dangerous.”

Heero grunted softly as he hoisted the weight bar again. “Oh. Well, I see. Thanks. And remind me never to play Trivial Pursuits with you.”

“Don’t play Trivial Persuits with me.”

“Idiot.”

Duo just snickered and went back to his workout.

While this had been going on, Waldo was checking Heero’s stats. All he could do was shake his head and shudder. This kid was a demon. He could bench press four times what a person his size should be able to. And he had a feeling that Heero was slacking off today. He wasn’t sweating much at all.

“Ok. Here we go. I’ve got an idea of Mr. Maxwell’s current levels and an idea of where he wants to be.” Waldo turned around to see both Duo and Heero regarding him with an intensity that made him uncomfortable but he pushed on. Turning to speak directly to Duo, he outlined his plan.

“You’re under weight by about 8% and with your level of activity, that’s not good. I think your strength will improve without much real work, but your endurance is way down. You’re already sweating way more than I like. So ... here’s the plan. Take a few minutes to look it over, then we’ll talk about it. I’ll go get you some water and some juice. Be back in ... ten?” he glanced from Heero to Duo then back. They both nodded, faces intent, attention on the small computer screen. He left to get the drinks.

While he was gone, Heero and Duo looked over the plan. It was good. It set out a rather strict diet and exercise program but it wasn’t nearly as strict as the ones they’d endured as pilots. Duo smiled happily, the program included daily ‘health’ shakes. He liked milk shakes and malts and he knew several recipes that were very good and delicious. He poked Heero and announced, “I think I’m gonna like that diet. Fresh fruit, chicken, fish, lots of veggies. Could do without them but I guess needs must.”

Heero tapped a key that brought up a more detailed diet plan. He made a mental note of things they didn’t have on hand and nodded. “We’ll both eat the same. Except for the shakes, everything on the list is something I’ll eat myself. No special cooking. And there’s a health food store right here in the mall. Just down the way.”

Waldo returned with the drinks and told Duo to be sure to drink a whole half liter of water then follow it with some juice. Heero took another bottle and downed half of it in two gulps. Waldo watched in fascination as Heero’s Adams apple jumped. Duo noticed but didn’t say much, everyone stared at Heero.

“Ok, Mr. Maxwell, if you’re done with the machines, we’ll move on to the treadmill. You need to work up to a mile at a hard jog.” Heero was smirking and shaking his head. “No? Why not?”

Duo shrugged depreciatingly. “I can already do that. I used to be able to run flat out for more than three miles. And jog five with a full pack. Or Yuy’s heavy ass on my shoulder.”

Heero smirked. “I can still do six with you and a pack. Don’t get cocky.”

Duo stuck his tongue out at Heero, who remarked mildly. “Well, I wouldn’t want that thing in my mouth either.”

Duo returned. “Ok, no frenchie for you tonight.”

Heero moaned softly when he realized his mistake then snickered. “Well, making up is just so much fun.”

Waldo sighed. All the good ones were taken.

.

After they finished in the machine room, Waldo took them to the treadmill area. Treadmills were still situated in a large open area, unless the client asked for a portable to be brought to the machine room. Since running on a treadmill didn’t require counting it was thought to be less boring to do the machine in the company of others.

Heero set his treadmill for his usual workout. This included changes in incline and speed to keep him from zoning out. Duo checked the workout that Waldo had set up for him. It was fairly straight forward. He was going to go through an evaluation which included starting out at a fairly slow speed and increasing speed until he couldn’t keep up anymore. After that the incline was going to increase while he ran at a steady speed. Waldo was sure Duo was going to do fairly well. He just needed the data for his records and to help him finish arranging Duo’s workout.

Duo sighed. “I hate treadmills. Boring. But, at least you’re here. We can talk and stuff, right?”

Heero started his mill and straddled the belt. “Sure,” he stepped on the slowly moving belt and continued. “As long as you have breath for it.”

Waldo motioned to Duo to step astraddle of the moving treadmill. “Be careful. Step on and get yourself used to the speed then we’ll start.”

Duo didn’t say anything about Waldo treating him like he didn’t know how to use a treadmill, it was just common sense to make sure that your client didn’t kill themselves, bad for business.

“Ok, ready, go.” Duo stepped onto the belt and settled into a slow walk.

Heero was jogging along at an easy pace, at least for him. Duo was now walking quickly and showing no signs of distress. Waldo made a note in his PDA and then checked on Heero too.

It took thirty minutes and a speed that made Waldo wince to wear Duo down. He leaned against the front brace and panted softly. Heero turned his head in concern. “You ok?”

Duo nodded jerkily, “Yeah, I’m good. Just a bit winded. I could have gone on if I had to but, since this isn’t life or death, I decided to give myself a break.”

Waldo shook his head, if this was giving himself a break he didn’t want to see it if Duo pushed himself. “Ok, as soon as you get your breath back. You can do the second part of the test.”

Heero, who was trotting up a six degree slope at the time, grumbled. “It doesn’t seem fair that you’re going to do the second test right now.”

“Factored into the results.” Waldo turned to Duo. “I need to take your pulse and count respirations. We should have put you on a harness but they’re all in use.”

Duo glanced at Heero. “We ought to get our own.”

Heero grunted. “Ya.” and continued to trot.

Waldo set the treadmill for the second part of the test. He set it to a slow jog, not wanting to over stress Duo until he was positive he had a handle on Duo’s physical state.

Duo jogged along happily until the treadmill reached such an angle that he actually couldn’t keep his footing anymore. Waldo turned the treadmill to ease down so that Duo wouldn’t have to handle the shock of it stopping too suddenly.

“How do you feel?” Waldo handed Duo a towel and a bottle of water.

Duo wiped his face with the towel. “Not too bad. I’m in worse shape than I thought, but I don’t feel shaky and sick anymore. Thanks.” Duo took up the bottle of water and chugged some.

Heero finished his run and flopped down on the bench beside Duo. He was sweating lightly and accepted the other half of the water Duo had been drinking. Waldo now knew that Heero was doing a light workout today. Probably just here to keep Duo company.

Waldo checked his PDA for a final diagnosis and exercise program. He blinked for a moment then announced in amazement, “Ok, the computer says that you’re in excellent health and recommends a maintenance program. I understand that what you want is a program that will bring you close to your partner’s condition?” Waldo made the last sentence a question.

“Yeah, if I’m going to work with him, I’m not going to endanger his life by not being 100% so I need to be up to my old levels a-sap.”

“Ok, I’ll compare his levels to yours and see what I can do manually. It’ll take me a couple of days but I’ll email it to you for your ok. How’s that?”

Heero nodded and Duo just grinned. “Thanks man. I know I’m a pain in the ass. I really appreciate it.”

Waldo just sighed. “Well, no one is going to believe this unless you sign off on it. So will you please sign here?” He handed Duo the PDA and pointed.

Duo signed without comment and grinned Heero into motion.

.

They returned home and settled in to a meal of take away and beer.

After eating Duo settled back at the desk in the upstairs office and stuck his nose in a book again. Heero joined him, sitting on a small loveseat in the conversation area. He put his feet up on the coffee table and started to read an instruction manual.

They read until late then wandered their way up the stairs, most of their clothing wound up either on the stairs or on the hall floor. Duo giggled when Heero picked him up and tossed him onto the bed then jumped on after him.

“We’ll break the bed.”

“Fuck the bed.”

“Rather you fucked me.”

“Ok.”

Gentle touches turned firmer. Kisses and nips turned into full on open mouthed near assaults and firm bites. Heero moaned as Duo paid his nipples their due. Duo whimpered as Heero grasped his erection and drove him out of his mind.

“Slow down. I’m not gonna last if you keep that up.”

Heero eeled around until he could reach Duo with his mouth. All Duo could do was cry out and arch his back.

“Oh, my god. Heero! Oh!”

Duo shuddered and quaked under the force of his orgasm, Heero held him until he caught his breath, kissing him gently. Then he turned him on the bed, carefully arranging his limp body. “There, love. Go to sleep now.”

“No, you’re not ... I want ... you, in me. You’re not doing without.”

“Ok. I’ll just take it easy. I’m not in a hurry.”

Duo snickered tiredly. “Unlike me. Oh, feels so good. Yeah.”

Heero eased into Duo, careful not to hurt him. He was well aware that he could easily use too much force and do Duo harm. But it felt so good just the way it was now.

As Heero moved Duo kept up a soft flow of encouragement. “Yeah, just there. Don’t worry, you’re not hurting me. Harder.” Heero obliged Duo and applied more force. Exactly three foot pounds per inch in fact.

“Duo, I’m ready. I’m ... yeah.” Heero’s wail of completion made Duo grin into the pillow. “Oh, good!” Heero collapsed into the mattress and groaned.

Duo poked Heero none to gently. “Wet spot. Up. Now.” Heero helped Duo off the bed and into the bathroom. Not that he really needed it but it was touching and it was nice.

Duo turned on the shower and set the temperature while Heero got towels and such out of the linen closet.

Their shower was quick but full of tender touches and some gentle after play. They made their way back to bed and were asleep in only a few minutes.

.

Heero woke first the next morning and leaned on his elbow to watch Duo sleep. This attention soon woke the other man.

“Heero, you ok? What’s up?”

“Nothing except me. Just looking.”

“At me? Why?”

“Because I like to. Come on, get up. I’m hungry.”

Duo pried himself out of the bed with a few grumbles and a wince. Heero pounced on that wince.

“Duo, did I hurt you? Do you need some ...”

Duo cut him off. “Stop it, mom. I slept on my shoulder wrong. I’ve got a cramp in it.”

Heero moved to rub out the soreness while Duo hummed his appreciation. It didn’t take long to get Duo moving more comfortably.

“Thanks. I better get going. I’m due at the college in ... Damn! Forty-five minutes. Fuck!”

“Don’t rush too much. I’ll drive you. I want to sit in on that class. Law and the Bounty Hunter, isn’t it?”

Duo glanced at the scrap of paper magneted to the fridge. “Yeah, and I’ve only managed one class. He was absent twice and I missed one for court. This is not going to be fun.”

“Did you read all the materials? Including that uber boring book?”

Duo grumbled. “I did. And uber is right. Nearly put me to sleep. That professor wrote it himself.”

“Well, he’s in for a nasty surprise. Most of it’s wrong.”

Duo snorted. “Figures. That’s just peachy.”

Heero shrugged. “You passed the sample test last night, didn’t you?”

Duo snatched his toast out of the toaster and headed for the door. “Yeah, why?”

Heero smirked at Duo. “Wasn’t a practice test. It was the real deal. You’re out of the class the minute you hand him this.” Heero handed Duo a print out.

Duo let out a crow of delight then sagged slightly. “But what am I going to do. You said that the info was mostly wrong. Damn! All that studying for nothing.”

“Not really. It won’t take you long to learn the real stuff. I’ve got two books that explain it all and a piece of advice I got from Buck. Get a lawyer on retainer and let him handle all the important stuff. I also have a legal pocket reference that I keep on my person when I’m working. If I have a doubt, I look it up. Come on”

Duo followed Heero out the door, a piece of toast dangling from between his teeth as he struggled to stuff his backpack into the back seat of the SUV.

He finished his toast as Heero drove.

.The professor was waiting for the class, watching as the students wandered in, found seats and did whatever it was they did before a class. Duo watched with some interest as the man made notes. He leaned over and whispered, “Wonder what that’s all about?”

Heero just eased back in his seat, crossed his arms over his chest and gave a soft ‘hn’. Duo leaned back too. This was going to be interesting. Heero obviously didn’t like the man for some reason.

The professor cleared his throat with an annoying barking sound.

“Attention. Mr. Maxwell, Miss Frankenbooth and Mr. Henz you have all missed the first two classes. Due to extenuating circumstances in all three cases. Therefore, I’m going to allow a make up. No points will be taken for the missed classes. And, Mr. Maxwell, I understand that you’ve managed to test out. If you will turn in your paperwork now, I’ll be glad to process it immediately. But I would appreciate it if you’d stay for this class. It would be to your benefit to be able to say that you’d attended at least one of my lectures. And ... I can’t quite see ... who is your guest.”

Duo stood up and walked down the tiers of the lecture auditorium to hand in his papers. The professor took them and dropped the two pieces of paper into a recorder. Things like this were still done with paper as a hard copy protected against electronic data loss. The recorder sucked the papers in, beeped and spat them back out. The professor typed a bit then nodded to Duo.

“Please return to your seat. And introduce your friend. I don’t mind people auditing a class or two but ... well, he probably isn’t going to actually take this class, is he?”

Duo settled back beside Heero and shook his head. “No, he was just wondering how you taught the class. Don’t mind us. Just go do your thing.”

The professor made a rather sour face at that but started his lecture.

Heero listened and waited. When he finally struck the professor didn’t know what hit him.

Heero held up his hand and the professor pointed to him. “Yes?”

“Did you know that that particular Statute was changed two months ago?”

“No, was it? And how was I supposed to know that? If I might ask?”

Heero pinned the man with a look that said, ‘could you be any more stupid?’

“You most certainly may. You are supposed to know any statute, law, limitation, exception or ordinance that influences, affects or inhibits your acquisition of target. That’s why I always carry this.” Heero produced his Legal Reference Electronic Library. “I up date it every time I go out. It beeps if there have been any pertinent changes. I advise one ... highly.”

The uproar in the class room was everything Heero had hoped it would be. This class should be teaching the students how to research law not the law itself. Law was always in flux.

Duo grabbed Heero and dragged him out of the auditorium giggling like an idiot.

“Heero, that was just plan mean. That guy is just ... ripping people off. What is it with this place?”’

Heero sighed. “I don’t really think they are trying to rip people off. It’s called Ivory Tower Syndrome. They just don’t live in the real world.”

Duo hugged Heero then rested his cheek on his shoulder. “I’m tired of this already. I want my license. How many of these classes can I test out of?”

“The student handbook says any class that isn’t a laboratory, practicum or other hands on/experience based subject.”

Duo pushed away from Heero announcing, “Ok, I’m going to start by testing out of anything that I’m actually taking. ... didn’t we go over this once already?”

Heero nodded. “I think so. I’ll download another class tonight.”

Duo grinned. “I bet no one tests out of as many classes as I am. What do you want to bet?”

Heero, remembering a certain night in Canada and a bottle of tequila, shook his head. “Not a chance in heaven, hell or space. You should take at least three days to study before you take an actual test.”

“I know. It’s not like the old days when we had two or three hours to prepare for a mission and our lives depended on remembering shit.”

Duo pulled Heero after him in the general direction of the Student Union. Heero didn’t resist much.

“Um ... Duo? About that study group. Shouldn’t you be making some sort of arrangements with them?”

Duo moaned softly. “Oh, fuck. I forgot all about them. I’m so bad. I’ll have to make it up to them somehow.”

“If you even find them.”

“They’ll be at the union about now. I’ll leave a note on the bulletin board if nothing else.”

“Ok.” Heero scanned the union for any sign of the rest of Duo’s study group. He finally saw them in the corner behind the end of the cafeteria line.

They were sitting with books and notes scattered all over the table, arguing about something. Gloria was grumbling about something and the two men were teasing her. The argument was friendly and low key.

Lance looked up and smiled at Duo. “Hey, kid, we thought you’d abandoned us for better company.”

“How could I do that, when there’s no better around?” Duo flopped down in the offered seat with Heero beside him. Heero accepted a cup of coffee from Frank and nodded to Gloria.

“I heard you tested out of L&BH, prick.”

Duo laughed. “Yeah, then Heero put Professor Boring in his place. I don’t think he liked it much. But what the hey. So what’s on the agenda for today?”

Lance handed Duo the study guide for the day and Duo just grimaced. “Ok, next most boring class in existence. Notes?”

Heero snuck a peek at the paper to see what class they were studying for. He sighed, it was titled, rather ostentatiously, Criminal Codes; statutes to aid and block Acquisitions. In other words it was an in depth coverage of all the laws that could aid a bounty hunter or block him, keep him from getting his target. Heero wondered why they were teaching Law and the Bounty Hunter and Criminal Codes. They seemed to be nearly the same thing. He decided to take an active part in the discussions at hand.

After about ten minutes Gloria threw down her pen and demanded. “Why the hell do we have to take all this shit. This is almost the same as L&BH. It doesn’t make sense.”

Duo rubbed the back of his neck. “As near as I can figure, the L&BH class is more about statutes that cover our levels of authority, how to get papers and that sort of stuff. This is more about rights and who has what sort. Be careful to get it clear, or you could get sued. Not good. You don’t want some bank owning your house.”

Frank grimaced. “No, I don’t. I get it sort of. But it’s just plain boring. Damn, more coffee anyone.”

Duo shook his head. “No, I’m coffeed out. I’m going to take all this shit home and see if I can’t test out. Anyone?”

Lance brightened but Gloria and Frank looked a bit skeptical. Heero just announced, “I’ll do all the research and have some practice tests made up by tonight at about ... seven?”

Gloria shrugged, “Sure, why not?” Frank and Lance seconded her and they went their separate ways.

Duo glanced at his watch and sighed. “I have to go right now or I’m going to be late for my next class. I have to see if any of the old farts have an hours requirement. Some of them want you to have so many hours of class time before they’ll let you test out. See ya.”

He sauntered off with his braid swinging, Heero watched after him wishing he could magically transport him back home. He sighed and got up. He could go over to the firing range and get in some practice. He was a member there as well as at another range that Buck liked.

So while Duo headed out for another class, Heero went to the firing range.

.

The range was full to capacity and one of the range officers hadn’t come in. The two that were there were overloaded with beginner shooters and looked harassed. Heero settled back against the forward section wall to watch.

He finally had to interfere. One of the younger men on the line nearly shot the man in the next lane over. The only reason he didn’t was because Heero walked over and took the pistol out of his hand before he accidentally pulled the trigger while he was clearing the live round that jammed.

“Damn, you fool. You really want to shoot someone? Give me that.”

Heero took the pistol from the boy’s unresisting hand and cleared it. He disassembled it to check for damage to the receiver or slide. Finding none he reassembled it and handed it back.

“Thanks. I guess I’m not really cut out for this. Being a bounty hunter isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”

Heero snorted. “It’s everything it’s cracked up to be. If you want to do something useful, keep bad guys off the streets, yada, yada, yada. But if you want to be some sort of romantic cowboy girl magnet, try being a stripper. Now what’s the problem. I noticed that it keeps jamming. Let me look at your ammo.”

The boy showed Heero the ammo, which was student issue. Then Heero examined his pistol. Or rather the magazine. It had a bent lip. The lip wasn’t bent very much, just enough to misdirect a round every now and then. He showed it to the boy and told him to get a new one.

“Oh, ok. I didn’t think that tiny little nick would cause a problem. I’ll get the smith to look at it. But I’ll take your advice and get a new one too. Thanks a lot.”

“Welcome.” Heero returned to the wall to lean again. He wondered when he’d get a lane. He was getting really bored.

.

The range master noticed what Heero had done and made a mental note to check the boy’s pistol out too. He also made a note to find out more about Heero Yuy. While the name wasn’t extremely common, it wasn’t that uncommon either.

He was stunned by what he found. This Heero Yuy was the ‘real’ one. Which meant that his partner had to be the pilot known as 02. He shook his head.

“Well, shit”

He closed his connection and rubbed his face. There was going to be more trouble over this or his name wasn’t George.
.

Heero finally got his lane and set out his things. The RO came by and stopped to see if he could help.

“Need any help? If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. The stupidest question around is the one you don’t ask that gets someone hurt. Got me?”

Heero nodded, frowning slightly in concentration. “I do like that stupid question quote. If I need you, I’ll be sure to call. Thank you.” The RO nodded and walked on down the line.

Heero set up a target and loaded a magazine. He slapped the magazine in place and flicked off the safety. He eyed the target for a second then raised his hand, narrowing his concentration he began to fire. He emptied the magazine and, when the slide locked back, flicked the safety back on. He ran the target up to the firing bench and examined it. It was good, all the shots well with in the ten. He smiled and ran the target back out.

He repeated loading a magazine, shooting, checking his target and sending it back several times. Finally the curious RO stopped to check with Heero.

“How you doing? I noticed that you keep using the same target. What’s wrong?”

Heero shook his head. “Nothing. Want to see it?” he ran the target back in and waited as the RO examined the target. Each ring of the target had a neat circle of punches around the middle of it.

Heero had shot out the ten and made a ring around each circle of the paper. The RO blinked and then sighed. “Damn, I wish you were going into the business.”

Heero shook his head. “I’m getting out of it. Tired of all the killing. I’m a bounty hunter now. I’m just hanging around until my partner gets his paper. Thanks.”

“I see. That’s too bad. We really need new blood. But you said you were getting out? At your age?”

Heero fell back on the same explanation that Duo did. “I’m colonial. We got conscripted at an early age, or joined. I ... sort of fell into it. Now I’m out and I’m not going back. Too much blood on my hands as it is. Excuse me.” Heero glanced at his watch. “My friend is getting out of class just about now and I promised to meet him. I wish he could test out of this practicum. He needs the time to study for other classes.”

The RO was touched by Heero’s words and announced that he’d see if there wasn’t some way. If there was, he’d leave a note in Duo’s locker. Heero thanked him gravely, packed his shooting bag and left.

.

Duo looked up then down the sidewalk. Heero was just one minute late. That could be attributed to differences in watch and clocks. If he was more than five minutes late, the world was coming to an end. He nearly gasped in relief when he saw Heero jogging towards him.

“You all right? You look pale. You’re not getting sick again, are you?” Heero reached out to touch Duo on the forehead, checking for fever.

“No, I’m not getting sick. You’re late.” Duo clasped Heero’s hand in his and turned to go to the SUV.

“Sorry. Got held up a bit by the RO. He wanted me to go into police work. But he said he might be able to find a way to get you out of the arms practicum. I hope so. It’d give us time to work on some of your other classes.”

Duo sighed, “Be nice. I’d really like to test out of this last class. Criminal Codes. The man has the most annoying monotone I’ve ever heard.” Heero made a funny noise. “Bar none. Asshole.”

Heero snorted. “I’d like to know where they get the names of some of those classes. Pretentious isn’t the word for it. Like that class you just got out of. Criminal Codes? Statutes to Aid and Block acquisitions? What about just Criminal Codes pertaining to Bounty Hunting. To the point plain English.”

“But then the prof wouldn’t have anything to baffle the beauties with. This guy sure isn’t going to get any on looks. Bandy little geek.”

Heero tossed his bag into the back and settled in the driver’s seat. “Look who’s talking.”

Duo clutched his chest in mock dismay. “But I’ve been sick!” His quavering tones made Heero’s eyes twinkle.

He pulled out into traffic and headed down town. Duo noticed immediately and questioned his decision.

“We going down town for something specific or do you just feel like it?”

Heero shrugged. “We’ve been eating our own cooking long enough. I’m in the mood for something special. That ok?”

Duo absently checked the rearview mirror on his side. “Sure. Fine with me. Where we going?”

“Nakamura”

Duo turned his head to blink at Heero for a second. “Um ... when did you make reservations?”

Heero definitely smirked. “Didn’t.”

Duo just drawled, ‘Ooookkkk.’ and dropped the subject. Heero would tell all in his own time, nagging him could extend that time. He’d do it just to annoy Duo. Duo pouted slightly, wondering why Heero could choose to be so stubborn. The make up sex was great but still. Then Duo realized exactly why Heero did it. He couldn’t help the silly grin that came to his face. Heero noticed and wondered a bit but had to keep his attention on his driving.

They got to the parking lot and had to wait a bit to get to the valet. Heero got out, leaving the engine running. He waited until the valet handed him a swipe card with nothing on it but a number then led Duo across the street.

Duo hadn’t been here before, all he’d done was hear about it. It was so exclusive that he’d heard it took weeks to get a reservation. And Heero just took the notion to come down and was sure they’d get a table.

“How come you’re so sure we’ll get a table.”

Heero smirked at Duo, a twinkle in his eye. “Because I know the chef. It’s a surprise. You know the restaurant is a fusion. The chef combined Chinese and Japanese in a very original way. Excellent food. Very nice ambiance.”

“Ok. Sounds interesting. So, we’re just going to walk in?”

Heero nodded. “Yup. Top floor, private parties only.” He pulled the door open and waited for Duo to go in first.

Duo glanced around the restaurant and startled Chang Wufei was standing behind a Japanese style grill with a decided smirk on his face. Duo immediately bit back what he’d been about to say. It was obvious that Chang was on an assignment. He’d always scoffed at fusion saying that Japanese and Chinese foods were just fine as they were.

“Hello. Thank you for letting us come without a reservation.” Duo managed a creditable bow in Wufei’s direction. He turned to say something to Heero but he wasn’t there. Duo glanced around trying to find him.

“Your companion felt a sudden need for the facilities. Please. Sit. Tea?”

Duo took the menu Wufei offered him. “Yes, please. And for my companion as well.”

Wufei bowed, making a hidden sign as he did so. ‘Ears’ which meant that they were wired. Someone unfriendly was listening in.

Suddenly an awful screech sounded over the soft music from the hidden sound system. Duo yelped and clapped his hands over his ears. Wufei did the same thing.

Heero came from the hall behind the grill. Duo wondered how he’d gotten in there without being seen by either of them. Wufei raised an eyebrow at Heero who gave him a smile that Duo could only categorize as evil.

“That should take care of that. Feed back’s a bitch. You know?”

Wufei sat down in the chair his hand had been resting on. “Thank goodness. I’m so tired of watching every single word. Damn.”

Duo grinned. “Wufei. How are you? I haven’t seen you in ... I don’t remember when.”

“Six months ago. Moon base three. You were just getting ready to take off in that rattle trap you called a ship. Sorry to hear that she’s been repoed. But you look good. Heero called me and had me make up some herbals for you. How are they doing?”

Duo grimaced. “Taste like shit. But they’re doing their job. You know you’ve got some sort of cousin here in San Jose? He made them up for me.”

Heero settled beside Duo and glanced at the menu. “Very nice man. You should visit him when your assignment is over. What are you working on, by the way?”

Wufei leaned back in his chair and let his head drop back on his neck. “Remember that Japanese diplomat that was playing both ends against the middle? Well, we got a tip that he’s smuggling drugs now. They’re coming down from L5-3429. Tiny scientific station that declared their independence during the war. No police to speak of. Most of them get themselves offed. The one’s that don’t are corrupt. So ... the drugs are coming in at San Francisco but they’re being distributed from here. I’m just a listening post. The smugglers tend to like places like this for their meetings. We’re hoping that they’ll mess up. They’ve been in here three or four times already. But no intel. I don’t know who’s idea this was but when I get back to Central I’m going to kill them. I swear, why they put an agent of my stature on a job like this, I’ll never know. So anyway. What would you like?”

Duo eyed the menu with distaste. “What the hell is ... this.” Duo pointed to an item with an unpronounceable name in Chinese. “Sounds really chi-chi. Not something you’d make.”

Wufei eyed the menu with distain. “That’s a bastard Happy Family. You want it?”

Heero made a rude noise. “This menu is nonsense.”

“Don’t I know it. But the jet set that buys the designer drug is into stuff like that. Disgusting if you ask me.” Wufei shrugged irritably. “What do you want to eat?”

Duo looked at Heero. Heero shrugged, “I don’t care. You order.”

Duo tossed the menu onto the table and shook his head. “None of that crap, that’s for sure. How about just sukiyaki and some sort of noodles. Or Mongolian beef? And none of those over sweet sauces thank you.”

Wufei sighed. “Maxwell, you’re brilliant. One Mongolian Beef. One Sukiyaki. And a side of fried noodles. Coming right up.”

Duo put on his best pleading eyes. “And can I have some of that shrimp stuff you made for Christmas that time.”

Wufei blinked once then frowned. “Maxwell, I don’t believe you remember that. That must have been ... four years ago?”

Duo nodded. “Probably. But ... it was the first Christmas. I ever had that I actually got a present that was all my own. And got anything really special to eat. Sister Helen used to try but what with the war and everything. She usually barely managed to get a turkey.”

Wufei looked at Duo, a bit stunned. “Oh, well. But I thought you weren’t at Maxwell Home for very long.”

“Eighteen months. Two Christmases. It was nice. And ... but we’re getting really maudlin. Change the subject. Shrimp. Yes or no?”

Wufei gave Duo a somewhat strained smile. “Shrimp, yes. It won’t take long. I’ll order more tea and the shrimp and start the beef. Want to come sit at the grill or would you rather stay here.”

Heero announced in a firm tone. “Grill. I want to see how you do.”

“Ok. The shrimp will be ready first. Someone in the kitchen will deep fry the shrimp then I’ll combine the mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and coconut milk. Then all you have to do is toss it and sprinkle on the walnuts. I hope the second cook remembers to toast them properly.” Wufei levered himself to his feet and sighed. “At least you two have proper tastes. Some of that stuff is just awful. And you wouldn’t believe how snobbish some of these people can be. Come to the grill.”

They settled on the customer side of the grill while Wufei took his place at the back. He spoke into a small microphone, placing the order for the shrimp and tea. He tossed the sliced beef onto the grill and tossed it about with the spatula. He made a great show of it until Heero growled, “Relax Chang. I’m hungry. I don’t need a show.”

Duo mock pouted, “But Heeeeroooo!” Wufei snorted at Heero’s wince.

“Shut it, Maxwell, you sound like Relena.”

Duo laughed. “Ouch! Low blow, Chang.” Heero snickered softly and sipped at his tea.

They watched Wufei for a few moments more, then a tiny girl came in with some deep fried shrimp on a plate, still steaming from the hot oil. She also had a smaller bowl of walnuts and several tiny bowls of ingredients. All on a huge tray that looked like she should have been carried on it not been carrying it.

Wufei took the things off the tray, thanked her and dismissed her. She left with a backward glance that made Duo snicker. Wufei simply dumped all the ingredients into a clean bowl and mixed them he then tossed in the shrimp and swirled them in the mayonnaise mixture to coat them. He used chopsticks to divide them equally between two small plates and sprinkled on the nuts. He used the spatula to put the plates in front of Heero then Duo. Duo grinned.

“It looks just like I remember. Thanks Wufei.” he picked up a shrimp and popped it into his mouth. “Mmmmm. Oh, man, so good.”

Heero took a bite and nodded to Wufei. They ate in silence, watching Wufei as he made the beef dishes. All he really had to do was put onions, celery, and mushrooms on the grill and let them cook. He made a simple sauce in a small pan on the grill.

Duo nearly drooled as Wufei put the grilled vegetables onto plates and topped them with slices of tender beef. He set the plates before them along with bowls of rice and the sauce in small pitchers. He refreshed their tea from a small pot he’d kept on the side of the grill.

“How is it? It’s been so long since I got to make something simple and wholesome, I’m afraid I’ve nearly forgotten how.”

Duo mumbled something around a mouthful of beef. Heero nodded and stuffed another clump of onions into his mouth.

Wufei smiled indulgently. “I take it that means you like it. Slow down, no one is going to take it away. I’ve got my katana after all.”

The back door opened again and the little girl was back with another tray. This time there was a bowl of cooked noodles and more bits of this and that.

“I decided on okonomiyaki. You’ve never had this, Duo. I think you’ll like it.”

Duo eyed the ingredients with interest and smiled. It did look good.

Wufei took a bowl of flour, added water and two eggs. He whipped it with three pairs of chopsticks held in one hand. He tossed some cabbage onto the grill and flipped it over. Then he divided it into two flat piles. He poured half the batter onto each pile and scooped the batter back into a pancake form until it set enough to hold its shape.

He eased up one side of each cake, checking to make sure it was done enough. After a bit he piled the noodles, some mushrooms, peas and diced carrots onto the still soft upper side. Then he flipped the whole thing over.

Duo, by now, had finished his share of the two beef dishes and was watching with impatience. He was still hungry.

Wufei smiled and checked the okonomiyaki, they were done. He flipped each one onto a plate and drizzled wasabi mayonnaise and Wufei’s special house sauce onto each one in a cross hatch. Duo whimpered softly. Heero smiled at Wufei who just eased the plates onto the bar and watched as Duo stuffed a bite into his mouth.

“Oh, man. That is so good. Can I have a recipe? Please?”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, you’ll choke. And all I really have is a recipe for the batter. The rest is just ‘what ever suits’. Clean out the fridge. Use up leftovers. I like left over beef or chicken and onions, cabbage. Napa is best, and mushrooms, peas, carrots. See? What ever I’ve got in the fridge.”

Duo nodded happily. “Ok. Great. Heero?”

Heero mumbled around a mouthful. “I’ve always liked it. ‘Fei makes a killer okonomiyaki. Don’t you think?”

“Mmm. Yup.”

Wufei just snorted although the expression on his face showed that he was pleased.
They finished eating in near silence, the only sounds those of tapping chopsticks and chewing.

Suddenly the side door, the one from the main restaurant opened and slammed back against the wall with a loud bang. Heero had his side arm out before the door could rebound onto the drunken group of men and women. Duo had snatched up a cleaver and Wufei held his knife by the tip, ready to throw.

Wufei glared and snapped. “Private party! Out! You know the rules, if you don’t you don’t belong here.”

One of the men began to bluster. “Look here, little boy. Don’t you know who I am?”

Wufei crossed his arms and looked the man up then down. “Yes, I do.” The man began to nod in a very self satisfied way, but Wufei’s next words took the wind out of his pride. “You’re the obnoxious idiot that’s getting himself and his entire party banned in perpetuity. Go. Now.”

One of the women began to whine. “But I want to eat in the little room. I don’t like it out there. We have to wait forever. Why can’t we just sit here. There’s plenty of seats.”

A younger man turned to her and snapped. “Shut up. I told you it wouldn’t work. And I don’t want to be banned. Come on. If we go without arguing, Mr. Yamaguchi might lift the ban. At lest for us.” he grabbed the girl, who was obviously his date and dragged her toward the door. She went, whining all the way.

The older man, the one who’d gotten smart, grabbed his date and headed for the door too. His date was even more feather headed than the other. They could hear her asking, ‘what’s perpetuity?’ as they went back into the main dining room. Mr. Obnoxious just snarled, “For god’s sake, just shut up.’

Heero tucked his weapon away, Wufei put down the knife and Duo offered Wufei the cleaver with a small shame faced smile.

“Well, that was interesting. And, Wufei? What the hell are you doing with a cleaver?”

Wufei smirked slightly. “I use it for window dressing. Makes a real impression, a little shouting in Chinese, wave it around a bit. Impresses the hell out of the ignorant.”

They all laughed. Wufei made more tea and they settled to gossip for a while before Duo and Heero left.

.

When they got back to the parking lot, Heero looked for the SUV but didn’t see it. He asked the valet about it but the boy didn’t know anything. He wasn’t the same valet that had parked the vehicle. Heero scowled hard enough to really scare the man.

“Look, I don’t know anything about it. I’ll call the boss, ok? And ... well, ... um” Heero’s even more heated glower shut him up. He went into the little booth to call the boss. Duo stood looking around, something was itching at the back of his mind.

“Heero? I hate to be a thrill kill, but what about the locker?”

Heero shook his head. “You could bomb the hell out of the SUV but the locker won’t open. It’s made of some new alloy that Q’s people came up with. And the locks were made by me. Personally.”

“Ok. I’m happy.”

They didn’t have long to wait until the boss showed up. The man came from between two buildings at one side of the lot. He hustled up to the valet and started yelling. Heero winced, Duo just stared. The valet stood and listened for about two minutes then took off his badge.

“Look. I don’t have to put up with this crap. I park cars. I’m not a punching bag. You hired the little prick, you deal with it. I quit. Murphy’s has been after me to work for them for months.”

He tossed his badge on the ground and stalked off. Duo gave Heero one glance and a quick nod and followed him.

Heero waited for the boss to get around to him. He finally had to walk up to him and literally take the phone out of his hand.

“Yuy. I want to know what you’re doing about getting my vehicle back. If I don’t get results in five minutes, I’m calling the police. Got me?”

The man whirled around, snatched at his phone, which Heero held behind his back, and snarled. “Look you little shit. I’ll get it back. Just give me a few minutes. I just need to find out ... um...”

Heero’s glare was, by now, incandescent “You don’t want trouble with me. Really, you don’t. I’m a recovery agent. Bounty hunter to you. And if you don’t find my SUV in five minutes I’ll find it myself. Then I’ll charge you my usual finders fee of 50% of current value plus damages plus mileage. Got me?” Heero stuck his badge underneath the man’s nose.

He managed to focus on the badge, yelped and stuck his phone in his pocket. “Mr. Yuy. I’m the owner, Mark Bangart. If you’ll just give me a few moments. I’m trying to find ... Yancy. That little shit.”

Heero eyed his watch. “Three minutes.”

.

“Look, I’m not with the boss. That’s my friend’s bus. Come on, man. Give a guy a break. I’ll buy you a beer.” The man looked at Duo for a second. Duo put on his best coaxing look, doing his best to look harmless. He succeeded.

“Well, ok. Not like I have to get home or anything. And I could use a drink. That guy is a real prick. Come on. I know a place that’s good, and cheap. And you don’t have to worry about getting rolled or mugged. It’s right down here.”

Duo followed the man down a side street and into a lively bar/club called Murphy’s. He was greeted by a man who called out, “Hey, Andrew, when are you going to quit working for Bangart and come to work for me?”

Andrew just hollered back, “Right about now. I’ll be in tomorrow, if that’s ok.”

Murphy hollered back. “See you at seven then. And a free round for you and your friend.”

They settled at a table for two near the bar and Duo leaned back in his chair. “Ok. Who took our bus?”

Andrew downed a draft of his beer and sighed. “Mr. Bangart’s nephew. He was the other valet on with me tonight. He’s been taking out vehicles and driving them around. So far, he hasn’t gotten caught. Most people are in there for at least six hours. You guys were only in there four. He’ll be back at about one am. Or I miss my guess. Little prick. I told him he was going to get caught. That’s one of the reasons I finally quit. Bangart has insurance. I need insurance for my daughter, but I got a record. Juvie, but it’s grand theft auto. So who do you think is going to take the fall when Bangart tries to get his nephew off? Murphy’s doesn’t have insurance but I’m safer here. I don’t have to worry about getting in trouble here. So ... good luck on getting that SUV back.”

Duo just pulled his phone out of his pocket. “‘Ro, Bangart’s nephew has a habit of driving vehicles off the lot and cruising them. Pin him down about it. Ok? I’m here with the valet that quit.” Duo listened for a moment. “Don’t worry about him, he already has a new job. I’m drinkin’ a beer with him, then I’ll be back.”

They sat drinking beer and nibbling on snacks from a bowl on the table. Finally Duo finished his beer, stood up and offered his hand. “I’ll be going now. I got to catch up to my partner. See you around maybe.”

“Sure.” Andrew stood up to shake Duo’s hand. “I know you from somewhere. Can’t remember, sorry. If you eat anywhere around here. Be sure to park in Murphy’s garage. It’s free to anyone who eats here, everyone else pays. Hope to see you. Bye.”

Duo grinned. “You’ll remember who I am about the time I hit the door. Bye.” Duo walked off, braid swinging. Andrew saw the braid and muttered, “well, fuck me.” then went back to his beer.

.

Heero, meanwhile, was just standing waiting for Mr. Bangart to get off the phone again. He was yelling at someone he kept calling ‘you little shit’ ... counterproductive in Heero’s opinion.

“Mr. Banghart, I’d like to speak to who ever that is.”

The man handed over his phone with a sour expression and a ‘be my guest’. Heero took the phone.

“Yancy? My name is Heero Yuy. I’m the owner of that SUV and if you don’t bring it back at once, I’ll come find you. I guarantee you won’t like it. And if there’s one scratch on it, I’ll take it out of your hide.”

Heero snapped the phone closed and handed it back to Mr. Bangart. He looked truly pissed.

“Tell me, does Yancy have suicidal tendencies? Because he’s just about to get on my kill on sight list.”

“Look. I know the little shit is ... exactly that. But he’s my sister’s kid. And he doesn’t have a dad. He got killed in the resistance. So he’s a little fucked up. But if he gets arrested, it’ll ruin him. I don’t know what to do. So gimme a break.”

Heero thought about it. “All right. If you go along with me, I’ll give you a break. I just need to get hold of my partner.”

The man just gave a jerky nod and went back to making calls. Heero didn’t know what he was doing and didn’t much care. He was flaming pissed and intended to put the scare of his stupid life into Yancy.

Duo hurried up to Heero. “What’s up? Have you found anything?”

“No, not yet. But it’s pretty clear that Yancy, the other valet, and Mr. Bangart’s nephew, has our SUV. He’s just cruising in it. But here’s what I want to do.” Heero talked, Duo listened, smiling wider and wider as he went along.

.

It was another hour before Yancy turned up with the SUV, and a girl. Duo covered his eyes with one hand. Heero was livid and didn’t care who knew it.

When the SUV finally pulled into the lot, Heero was the first one to it, with Duo right behind him. Heero waited until he was sure Yancy had the vehicle in park before he did anything.

After he was sure the SUV was parked properly and wouldn’t roll he dragged Yancy out of it by the collar and slammed him up against the side of it. He kicked his feet out and smacked him on the back of the head when he tried to push away and stand up.

“Stay there. You’re under arrest. Officer of the court. In other words, asshole, you stole my SUV. I’m a bounty hunter and you fucked up. Stand still.”

Yancy froze against the SUV, this guy wasn’t like anyone he’d ever dealt with before. Usually his uncle managed to calm the customer down, explain that no real harm was done and offer some sort of perk. It was plain that this wasn’t going to work this time.

While Heero was handling Yancy, Duo was handling the girl friend. He helped her out of the SUV and politely asked her if she knew it was stolen. She paled and started to cry.

“No! He told me it was all right. Everybody did this. I wasn’t sure. But why would he take a chance on getting me into trouble. I’m gonna be grounded until I’m thirty. I’m in so much trouble. Please ... I don’t want to be arrested. I swear if I’d known it was wrong I’d have told. I swear. Please?”

Duo used the crook of one index finger to raise her face so he could look into her eyes. He was sure she was telling the truth.

“Ok, pretty girl. I believe you. Come over here so I can talk to you without brainless hearing. And if you could cry a little louder?”

She sniffled loudly and let out a dramatic sobbing wail. Yancy visibly flinched. Heero jerked him around and started reciting his rights. Now, everyone knows that a bounty hunter doesn’t have to recite the Miranda but Heero usually did. Now, Yancy had to listen to his girlfriend cry while someone recited the Miranda to him in a flat monotone.

“Do you understand these rights as I’ve read them to you?”

“No ... I mean, yes. Look, Cheryl didn’t know. I told her it was all right. That everyone did it. I didn’t think it was really that big a deal. Please. Don’t arrest her. I’ll confess. Whatever you want. Ok?”

Cheryl wailed again. Heero even winced a bit. He wondered what Duo was doing to the girl.

Duo had his back to the two men, watching as Cheryl acted her little heart out. She’d quickly explained that she was in Paint N’ Patches, the local amateur theater group and was a principle player. Duo had just stepped back and gotten out of her way. Now she was pulling out all the stops and sounding more and more hysterical. Duo had to keep his back turned to Yancy so he wouldn’t see the maniac grin. Cheryl used Duo’s body to hide her own grin.

“Please, don’t arrest me. He’s my boyfriend so I believed him. Oh, please, sir.”

Duo managed to sound official when all he really wanted to do was laugh his head off. “I’m very sorry, ma’am. It’s completely up to the owner of the vehicle.”

Yancy turned to Heero. “Look. I swear, I never thought it was that big a deal. I put a few miles on some rich guys ride, so what? I never put a scratch on any of them. Just ... I’ll confess to whatever you want. Just let Cheryl go, her Dad’s going to kill me as it is. If she gets in real trouble, I’ll ruin her chances of getting into a good school. Please?”

Heero frowned at him then shrugged, “You should have thought of that before you started ‘borrowing’ peoples cars.”

By now Yancy was nearly in tears himself and Cheryl was ‘reduced’ to sobbing on Duo shoulder.

Duo petted and soothed, rather loudly. Yancy begged until he did start to cry. Heero pulled out his cuffs and snapped them on Yancy. He didn’t bother with proper cuffing techniques. Yancy wasn’t going to fight, he was too scared.

Heero stuffed Yancy in the back seat with a leg iron around one ankle, the other end anchored in the floor. He went to see what was going on with Cheryl.

Duo glanced at him then pulled Cheryl into his arms announcing loudly, “Ok, young lady, that’s quite enough. Come with me. We’ll see about getting you home.”

Yancy nearly collapsed. This was good, at least Cheryl wasn’t in trouble. He knew he was toast. The owner of this SUV looked like a kid, until you looked into his eyes. Then he looked like a stone cold killer. He looked familiar too. But he was going to let Cheryl go, so he couldn’t be all bad.

Heero escorted Duo and Cheryl to the little booth that was the check-in station. He tugged at Duo’s braid and asked, “Ok what’s going on? You know I wasn’t going to arrest her, she didn’t do anything and you can see she’s a good girl.”

Cheryl spoke up for her self. “I know that. The minute I started to cry, mr. ... um... I never caught your name.”

Duo grinned at her. “Heero and Duo.” he pointed to Heero then himself. “Pleased ta meetcha.”

Cheryl looked at Heero for a moment then at Duo. “Oh, man, I know exactly who you are. My dad would just kill to meet you. Will you please ... I know it’s an imposition but please take me home so my dad can meet you. Please?”

Heero groaned. “Damn, Duo, two seconds in your company and she’s got the puppy dog eyes of doom down pat. Ok. We’ll take you home and meet your dad. But what was all that weeping and wailing about. And the crocodile tears.”

Cheryl shrugged. “Serves him right. I really did think it was ok for him to drive those cars. He told me that some people wanted them driven out on the highway to clear the engines out. I don’t know about stuff like that. I’m a drama major.” Heero blinked at her then grinned. “No, really. I’m in a little theater group and taking acting and drama in college. So ... well, it just seemed like a really good opportunity to get some practice, teach him a lesson and all that. It is all right if I talk to him for a minute?”

Heero glanced at Duo. Duo shrugged so Heero said, “I don’t see why not, just don’t let him get to you. He’ll say anything to stay out of trouble at this rate. He’s not, but we want him to think so for a while longer. Maybe this’ll scare him into turning his attitude.”

Cheryl looked from one man to the other then shrugged. “Maybe you’ll understand and maybe you won’t, but I have a personal set of rules. One of them is, if you get me into trouble, you’re out. I’m breaking up with Yancy tonight. That’s the other reason I want you to take me home. So .. Can I talk to Yancy or do I have to break up with him tomorrow. I’d really rather do it tonight.”

Duo laughed softly. “Kinda cold there, but I understand. I’d feel that way too, if I was a girl. He can’t love you if he lies to you then you get into trouble because of the lie. Come on.”

Heero just followed them, ready to interfere if Yancy got too out of hand. He was also going to talk to the uncle about keeping Yancy away from Cheryl. He motioned the man over as he walked out of the booth.

He stopped Mr. Bangart far enough from the SUV that he couldn’t hear what was going on but close enough that he could get there if something went wrong. “We’re just about done with him. I’m going to present you with a bill for use of my vehicle, I’d suggest you make him pay it off. And not by parking cars. Got me?”

Mr. Bangart nodded. “Yeah, I do. And I talked to my sister. Yelled really. That boy’s got to get himself together, no more slacking off and fucking up. I’ve had it. I told her, this is the last time, next time he can go to jail. What’s Cheryl doing?”

Heero couldn’t help the sympathetic face he made. “Breaking up with him. I do believe it’s permanent too. She said she had a personal rule about not staying with someone if they got her into trouble. I don’t think I blame her either. I better get over there. I doesn’t look like he’s letting her get in a word edgeways and Duo’s looking pissed. It wouldn’t do for Yancy to meet Shinigami. That ... well, let’s just say, that’s soooo not good it even scares me.”

Heero hurried to the SUV, getting there just in time to hear Duo tell Yancy to shut up before he wound up with a shoe in his mouth. Cheryl was looking really mad too.

Heero walked up just in time to hear her say, “Why a shoe, why not a sock, right in the mouth. Yancy, I’m not going to argue with you. I don’t want to see you again. You lied to me. And that got me in a lot of trouble. My dad’s going to ground me forever. It’s grand theft auto, anyone in the car can be charged too. Idiot. You’re really stupid. Yeh, I was impressed with the cars but I was more impressed with the thought that people trusted you with such expensive things. It looked like you were trustworthy. Now I can see that you’re not. Do not call me, it won’t work and it’ll just piss my dad off. Good-bye.”

She turned around and flounced off with Duo right behind her. He called over his shoulder, “I’m taking her to the diner around the corner. I’ll call you-know-who from there an tell him what’s going on. When you’re done with our junior highjacker, come get us.”

Heero just sighed, he was going to get the rough side of Wufei’s tongue. He was sure to have heard about the mess. Heero rubbed his forehead, he was beginning to get a headache.

Heero settled down on the tail gate of the SUV to figure out his charges. Mr. Bangart leaned against the side to watch. They both ignored Yancey, who was now complaining loudly.

“Let me see. Um ... 10% finders fee. Milage, wear and tear. Gas. That makes it ... yeah.” Heero showed the man the total. All he could do was whistle.

Yancey continued to complain until Heero told him to shut up, adding a fierce glare that got through even his thick skull.

“Here’s the deal. Your uncle agreed to pay my fees and let you work it off, if I wouldn’t press charges. I’m not going to .. This time. But he’s had it with you and so has your mom. Here’s the total.”

Heero held the paper in front of Yancy who turned an odd ashen color and choked. “Jesus, I don’t want to buy the damn thing.”

Heero told him the purchase price of the SUV then nailed him. “And, since I’m a bounty hunter, I’ve got a weapons locker in the back that has enough weapons in it to put you under the jail. What with your record and one thing and another, the cops really wouldn’t be thrilled to find out your evenings activities. ... now, your uncle is going to pay this for you and you’re going to pay him back every penny. Washing dishes, I hope. Because I’ll be keeping an eye out on all his valet lots. If I see you even looking like you’re thinking of parking cars again, you won’t like what happens. Do you understand me?”

Yancy nodded, just whimpering. “I don’t think you’re being very nice about this.”

Heero nearly hurt himself he laughed so hard. “I’m not a nice person. Just ask Oz. In case you were wondering, I’m ex-resistance. Think about it for a while. If you can’t figure it out, look up some old wanted posters. From about two years ago.” Heero watched Yancey for a second then shrugged. “I’m going to uncuff you and turn you over to your uncle. He’s going to cut me a check and put it in the mail. You’ll pay him back every penny. Right?”

Yancey nodded and hustled out of the SUV the minuet Heero got the ankle bracelet off him. His uncle smacked him in the head and pointed to a small car. “You get in that car and don’t even look like you’re going to mouth your mom. I’ll be by later to talk to you. Go.” Yancy got.
.

Duo was sitting in a booth with Cheryl drinking hot chocolate when Heero found them. She was still on the phone and she didn’t sound happy.

When she hung up she sighed and ran a rather shaky hand through her hair. Heero, who had shoved Duo over and plopped down beside him, asked, “Your father mad?”

Cheryl shook her head. “Oh, no, more like insane. He was going to come get me but I told him that the guy who arrested Yancey wanted to talk to him. I hope I can talk him out of being mad enough to ground me for the new performance. I’m an understudy and, if I get grounded, I won’t get credit for it. It would be a great extra credit towards my acting classes. ... oh, well, that’s what I get for not asking Daddy about it. Shit!”

Heero rubbed his face. “I’ll talk to him, if you like. How old are you? I thought you said you were in college? But Yancy said he didn’t want to ruin your chances of getting into a good school.”

“That’s sort of right. I’m only 18, so I’m still in high school. But I’m in some college classes too. Accelerated education is so cool. If you test out of some classes you can take college classes too. So, I’m in Drama in college and still taking the rest of my general education classes in high school. Math is such a bitch. I’m going to fail that Advanced Algebra for sure. And I’ll have to take it again. Oh, well, with no boyfriend, maybe I’ll pass it. Can we go now? Daddy’s going to be livid as it is.”

Duo finished his chocolate and bumped Heero with his hip. “Scoot. I’m done. We better get her home.”

Cheryl scooted out of her side of the booth, accepting Heero’s offered hand with a tiny smile.

They got into the SUV with Cheryl in the middle seat. Heero kept the back seat down unless it was actually needed which gave him a large storage area. The weapons safe was in the trunk under the floor there. Heero had checked it the moment Yancy had been ‘cuffed and stuffed’.

Heero followed the directions from the GPS system and drove to Cheryl’s home. He checked one other thing from the system. Cheryl’s last name, Gryphon, he didn’t recognize it and it didn’t show up on any wants or warrants. Duo peeked to see what Heero was doing and snorted softly, trust Heero to do something like that. Duo was a bit pissed that he hadn’t thought of it first.

When they pulled up in the driveway, Heero got out to open the door for Cheryl while Duo walked up the short path to the front porch to knock on the door.

The door opened before he could do so and he was left in the awkward position of having to jerk his hand back before he smacked the large man on the chin.

“Oh, shit! Sorry, man. Um ... we brought Cheryl back home.” Duo blinked at the man, he knew him from somewhere. He didn’t get that crawling between the shoulder blades that he got when it was someone Oz or Alliance, but he defiantly knew this man from the war.

“Maxwell. How are you? You don’t remember me, do you?”

Duo grinned a bit shame faced, “I recognize your face, but I can’t place you for the life of me. Sorry.”

Heero came up just then and had a smile for the man. “Hello, Mr. Gryphon. Not the name I know you by but it’ll do. Duo, this is Harmony. I recognized him at once. I don’t think you met him more than once. But he was one of my best controllers.”

Duo nodded. “Now I remember. But, why would you ...” he trailed off as the man started grinning at him.

“Why don’t we bring all this into the house. The neighbors will think I’m the most inhospitable asshole in creation if I keep you standing on the steps much longer. Come in, come in. Cheryl.”

Cheryl just sighed and followed them all into the homey kitchen, her attempt to sneak up the stairs thwarted by that simple word.

When they were all settled around the table with cups of coffee and tea, Mr. Gryphon announced that they could all call him Bud and please explain what the hell two gundam pilots were doing bringing his daughter home. And what the ‘bloody’ hell Yancy had gotten her involved in.

Cheryl was wide eyed at the realization that her stuffy dad had been something big in the resistance. She’d been kept away from all of that and never realized that the office job her father worked had been, until the end of the war, a cover for some pretty hard core activities.

Heero snorted softly, sipped his coffee then grinned at Bud. “Didn’t know you had a daughter. If I’d known she was yours, I’d have been rougher on Yancy.”

“And why weren’t you?”

Duo snickered. “Because he really does care for her. He begged us not to get her in trouble. I’m just glad she didn’t smack him.” Then he went on to explain exactly what had been going on. Heero interjected his bit from time to time.

When they were through, Bud turned to Cheryl and asked one question. “Well, young lady, are you through with him, or what?”

Cheryl turned her nose up in disgust. “Daddy, I swear, you never listen to me. I said, a long time ago, any guy who touches me when I say no, gives me the blue balls story, or gets me in trouble, is out. Absolutely, positively out. Yancy lied to me. I especially asked him if it was alright for him to be driving customers cars. He said that some people wanted them driven out on the highway to blow the carbon out of the engines. I believed him. Maybe it was stupid, naive. Maybe I just wanted to believe him. But, he was supposed to love me, why would he lie like that.” She ended on a rather pathetic sniffle.

Bud sighed then patted her, a bit awkwardly, on one shoulder. “I’m sorry, sweetie, I wish I could fix it.”

She managed a rather watery smile. “Well, I fixed him. I played the weeping drama queen for all it was worth. And Mr. Yuy must have done something more to him than just read him the Miranda. He nearly pissed himself. I could tell.”

Duo laughed softly. “Which glare did you use on him?”

Heero sighed then chuckled. “I’ve got a new one. The ‘your mom nearly lost her house’ one.”

“Yuy, what the hell are you doing now, anyway?”

Cheryl squeaked. “Daddy! Rude much?”

Duo snorted. “Not really. We’re bounty hunters, or rather, Heero is. I’m still going for my certs. When I get my license, we’re going to be partners. The guy I’m working for likes all his guys partnered up.”

“I see. Well, thanks for taking care of my little girl. And thanks for coming by. I always wondered what happened to you. Glad to see you’re doing well. And, Mr. Maxwell, nice to see you too.”

They told some lies, finished their drinks and said good-bye. Mr. Gryphon saw them to the door, thanked them again and watched them leave.

Heero sighed softly. “I’m tired. Home?”

Duo shrugged. “I guess. I’m tired too. I feel sorry for Cheryl.”

“Me too. And no more valet parking for me.”

“Ok. A little walking won’t hurt either one of us.”

.

Two weeks passed with surprising speed. Duo managed to test out of two more classes. But one professor refused to allow it. And the administration wouldn’t allow him to test out of the practicums. Except for fire arms, the Senior Range Officer had announced that, due to the heavy load of students, anyone who could pass the final could skip the rest of the classes.

Duo tested out.

It was actually rather anticlimactic, Heero pulled out his phone and opened it. He synced it with Duo’s and did a quick transfer. He copied the folder that had all his legal numbers in it. Duo checked them then stuck his phone back in his pocket.

It turned out that they were slightly late for the self defense class since it was across campus.

.

“Well, it seems that Mr. Maxwell has finally managed to make it to class.”

Duo just gave the teacher a flat look. “Sorry, I just tested out of Firearms and it took a bit to get things organized. Won’t happen again.”

Heero just glared. He wasn’t sure he liked this man. He looked way too much like a Specials Drill Sergeant for Heero’s comfort. Duo just sighed, he could tell that this wasn’t going to go well.

“Sorry, it’s across campus. So ... we gonna do this or what?”

The instructor just turned to face the rest of the class. “Everyone line up. My name is Master Sergeant Evans. You will not call me Sarge. You will call me Sir, Sergeant Evans, Sergeant or some combination there of. If I say jump, stop or crap, you do it. No arguments, no demands for explanations. You’ll get explanations later, if they’re needed. So far, I have not had anyone choked out, no broken bones or other calamities and I intend to keep it that way. Do you understand?”

There were nods and ‘Yes, sir’s’ from the students. Duo cringed internally.

The Sergeant looked at the nodders. “If your brains are loose enough to rattle in your head they’re too loose for you to be in this class. You will reply, “sir, yes, sir’ loudly. Do not mumble. Now try it again.”

Duo stepped up one step. “SIR, YES, SIR!!” the class got the idea and chorused after him, he stepped back. Sergeant Evans gave him a startled look then nodded to him. “Very good. I see we have one person in here with some experience.” He looked at his clip board. “Maxwell. You’re way too young for any experience. So, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t playact.”

Duo glanced at Heero, Heero gave the Sergeant an assessing look then nodded. Duo shrugged, this wasn’t going to be fun but he wasn’t going to lie to the Sergeant. It would cause more trouble than ‘outing’ himself.

“I was fifteen when Operation Meteor started and I’d been training for three years. So, yeah, I’m young. In age, not in experience.”

Sergeant Evans blinked once. “That’s where I’ve seen you. I thought I knew that face. Terrible picture on that wanted poster. Really bad. Made you look puffy or fat.”

Duo shrugged slightly, he didn’t like thinking of how that picture had been taken. “Well, kinda was a bit swollen.” He settled himself a bit. “We gonna swap war stories, or do this?”

Sergeant Evans wasn’t a fool, he could see that Duo was uncomfortable so he just started explaining how to dress out. Then he went on to pair the people up. Duo wound up with a woman about his size. He didn’t say anything about that, he was going to see that she passed if she was capable. She looked like a high wind would blow her away; but, as he knew, looks could be deceiving. A thought which was voiced out loud a second later.

“And, people, looks can be deceiving. Do not let a perp inside your radar. We will start with a demonstration of what letting your guard down can do. If Mr. Maxwell will agree?”

Duo stepped forward and announced in a firm voice. “Sir, I’ll be pleased to, sir.”

“Come forward.”

Duo did, dressing his corners and making two sharp turns, instead of cutting to the Sergeant at an angle.

The Sergeant nodded his approval. “We’ll go to the mats. Everyone line up. And you” he rounded on Heero. “Either tell me who you are and why you’re here, or get out.”

Heero stood from the bench he’d been sitting on. “I’m Yuy, his partner.” Heero pointed to Duo. “I wanted to sit in on the class to see how you run it. Interesting, so far.”

Sergeant Evans looked at Heero for a second then said, “Damn, who wished me luck this morning?”

Heero grinned at him. “Your mother.”

Evans laughed and motioned for him to follow.

Everyone lined up at the edge of the mats to watch. Sergeant Evans produced a pair of handcuffs then looked at Duo. “This going to be a problem?”

Duo shook his head. “If there were four or five of you, it might. But just you, and Heero right here. I’ll be fine.”

There were some snickers from a few of the class but the Sergeant glared them into silence. He returned to Duo and reached out for his wrist, Duo let him have it.

“Ok, people. I’m twice his size and I’ve got hold of him. Now what?”

Someone called from the back of the room. “Cuff him and haul him in.”

Evans snorted. “You think? Ok, Maxwell, lets go.”

Duo eeled around and wriggled his hand. Suddenly, Evans wasn’t in control anymore. Duo had him by the arm, one thumb digging into the soft spot in his wrist. He bent the arm quickly then twisted. Another quick maneuver and Duo was behind Evans, one arm around his neck, the other holding Evans’s arm shoved up between his shoulder blades. Evans squirmed a bit then announced, “I give.”

Duo let go at once, stepped back and took up parade rest. Evans nodded, “Stand down.” Duo relaxed and went to a place between his two partners. Evans explained that Duo was very good, good enough that his size was not a consideration in a fight at their level. Then he lectured for a bit about the effects of drugs, alcohol and anger on strength and resistance to pain. Then he glanced at his watch and announced, “Read the first three chapters of your book. And come ready to work out. You’re all below par except for Mr. Jamison, Mrs. Petersen, and Mr. Maxwell. Dismiss!”

The class broke up and most of them headed for the door. Duo’s workout partner stayed behind, as did Heero and the sergeant.

Diedre was the first to speak. Duo was glad he didn’t have to ask her name, it was embroidered on her shirt. “I’m glad we’re partners. You’re about my size and you look like you’re good. You can cover for me. I’m never going to be good at this. Sucks, but my boss insisted. I’m just a secretary and I don’t want to be anything else. But I’ll loose my job if I don’t pass this class.”

Duo gave her a sour look. “Well, you’ll loose your job then. I’m not putting some poor schmuck’s life in danger so you can get a slide. Learn or ... well, die is the saying. But fail fits better here. And don’t let the Sergeant hear you. I don’t want to get kicked out of class.”

Diedre began to sulk, Heero scowled at her. He’d over heard the whole thing and didn’t approve any more than Duo did. He was just getting ready to tell the Sergeant when he announced that he’d over heard too.

“You have one chance to pass this class. If you don’t. If you fail, you’re boss isn’t going to be happy. I don’t want you to loose your job, but I really don’t want someone relying on your non-existent skills and getting himself killed. Got me?”

Diedre nodded. “Yeah, I got you. But ... I’m not a fighter. I don’t want to fight. I’m not like you guys.”

Heero snorted. “I don’t want to kill either. I don’t even carry a gun most of the time. And half the time I do, it’s just to impress the perp. Mostly, I use non-lethal weapons, like pepper spray and batons. The really violent one’s ... that’s another story all together. So get your head out of your ass and learn. Excuse me.” Heero stomped away to sit on the bench and wait for Duo.

Evans just shrugged. “You got it from an expert. You better listen. I’m not going to let you mess Duo up. So, one hint that you’re trying to slide through this class and you’re getting a new partner. I’ll partner Maxwell with Yuy. I know he’s not in the class but I can put him down for an audit and get away with it. So, put up or shut up.”

Diedre gave him a slightly resentful look but agreed that she’d do her best. Duo just rubbed the back of his neck. He didn’t want to even be here. It was embarrassing. Diedre left, to their relief.

“Heero, man, I really don’t think this is going to work out.”

Heero just shrugged. “I’ll take her place, if you need me to. Give her a chance.”

Evans put his two cents in. “I think she’ll be ok. If she’s not, I’ll bring Heero in. Don’t worry.”

Duo sighed. “I’m not worried on my account. I wish she hadn’t put me on the spot like that, is all. Now I don’t trust her. Too bad. I’ll be watching my back every second now.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll be watching your back too. And so will Yuy. He’s invited to audit the class. And I know you’re trying to test out of a lot of classes. Good luck on that. And I really mean that. In fact, feel free to skip as necessary, until you take all the tests you can. I’ll see that Diedre doesn’t suffer for it.” He glanced at his watch. “I got to go. Mrs. Evans is even more of a stickler than I am. She’ll skin me alive if I’m late to supper. See you.”

Heero and Duo bid the sergeant good-bye then watched him march out the door.

Duo put one arm around Heero’s waist and tugged him toward the door. “I think this is really going to work out.”

Heero just grunted and allowed Duo to pull him out the door.

.

When they got to the library for study group, all the others were already there. They were determined to do the same as Duo and test out of as many classes as possible. They were all on line downloading study materials. Heero took one look at the download que and just motioned for Lance to give him his chair. He settled in place and attacked the keyboard. He spent a few minutes re-queuing the print list, checking for redundancies and rerouting the entire job to a printer nearby.

“Duo, why was our entire job routed to a printer on the second floor?”

Lance answered that one. “Because they count the sheets and you’re not supposed to be able to get them until you pay for them. Why?”

Heero grinned a bit sheepishly. “Well ... um, I rerouted the job to the printer over there.” he pointed to a printer at the main desk. The number prominently displayed on its side answered Lance’s second question. “I’ll see that they get paid for. Um .. And, ooops.”

Duo just snorted into his coffee. Trust Heero to do something like that. Gloria just shook her head. “That’s supposed to be impossible. The system is hacker proof.”

Duo looked at Heero, their eyes met and they both started laughing. Duo announced, between chuckles. “Hacker proof? This tin can? Not a chance. Oh, man. I can’t wait to see someone’s face.”

Heero just snorted and went back to what he’d been doing, announcing over his shoulder, “You go get the job. I’ll just scare the clerk.” Duo snickered some more then started going over a study schedule with Gloria. He wasn’t even sure why they put up with him. He’d missed at least a third of the sessions due to class conflicts and testing sessions.

No one seemed to worry over much about it, so he wasn’t going to either.

When Heero was done with his research he eased over to sit beside Duo. He wanted to see what sort of plan he and Gloria were coming up with.

It turned out to be interesting, to say the least.

Gloria had decided that the best way for them to all pass their tests was to take them all together. Duo was the only one who’d actually passed any tests yet. They decided to work on one class that no one was taking, so they all started out on an even footing.

They were all going to take Skip Tracing Tactics. Heero had to snort, this was going to be easy to pass. He’d already taken a peek at some of the old tests. They were all available as study guides.

Duo nodded, this was actually the last class he could test out of until he studied more. The Principles of Criminal Culpability wouldn’t let anyone test out until they’d taken the mid terms. He was looking at Criminal Codes and Seizure and Entry as his next two. Then all he’d have to complete would be Self-defense and Escalation/De-escalation of Force.

Neither Duo nor Heero realized what a heavy load Duo was taking on. But his councilor did.

“Oops! Excuse me. Phone.” Duo plucked the vibrating phone off his belt before it started to ring too. “Maxwell. ... yes.” He listened for a moment then said, “I’ll be right there.”

Heero stood up without comment. Gloria and Lance looked a bit concerned, the others just sort of ignored all this in favor of actual study.

“My councilor wants to see me. I didn’t know I had one. Um ... what’s a councilor?”

Lance explained quickly while Duo shoved his books into his backpack and Heero waited patiently. Duo hefted the thing over his shoulder, checked his side arm and headed for the administration building, Heero trotting beside him.

.

They were still seated in the waiting room half an hour later, Duo with his nose in a book and Heero on his computer. The secretary shot them a look from time to time but otherwise left them alone.

Duo was concentrating on his book so hard that when his name was finally called he didn’t hear it but Heero did. He nudged Duo in the side with his elbow.

“Thanks. ...” Duo shoved the book into his pack but left it with Heero. He turned to the secretary. “Do you know what this is about?” she shook her head and just pointed to the door.

Duo tapped on the door then entered. He glanced around quickly and realized that it was just a standard college office. Desk, two chairs, a book case to one side and a slightly harassed looking man sitting behind the desk. He motioned to a chair and waited while Duo settled in the one farthest from the door.

“Mr. Maxwell?” Duo nodded and waited. “I would like to know what you think you’re doing.”

Duo just looked at the man, his gaze the one that made inquisitors trained by Oz nervous. He waited a few seconds then shook his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. If I’m in some kind of trouble, you need to explain. If I’m not, can I go now? I’ve got a lot of studying to do.”

“That’s what I’m talking about. You’ve tested out of three classes and requested to test out of four more. What are you trying to do?”

Duo gave him a bland look, glanced at the standup on the desk then said. “Well, Mr. Gains, I’m trying to get my certificate as soon as I can. My partner is waiting on some jobs until I’m licensed but the Bail bondsman won’t wait much longer and I don’t want him to lose the jobs.”

Mr. Gains looked a bit puzzled but focused on the problem at hand. “I think I understand. A much older man is impatient, you look up to him and want to please him. So you’re working much too hard to test out of these classes. You need to have him come in so that I can talk to him.”

Duo blinked at the man for a moment then just stood up. “He’s here with me. I’ll ask him to step in, shall I?” he didn’t wait for permission he just opened the door and called to Heero to come in.

Heero walked into the office and stood in front of the door. He glanced around the office quickly but waited for someone to tell him what was going on.

“I want to talk to who ever it is who wants you as a partner. Not another student.”

Duo smirked at Mr. Gains, went to Heero and wrapped an arm around his waist. “This is my lover, Heero Yuy. He’s a licensed bounty hunter and he wants me for a partner. So, I’m testing out of stuff as fast as I can. I’m not much for school, all the rules chafe me.”

Mr. Gains glanced from one young man to the other. “I see. Well, that puts a different complexion on things. But it’s still a bad idea to put so much pressure on yourself. You should think seriously about slowing down a bit.”

Heero steepled his hands in front of his chin and gazed at Mr. Gains. He looked him over for a moment then looked at Duo. “Tell?”

Duo thought for a moment. “Up to you. I don’t care. I was never one to hide what I’ve done.”

Heero nibbled at his lip for a second. Mr. Gains watched the display of uncertainty a moment then said gently, “If there’s something going on, you can tell me. I’m here to help but you have to tell me what’s going on.”

Heero looked into the man’s kind eyes, glanced at Duo once more then just announced, “Duo isn’t under any undue pressure from me or anyone else. I doubt that anyone could make him work this hard, unless he wanted to. You see, we’re both a bit unusual. We’re two of the five Gundam pilots. I’m 01 and he’s 02. Our training makes it fairly easy for Duo to absorb and remember vast amounts of data quite quickly. He’ll remember everything he needs to. Is there going to be a problem?”

Mr. Gains blinked at Heero for a second. “I see. I’ll need to verify that. I understand there was an interesting meeting about padding class rolls with you two right in the middle of it. I didn’t realize who you were until you told me. I’m checking on you right now.” he finished his typing as he finished speaking. He waited for his search to finish. When it did, all he could do was gulp. “I see. Well, as I said, that puts a completely different slant on things. I’ll ok you testing out of any class you want to. And all I can say is ... thank you very much. If it hadn’t been for Chang Wufei and Shenlong, my wife would be dead now. Long story and rather stupid, but still. Thank you again.” he stood up and walked around the desk to shake hands with both of them, assuring Duo again that he’d just flag his jacket so that no one would give him any more trouble.

Duo thanked him and Heero gave the man a slight smile.

.

“Well, that was interesting.” Duo ran a hand through his bangs and sighed. “I’ll get my pack and we can get out of here. I’m turning the heat up. I’m tired of all this shit. I want my certs and I want out of here. I’m tired of all this school crap. I know almost all this stuff. Now that he’s signed off on it, I’m testing out as fast as I can. Kinda hate to leave the study group hanging but like it or not, I’m gonna.”

Heero smirked, he’d known that this was coming sooner or later. His lover was nothing if not stubborn. Howard had said Duo was pig stubborn and too damn smart for his own good. Heero tended to agree with Howard. Although, he’d never tell Duo that, he didn’t like sleeping on the couch that much.

“You could just explain to them and offer to take them all on a ride along to make up for it. They’ll all need at least one with a licensed hunter before they can graduate.”

Duo gave Heero a considering look. “I thought of that but I didn’t want to promise your time without checking with you first. If you’re really alright with it, I will.”

Heero smiled. “I’m fine with that. They’ll make good backup on a couple of pickups I have in mind. The more bodies, the less chance of trouble. Some guys will fight unless there’s at least four or five bodies along. So, it’s fine with me. But I think you should stick with them for this class just to not look like you’re dumping them. Ya know?”

Duo nodded agreeing with Heero’s wise advice. “And when did you get so social.”

“I’m not. I’m just applying some rules that my shrink gave me. They work for me, but if I try to explain them, I get some really odd looks.”

Duo snickered. “As long as they work, who cares? I’m sure I don’t. So I’m too late for study group, they’ve all gone home already. And I’m ready to go home too.”

Heero just turned to go, realizing by the slump of Duo’s shoulders, that he needed to get home. He decided to make things as easy for Duo as humanly possible. He planned as he drove and Duo studied.

.

The first thing he did was set up a schedule to keep Duo from overdoing anything. He also knew that getting Duo to stick to the damn thing was going to be a job in itself. But he was nothing if not persistent.

The next two weeks were rounds of visits to the gym, classes and study group. Duo spent most of his days with his nose in a book or working out. Heero was pleased to see that, by following the diet and exercise program his trainer had worked out, Duo was building muscle and endurance to his old levels. Duo was oblivious to nearly anything that didn’t have to do with testing out of another class.

Duo stayed up late, got up early, ate, went to the gym, then school. He studied every minute he could. He worked at studying like his life depended on it. Heero aided and abetted him every way he could. He did most of the cooking and all the cleaning. He got the groceries and did his hunting alone. But he had someone to come home to and that made it all worth while.

Duo always greeted him at the door with a hug and a cup of tea.

When the day came for his next test he was greeted at the door of the testing station by his entire study group. They were all scheduled to take the test at the same time.

Heero kissed Duo and settled to wait. The test took two hours, he spent them bolt upright in his chair, staring nearly unblinking at the wall.

“Well, that’s that.” Heero jumped. “Hey, ‘Ro. Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

Heero got straight to the point. “How soon before the tests are graded?”

“The tester said twenty minutes. And that’s only because they verify twice.” Duo bounced on the balls of his feet. “I’m so nervous. I think I’d rather be shot at. After I pass this, there’s only two more classes that I can test out of. I have to take Force and Phone Techniques. And Olsen won’t let me test out of his class until after mid terms. But that’s only three classes. So if I pass this test I can start my apprenticeship.” he glared at his watch. “Dammit, I hate waiting.”

Heero dragged him down to sit on the bench. The rest of the testees milled about, chatting and worrying.

The tester came out of the door with a big smile on his face. “This is unusual, but I’m happy to say that all of you passed with flying colors. Excellent grades for all of you. There’s not a B in the group. All A’s or A pluses. I’m very pleased.” He was handing out pass slips as he talked. “I understand that you’re all in the same study group? Wonderful. Congratulations to you all. Keep up the good work.” He gave everyone another pleased smile and went back into the office he’d come out of.

Duo looked at the slip of paper in his hand. “Well, ok people what next?”

Lance snickered. “Get that glint out of your eye. I can’t do that again. I only managed to do it because I never give up once I get started on something. I say we .... par-tay!” He punched air and then looked around.

Gloria whooped and nodded. “Yay! Party, party, party. I’ll stand first round.”

Frank, ever the quiet one, just sighed. “I’m glad I passed. But, like Lance, I’m never doing that again. I can’t really stand the pressure. I only managed this time by telling myself, ‘it’ll be over soon.’ it’s just too much. I don’t see how you can do it, Maxwell. And time after time. What’s this? The fourth class or the fifth?”

Duo thought for a moment then counted on his fingers. “Le’ me see. Um... five, I think. After this, I’m planning on testing out of two more at once. That just leaves me Olsen’s class, Principles of Criminal Culpability and Escalation/De-escalation, use of force and Apprehension. Only three classes that I have to actually take. Three more months and I’ll have my papers.”

Frank nodded but asked, “Um ... don’t you have to take Phone Techniques?”

Duo gave Heero a stricken look and whined. “Damn, I forgot all about that fucker. Now what?”

Heero just pulled Duo into a hug. “Don’t worry about it now. Let’s just celebrate the fact that you passed this test. Ok?”

Duo laid his head on Heero’s chest and sighed. “Ok, sure. I could use a night out. You wanna go with the guys?”

Gloria hollered, “Hey! Got boobs here.” Which made them all snicker and relieved the last of the post test tension.

Heero laughed softly too. “Yeah, let’s just go out, have a good time. Do a little dancing.” He wiggled his hips. “I could do with a steamer or two.”

.
The bar they wound up in was more a pub than a night club. The music was mellow, the beer was good. Anchor Steam on tap. And the snacks were a great deal better than beer nuts in a basket. Duo was particularly fond of the Blooming Onions, with curry dip. He practically drooled at the thought.

Heero had stopped at the bar the moment they walked in the door. Duo peered around, looking for him. Gloria snorted. “You got it bad, boy. How long?”

Duo smiled at her and shrugged, “Since I shot him when we were fifteen.”

Gloria choked on her beer. “You what? You’re kidding!”

Duo shook his head. “No. I’ll wait until he gets here to tell you. It’s kind of interesting, actually.”

“What’s interesting?” Heero materialized beside Duo. He had a pitcher of beer in one hand and mugs for everyone in the other. Frank got up to take the mugs from him and scooted a chair in his direction at the same time. “I ordered fried mozzarella sticks and a blooming onion. Anybody want anything else?”

No one did, so Heero poured beer all around and they settled in to discuss their classes and what jobs they hoped to get. Heero was hoping Gloria would forget about how he and Duo had met.

She didn’t and Lance and Frank seconded the demands for ‘back story’. Duo finally agreed to tell the tale, if they provided more beer and another onion. When the food and drink came, Duo cleared his throat and told the story. Heero added his bit and corrected some misassumptions on the part of the listeners. When they were done with their tale, Gloria snorted and announced that it was a good story but she wasn’t sure she believed it. Heero just rolled up his sleeve to show the scar on his arm and threatened to drop his pants too. Gloria whooped happily but the guys all vetoed the idea with a vengeance.

After another pitcher of beer, the talk turned to the wars. Frank looked a bit uncomfortable as he admitted that his parents had sent him to boarding school to keep him out of the military. Gloria just shrugged, admitted that she’d actually paid very little attention as she’d been living in an area that wasn’t much affected by it. Lance hung his head, shuddered and refused to speak in more than generalities. Duo laughed softly, announcing, “Don’t feel like you have to talk if you don’t want to. No hard feelings. I don’t talk about my stuff much either.”

Heero just snorted softly. “Me neither. Being raised by Oden Lowe was no picnic either.” he grinned. “But therapy is a great thing. I’m civilized now.” He smiled with such false brightness that Duo laughed so hard he got the whoops, while Gloria literally howled. Lance and Frank ordered another pitcher. And another onion.

An hour later the conversation was slightly drunk and stupid, they weren’t drunk, yet. They were only in that stage between tipsy and truly drunk where farting was hilarious and burping hysterical. Gloria was trying to explain something to Frank who was listening carefully, an intent expression on his face. Lance was gazing off into the near distance, slightly cross-eyed, and Heero and Duo were both trying to decide how to ease out of the group without offending anyone. Duo nibbled on a leaf from the latest onion, the curry dip was really good.

Suddenly he got that funny look that only means one thing. He was going to be sick. Heero glanced at him then took a better look. Duo had a head like a rock for any kind of alcohol, and the beer was 3.2. He took a second to count the onion plates on the table. Duo gave a little moan and headed for the men’s room. Heero trotted after him, a grim look on his face.

“Duo?”

Duo just groaned softly.

Heero found him in the last stall. He glanced around and was glad to see that the room was immaculate. Very unusual for a bar men’s room. He eased in behind Duo and gently wrapped one arm around his waist. It didn’t take but a moment for Duo to be truly ill. He moaned again and heaved, vomiting violently. Heero just held him until he was done.

“Better?” Heero let Duo lean against the wall and went to get him a wet towel. He found Lance standing in the sink area.

“He Ok?” Heero just nodded and got the towel. “I’m really sorry about that. If I’d known he was a lightweight, I’d have kept an eye on him. Need anything?”

Heero handed the towel in to Duo then turned to Lance. “Duo’s not a lightweight. Sweeper Hooch will cure that quickly. He’s just ... you can’t let him stay too near snacks. He’ll eat until he’s sick and not even realize until it’s too late. Like tonight. I should have kept an eye on him. I got engrossed in our conversation and forgot.”

Duo eased around the partition and leaned in the door of the stall. “It’s not your fault, Heero. I know better. I got distracted by the conversation too.” he wiped the back of his neck with the towel. “I know better. I still feel punk. You better take me home. Sorry for spoiling your night.”

Heero just shook his head. “I was wanting to go home anyway. I need a good night’s sleep. We’re demonstrating in class tomorrow.”

Duo groaned. “Damn. I forgot all about that. Shit. We better get home and get to bed. I won’t be worth shit tomorrow.”

Lance just looked at Duo, he certainly wasn’t drunk. And he did look a bit green still. “Sorry you don’t feel well. I’ll tell the others. You can sneak out the side door. Better get before Frank comes back too. He’ll rib you something awful. Go on. No one will be pissed.” Lance left to tell the others that they were leaving because the onions hadn’t agreed with Duo. Duo sighed.

“I’m gonna hear about this. What should I tell them?”

Heero eased his arm around Duo and led him toward the door saying. “The truth. If they want to make fun, I’ll kick their collective asses. Come on.”

“You sober enough to drive?”

Heero shook his head. “Nope. I’ll call Buck. He’ll come and drive us home, no problem.”

So they stagger-walked their way through the alley and into the parking lot behind the bar. Heero’s SUV would either stay there for the night or, if Buck had someone available, be driven home for them.

Heero made his call and Buck said that he’d be there right away. He showed up in fifteen minutes with a short Asian man to drive the SUV. He didn’t laugh at Duo for being sick. He just handed him a bottle of energy drink and something for his headache. Duo thanked him, took the medicine and leaned back in the seat.

“You ok?”

Duo nodded, jerking his chin down to his chest. “I’ll be fine. You’d think I’d have learned by now. I know better.”

Heero rubbed his arm gently. “It’s ok. Shit happens. We both know to look out for that, but we both forgot. Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad it wasn’t worse.” he snickered a bit. “You remember that time in boarding school ... where was it? Anyway, you ate too many of those appetizers at that mixer and threw up all over the headmaster and the guest of honor. I remember he was a real prick.”

Duo snickered half heartedly. “Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving son of a bitch. I do remember him. He called Wufei something.”

“Called him a chink. Creep. I laughed so hard I nearly choked on that peach punch.”

Duo smacked his lips. “Now that stuff was good.” The sarcasm hung in the air like smoke.

“Not” Heero made a disgusted face, not that anyone could see it in the flicker of street lights through the window.

“Really. What the hell was that shit made of?”

“Peach juice, peach sherbet and ginger ale. Gag me.”

“Too right.” Duo settled back, eyes closed. Heero took a good look at him and settled back to let him rest. He’d be asleep in just a minute.

.

Heero reached over to shake Duo awake, he ducked the punch Duo fired off and simply said, “We’re home.”

“Oh, sorry. You ok?”

“Ducked, didn’t I? Come on.”

They climbed out of the SUV, thanked Buck, took the keys from the driver and went inside.

Duo wandered in the general direction of the kitchen with Heero right behind him. He poured a glass of water and handed it to Heero, then got another for himself.

“I’ve been thinking ...”

Heero inspected him carefully, then said, “Where that smoke was coming from.”

“Asshole.” But it was said without heat. “Listen. I can take the last of my academic classes next week, if I skip a class on Thursday and all Friday. I haven’t missed a class yet that I didn’t have an excuse for. I think I’m going to do it. That means that all I have to do is pass Phone Techniques and that Force class, and Apprehension. Phone Techniques I can do standing on my head, the other two. Well, I’m still not in the shape I used to be, but I can still kick ass with the best of them. And I’m getting better all the time. I feel strong again. What do you say?”

Heero, used to the way that Duo could cram two or even three subjects in to one paragraph and make sense, just shrugged. “It’s up to you. You want to cram for three tests in one week, fine. It’s really not that unusual. Finals are the same way only some people have up to five subjects to study for. My opinion, if you’re asking? Go for it. I’m tired of all this messing around. I want my partner and I want you now.”

Duo just grinned. “Not tonight, honey, I have a headache.”

Heero snorted into his glass of water. “Idiot.”

.

So Duo called in sick Thursday and Friday and crammed. He spent every minute studying, reading chapters over and over. He took self-tests on line and finally announced that, on Saturday morning, he was ready to take two of the classes. Heero got on line to arrange the tests and found that they could be taken on line. Duo wondered aloud, why he’d even bothered to arrange to take classes on site when everything was on line.

Heero answered his rhetorical question with a smirk. “Because the paper looks better if it’s from a physical school instead of virtual. So ... test. I’ll make coffee. How many are you taking?”

Dou stretched, showing an expanse of hard rippling abs that made Heero nibble at his lip. “I’m taking two. It shouldn’t take me more than three hours. And then lunch. I’m going to be starving.”

“Ok. If you pass, I’ll take you over to Wufei’s place. How’s that?”

“Excellent. I’m looking forward to it. Maybe he’ll make me some of those lobster buns that were so good.”

Heero headed for the kitchen, calling over his shoulder. “Lobster buns it is. But I like yours better.”

“Pervert!”

“You know it.”

Heero made coffee for Duo and tea for himself. He knew that Duo was going to be totally oblivious for the next three hours so he turned on his computer to do some research.

It turned out to be more like four hours but Duo was done with three more classes. He’d managed to test out of everything but Applications of Force, Phone Techniques and Apprehension.

Heero sighed softly, this was looking more and more do-able as time went on. He just hoped that some paper jockey didn’t decide to make trouble.

“Let’s go, I’m starving.” Heero just led the way to the SUV and headed for Nakamura.

Wufei was in his place behind the counter. Lunch was sushi on little plates. Wufei made the various types and put two pieces on a plate. The size and shape of the plate indicated how much the serving cost. Two smiling women pushed the plates around on little carts. All the diner had to do was take the plates from the cart. When it was time to pay, the cart lady would count the plates and give them a bill.

Duo smiled and waved at Wufei who nodded back solemnly. They got seated and waited for the first cart to glide by. While they were waiting another waitress brought tea and hashi. Then the cart arrived. Duo found his buns and several other things he liked as well. Heero just picked the nearest items.

Wufei wandered around the room, casually elegant in his ‘traditional’ garb. He’d snorted softly when Duo had given him a falsely innocent, big-eyed look and asked which tradition it belonged to. He was wearing Chinese trousers and a high collared shirt covered by a Japanese Happi coat with his name on it in Kanji. The trousers and shirt were black and the coat white. While Duo had been trying not to laugh, Wufei had produced a collection of sharps from somewhere in the garb that had made both Duo and Heero blink. Wufei had smugly returned them to their places and announced, “It’s ridiculous, true, but very effective as a hiding place.”

He was just getting ready to speak to a group of older ladies when a group of men thundered in.

“Hey, chink! We want our usual table. Clear it.”

Wufei didn’t even frown, he just bowed a bit and said softly, “Of course, sirs. At once.” He got them seated with a minimum of fuss but some other customers frowned at the noise they made.

Heero eyed them sharply and Duo got ready for trouble. They were drunk already and it was only 1 in the afternoon.

The first thing they wanted was Saki, lots of it. Wufei provided it himself. One of the waitresses was suspiciously missing.

As the group got more and more drunk, they got louder ... and louder. Wufei was snarling into his rice when the waitress came in, whispered in his ear and started to push her little cart around. Wufei said something to her which got him an odd look and a nod.

She pushed her cart around, listening to complaints about the noise with a calm expression and a soft word. When she got to Heero and Duo she carefully lifted up the table cloth which hid the bottom shelves of the cart. Keeping the other side of the cloth down, she offered them the selection of their choice. The guns were all very nice but Duo chose a short fiber glass rod and Heero picked up a ‘soft’ baton. They were in for some close in, heavy contact work. They were going to keep the group of men from using guns.

Neither of them knew exactly what was going on and they really didn’t care. Wufei’s offer of weapons meant he needed help, they were going to give it.

Wufei managed to make another round of the room, murmuring softly to offended customers. He got to their table and bent in a deep, humble looking bow. “I’m going to knock that shit’s head off his shoulders. I wasn’t expecting them today. They usually come in tomorrow. We’ve bugged that table to a fare thee well and today is the day. We got our evidence, but my backup isn’t on line. I’m going to have a few choice words for the team leader ... and Une. Give me a hand?”

Duo just smirked. “Preventers fell down on the job?” Wufei gave him a sour look and a nod.

Heero bit his lip for a moment. “Sanctions?”

“We need them alive. But just barely.”

Heero nodded and Duo hissed, “ok, you got it. Soon, please.” Wufei bowed again.

They watched and waited, Wufei leaned down below the counter top several times. Every time he straightened up with a deeper scowl on his face.

Finally, he shut the door, surreptitiously locking it. He made the rounds one last time. Several people complained again and he offered them free meals if they wanted to leave their food and go. Two tables got up and left without ordering, gift certificates clutched in their hands.

Heero scanned the room and touched Duo’s foot with his. This was going to be a small problem, there were still at least ten people still in the room, stubbornly refusing to be driven away by the increasingly obnoxious group.

When everyone who was leaving had left, Wufei nodded to Heero. Heero poked Duo under the table. Duo never took his eyes off the rowdy group.

Wufei stepped out from behind the counter and headed directly for the alcove where the men were still eating and drinking, and arguing. Duo went to the table closest to them and simply told the diners there, “Getup and get out. Now.” They took one look at his face and scrambled for the door. The waitress stationed there let them out. Heero backed Wufei up, closing in beside him, while Duo headed for the next table. The people there were already on their way for the door. Several other customers, seeing people leaving started to go to the register. Duo motioned for them to just leave. No one asked any questions. News footage during the wars had convinced many people that silence in a situation like this was best. The restaurant cleared without attracting too much attention from the table and what it did attract was sneering at best.

Duo joined Heero and Wufei, clearing the room had taken no more that five minutes. The rest of the arrest didn’t take much longer.

The men realized that something was going on when Wufei tipped the table over. He used one hand to tip the table and the other to stick a gun in the leaders face. Duo and Heero followed his lead by taking out the two lieutenants. Duo smacked his man across the temple with his rod, stunning him and knocking him out of the chair. Heero rapped his man sharply in the throat with the end of his baton. He dropped like a rock, choking and red faced. The other three just fell like wheat to the scythe that was Duo. Heero smirked at Wufei and started handcuffing. It took them a few minutes to get the men all restrained.

“Well, that’s that. And, Wuffers, I hope you got all the intel you needed.”

Wufei ducked his head slightly, never taking his eyes off Duo. “We recorded him…” Wufei pointed at the boss. “… Telling them ...” he pointed at the two lieutenants. “… To finish their business by offing the delivery man. They’re all in the basket now. Help me take them in?”

Heero nodded. “Sure. My SUV will hold four.”

Wufei shrugged. “I’ve got a van. It’ll hold all of them. My backup ... I’m having a few words with Une about that by the way. Shit!” Wufei patted his pocked, extracted his phone and snarled, “Ne Hao.” He listened for a moment then snapped. “Don’t bother, Yuy and Maxwell backed me up. The girls can ride shot gun. You’re an unnecessary complication now.” He tossed the phone onto the floor and, in an unusual fit of temper, stamped on it.

“‘Fei! What’s up?” Duo move to touch Wufei on the shoulder.

Wufei put one hand over Duo’s. “I’ve been putting up with the locals for the last three weeks. I’m sick of them. They’re not incompetent but they sure act like it. I think they’re not too happy that Une sent me. I’m not sure what they were expecting but I’m not it. I’ll be glad to get back to Central. Help me load this garbage into the van? And if a bunch of pissed off cops show up. Handle them. Ok? I’m not in the mood.”

Duo just nodded. He knew how it was. They were all young and some of the older and more ‘experienced’ officers, of every sort, didn’t appreciate them. Wufei got more than any of them except for Quatre. “Got your back, buddy. What are you going to do when you get to the station?”

Wufei shrugged. “Park the van and ring the bell. They can deal with getting these idiots into the station by themselves. You won’t believe ... they all went out for pizza together. Assholes.”

Heero, meanwhile, had just been getting the collection of thugs onto their feet. Mostly by glaring at them.

The three young men led the group out into the parking lot and ordered them into the van. There wasn’t much argument as Heero had picked up the biggest pistol Wufei had and was holding it casually. The cold expression in his eyes let everyone know that he would use it if he had to.

There was some complaining about the way Wufei was treating them but Duo just cuffed the complainer on the head and snarled, “Ya shouldn’t a called ‘im a chink. Shut up.”

They parted ways at the station. Wufei to his waiting staff car and Heero and Duo home.

When they got there Duo suddenly groaned. “Paper work. Shit.”

Heero looked at Duo in blank puzzlement. “They have to do the paper work themselves.”

Duo rubbed his forehead. “No. The paper work on the classes. I’ve got a ton of it now. Shit.”
.

It took most of the rest of the week to get all the paper work done. And the cost of the classes made Duo groan. Heero just announced he was keeping strict track of what he was spending. He was well aware that Duo wouldn’t thank him for anything less. Duo’s finances were still a bit of a mess but Quatre was working on them.

They attended the two classes Duo still had and Duo stayed in the background as much as he could. The defense class was a cakewalk. The Sergeant was really keeping his word. Duo had skipped for the last week while he studied for all his tests. It was too bad that he’d tested out of all the classes possible. But he only had three classes between him and his paper.

Since they were now seated in the back of the Principles of Criminal Culpability class, Heero was half asleep. He wasn’t even sure why he was here. But after the incident in Wufei’s restaurant he knew that he’d put up with it. He had enjoyed the entire evening, especially the concluding event. But it had made both of them a bit paranoid.

The professor was lecturing about the ‘preemptive strike imperative’ which, Duo had figured out, just meant that, if you knew your quarry was in a place you had the right to break in without getting a warrant. He wished the man would speak plain English. Heero just grunted and shifted in his seat.

“You didn’t have to take all this?”

Heero just shook his head. “No, J just shoved books at me then tested me. You know how he is.”

“No I don’t and I ever get my hands on him, he’s dead meat on a steel slab.”

Heero just shrugged. He knew Duo hated J with a passion, he just dealt with it.

“Ok. Don’t get in a lather. The last time I saw him, he looked like he was on death’s doorstep.”

The professor was glaring at them by now. “And, gentlemen, if you have anything to add to the lecture, please feel free. Otherwise, be quiet. Some of us would like to learn something.”

Heero made a rude noise, deep in his throat. “Some of us would appreciate it if you’d use words of fewer syllables and greater content. Learning is a difficult enough endeavor without being shackled by misunderstandings and hyperbole. In other words, stop talking like you’ve swallowed a dictionary.” Heero sat down, crossed his arms over his chest and glared.

“I see. And you fancy yourself a bounty hunter already.”

Heero just shifted in his chair enough to fish his wallet out of his pocket. He dangled the open single fold from two fingers and said blandly, “Observer.”

“I see. Well, that puts a different light on things, doesn’t it? Would you care to bless us with your qualifications ... and name. If it doesn’t put you out too terribly.”

“Name: Yuy, Heero. Qualifications: gundam pilot. Secondary qualifications: two years in the business and 250 captures. Sixty of them high profile. Any more questions? Or are you ready to actually teach something.”

The professor stalked up the stairs and picked the wallet from Heero’s fingers. He examined the badge and ID card then gave it back with a hand that trembled slightly.

“If you have anything to add to the lecture, please feel free. Just raise your hand.”

Heero smirked at Duo’s stunned expression. “I’m famous for more than my dazzling good looks.”

Duo opened his mouth to blast Heero, but the professor called the class to order before he could do more than splutter, “You ... I” Duo turned to the front with a disgruntled scowl on his face.

Professor Stevens, he’d written his name on the board every single day, continued his lecture. Heero listened with half an ear, waiting for him to slip somehow. He didn’t. He might be a stuck up, boring, long winded pain in the ass, but he knew his stuff.

The lecture lasted exactly fifty minutes, as ten minutes had been taken up talking to Heero and fussing with paper. Professor Stevens announced that, as the lecture had to be cut short, he would post it on his website for downloading in its entirety. Duo sighed, that meant that he had to read the whole damn thing. Heero, noticing the sigh, said that he’d summarize it for Duo.

“Mr. Yuy, may I have a moment of your time, please?”

Heero sighed but nodded and went to the podium. “What can I do for you?”

“I would like for you to speak to the class. Perhaps on the relevance of my class to real life work?”

Heero just nodded, “I’d be glad to ... on one condition.” The professor nodded to him to continue. “You let Duo take the finals next week. If he fails, he takes the rest of the class. If he passes, you sign off on him.”

“Very well. But I doubt that anyone could pass my final without listening to all my lectures. There’s just something about delivery that does the trick.”

Heero turned around and left before he laughed in the man’s face.

.

Duo was silent for most of the walk between classes. He finally couldn’t stand it. “What did His Dryness want?”

“Wanted me to speak to the class.”

“Oh ... big mistake?” Duo made it a question.

“Fraid so. I do believe I’ll make a show of it. Need a speech too. Ugh!”

“I’ll help.”

Heero was just about to say something else when the Sergeant called the class to order.

This was the first time they’d been back in class since the arrest at the restaurant. The Sergeant made them very aware of that fact.

“Well, well, glad to see that you’re taking my teachings to heart.” There was a snicker or two at that.

Duo just grinned. The Sergeant announced that they were going to work on submission holds today. There was some more snickering but this time the Sergeant announced that submission holds were nothing to joke about.

“Mr. Maxwell, you’ve neglected your partner shamefully. Mr. Yuy, will you demonstrate with me?”

Heero just stepped onto the mat, leaving his shoes behind on the floor. Duo went to stand beside Denise, whispering, “Sorry. But I passed a shit load of classes.”

Denise just smiled, “Don’t worry about it. I got my boss to agree that I only had to get a C- because I didn’t have a partner for so long. So, it’s all good. Hush.” Duo obediently hushed and turned to watch the demonstration.

Heero was standing in the middle of the mats with his back to Sergeant Evans. “Now, we’ve had one demonstration of how to handle an attack. This one is from the back. And ... Mr. Yuy?” Heero nodded. “Please don’t hurt me.” Heero laughed softly.

Evans jumped on Heero so suddenly that everyone but Duo gasped. It didn’t do him much good. Heero just bent over from the waist and tossed him onto his back on the mat. Evans wheezed, trying to get air in to his shocked lunges. Heero kept his advantage by grabbing the Sergeant by one ankle and flipping him over onto his belly then he kicked one ankle into the bend of the other knee and pulled that foot over to lock the hold. Sergeant Evans tapped out by slapping the mat with one hand.

Heero helped him up and waited while he turned to address the class. “Does anyone know what I did wrong?”

A few hands raised, including Duo’s. “Not Maxwell. I’m even more afraid of him than I am of Heero.” Duo looked a bit startled. “Mr. Polanski.”

“You grabbed him from the side. He saw you before you got to him.”

Evans shook his head. “Good, but no. Mrs. Watterson.”

“You jumped a Gundam Pilot. He’s better than you ... no insult intended ... and he busted your ass.”

“Good. And no insult taken. But, again, no.”

After several more almost right answers Sergeant Evans finally called on Duo. “Mr. Maxwell, could you please enlighten us? Everyone keeps getting it about half right.”

Duo just shrugged. “Sure. The basic thing you did wrong was, you didn’t get good enough a grip on him when you had the chance. That flip only works if you miss your grip. But the other thing you did wrong was, you didn’t roll away when you had the chance. Winded or not, you had a good bet on staying out of range until you got your wind back and could manage a second try.”

There were some rude comments about that. Comments like, “Want to see you do it.” and “Smart ass!” but Duo’s personal favorite was, “Like to see that girl do anything. Hasn’t been in class for three or four days.” He just shrugged.

So Sergeant Evans started in on another short lecture. “Everyone listen. The most dangerous opponent is the one you’ve underestimated. And that can be deadly. That’s one of the reasons a certain long-haired, skinny sixteen year old was one of the most feared Gundam Pilots of all. Anyone know why? Anyone?”

Most of the answers were so far wrong that Evans finally gave up, Heero smirked in the background. He knew what was coming up.

“None of you are even close. Maxwell is the best street fighter there is. He’s better than anyone I’ve ever seen. He’s small, quick, and utterly ruthless. As well as looking like he couldn’t fight his way out of a paper bag. Don’t let his looks fool you. In a true fight between him and a black belt he’ll win every time.”

There was a lot of noise then, exclamations of disbelief and outright laughter. Sergeant Evans silenced them with a barked, Quiet!”

The group quieted. Sergeant Evans glared around until everyone was standing at parade rest then he turned to Heero. “Do you think the two of you could give a demonstration?” He glanced at Duo during his question.

Heero looked at Duo who just nodded. They could do a demonstration if the Sergeant wanted.

“Thank you. I hope this demonstration will save a few lives. Or at least a cut or two. Whenever you’re ready, gentlemen.” he walked off the mats and took up a position near the first aid box, wondering if he was going to need it.

Heero took Duo to the side of the mats and asked, “How serious do you want to get? I’m up for anything, you know that. But do we want to scare the shit out of them, or just hint around.”

Duo thought about it for a moment. “Scare the shit out of them. It’ll do them all good to see exactly what they might have to deal with.”

Heero nodded once. “Ok. Want to wear strike coats?”

Duo glanced at them. The white garments were actually jump suits impregnated with chemicals. The weapons they were going to use were also impregnated with a chemical. When the two met, the reaction between the two made a bright blue stain where they touched. Duo nodded, “Yeah, good idea.”

They donned the strike coats and went back to the middle of the mats. Duo held a knife in one hand, Heero held a gun. The gun, like the knife was a dummy, all it had for ammo was a small plastic pellet. The pellet wouldn’t do any damage unless it hit the target in the eye. But it would leave a bright splash of blue on the strike coat.

There was some muttering and Duo heard Denise call, “Get ‘im, Duo!” he gave her a cocky grin then turned back to business.

Heero held his pistol against his chest with one hand and the other out a bit in front of him. Duo flicked the tip of the knife in short jerky side to side motions, jabbing at Heero from time to time.

Heero kept backing up. The goal was to ‘capture’ Duo not shoot him, so he kept his weapon close to his chest. It didn’t do him much good. Duo managed to slash him across the back of the hand. Sergeant Evans called out, “dropped weapon.” Heero dropped his pistol without taking his eyes off Duo.

Duo just stepped back, giving Heero some room. Heero moved away rather than forward which proved to be a mistake. Duo took advantage of the extra room to rush him. Heero fought back savagely, but Duo had the upper hand. Heero had lost his weapon and the use of his dexter hand. He could only fight with his left. His right was ‘out’. If the cut across the back of it had been real, he wouldn’t have been able to use it. So he couldn’t use it now. Of course, if they’d played it allowing Heero to play to his real strengths, he would still be able to fight with it. But that was only going to happen with someone hopped up on drugs. Or a gundam pilot.

But they were illustrating what the other people in the class could expect so he didn’t have the use of it. So Duo closed in on him and after a flurry of exchanged slashes and blows ‘gutted’ Heero, the bright blue slash across his lower abdomen causing Sergeant Evans to call out. “Mortal wound. Game over.’

The entire fight had taken no more than 45 seconds.

“Now, does anyone have anything to say?” Evans looked the group over. Most of them were shaking their heads. A few said ‘no.’ “Very good. As I said, it’s a good idea to know your target. As this demonstration shows. No matter how small or ineffectual a target looks, you better be careful. You’re not likely to run into someone like Heero or Duo, but a pissed off, big woman with a knife can do some real damage.” Heero snorted softly. “Mr. Yuy, you have something to contribute?”

“I’m scared of a pissed off little woman with a knife. They can get you before you know what hit you.”

“Very true. It’s intent, more than size or strength that will kill you.”

Heero nodded. “Exactly. A big man who can’t kill isn’t half as dangerous as a small man who can.”

“Right. Moving on.”

And they went on to listen to him lecture about different subdue holds and when each one was the best to use. Heero and Duo got a bit glassy eyed, the rest of the class hung on his words.

When he finally dismissed the class he asked them to stay after for a moment.

Heero wanted to put himself between Duo and Evans but knew better. He contented himself with standing slightly to Duo’s left and behind him, glaring slightly.

“Easy there, cowboy. All I want to do is tell you both that it’s not necessary for Duo to attend classes anymore. You’re good. Really good. You don’t need this class at all. In fact, it’s a waste of your time. What you should do is go see Watson.” They both gave him puzzled looks. “The Phone teacher. I’ll see if I can’t persuade him to let you come in after the mid terms. You’ll have to test in, but I know you’ll do fine. If not, well, there’s always next semester, but it’s a shame you have to wait that long. This way, all you have is that idiot, Stevens’, class to really deal with. I’m out of your hair, and you’ve passed every other class except Phone Techniques. And if you can’t convince an Eskimo to by ice cubes I’ll wear a dress. Stevens thinks way too much of himself so watch him. But as far as I’m concerned, you’re here every day doing your thing. Ok?” Duo beamed at him and Heero gave him one of his best smiles. “Now, get out of here. Scat!” they scatted.

Duo waited until they were in the parking lot then he gave a whoop and did a little war dance. “Man, oh, man. This is great. Evans is the bomb. He’s giving me a real break. I don’t know exactly why but ... YEAH!” Heero smiled at Duo but decided that he needed to do some back ground checking on their Sergeant Evans. He wanted to know why the man was cutting them so much slack.

.

Duo settled in for a bout of prolonged studying. Heero booted up his computer and started researching. He hacked the college computers to get Evans’s Citizen ID number and full name, he got his address while he was at it and his phone number. Who knew what he’d need, to find out what he wanted.

It didn’t take him long to find out exactly what Evans was up to. A big fat ‘not much’. It seemed that their Sergeant had been a Sergeant in the Rebellion, he’d gotten injured in action and the only thing that had saved his life was Duo shielding the medical unit with his Gundam. Pay back wasn’t always a bitch. He told Duo what was up and Duo just smiled. He remembered that particular mission. “Well, I’m glad I could help him. Nice guy.” And that was the end of that.

Duo sighed and stretched. “Well, now that we know what Evans is up to, I’m going to see if he’s talked to ... um ... what’s his name? The Phone Techniques teacher.” Heero thought for a moment then announced, “Watson.” “Yeah, him. I’ll see if I can’t catch him after his early class, find out when they meet next, will ya?”

Heero just turned back to his computer and clicked on the thread that had the schedules on it. It seemed that the next time Phone Techniques met was Friday. As this was Wednesday. They had a day to decide what to do.

Duo put his book aside and motioned for Heero to come sit on the couch with him. “I’m not sure exactly what I really want to do about this class. I checked around and it’s really just a glorified telemarketing class. Aimed at people with no phone skills. I think I’ll just go talk to the teacher and see if I can’t get him ... or her... to test me out of it.” He thought for a while. “Um ... Heero? Do you think it’s good for me to test out of everything like this. I mean, how’s it going to look to the other guys?”

Heero snorted. “It won’t look bad. Most of them didn’t even go to school. They all apprenticed with Buck. A couple of them don’t even have high school diplomas. Just relax.”

So Duo did. He put his feet in Heero’s lap, handed him the remote and stuck his nose back in his book. Heero smiled, took the remote and watched the news.

.

Their lovemaking that night was soft and sweet. Duo responded to Heero’s touch so quickly that their clothing wound up all over the stairs. Heero scooped Duo up and tossed him in the general direction of the bed. Duo twisted in the air and landed in the middle of the mattress, laughing softly.

They wrestled around a bit, Duo on top then Heero. Heero started kissing Duo’s neck, making Duo squirm. Duo grabbed at Heero who rolled him over onto his back. Duo gave him the ‘big eyed’ look. The one that made his brain short circuit. Heero latched onto Duo’s neck again, sucking and nibbling. Duo arched his neck to give him better access as he reached between them to grip Heero’s hardness and smooth it with a calloused palm.

“Oh, that’s nice.”

“Mmmm. Just there.” Heero kissed then nipped where Duo liked it best.

They soon rolled together to spoon, Heero behind Duo. Duo pulled one leg up to his chest and made a tiny whimpering sound. Like a puppy begging for a treat. Heero slid his hand under the pillow and pulled out a small tube, making use of its contents he proceeded to slick himself then Duo. He eased one finger into Duo, who made appreciative sounds and wriggled a bit.

“Good?”

“Very. More.”

Heero obliged with two fingers then shortly after three. Duo scooted back to rub one buttock against Heero’s groin, Heero stilled him with one hand.

“Don’t. I’m too close.”

“Hurry. Want you. Now.”

“Demanding little shit.”

“Yup.”

Heero eased into Duo, enjoying the feeling of Duo’s body clasping him. It was so good that he didn’t last long. Not that that made much difference. They were both young, in love and in very good shape.

When they had both reached climax again, Duo slid out of bed and, on rubbery legs, made his way into the bathroom. He returned cleaned of the mess and started to wash Heero. Heero rolled a bit so that Duo could reach better. Duo hummed softly while he was washing Heero.

“All done.” Duo tossed the wash cloth into the bath room. It landed in the middle of the tile.

“I’ll pick that up in the morning.”

“Heero, go to sleep. You should be so done in that you can’t even think.”

“That’ll be the day.” But Heero rolled up against Duo and they were both asleep before they knew it.

.

The next week went by quickly. Duo studied for his class, went to more boring lectures by Stevens and tried to catch Professor Watson. The man was incredibly hard to corner. Duo even started joking that he was going to have to hire Heero to catch the man and haul him in, in cuffs. Heero just laughed at him.

They finally caught Professor Watson who turned out to be a middle aged stocky woman with a syrupy voice and a sharp eye. Duo just offered to buy her some coffee, saying he needed to talk to her.

“Very well. We can go to the staff lounge. And I prefer tea. Come along and bring your little friend. He’s hovering rather conspicuously.”

Duo offered her his arm but she just patted it. She led the way to the staff lounge in the next building and pointed to a small seating area with a couch, two chairs and a coffee table. “”Have a seat. Two coffee’s and a tea?”

Heero didn’t sit, “I prefer tea as well. I’ll help you with the cup. Duo, save the seats, will you?”

Duo nodded and settled in one of the chairs. This was not going to be easy. The professor was a sharp eyed woman with a no nonsense air. He marshaled his arguments and settled his nerves.

The professor and Heero returned with the drinks. Heero carried the tray while Professor Watson had her hands full of sugar and artificial creamer packets and wrapped spoons. Heero put the cups on the coffee table and took most of the other things from the professor. He handed Duo a spoon and several of the packets, the rest he dropped on the table. He and the professor both took their tea plain.

“Very well, young man. I have an idea what you want, and I don’t have any objections ... yet. Convince me.” She settled back with her tea, preparing to listen to Duo convince her to let him into the class late.

She listened to all Duo’s arguments, interjected a few gentle refusals then waited until Duo ran down.

“I see. Excellent arguments, plenty of persistence, and absolute refusal to take no for an answer. All points covered carefully. All in all a wonderful display of reasoning and logic. Persuasive in the extreme. I’m afraid my answer must still be no.”

Duo’s mouth fell open, Heero emitted a soft snarl. The professor sipped at her tea for a moment.

“You see, I know what you’re up to Sergeant Evans talked to me last night. I won’t let you into the class late, it’s totally against my policies. But I will pass you. You could sell beach front property in the Florida Everglades.” Heero looked a bit puzzled, there was no beach front in the everglades, then he snickered softly. “Yes, I see you understand. I’ll send you the paper work this evening. Be sure to pay promptly. And thank you. I’ve never heard anyone as good as you are. Good day.” She got up, Heero and Duo both rose as well. When she started to pick up her cup, Duo took it from her hand, saying that he’d take care of it. Heero murmured, ‘Thank you.’ and bowed slightly. She just smiled and walked off, heels tapping softly against the tiled floor.

Duo jumped Heero and hugged him so hard that even Heero’s mighty physique was challenged. He just grunted and then laughed. “I knew you could do it. That was great. But ... damn ... that’s another three hours to pay for. I’m gonna have to come up with a couple of good bounties to pay for all this.”

Duo snorted. “I finally got a letter from that damn bank. Just last night. I was so nervous about this that I forgot. Come home and I’ll show it to you. I need to find a financial advisor, it’s not fair to dump all this on Q forever. Who’s yours?”

Heero grinned, dumped Duo on his feet again and said with some satisfaction. “Quatre, he loves this stuff. Let him do it, you’ll break his heart if you take it away now. Just send him the account numbers and turn him loose. If you have something you really want done. Tell him. He’ll love it. The last time I saw him, he was whining about how you never let him touch your money.”

Duo snorted. “What money. I wasn’t going to use that money at all, but ... well ... turns out ESUN says I’m entitled to it. So, if I’m entitled, I want it. I guess they figure we earned it. What did you do with all of your gelt?”

“Had Q invest it. I’m well enough off with my jobs that I can support myself but if anything happens I’ve got back money and retirement. Interest rates are great just now. So I’m just plugging my interest back in the principle. You ought to do the same.”

Duo nodded. “I think I’ll do that. I just want a little bit of extra, so you don’t have to pay for my classes.” Duo held up a hand. “No. Don’t say it. I know you’d support me ... in a style that I’d like to become accustomed to. But I’m not a leech, or a beggar.” Heero had been about to say something but shut up when he heard the word beggar. “So, I’ll pay my share. I may have to borrow from you until I get some money and that’s great but I’ll pay you back. Ok?”
Heero understood. “Sure, that’s fine. I’ll give you an accounting when you get some money. But I’m hungry now. Let’s go find some lunch.”

Duo nodded. “Sure thing. I was a bit too nervous to make a good breakfast. So ... Greek?”

Heero nodded. “Greek it is.”

.

They went to ‘their’ Greek place and found that there was a familiar face at the counter.

“ ‘Fei! I though you’d be gone by now.” Duo tugged at Wufei’s arm, pulling him off the stool and into a booth. “Didn’t know you could sit with your back to a room.”

Wufei pointed to the mirror behind the counter. “Didn’t. That mirror is good enough. What are you doing here? I though you’d be in classes.”

Duo grinned widely. “You wouldn’t believe it. I’ve managed to test out of so many classes that all I have to take is one class. I tested out of Firearms and Self-defense. And everything else except Principles of Criminal Culpability, the bastard won’t let me test out until after the mid terms and I wanted to be working by then. Fuck.”

Heero blinked for a second. There was really no reason that Duo couldn’t begin his apprenticeship. He only had one class now, it met on Tuesday and Thursday from 2 until 3:30. True, it was right in the middle of the day but a bounty hunters’ ‘day’ didn’t really start until 5pm or later. They moved when the quarry moved. There were some exceptions to the rule, as they’d seen lately. Heero thought that all the exceptions were now in jail, though.

Duo had continued to talk while Heero was thinking. Wufei was looking suitably impressed.

“So, anyway, that professor Stevens is so boring he could put me to sleep ... after three double espressos.”

Wufei made a rueful face. “And you handle boredom so well. But, you’ve passed all your other classes? That’s very good. exceptional, in fact. I wish you would reconsider joining Preventers.”

Duo held up a hand. “I don’t want to argue about it. Please, ‘Fei, just let it go. I’m tired. Really, really tired. And less than two years isn’t enough to recover in. Especially the life I lived. Hand to mouth doesn’t really describe it. I lost my ship.”

Wufei sighed. “Damn, Maxwell, why didn’t you say something. I’d have helped. Really, I would have.”

Duo shrugged. “I got too much pride and not enough sense. By the time I knew I was going under, no question, I was in debt so deep that I couldn’t make or take a deep space call. You ground pounders keep forgetting that the phone company charges on both ends.”

Wufei laughed shortly. “They’re not supposed to. Earth to colony calls ....” he stopped talking as Dou was shaking his head.

“Earth-to-colony-to-ship. It’s the last leg that’ll ruin ya.”

Wufei said something rude in Chinese. “I did forget. Well.”

The waitress came up just then with the menus and offers of coffee, tea, or soda. Wufei asked for plain water, no ice. Heero decided on milk. And Duo demanded his usual Mountain Dew. The waitress snorted and announced that he should have milk too, but went off to get the drinks as ordered.

Duo gave a soft cheer as he snatched up his soda. He was thirsty and needed the caffeine. Wufei glared as his arm shot by, sleeve flapping, missing his nose by an inch. Then he stiffened and jerked back. He refrained from saying anything and Heero missed his look.

“Oh, sorry, man. Didn’t realize that you were flinchy. What’s up? Besides the sky. After you go home to Central, are you going to teach classes again? What’s it like to teach?”

Wufei decided to table what he wanted to say in favor of saying it in privacy instead of screaming at Dou in a restaurant, instead he just answered the questions.

“Nothing up except the sky. This was my last mission for six months. Une has taken me off the active roster until then. I’m tired. Too many missions in quick succession. So, yes, I’m going to teach. It’s a great responsibility but I do like it. I like seeing ... the light dawn, so to speak. It’s a great feeling to realize that something I’ve done may help to save an agent’s life. Une ... she’s beginning to get enough staff that none of us are overworked anymore. Some of the new agents are old OZ and excellent at what they do. And there’s not that much conflict. Thank goodness.”

The waitress came up just then to take their orders so Wufei turned his attention to getting his food ordered. He ordered Greek salad, garlic bread and olives. Heero seconded the order but down sized his salad in favor of a gyros. Duo asked for the same as Heero. The waitress jotted it all down, smiled and said it was nice to have some young people in the place with some common sense.

.

Their food came with a smile from the waitress and free fries. “Ya’ all seem ta be such nice boys, cook sent over some fries. Have a nice day. .. Oh, want ketchup with that?” Duo nodded, his mouthful of gyros. The waitress pulled a bottle of ketchup out of her pocket and plopped it on the table.

Wufei stabbed at his salad and managed to eat about half of it. He wondered if Quatre and Trowa knew what was going on. He managed to keep from glaring at Heero only because he knew that he would have called if there was a need. He wondered if the anorexia had led to the suicide attempt or was it the other way around.

Heero glanced at Wufei then kicked Duo under the table only to get a kick back and a significant look. This told Heero that Duo was already aware of Wufei’s mood.

Duo decided not to let Wufei’s odd mood spoil his lunch and happily stuffed himself with gyros, fries, salad and soda. Heero finished his food just after Duo.

Duo hopped up and announced that he was sticky and going to wash his hands. Heero leaned back in his seat and reached for his water.

“Aren’t you going to go with him?”

Heero gave Wufei a blank look. “What for? I’m sure he can find it by himself.”

Wufei gave Heero a disgusted look, threw his napkin down and stormed after Duo. Heero tossed money on the table, told the waitress to keep the change and hurried after, wondering what had gotten into Wufei.

Wufei slammed the door open and realized that the restroom was a two stall and very small. There was only one sink at which Duo was washing his hands.

“ ‘Fei? What the hell? Are you sick? What’s up?” Duo’s puzzled look and startled questions pushed Wufei over some edge. He grabbed Duo by the arm and dragged him out the door, down a short hall and out into the alley. Heero started to object but Duo caught sight of him and shook his head. Wufei was really upset and they needed to find out why.

“I’m sick all right. I’m sick that you felt so ... abandoned? World weary? I don’t know what. That you’d do this!” Wufei grabbed Duo’s hand and lifted it. He yanked on the sleeve of his shirt shoving it up. Duo blinked at Wufei, Wufei shook his arm. “Why didn’t you ask for help? I’d have come for you no matter where you were. Duo, I though we were friends.” Wufei’s anguished expression startled both Duo and Heero.

Duo looked from Wufei to his arm then back. Suddenly, he realized exactly what Wufei thought.

“Oh ... ‘Fei! No! Nonono. I never. Really. Heero, tell him!”

Duo grabbed Wufei and tugged him into a hug. He stayed rigid for a moment then, when Heero wrapped them both in his arms, Wufei sagged against him. “Then what? Why?”

Heero jerked his head at Duo. “I think we need to go somewhere and get something a little stronger than Coke.”

Wufei started to demand an explanation on the spot, huffed and agreed that maybe a drink or three would help the information go down.

They went across the alley and into a student bar, using the back door. The bar tender gave them a sharp look but it wasn’t that unusual for someone to come from the restaurant into the bar that way.

They settled in a booth in a corner. Wufei let Duo and Heero get seated before he crossed his arms and demanded his explanation.

Heero sighed ran a hand through his messy hair and started. “I don’t blame you for thinking what you’re thinking but it’s not true. He’s fine. Really. I told you everything you needed to know when I called you.”

“You said he had some minor cuts. And was suffering from flu, and malnutrition. This looks suspiciously like a suicide attempt to me. Or perhaps he’s a cutter.”

Duo snorted. “No, ‘Fei. I’m not suicidal nor am I cutting. I was working as a welder’s assistant. Got into a real mess. Ya wanna hear about it or do you want to keep acting like a hysterical old lady?”

Wufei stiffened at that and announced. “I’ll hear your explanation, but you better make it good. No friend of mine is going to ... do whatever it was you were doing without a good explanation. And I am neither hysterical nor an onna. So, talk.”

So Duo talked, and talked. He explained everything. Wufei listened, occasionally asking a question. Heero kept them supplied with nuts, beer and chips. He made a few interjections and comments but mostly just gave support where it was needed.

“So. I see. I apologize.” Wufei’s face was as scarlet as Duo had ever seen it. “It was wrong of me to jump to such shameful conclusions.”

Duo reached out to touch Wufei. “It’s ok. At least you wanted to help me. Some guys would have made fun or acted like it was catching or something. ‘Fei? I’m not mad. We’re friends. Ok?”

Wufei nodded. “Yes, we are. I’ll see to it that the repo man is ... seen to.”

Duo drank the last of his third beer. “Don’t bother. Heero saw to him. Got my stuff back and everything.”

“Oh, good. Pity though. I could have used the outlet.”

Heero smirked into his beer. “Want to come to my lecture? It’s in three days. If you have the time.”

Wufei choked on his beer. “Lecture? You? Who are you and what did you do with the real, pre-verbal, Heero Yuy?”

“I’m lecturing in Duo’s Principles of Criminal Culpability class. Don’t like the teacher. He’s a long winded jackass.”

Wufei and Heero discussed the class while Duo interjected sarcasm and general idiocy. They had a good laugh when Duo described Stevens’ vocabulary. “Although, I will admit that I haven’t caught him in a Spoonerism, yet.”

Wufei agreed to come to the lecture. He still had to hang around and finish some paperwork and testify. He admitted that testifying always put him in a testy mood. Duo just nodded. “Sucks. One look and the lawyers are either poor boying you or trying to hang you out to dry. Another reason I won’t join.” He stretched. “I’m bushed. And it’s ... damn. Nearly four o clock. Heero, let’s go home? Ok?”

Heero nodded. “Yeah, lets. ‘Fei?”

Wufei shook his head. “I’m fine. Nice rooms, expensive hotel. I’ve got an early deposition so I’m going on home, go over my notes, early night. All that. I’ll call tomorrow.”

“Ok. Maybe we can do something.”

Wufei just made a noncommittal noise. He wasn’t about to plan anything with a deposition on the horizon. That would only lead to disappointment.

“Not going to plan anything, if I do, the damn deposition will last all day. See you.”

“Ok, bye.” Wufei rose from the booth, waved at his two friends and walked away. He paid for the drinks as he left.

.

The next morning Duo woke late, realized that Heero wasn’t in the bed with him and grumbled, “Well, no morning nookie for me. Damn. And I’m tired of cold showers. When I get my certificate, I’m fucking that man bow legged.” He levered himself out of the bed and pulled on some jeans.

Duo wrapped his braid tie tightly and headed down the stairs. He was going to have to do some heavy duty brushing soon, his braid was getting a bit scruffy. But today was for getting every thing sorted out. He had some stuff to take care of with Heero then they needed to go see Buck.

Duo realized that he’d just breezed through classes that took most people sixteen weeks to do. It never occurred to him that he already knew most of it and had more experience in combat and skip tracing than men twice his age. And his computer skills were equal to Heero’s.

Heero turned when he heard Duo’s footfalls on the stairs. “Hey, coffee?”

Duo took the mug and plopped down on the stool next to the wall. He leaned against the wall and swallowed a gulp of near boiling coffee. Heero winced. Duo laughed.

“We need to talk.” Heero gave Duo a big-eyed look and whimpered dramatically, clutching at his chest. “Stop that. I want to go talk to Buck today and if you have a heart attack, I’ll have to spend it in emergency. Idiot.”

Heero just laughed, tossed the tea towel at Duo and picked up the phone. “I’ll call him now. I bet we can get in a couple of captures today, if we hurry.”

“You sure about this?”

“Yes, I’m sure. You’re good. And you know when to obey an order and when to go off on your own. So ... watch the eggs.” Heero dialed the phone and eased out from in front of the stove.

Duo turned to the fry pan and kept an eye on the scrambled eggs while Heero called Buck to see if there were any pickups that they could get. Buck told Heero to come to his office after 10 to give him time to see what he could do. Heero hung up with a satisfied air.

“Buck says to come by about 10 or so. He’s going to see what he can round up for us.” Heero accepted the plate of eggs, bacon and toast that Duo handed him. “I want you to understand that, as far as I’m concerned, you’re not a student, an apprentice or any of that crap. You’re my partner and I expect you to act like it. I’ve got all your equipment in the SUV along with mine. So ... we’ll finish breakfast and head for Buck’s place.”

Duo mumbled around a mouthful of eggs and toast. “All I want. And while I’m at it.” He swallowed the food. “I need an accounting of what you’ve paid for and the amounts. I need to figure out a budget.”

“ ‘K. I’ve paid for all your classes. I’m not going to ask you for anything for room and board, I want you here so shut up about it. When you start earning real money, I’ll go halvsies with you. I’ve got all that in my computer. I’ll print it out for you.”

“Mmm. Are you sure it’s legal? I don’t want you to get into trouble over this.”

“It’s legal. I’ve got you registered as my apprentice ... have been since you said you’d go into the business with me. I’m pushing all this through as fast as I can because I’m tired of working alone. I’m tired of being alone. I want you ready to be my partner in every way. So ... Buck will have at least one job for today. You need to keep a log book to turn in for your certificate requirements. All the requirements are met except for that last class and a log book that shows at least ten successful arrests. So what do you want to do?”

Duo laughed. “I want to go out and pick up some perps. And I want to get out of that damn class. But for today, I don’t want to worry about it. I just wanna have some fun, pick up some pointers from Buck ... that sort of thing. We going to be working with anyone?”

Heero sipped at his tea, thinking about that. “Knowing Buck, we’ll probably be working with at least two others. He hates it when I go out alone and he won’t be inclined to trust you just yet. His head will, but his heart has to be convinced. No insult intended. He’s a bit like Howard.”

Duo grinned. “I know how that goes. I don’t blame him. You’re too reckless by half. So ... I’m finished. Let’s go talk to the man.”

“Ok. Just dump the dishes and we can do them when we come back.”

Duo snorted. “I’ll load them into the washer and turn it on. Dumb ass, use the washer. It’s more sanitary besides being easier. So...” Duo filled the washer and shut the door, punching the button for the cycle he wanted.

Heero suggested that they both change clothing, eyeing the jeans and bare chest Duo displayed. Duo agreed and they went up the stairs two at a time. It didn’t take them long to change from day clothing to the ‘uniform of the day’. BDU trousers and t-shirts with multi pocketed safety vests over them. Duo eyed Heero, grinned and announced that he was ‘lickable’ Heero just snorted. “And you’re not?” Duo grinned. “Well come on. Let’s get this circus on the road.” Heero headed for the SUV.

.

Buck looked up from his desk top and smiled. He thought the two boys looked so cute together. He was also very aware that they were two of the most dangerous people in the known universe. It didn’t make much difference to him. He was on their side.

“Ok, boss, whacha got for us?” Duo plopped down in the chair in front of the desk and stacked his boots on the edge of the desk. Buck just snorted.

“Feet off my desk. You wanna foul your nest be my guest.” Duo grinned and took his feet off the desk. Heero smirked, anyone else would have been handed his ass on a plate. “Now, here’s your log book.” Buck handed Duo a small book. “Keep it. Don’t wait until later to write it up do it right away. It’s one of those new ones. Fill out a form things. Enjoy. And here.” He handed Heero a sheet of paper that he plucked from the tray of his printer. “A list of names and addresses. Check them out. I’m sure you can get at least two today and three or four more tonight. I’ve already got warrants for all of them. Here.” Buck handed a bundle of papers across the desk. Duo took them and shoved them into a thigh pocket. “Ok. We got it. See you in a while.”

Buck snorted. “You think I’m gonna babysit your ass? Take your captures in your own damn self. I don’t want to do your paper work. I got enough of my own. Get!”

Duo pinned Buck with a gleaming eye. “Well, shit. Can’t blame a guy for trying.” Buck laughed at Duo and told Heero, “You sure got your hands full with that one.”

Heero shrugged. “Hate the paper work too. It was so much easier when all we had to do was blow something up.”

Duo sighed dramatically. “Nothing like a good explosion to clear the air ... so to speak. Well, wish in one hand and shit in the other. See which one fills up first. Come on, Heero, duty calls.”

Heero jumped down from his seat on a nearby desk. “No, it just whimpers quietly in a corner. Coming.”

Buck laughed as they ambled out the door, looking at the list for the first address. Buck always put the targets in order of easy to hard. The one’s who would be easy to get in daylight topped the list.

.

Duo settled in the passenger’s seat and consulted the list, he punched the address into the GPS system. He used the keyboard from the glove compartment instead of the tiny one on the system. It didn’t take long for the system to find the address. It was in the warehouse district about half way across town. Heero grumbled but Duo checked the other addresses.

“It looks like all the addresses are in the same neighborhood. Let’s just go one by one.”

“Ok. Why don’t you enter all the addresses and see if the system can’t come up with some kind of route?”

Duo started doing exactly that. The system should have choked about half way through, but Heero’s tinkering had added enough memory that all it did was issue a caution that it was nearing the limits of its memory just as Duo entered the last address. He chuckled a bit while he waited for the system to churn out a map.

He examined the resulting map with interest. “Well, it looks like 1, 3, and 9 live in the same building, but they either work different shifts or hang around with different crowds. But we should be able to pick up 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8. They all work at the same fish market. Could do with some help? Or do you want to try to handle them alone.”

Heero pulled over in a parking lot to look at the files on the men Duo had mentioned. He read quickly, handing the files to Duo when he was finished. Duo took those files and tucked them under the ones he was reading. He handed the files he was finished with to Heero. It didn’t take them long to get through all twenty files.

“You think we’ll get them all?”

Heero shook his head. “No. Probably won’t even see them all. We’ll be lucky if we get six or seven. But we can sure try. Don’t forget to fill out your log book. Write down everything we do.”

Duo opened his log book and wrote down that they’d pulled up to read files. He shook his head. “This is important? How?”

“Shows that you know what to do. I’ve always taken the first opportunity to read all the files. That way I don’t get a nasty surprise. As it is, we don’t have any really violent perps on this run. I’d really like to get at least five of them.”

Duo picked at his lip for a moment. “I think we ought to go to that boarding house. Three of our guys live there. Then we go to the fish market. Five guys there. If we work it right we ought to get at least half of them. That’s four in two raids.”

Heero blinked. “We’re not going to raid. It’ll cause a lot of trouble. We’re going to sneak up on them one at a time. Don’t forget, we don’t want any pitched battles. Anyway, most of these guys aren’t violent. No weapons, no history of assaulting officers. We don’t want to start something we don’t have to.”

“Ok. Just mace then? Or should I carry something a little more impressive.”

Duo waited patiently while Heero considered this. “Just mace and a baton. I think that ought to do the trick. When we get to the first stop, I’ll get our stuff. Now, I’m driving, you’re navigating.”

.

Duo sighed softly, it was the second or third time he’d done so in the space of no more than five minutes. Heero finally gave up. “What’s wrong? You keep sighing.”

“I’m anxious to get started on this. A new career and all that, but ... damn, the paper work is going to kill me. I hate paper work. Really, really hate it. Bleh!”

Heero chuckled. “There’s ways. I’ll show you. It’s not really that bad. If you start the stuff the second you verify your target, you’re half way done before you ever get your hands on him. Or her.”

Duo grinned, bounced in his seat and nodded. “I see. I’ll start it right now. I can write while you drive and navigate. When we come to a decision point just holler.”

“Ok. Isn’t one for about ten miles. Highway is good. Traffic light. Yeah.” Heero grinned at Duo turning his head quickly back to traffic. He started to whistle along with the radio.

Duo returned to his paper work, grumbling sourly.

Heero just laughed and continued to drive. It was really nice to have an apprentice to do the paperwork.

.

They arrived at the boarding house just at shift change. Duo extracted the papers for all their targets from his file. “We might as well have all the papers out. Just in case we really luck out. So ... weapons?”

Heero nodded. “Right here.” he opened the trunk under the mat in the cargo section of the SUV. He rummaged a bit then handed Duo a huge can of Mace with a pistol grip and a baton. He took the same two weapons for himself then got enough Zip Cuffs for all their targets. He stuffed the cuffs in a thigh pocket and nodded to Duo to go.

Duo faded into the background, easing around to cover Heero while staying concealed. They both spotted their first target at the same time. Heero pointed and waited until Duo got into position. He just walked up to the man and said, “you’re under arrest for jumping bail. You wanna make a fight of it?”

The man was average height but build like a body builder. He took one look at Heero, flinched and surrendered. “Ok. I’m caught. I don’t wanna fight. Just take it easy, ok?”

Heero shrugged easily. “Look, brother. I don’t want a fight either. Just turn around and get searched. You don’t have anything on you that’ll hurt me, do you? No knives, needles, razors, anything like that? Any guns, drugs, cookies, chocolate?”

Duo eased up just then. He had to laugh a bit. “Yeah, cause if you got chocolate. I’m confiscating it. Mine, ya hear?”

Heero got the man turned around. He searched him quickly after he was told that, no, he didn’t have any knives, needles or anything else on the list. Duo grumbled, “Well, damn, and I was hoping for some chocolate chip cookies, best of both worlds. So, here.” Duo pulled a file from the pile on the back seat. “Are you Michael Wright? And if you are, there’s a bunch of other stupid questions I got to ask you.”

The man admitted that he was Michael Wright and Duo went on to ask all the questions that the law insisted on. Michael answered without rancor, they did the paper work and settled him in the back seat to wait until they saw what other ‘fish’ they caught.

Heero pointed, not making any effort to hide it. “There. There’s the next one. Your turn.”

Duo saw the man about the same time the man saw him. This guy decided to make a run for it. Which left Heero in a bit of a dilemma. If he backed Duo up, that left Wright in the truck by himself. Not a good thing to do. But he had other ideas.

“Man, you go after him. I’ll stay right here, I swear. It’s not safe for that little guy to go after Charlie alone. Go, go!”

Heero decide to trust the man and chased after Duo and Charlie, and a good thing he did too, for Charlie. He had run into a dead end and was cornered. He was going to try to make a fight out of it but Duo had other ideas. Heero came up just in time to yell, “Mace him, Duo. Don’t get close. He might have a knife.”

Duo jerked, glanced at Heero with slightly glazed eyes then nodded. He drew his Mace and squirted Charlie right in the face. Charlie went down like a pole-axed ox, choking and coughing. Heero moved in to cuff him.

When he was done cuffing his perp Heero turned to Duo. “You ok? You look a little ... fuzzy.”

“Ok. Minor flash back. Nothing to worry about. I was just trying not to kill the idiot.”

Heero grinned a bit. “He’s ok. We’ll take him back to the SUV and wash his face. He’ll be fine.”

Duo twitched, blinked at Heero then groaned. “Man, the SUV. That other guy’s gone for sure. Sorry, Heero.”

“Not a problem. Michael promised he’d still be there when we got back. Despite the promise, he can’t get out anyway. I chained him to the ring in the floor. It’s attached to the frame. Come on. Let’s get back. I don’t like leaving him for another reason.”

Duo helped Heero haul Charlie to his feet. “Yeah, and that is?”

“He’s mostly helpless. If something happens, he can’t get out of the vehicle.”

It didn’t take them long to get back to the SUV, Charlie had decided disobedience wasn’t worth another Maceing. When they got there Michael was seated right where Heero had left him, whistling softly.

When Heero started to stuff Charlie in to the SUV, Michael complained, “Man, don’t do that! Spray him with some of that stink killer first. That Mace just kills me. Ok?”

Heero just nodded. “Ok, sorry about that. I was worried about you and didn’t think. I didn’t like leaving you alone like this. But, Duo’s my partner.” He gave a ‘what can you do’ shrug and started spraying Charlie with the smell eradicator from a can Duo handed him.

He got Charlie into the back seat next to Michael but cuffed him tighter and lower, leaving him with no way to get his hands up past his waist. “There, and keep your mouth shut. I don’t want to hear you yelling. Got me?”

Charlie gave Heero a sullen nod. Heero turned to Michael. “You need anything? Smoke, drink, restroom?”

Michael shook his head. “No, thanks. I’m good. How long before we get to the jail?”

Heero shook his head. “Don’t know. Depends on who shows up next. I want my partner to have a good night. It’s his first.”

“Well, well. He looks like he’s about four. And I know both your faces from somewhere. Don’t tell me, I’ll think of it on my own. Give me something to entertain myself with. If I don’t figure it out before we get to the jail I’ll ask. Ok?”

Heero just shrugged. “Sure. Suit yourself. You know if ... um ... Abrams or ... hey! Duo, what was that other guys name? The blond one.”

“Svenson. Go figure.”

Charlie snorted. “Shows what you know Abrams moved out two days ago. Went to his sister’s in Seattle.”

Michael just rolled his eyes, Heero snickered softly and said, “Well, that saves us a bunch of time. Thanks. We’ll just see if we can’t get hold of Mr. Svenson. Look, Michael, can you tell us anything about him? Save us all a lot of aggravation.”

Michael eased back in his seat. “Sure. Quicker you get him the quicker I get checked in and arrange bail again. I swear, I don’t know what this is about.”

Duo checked his jacket. “Missed a court date. Last week.”

Michael just shrugged. “Damn. I was drunk off my ass all week last week. Looks like I’m fucked. I’ll just have to sit it out until my trial. No bondsman is going to bail me out now. Oh, well. ‘S what I get for getting drunk like that. So ... Svenson. You been real nice to me so you get him for a freebie. He’s not much to look at but he’s a black belt in something or other. But, if you’re good to him, he probably won’t start anything. Just be really careful with him, he offends easily.”

Heero nodded. “Duo, you take him on. Ease up to him. If you don’t jump out at him, he probably won’t see you as a threat and he won’t get his back up. If I try to take him, he’ll take one look at me and get his back up. Why, I couldn’t tell you.”

Charlie made a disbelieving sound that and Michael frankly laughed. “Man, look in the mirror sometime. You look like a kid, until you meet a guy’s eyes. Then it’s like looking into the jaws of death himself.”

Heero blinked at Duo for a second. “Cop face.” Heero just said, “Oh.” and started snickering.

“What?”

“He said it was like looking into the jaw of death. Um ...”

Duo thought about that for a second then he started to laugh too.

Michael looked confused and demanded, “Ok, I don’t get it. What’s so funny?”

“He doesn’t usually look into the jaws of death, he just sticks his dick there.”

Michael looked at Duo then at Heero. He gave a crow of triumph and announced with an air of satisfaction, “I knew I knew you two. Well, I’m sure glad I came peaceably. You two?” Heero nodded and Duo just grinned. “Who woulda thunk it. Man, man.” he settled back with a smirk at Charlie.

Charlie just demanded to know what the hell they were all snickering about. Michael started to reply but was interrupted by Duo. “Heero, there. Coming down the alley. I’ll be just a second.”

Michael turned to him. “Wait in the mouth under the streetlight. That way he won’t feel like you’re trying to jump him. Um ... not that you want my advice.”

But that was exactly what Duo did. He stood under the light and waited for Svenson to come to him.

Which he did, striding easily into the pool of the street light. It had gotten just dark enough now that the light was trying to decide whether it should be on or not.

“You waiting for me? What do you want?”

Duo gave Svenson one of his easy smiles. It didn’t reach his eyes. “Need you to come with me. Bailbondsman. I don’t want trouble so why don’t we just mark all the macho bullshit as done and go on.”

“Ok by me. I figured you’d find me fairly soon. But I wanted to see my daughter. She’s pregnant and not doing so good. I got her into a midwives house. If you want me all you have to do is say.”

Duo held out a hand. “Sorry to hear that. Maybe we can help out somehow. You come on along with me and we’ll see what we can do. Who’s your bond with?”

Svenson reached out and put his hand in Duo’s. “Buck Masters. And don’t laugh, he hates it. Quite a callous you’ve got there. Don’t recognize the weapon though.” Svenson allowed himself to be led to Heero.

Heero held out a pair of hand cuffs. Duo took them and started the procedure.

“Got any ... whoa there! Man, what the hell is this?” Duo was patting Svenson down and pulling out knives, throwing pins and shurikin by the handful. “You ... holy Hannah. Heero, I need a big evidence bag, he’s got more sharps than I do. Wufei would love to see some of this.”

Heero just handed over the bag and eased into a position where he had a good shot at Svenson without any danger of squirting Duo too. Svenson just spread his feet and held still until Duo was finished patting him down. Duo went through the ritual of handcuffing him and pulled him upright.

“Ok. You were asking about my callous. You’ve got some nifty sword ones. Mine are from piloting a Gundam.”

Michael gave a hoot. “I knew that’s who you are. Damn! Which one are you again?”

Duo glanced at Heero, who had remained silent until now. “I’m 01. He’s 02. Where were you?”

Michael shrugged. “San Pedro Prison. I was a guard there. Hated every second of it. Spent more time on report than off. Got out as soon as I could. AWOL.”

Heero nodded. “That what they want you for?”

“No, stole a car. Dumb of me. Just wanted to ride around in it. Sweet ride. Not worth the hassle, though.” Michael settled back again. Charlie sneered at him and got an elbow in the ribs for his trouble. Heero and Duo both ignored the by play.

“Ok, Mr. Svenson, I’ll help you into the car ... don’t bump your head.” Duo gently put one hand on the top of the man’s head to keep him from hitting it on the door frame. “You want anything? Smoke, or something?”

Mr. Svenson shook his head. “No, thank you. I’d really like to get booked in as soon as I can. I want to call my daughter. She’ll be worried that I haven’t called yet. I said I’d call as soon as I got home.”

Heero pulled out his cell. “What’s her number? After we talk to her, I’ll call Buck and see what I can work out. He’ll work with you when he finds out what happened. He won’t be happy with you, but he’ll help you. After he eats your ass out.”

Heero dialed the number Svenson gave him then held the phone up to his ear while he talked to his daughter. When Heero heard the daughter start to cry, he took the phone away. Svenson started to object but Heero shushed him.

“Now, Mrs. Random, don’t cry. You’ll only make yourself worse. I’m going to try to get Mr Masters to make some kind of arrangement. Sympathy leave is still possible. He gave up without a fight, even though he’s got enough sharps to make a real battle of it and he’s capable of taking me on and making a fight of it. I’ll program your number in my phone and keep in touch. If you’ll stop crying I’ll let you talk to your dad again. Ok?”

Heero pressed the phone back to Svenson’s ear. The man listened for a moment then said, “Ok, baby, I promise. I’ll talk to you soon. Bye. Love you.” he pulled away from the phone to let Heero know he was done. “Thanks. I’m done.”

Heero put his phone back in his pocket. “When we get to the jail, I’ll call Buck and see what I can do. With three of you, I better keep my mind on business.” he looked for Duo and found that he was seated in the drivers seat ready to go when Heero got finished.

“I’ll drive. You call Buck and see what you can do.” he looked over his shoulder at Charlie and Michael. “I don’t think Charlie or Mike will cause any trouble.” His look said they’d better not. Michael just grinned, Charlie continued to sulk.

Heero dug his phone back out of his pocked, got into the passenger’s seat and started dialing. He talked to Buck, explaining what had happened and Buck agreed to meet them at the jail to at least talk to Svenson, who’s first name was Bo.

.

Since Duo had started all the paper work before they got involved in the actual captures, it didn’t take them long to get their men booked in. Duo checked the bounty slips and tucked them into his log. He’d finished it while Heero was doing the intake.

Heero tapped him on the shoulder. “Come on. We got time to see if we can’t get a few more. Buck is going to let Svenson off the hook. He’s going to arrange for him to stay at a halfway house until his daughter is better, or has the baby or what ever. See why I like the guy?”

Duo finished the last of his form, closed his book and stood up. “He’s a great guy. I really like him. So ... we going to hit the fish market?”

“Yeah, if we don’t get a capture, maybe we can get supper.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“You drive, I’ll do the paper work this time.”

So Duo drove while Heero started the paper work. At this time all he could do was fill in such things as arresting officer, probable address, and reason for revocation of bail, but it was a huge start. He finished his work just as Duo pulled into the parking lot at the fish market.

It wasn’t one of the big market places with stalls for different vendors. It was a small family own operation. It only employed about fifteen workers. They were looking for four of them. The men were all on the same evening shift. Whether they would all be there or not was the main question.

Heero was of the opinion that there would only be two at most. Duo just said, “Murphy.” and headed for the door.

The second they entered the door Heero felt eyes on him and not happy ones.

“May I help you?” the woman looked tired, her apron was dirty and her hair was straggling around her ears.

“We’d like to speak to these men please.” Heero handed the pictures over the top of the counter. The woman looked at the pictures, shrugged and said, “Damn, I wondered why those guys didn’t come in. They all crapped out on me. Don’t know where they are. I’ll give you the addresses I have for them but probably won’t do you much good. Probably they’ve all taken a runner. But ... here.” she tapped at the key board behind the counter then turned to pull a printout out of the tray. “Good luck. You tell them assholes ‘thanks a lot’ they really left me in the lurch.”

Heero rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry to hear that. Um ... I have an address of a halfway house that is always looking for jobs for its men. And I’ll have two pounds of gumbo mix.”

The woman started weighing out the fish. “I’ll take that address. I just need man power. You don’t need to know anything, I’ll train. I got my ways and I don’t take kindly to young knowitalls. I’ll call them first thing ... ya, here’s your fish, and I kept my thumb off the scales too.” she grinned at Heero who laughed. “Don’t think thumb would be very good in gumbo so I appreciate that. Sorry we scared off your crew.”

Heero paid for his fish, accepted the package and started back for the SUV. Duo followed after a quick look out back.

“No one. You think any of the guys are still around. Is she lying?”

Heero leaned against the SUV. “Did you see her hair and apron? I don’t think she’s lying.”

“Yeah, I did. I don’t think she’s lying either. You wanna stick around to see if anyone shows up for a paycheck or anything?”

Heero checked the cooler, the fish was cold and so was the box. “No. I don’t think so. I want to go home and make my gumbo. We’re done for the day. Words gotten around.”

“Yeah, I was afraid of that. We didn’t move fast enough. But I’m hungry and we need to go by the market and get rice. I don’t think there’s enough.”

So they stopped at a market on their way home, got rice, made gumbo and watched tv for a little while. Heero pulled Duo to his feet and they headed for bed.

.

This sort of thing went on for three weeks. Every time Duo had Criminal Culpability Stevens asked when Heero was going to address the class. Finally, Heero told him that he’d give his speech just before midterms. Duo whimpered, this was not going to be good. Heero had been putting off writing a speech since he’d promised to give one, or at least Duo thought so.

Buck just told Duo not to worry about it, Heero wasn’t going to get him flunked out or anything. Although, Buck admitted, Duo could flat out flunk this class and still get his papers. Duo just shrugged and said that he wanted to at least scrape by.

When Heero finally decided he was ready to give his talk all he did was walk up to the front half way through another boring lecture about who knew what and tell Stevens that he was ready. Stevens looked at Heero for a moment then yielded his podium.

“Lets hear it for Mr. Heero Yuy, Gundam pilot and hero of the war.” Heero shook his head at that but stepped up to the podium.

He cleared his throat and glared around until the exclamations and talking ceased. “Thank you. Thank you, Professor Stevens, for that annoying introduction.” Duo snickered. “So, Criminal Culpability. Does anyone really know exactly what that means?” Heero looked around at the shrugs and shaking heads. “All it really means is, you fuck up, you pay up. All this principles class explains is the why and wherefore of it. Boiling it all down to a few simple catch phrases is the best way to remember. And the most important one is worth repeating. If you fuck up, you pay up. If you break into the wrong house, apartment or other dwelling and scare a little old lady into a heart attack, you’re in trouble. You’re responsible for all damages you create. If you arrest the wrong person, you’re responsible for all their legal fees and any lost wages. I could go on, but I think you get the idea. Do your paper work, keep track of everything. And I do mean everything. If someone writes you a note on a paper napkin, put it in a file. Scan everything and keep the scans. Keep everything possible on a PDA and keep that on you. And that’s it in a nutshell. Any questions?”

A few hands went up, Heero nodded at one boy in the front. “Shouldn’t you do something about him? He looks like he’s about to stroke out, or something.”

Heero turned to see Professor Stevens, purple in the face, gaping like a fish. He didn’t seem to be able to form a coherent sentence, or an incoherent one either. Heero shrugged. “If he has a question or comment, he can sit in the audience and hold his hand up like everyone else. That it?”

It wasn’t. Nearly half the class had questions on the lecture material. Most of which Heero could clear up with, “it’s bullshit.” When the question and answer period was over, one last question led into his finishing remarks.

“Sir, how do we make sure that we don’t get ourselves into trouble with some esoteric local ... er ... speed bump, if you know what I mean?”

Heero did and his answer was simple. “Keep a PDA with the latest statutes in it. Cross-reference them to your own routines. Keeps you out of a lot of trouble. Have a lawyer do it. If you try to do it yourself, you’ll only mess it up. Keep a lawyer on retainer. You’ll need one sooner or later. Is that all?” it seemed it was. “Thank you. Good day.” Heero left the stage, patted and //a// blank faced Stevens on the shoulder and walked over to Duo. “Ready? I’m hungry.”

Duo laughed softly. “Me too. And ... Heero?” Heero grinned and draped his arm over Duo’s shoulder. “That was great. Maybe he’ll let me test out?”

“My complete hearts desire. And I think he’ll do exactly that. After I offer to give another talk. What do you think?”

“I think my career as a student is just about toast. But I still have to do twenty captures before I get my papers. Journeyman, apprentice, whatever. Oh, well, at least I’m earning money.”

Heero laughed. “I need to get your half of the last work into your account. I waited until I was sure all the scrips cleared the bank. Sometimes the bonds man will try some kind of scam. Then I have to sue him. Pain in my ass.”

Duo sighed. “Did you know that, for a long time, bounty hunters had to worry about not being paid at all?”

“Yeah. But there’s all kinds of legislation against that now. And if a bounty isn’t paid in a certain amount of time or the check bounces for ‘reason’ the hunter can claim double.”

Duo nodded. “I remember that but still, it’s just not right. Never mind, I’m starving too. Let’s get out of here.”

They headed out into the daylight, laughing at a joke another student had told on the way down the hall.

.

The head of the student council called on the President of the college. He wasn’t very happy about what he had found out.

“So, you see sir, it doesn’t look good. If this ... um ... Duo Maxwell is capable of passing the tests and paying the fees, there’s no reason to keep him from graduating whenever he can. But some bean counter is wanting to keep him from getting what he’s earned because he’s an anal prick. It’s not right. And I just found out about it because my girlfriend is the one who typed up the refusal. She ... held it up until I could check it out with you.”

The president pulled up Duo’s file, examined it and shook his head. “I don’t see any impediment to his graduation, except that he needs to complete a log book. When that’s completed, he can get his degree and license. I’ll get in touch with Mr. Campion. And thank you for bringing this to my attention. We like to keep our students motivated. And this is very good motivation for our over-achievers. Very good work. Excuse me.”

The Student council member ambled out of the office, never knowing what a contribution he’d made to Duo’s life. He was just satisfied that he’d done his duty the best he could. The President of the College did the same and Duo got an email from the president’s office telling him that they were proud to say that he’d completed his class requirements in record time, he owed a rather amazing amount of money to the registrars office and he was now a accredited Journeyman/apprentice bounty hunter assigned to Buck Masters for the last of his qualifying activities.

Duo eyed the email with a bit of dismay. “Heero, come look at this, I got my statement. I’m going to send them a thank you then call Buck. And ... then I’m going to have a minor break down. That’s ... a whole shit load of money.”

“I know. But you could always take it out in trade.” Heero bit his lip, that had slipped out before he thought about it. With Duo’s background, it might not have been the smartest thing to say.

But Duo was as sensitive to Heero as he was good natured. “Only as a last resort.” His grin said it all. Heero grinned back in relief.

“We need to get with Buck and get as many captures done as we can. We’ve got ... a month before the end of the semester. We can do it. That way you don’t have to pay admittance fees for another semester. Buck will help. You send your email. I’ll call Buck. It’ll be faster. Maybe we can set something up for tomorrow.”

Duo was already pecking at his keyboard. He just nodded absently and continued to type.

Heero called Buck.

.

Buck was happy to hear the good news. He told Heero that, now that Duo was semi-officially out of classes and could sleep when he needed to, he was glad to give them enough jobs that Duo could complete his log book. He also said that he’d have as many of the guys come in to meet Duo as he could manage. Duo sighed, gave Heero a dismayed flick of his eyes and just dropped his head on the desk.

“I’m doomed. My study group hates me. And now I’m stuck with a bunch of good ol’ boys who are going to take one look at me, think I’m a girl and start something.”

Heero tugged Duo off the chair and dragged him into the small sitting room next to their real office. He settled on the reclining couch and got Duo into his lap.

“One, the study group found someone who can help them more than you. You’re no study grouper. You’re too fast a study. I fixed it. So, they’re not mad at you, they think you’re a great guy, especially since I gave you credit for the save. And two, most of those good ol’ boys are going to take one look at you, know who you are and tremble in their boots. Relax.” Heero had been rubbing Duo’s shoulder with one hand while he talked. Duo finally relaxed against him.

Heero continued to massage Duo’s back and shoulder. He was excited to find that he could no longer feel his ribs or the knobs of his spine. He’d been careful with Duo for long enough. But now he could feel Duo’s wiry strength and the clean hard, lines of his limbs.

“You still drinking that tea Wufei made for you?”

Duo shook his head. “No, he said when I ran out this time, to quit taking it. I feel great, really I do. I’m still hungry a lot more than I really should be, but once I put on a few more pounds, that’ll be over too. Or at least ... sort of. With the kind of work we do, I guess I’ll always eat a lot.”

“Not like it’s going to break me up. I eat like two horses to quote Buck.”

They both laughed a bit at that.

Heero turned to Duo and stroked his cheek with the back of his hand. “Nice. Need a shave.”

Duo rubbed his cheek against Heero’s hand. “Mmmmm, I’ll shave if you like.”

“No. I need to practice. I’ll shave you.”

Duo turned his head to rub his cheek against Heero’s hand again. “Practice? What are you blabbering about?”

“One of the good covers is barber. Most barbers will let you rent a chair, no questions asked. If you know someone is in a neighborhood but you can’t find them, working in a barber shop is a good way to pick up a bunch of gossip. And the difference between a beauty shop and barber shop is one is full of dicks and the other is full of chicks.”

Duo laughed heartily at that and leaned in to nibble at Heero’s lower lip.

Heero nibbled back and they spent a while just kissing and enjoying each other’s touch. Heero finally pushed Duo away and stood up.

“Come on, shave. I’ll have whisker burn.”

Duo snorted. “And like that’ll ruin your delicate complexion.”

“No, it just stings when I put on aftershave. I don’t like it. Don’t worry. You’ll like it. Have you ever been shaved before?”

Duo shook his head, bangs and braid swaying as he scampered up the stairs. “No. It’s really not a good idea on L2, good way to get your throat cut.”

Heero stopped and looked at Duo. Duo gave back a wide eyed, “What? It’s true.”

“Well, I’m not going to cut your throat or anything else. Here.” Heero got Duo to sit down on a little stool. His Japanese heritage showed up at the oddest times.

Duo groaned as Heero puttered around with his back turned. When he bent down to get something from under the sink Duo realized he had a problem, a rising one. Heero turned on the hot water tap and let it run while he finished his preparations.

Duo had to grin, Heero had set out a cut throat razor, a mug, a shaving brush and a small, easily identified tube. He wondered if he was actually getting a shave.

But he was. Heero had filled the sink with scalding hot water and dropped in two hand towels. He let them sit for a moment then scooped them out, wrung out the excess water and wrapped one around Duo’s upturned face. The other he ran over his neck and chest. Duo groaned softly.

“Man, that feels good.”

“Let it stay on for a bit. Your neck alright?”

“Ummm-humm.”

Heero smiled at the slightly spacey groan. While the towel softened Duo’s beard Heero used the brush and a bit of water to whip up the lather. He checked the razor for sharpness and the towel for heat.

The razor was sharp and the towel had cooled. Heero whipped the shaving soap a few more times then started to apply it with the brush. Duo sighed.

“Oh, man, that’s good. Never had a shave before. Not like this.”

“You’ll like it. Stop talking.”

Duo snickered a bit but stopped talking and held still.

Heero ran the razor up Duo’s neck, shaving against the grain. He slid the razor up the strong column of Duo’s neck again and again, until he’d shaved it from one side to the other. Then he nudged Duo so he would tip his head down a bit. “Good. Beautiful.”

Duo opened his eyes and met Heero’s. “Ya think?”

“I know. Hold still.”

Duo held still while Heero shaved his cheeks and chin. Heero had to wait a moment while Duo giggled. He’d held Duo’s nose so he could shave his upper lip, causing him to have a snicker fit. When he was done Heero finished the shave. Duo sighed. “Nice.”

“Not done yet. Relax.”

Duo settled more comfortably on the stool and waited to see what else Heero had in mind. Heero took up the towels again and redipped them in the still hot water. He used one to wipe off the residue of the shaving soap and dropped it into the shower stall. The other towel he used to rewrap Duo’s face. Duo tried to relax but his neck was in a rather uncomfortable position. He was just getting ready to complain when he felt quick fingers at his fly.

“Wa’ um...” Duo didn’t have much else to say as a hot, wet mouth engulfed him in mind blowing suction. Duo moaned and stretched out a bit to allow Heero better access. Heero cupped Duo’s buttocks in his hands and lifted, helping him stretch out a bit more. When the towel slipped off, Duo realized that Heero was kneeling between his spread thighs, lifting him, cradling him. All he could do was try not to fall off the stool. He didn’t succeed.

They wound up on the floor, laughing like idiots. Heero pulled Duo to his feet.

“Well, the idea was sound. Come on.”

Duo just followed Heero’s ass into the bedroom. He admired the firm, flexing muscles a great deal.

Duo tripped Heero and shoved, Heero hit the bed and bounced. Duo pounced on him and they rolled around then fell off the bed. Heero snarled softly but Duo got hysterical, laughing so hard his eyes watered.

“I give up. We are having sex, making love, humping, what ever you want to call it, and we’re doing it now.”

Duo pinned him down, then flopped onto his chest. “Making the two backed beast. Yes, we are. Right here on the floor. Where’s the lube.”

Heero produced the tube. Duo took it and placed it carefully on the floor. Heero grumbled, “Ok, but I’ll get carpet burn. That’s almost as bad as whisker rash.”

Duo bopped him on the head then dragged the duvet off the bed. After spreading it out he patted the spot beside him, inviting Heero to lie down.

Heero eased onto the floor beside Duo and ran a hand over his abdomen following the treasure trail to his goal. Duo groaned as Heero closed his hand on his goal and stroked gently. Duo wriggled around a bit until he could return the favor.

They lay beside each other for a while, just moving gently. Duo sighed happily. “Frottage. Sounds too much like cheese. Need another name.” Heero just snorted and continued what he was doing. Duo moaned softly, shifting slightly to get more contact.

It wasn’t long before they were both in a froth of need. Heero pulled Duo gently until he shifted onto his back. He eased onto Duo, careful to hold himself up on his forearms, elbows on the floor. He cupped Duo’s head in his hands and kissed him, exploring his mouth. Duo kissed back with fervor. They both moaned softly.

Heero continued the frottage until Duo made him moan again. He’d managed to get the tube of slick open and had emptied it into his hand which he’d then wrapped around both their erections, slicking them both. Duo kept his hold on himself while Heero knocked at his backdoor. Duo pulled his legs up and spread them wide, allowing Heero entrance. They both moaned loudly when Heero slid in with a minimum of burn. Their daily activities kept Duo flexible enough that, if Heero was careful, which he always was, stretching was not always necessary.

Duo whimpered softly as Heero eased into him. Heero froze immediately. “Ok?”

“Oh, yeah. Move damn it.”

Heero just began to move, feeling Duo’s hand moving against his belly. He angled his hips carefully and got his target at the first try. Duo yelped then groaned deep in his chest. Heero continued to slide in and out, making sure that Duo enjoyed it just as much as he did. Duo continued to stroke himself.

When Duo hit his peak, he started to spasm around Heero. The flexing of Duo’s internal muscles brought Heero to completion with a shout. They both twitched and writhed in the throws of ecstasy. Finally Heero collapsed on Duo who just flopped his arms and legs flat on the floor.

“I is daid. Done in. Kaput. Love you.”

Heero snickered as he rolled off Duo. “Love you too. I’m just going to lay here for a second. Maybe pass out. Ok?”

Duo just grumbled and tried to pull the duvet over himself. “Cold.”

Heero shifted around until he had the duvet over both of them and enough under them that they wouldn’t get rug burn. He knew they’d only sleep a few minutes or he’d have managed to get them into the bed somehow.

.

Duo woke first. He realized that he was sticky and lifted up the duvet. “Oh, yuck. Man, we shouldn’t have done that.”

Heero rolled his head to look at Duo. “Why not?” but when he tried to move he realized why not. He was stuck to the sheet. “Man, that’s just disgusting. We’re going to have to wash the cover.”

“Not what I wanted to hear. When are we going to have time for any of that. Ick! Come on.”

Duo tossed the duvet aside and ambled into the bathroom. “Feh! This shampoo stinks.”

Heero laughed. “That’s old stuff. I should just throw it away but you know I hate waste.”

Duo rinsed the small dollop of shampoo off his hand and tossed the bottle in the trash. “I’ll get you something else. Why did you even bother. I don’t remember seeing that around.”

“I got it out of the towel cupboard. I have some stuff from way back. I ran out of my usual. I’ll just use some of yours if you don’t mind.”

Duo laughed. “Mind? I’ve been trying to figure out how to get you to quit using that shit you use. It’s nasty and it doesn’t do a thing for your hair.”

Heero snorted, checked the temperature of the water with one hand and scratched his stomach with the other. “I’ll use whatever you like. I used to use bar soap during the war. That cold water, all purpose stuff.”

Duo gave a sound between a laugh and a groan. “No wonder your hair looked so bad. I’ll get you the good stuff. Not real expensive, but something that’ll do your hair some good. Wash my back?”

“Sure. Hold still.” Heero washed Duo’s back and Duo returned the favor.

.

When they got out of the shower Duo noticed that the message light on the computer station was blinking. “I’ll answer that. You find me something to wear. Ok?”

Heero just grunted and rummaged in the closet for something comfortable. He turned with a pair of sweat pants and a shirt in his hands only to have Duo tell him. “Get out some kick ass stuff. Buck’s got a problem. Thank goodness the message is only about five minutes old. I told him we’re on the way.”

Heero dropped the sweats without comment and dug out BDU’s for them both. Urban cammo. He handed over Duo’s and dragged his on. They headed down to the garage and the SUV. Heero dug out the rest of their equipment and they were on their way.

When they got to Buck’s place Heero parked and they hurried inside. Buck was there but he looked like hell.

“That bastard shot my son. I want him. I want him bad.”

Heero just pushed his way to the front. “Ok, Buck, Duo and I have it. You give me all the down low and we’ll get him. How’s Ronnie?”

“Bad, but he’ll make it. It was supposed to be an easy pickup so I just sent Ronnie and Flavia. The ass hole shot at them through the door. Missed Flavia but he got Ronnie in the thigh. Bled a lot. Flavia is with him. I’m going in just a few minutes.”

Duo just looked up from the computer he was hacking. “You’ll go now. Heero and I can handle this. Go.”

Buck looked at Duo, nodded and headed out, calling over his shoulder. “You boys all take your orders from Yuy.”

Heero waited a moment then sighed, he ran his hands through his hair, making it stick up. “Well, damn ... ok, here’s the deal. Duo’s my partner and another Gundam pilot. We’ll see what’s what, hand out assignments and take point. Anyone got a good argument?”

Duo looked up just in time to see all the men and women standing around him. Most of them were shaking their heads, the rest were either shrugging or just standing. He turned back to his work.

Heero continued, “Ok, Duo will compile a list of all available addresses. When we’ve got that, I’ll send you all in groups of at least three. We’ll check out each address with all due caution. Remember that. All due caution. Be careful. This idiot has already shot Ronnie. We don’t need another walking wounded, much less a corpse. When we find him, Duo and I will do the actual take down, with plenty of backup. First, we need to find him. So ... Duo?”

Duo pulled a pile of papers out of the printer. “Ok, people. I’ve printed each address, with directions on a separate sheet of paper. I’ll hand out each one individually. If I run out of people before I run out of addresses, I’ll make another round.”

A hand went up and Duo nodded. “I was thinking that it might be better if you see that each group gets addresses close together. Maybe?”

Duo paused before he’d even handed out a page. “You’re right. Let me see. Um ... take a second here.” Duo sorted quickly while Heero checked the count on the monitor. He told Duo to give each group of three people three addresses and that would leave four for them. He moved through the group arranging partners and smoozing a bit.

When Duo finished his sorting, he handed out the addresses and did a bit of meet and greet. He didn’t have time for much but he tried to make the best impression he could. He did a good job but never noticed the smiles directed his way. He was too busy getting the job done.

Heero gave the groups another caution then sent them out.

He turned to Duo and held out his arms, Duo eased into them with a soft sigh. “You know this Ronnie?”

“Yeah, Buck’s son, nice guy. I really like him. This just sucks.”

“I know. We’ll find this Gene Anderson and drag him in by the ears.”

“Ok, we got four addresses to check. Let’s get started.”

Duo followed Heero out the door.

.

When Duo checked the addresses against the city map it turned out that all four of them were in the same apartment complex. Two in the same building.

Heero tapped on the door of the first one. It was answered by a girl who just turned and yelled, “Mom, the hunters are here again!”

She just left the door open and walked away.

A tired looking woman came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “What now? That boy do something else stupid? Or are you here to try to get me to keep his bail. Well, I can’t. I can’t afford for him to run.”

Heero shook his head. “Sorry to trouble you ma’am. But he’s shot the man who came for him and we’re looking for him.”

The woman just sighed, let her shoulders slump and started to cry. Duo hurried forward to pet and croon over her. The little girl came back into the hall, took one look and went into the kitchen. She came out with a cup and handed it to her mother.

“Here. You drink that. What’s the idiot done now.”

Heero edged the woman into the kitchen and got her to sit down at the table. Duo found some tissues and gave them to the little girl. “What’s your name?”

“Jane. What’s yours?”

“I’m Duo. That’s Heero. We’re looking for your brother. He’s done something pretty bad.”

“He’s not my brother. I don’t own him. Besides he’s only half. What’d he do? Shoot someone?”

“Yeah.” Duo watched as Jane thought about that. “Do you know where he might be?”

“Well, no. I don’t have much to do with him and neither does mom. You go over to 4513 an talk to that ... um ... girl of his. She’s ... mom’ll have a fit if I say what she is. You just go over there and see her.”

By now Heero had gotten the mother calmed down enough that they could talk to her. She was telling him more or less the same things Jane was telling Duo. Heero thanked the woman, apologized for bothering them again and started for the door.

Before he got there the woman stopped him. “You tell that boy not to come around here again. I bailed him out, used money I had better uses for. Now he’s gone and shot some poor man just trying to do his job. You tell him, he’s not welcome. I’ve done all I could. I got Jane to think about and I don’t want him bringing his slutty girl friend around here. I don’t want Jane getting ideas.”

Jane muttered to Duo. “I got ideas all right. Ideas a’ what I don’t wanna be. I’m staying in school and getting out of this rat hole. You’ll see.”

Heero promised to tell Gene exactly that.

The left and hurried to the number they’d been given. Duo knocked as Heero backed him up.

The girl that answered the door was not more than 18 but she had a baby on her hip. She was a slovenly looking creature and the baby was dirty, with a runny nose, smeared cheeks and filthy clothing. She wasn’t much better, her clothing was wrinkled and smudged and her hair needed a good wash.

Duo managed to keep his smile in place, but Heero shifted from neutral to full glare.

“Yeah, waddya want?”

Heero eased Duo away and pinned the girl with a sharp look. “Bounty Hunters. Where’s Gene?”

“Don’t know. Don’t care. You get Mr. Worthless, tell him he owes back child support an’ I want it. If I knew, I’d tell. Just to get his ass. Go away.”

She started to slam the door but Heero stuck his foot in it. “Can we come in and look around? Or is there some reason we can’t.”

“Sure. Come in. Look around. He’s not hiding under the bed or anything. I’m sick of exactly this kind of crap. And CSS coming around all the time.” Duo snorted. “Ok, look. I know I ain’t the best mom in the world, but I’m in classes an’ I’m tryin’. Asshole shows up an’ the next thing I know, I got trouble again. I just want him to leave me alone, pay his child support and quit gettin’ me raided by guys like you. Now, you comin’ or goin’.”

Heero looked at her for a moment. “Going. You know anywhere Gene might be? He shot a guy and we really want him.”

“Might try that slut just up stairs. 4615, just up the stairs. He dumped me for her. Not that I care no matter what Janie says. She don’t like me an’ I’m not fond a’ her. You go up and see Sissy.”

And it went like that for the rest of the afternoon. All the groups kept in touch with each other by telephone. They checked all the addresses they had but no one knew where Gene was. At three, Duo called all the groups and told them to go home. They’d do some research and meet again in the morning.

Duo also asked them all to turn in their log books. He’d learned that most hunters kept a book of addresses and other pertinent info on whatever captures they were working on. It helped to keep each case organized and prevent bleed over from one case to another.

Heero took half of them and they spent the next four hours entering all the information in a data base. Heero then compiled it into several different sorts and they compared results. Duo rubbed his face, grumbled, “Need coffee.” and grabbed up his jacket.

“Get me some too. The place down the right side is best. Small, out-of-the-way and very fresh. Just black, strong and hot.”

Duo nodded, calling over his shoulder. “See if you can’t find out what kind of work our perp can do.” Since most of their targets didn’t work, that was usually a last resort. This showed how desperate they were getting.

.

Duo took his time walking to the coffee shop. He needed some air and a chance to reorganize his thoughts. He pulled the folded, wrinkled print out picture of their quarry out of his pocket and examined it again. Gene wasn’t much to look at, the best description of him was ‘medium’. Medium height, medium weight, medium complexion, medium brown hair. Medium everything. Except for his attitude, that was hostile in the extreme. He’d missed a court date for some traffic offenses, but his wrap sheet proved that he was a major offender. It was full of assault and battery charges and a laundry list of other offences. Duo folded the paper and stuck it back in his pocket. They were going to have a really hard time finding the idiot. He had girlfriends all over the city.

Duo entered the coffee shop thinking about coffee. He examined the menu, decided on his coffee and stepped up to order. The barista smiled and said, “How can I help you? Take your time, the place is nearly empty so there’s plenty. I’ll just wash cups while you decide, ok?”

Duo grinned, “I know what I want. But if you need a few seconds, that’s fine.”

“No, it’s just that you’re new so I thought you might need a bit to look the menu over. If you’re ready to order now, go ahead.”

“I’m ready. I want a black forest and Heero will have a double plain.”

The boy perked up. “Heero? You know him? Wow. I ... he’s in here a lot and I really admire him, but I’ve never worked up the nerve to even say anything to him. Except for taking his order of course.”

Duo snorted. “Don’t worry. That glare is only habit. He’s really very nice. Just say hello next time he’s in.”

“But he’s a Gundam pilot. I can’t just blabber away. I need to say something ... intelligent or something.”

The boy looked so miserable that Duo could only smile gently. “I’m a Gundam pilot too. Don’t spread it all over, ok? And we’re having a nice conversation. At least, I think we are. So just say hi and how are you and let it move on from there.”

While they’d been talking, the barista had been making the coffee. “Whipped cream on yours?” Duo nodded, “Of course.” the boy put a big dollop of real whipped cream on the cup.

“Now that’s really nice. Real whipped cream, not that canned stuff. Not that real cream from one of those aerosol cans isn’t nice. But this is much better. Thank you. What do I owe you?”

The barista told him and Duo handed him several bills, told him to keep the change and picked up his coffee.

He called a cheery ‘good-by’ as he left and the young barista waved before he went back to his cups and cleaning.

.

Duo brought the coffee to Heero then settled at his borrowed desk to drink his coffee and think.

“Heero, are we getting anywhere?”

Heero leaned back in his chair and sighed. “I think so. While you were gone, I cross-referenced everything. He doesn’t work. Doesn’t even have any real skills to fall back on. He lives off his girlfriends. Stupid onnas.” Heero grinned wearily at Duo. “Right now he’s got two. That one we already talked to, it does look like she’s kicked him out, and another in the Elemental Hills Apartments. I’ve gotten an address on her. Drink your coffee, then we’ll give her a call.”

Duo sipped at his coffee as he researched the girlfriend. Not the slutty one upstairs, but another girl. This one was young, but not as young as Sissy. She was just some girl, no record, no wants or warrants, but she was wild and heading that way fast.

Heero rubbed his face. “We have a chance to not only catch this creep but maybe turn that girl around. I won’t put you or any of the other guys in harms way without express permission. We’ll have to check this out tonight and get started early tomorrow if we want any chance to get Gene. Ok?”

“Yeah. Look, why don’t I make a few calls. It’s kinda late, but most of the guys probably have had a nap, a meal and done the s’s.” Heero grinned at the short hand for the old military shit, shower and shave. “What do you think?”

Heero grumbled. “I hate to drag them out when this might turn out to be a water haul. But ... we better. I’ll do the calling. I know who’s most likely to be ready for another round. You get the data together.”

Duo turned to his computer and started typing. He double checked the address and all the info they’d gathered. He didn’t want to be looking in the window at some old lady or little kid. He especially didn’t want to call a raid on the same innocent people.

Duo continued to work until the first of the people Heero’d called showed up. He got up to get coffee from the percolator, grumbling a bit at having to drink it instead of another latte. Heero started when he’d started calling people. Cup in hand, he eased into the group and renewed his acquaintance with the men standing around waiting for the rest of their group to show.

He visited with them, told them jokes and served coffee. They all reciprocated with jokes of their own and, as they visited, they got comfortable with each other. Heero watched his partner accomplish in a matter of minutes, what it had taken him six months to do. He smiled happily. This was going to work out well. He usually worked alone but he’d worked with most of the men in the room at one time or another. He wanted Duo to get along with them. They were all good men and Duo was a social person. He’d do better if he had more friends in the area. It wouldn’t hurt that all these people could understand him better than the average person on the street.

“Duo, we need to get going. You going to assign positions?”

Duo shook his head. “No, you know these guys better than I do. You’ll have to do it, to get it done right. I don’t want anyone getting hurt because I messed up.”

Heero settled at the desk and looked over the blue print of the apartment. There was only one door, the french doors on the balcony only opened onto that and it was in the court yard. So all they had to do was close off the balcony doors and one window, every other window opened into the court yard too. Heero set two men in the courtyard and one on the bathroom window. The rest of them would all go in the front. If Gene was even there.

.

It turned out that Gene was indeed in the apartment. Duo’s electronic ‘ear’ picked up his voice quit clearly.

Heero knocked and announced that they were ‘Fugitive retrieval agents’ and in pursuit. The door opened a crack and Heero hit it with his shoulder. They weren’t taking any chances that Gene might decide to make a fire fight out of it.

Heero muscled his way into the living room followed by Duo then two more men. They left two more out on the breeze way for crowd control. Duo and Heero did a quick sweep of the apartment while the other two men kept the girl from getting in the way. She spent the three minutes it took them to check the bedrooms and bathroom, screaming about how they didn’t have the right to break in. Heero just grimly told her to shut up, handed her the copy of the warrant and demanded to know where Gene was. They knew he was there, Heero told her, because they’d heard him.

Duo eased around the door in the kitchen to look into the small pantry, no Gene. He sighed and thought. Where would he hide in this apartment? He stuck his head into the first bedroom. No luck. But he motioned to Heero with a jerk of his head and a smile. He knew where Gene was.

Heero followed Duo into the master bedroom. Duo nodded to the bed. It was a rather fancy sleigh bed and stood a good eighteen inches from the floor to the bottom of the mattress. Heero raised one eyebrow and grinned. The only place Gene could be was under the bed.

Duo tapped his lip with one finger but Heero just shrugged, the girlfriend was making enough noise that they didn’t have much to worry about. Heero holstered his weapon and, moving so quickly that he seemed to teleport, tipped the bed over completely. Gene was right there, scrunched up at the head of the bed, as close to the corner as he could get.

Heero grabbed him while Duo kept him covered with his .10mm. Heero wrestled Gene onto his belly, cuffed him then dragged him to his feet. He shook him down and found a jack knife and a slapper. The knife was barely legal, a fraction of an inch under the limit. But the slapper was illegal for anyone, even law enforcement to carry. It was 10 inches long and weighed at least nine ounces. The flexible shaft of the billy club was fiberglass and the leather cover showed considerable use.

“You use that a lot, don’t you?” Heero hated slappers, they were an OZ favorite. Used with skill, you could do anything from knock someone out, break a bone to kill. “And that’s your last hurrah, violation of parole, bail jumping and general stupidity is going to get you locked up for a long time. You really shouldn’t have shot Ronnie.”

Duo stood out of the way while Heero hauled Gene into the living room and shoved him into a chair. By now he was snarling and swearing, jerking his shoulders and generally being a nuisance. His girlfriend gave him one disgusted look, threw up her hands and gave a snarl. She poked him in the shoulder.

“Yeah, tough ain’t ya. Ass-hole! Some wise guy you turned out to be. And now I got a broke front door and I bet I get evicted. And no money either. Shit!”

Heero gave her a disgusted look of his own. “Yeah, and charges are coming your way too. Harboring a fugitive, interfering with an officer of the court in the execution of his duties. That’s for taking a poke at Fred. As well as assaulting an officer and assault and battery.” Heero dragged Gene out of the chair, gave him a jerk and snarled at Duo. “Duo, hook her up.”

Duo just pulled the cuffs out of his case and did as he was told. He bit his lip, there wasn’t a woman here to search the girl. He turned to Fred.

“Now what? Who’s going to search her?”

“We’ll just haul her in. They’ll search her at the facility. Full body cavity and hair down. Come on.”

Duo took the protesting girl by the upper arm and lead her out the door.

They dumped the two at the gates and left one of the others to collect the bounty. Heero leaned against the seat, head against the head rest. “Man, I’m tired. All the adrenalin is out now and all I want to do is sleep. You?” he rolled his head to look at Duo.

“Me? All I want is my bed. I’m coffeed out and my eyes are about to fall out of my head. I’m glad we don’t have to do all the paper work. I’d drop in my tracks. You ok to get us home?”

Heero groaned. “No. But I guess I’ll have to be. You’re no better than I am.”

A knock on the widow made both of them reach for their guns. Fortunately it was just one of the rested agents.

“Easy there. You two are in no shape to be driving. I’ll drive you home and Al will follow to take me back to our place. Scoot over.”

Heero scooted over to sit in the middle. “Thanks, Hank. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m really not fit to drive. Too much coffee and computer work and not enough rest.” he settled back to rest while Hank drove.

Hank managed to get several pictures of Duo and Heero sleeping, leaning against each other. They looked like two sweet young men. Hank snorted softly at that thought.

.

Duo woke, gun in hand, to realize that Heero’s firearm was aimed at Hank as well. “Um ... sorry. Don’t wake us up like that. Especially after something like this. Not good.”

Heero just snorted and holstered his piece. “Hank actually knows better, don’t you?” Hank just stayed right where he was. He did know better, he’d just forgotten on the drive home.

“Sorry guys. Guess that was really stupid. Come on, go inside, I’m tired and I want to go home too. G’ night.”

So they parted ways at the garage door, Hank to his car and his partner, Duo and Heero into their house.

Duo pulled off his boots and sighed. Heero kicked off his then turned to help Duo out of his equipment. He tossed the heavy vest with its pockets onto the couch. He turned to get his own aid when Duo pulled at his shoulder. They left the vests there on the couch and headed up the stairs.

“Man, I’m bushed. I don’t remember being this tired ever before. Not even after a full out battle in space. I can’t figure it out. What’s the deal? I ought to be recovering more by now.”

Heero suddenly stopped, right on the stairs and gave Duo an owl-eyed look. “No one told you! Shit! No wonder you’re feeling like something’s still wrong with you.”

Duo’s eyes narrowed as he realized that being out of contact had left him out of the loop in more ways than one. “Ok. What’s going on? And who do I blow up?”

“Come on, let’s get in the tub, then I’ll explain it all.”

Duo grumbled a bit but agreed that getting into the tub before they stiffened up was a good idea.

It didn’t take them long to shed the rest of their clothing and scramble in to the hot tub on the breeze way outside their bathroom.

Duo settled in and sighed softly. “Ah, man. That’s great. I’m feeling better already.” Heero pulled one of Duo’s feet into his lap and started to massage it. “That really feels good. My feet hurt most of the time. I wish I could get boots that really fit.”

Heero dug his thumbs into the ball of Duo’s foot causing him to whimper in ecstasy. “Why don’t you get measured for custom boots? You can afford them soon.”

Duo mumbled, “Boots aren’t going to distract me. Fess. Who didn’t tell me what. Or did I just miss out because I was out of contact.”

“The latter, I think. Quatre wasn’t feeling well for quite a while, Trowa too. Wufei didn’t have any problems and I was in J’s hands. Wufei refuses to take vitamins remember?” Duo nodded. “You and I took them and so did Quatre and Trowa. Seems they were really special, in a bad way. They were full of all sorts of boosters and ... um ... dangerous stuff. You really don’t need the details. But they kept us from feeling tired and boosted strength. My strength is mostly due to some modifications and a lot of exercise. Yours was due to exercise and a big boost from the drugs. You can come back to probably 80% of your old strength and that’s quite impressive but the boost to your endurance is the most dangerous and we don’t get the chemicals any more.”

Duo jumped in when Heero paused for breath. “So those old bastards were using performance enhancing drugs on us? Ass hats! I’ll just have to get used to it. We did good. We stayed awake as long as we needed to and got the job done. Now we crash. I can deal. I’d rather deal with this than rely on drugs and shit.”

Heero’s relief was obvious. “I figured as much but it needed saying. Feeling better now?”

“More better than you can know.” Heero snickered. “Ass. I was worried for a while ... about not being up to my old levels. If they were due to drugs, I’m done worrying. Feels good.”

Heero yawned. “I’m glad. And bushed. Can we please go to bed.” he glanced at his watch. “It’s almost ... damn, where does the time go? Midnight? No wonder we’re tired. We’ve been at it since about six this morning.”

Duo just stood up and stepped over the side of the tub. “You need help with the cover? If you don’t, I’ll go in and turn down the bed.”

“Turn down the bed. I’ll get the cover. And find my beige pyjamas will you?”

“Beige? Those things are pink. I’ll lay them out.” he scurried into the bedroom, ducking Heero’s swat.

Heero hollered after Duo, “They’re not pink! They’re beige.”

“Pink!Pink!Pink!Pink!”

“Couch folds out into a bed!”

“Ok, ok. They’re beige.”

Heero ambled into the bedroom and crawled into the bed Duo had turn down invitingly. Duo ease in next to Heero and settled against him.

Heero was just dozing off when Duo whispered, “I still say they’re pink.” Heero snorted softly.

.

They managed to sleep until almost seven that morning, then the phone began its strident beeping. Heero grabbed it from the bedside table and blearily mumbled, “Yuy. This really better be important.”

He listened for a moment then poked Duo. Duo groaned, “Wa’.”

“Buck just called. Get up.”

Duo pulled the pillow over his head and groaned again. “Nu-uh. Not morning yet.”

“Yes it is. Up!”

“But we were going to sleep late!”

“Well, now we’re not. Buck wants us to check in.”

Duo managed to drag himself out of the bed and scrounge up some clothing. Heero was dressed way before him and headed on down to make coffee. He was well aware that Duo wouldn’t be functional until after his first cup.

Heero handed Duo the cup the second he hit the door. Duo slugged down half then slumped at the table, still bleary eyed and grumpy. “What does Buck want? Did he say?”

Heero shook his head, realized that Duo wasn’t looking at him and said, “No, he just said it was important. But not to rush as it’s not crucial. We’ve got time for breakfast and stuff. He said call him in two hours.”

“Good. Toast? And more coffee. Man, I can’t seem to get my eyes open. Fuck.”

“Don’t worry about it. When’s the last time you pulled a mission?”

“Don’t actually remember. Two years ... more than. When I was working my ship, I just did what needed to be done and slept when I needed to. Didn’t get in a situation where I had to force it. Until the last. Then I was living on coffee and nerves. Didn’t work out too well, as I’m sure you know.”

Heero handed Duo some toast and stuck the eggs in the microwave. “Bacon?”

Duo made a face. “Don’t think my stomach wants any. Thanks.”

“ ‘S ok. I don’t want any either.” The microwave dinged and Heero set one serving of eggs in front of Duo and took the other for himself. They ate in near silence, just the crunching of toast and click of implements breaking the silence. When they finished, Duo put the dishes in the dishwasher and wiped his hands on a towel. He took a moment to look around the kitchen to see if anything was out of place.

Heero appeared from the depths of the house. “Here. Here’s your log book. You need to fill it out before you forget something important. And, I was thinking. Do you like the bed rooms down by the offices? I don’t, they’re too damp and a bit cooler than I like.”

Duo shook his head. “I was thinking of installing a better dehydrator and turning them into labs and stuff. If that’s ok.”

Heero shrugged negligently. “I don’t care. Turn them into anything you like ... what kind of labs?”

“Electronics, computer, biochemical. A bit of finger print and forensics. Why pay a lab to do what we can do ourselves?”

Heero nodded. “Ok. Sounds like a good idea. You qualified?”

Duo gave Heero ‘that look’ and announced, “You know G. He made sure I knew a bit of everything. You trying to tell me that J let you go into this business without a working knowledge of forensics, fingerprint identification and electronic surveillance?”

Heero gave Duo a speaking look. “You know better. I’ll start compiling a list of labs that we need. After that we’ll survey the space and see what we can cram in.”

Duo thought for a moment. “Well, just the basics, I think. Anything else and we’ll be setting up as Private Detectives. You wanna?”

Heero yawned and stretched, giving Duo a good look at flat abs. “Sure. Why not? We’re almost detectives anyway. Missing persons and shit. Whatever you want.”

Duo gathered Heero into a hug, complete with kiss. When he was done checking out Heero’s lack of tonsils, he mumbled, “Makes sense. We got the contacts. We could do some good.”

“Mmmm. Ok.” Heero ambled off to work on his list.

Duo wandered after him a few moments later to work on his class work. Not that he had much. Just his log book, Stevens had given up on him in an email. He’d begged Duo to just turn in his class work and keep Heero out of his class. Duo had agreed to do that if he could just turn in all his assignments via email. He was going to get a C from skipping but he really didn’t care. All he wanted was his diploma, he’d decided he wasn’t too picky about how he go it.

.

“Done with your log book? And when is your next class. Stevens is going to be a real stickler after my address. Don’t you think?”

Duo smirked at Heero. “Stevens sent me an email, saying to keep you out of his class. Wonder if Wufei would get me a pass? He didn’t like all the visits he got from the other students after you spoke. They were all asking why they had to take his class if your solution was so good.”

Heero laughed at that but said in a reasonable tone. “Well, we don’t need his class, but most of the other students do. He teaches the basics, in the most boring way possible, I will admit. Stuff most people wouldn’t even think of. We’re just unusual enough that we’re really outside the box. And you know how well that goes over. And I think Wufei would give the man a heart attack. Way too well versed in the realities. Stevens is an ivory tower type. If he had to actually apply any of the law he teaches, he’d get busted in a heart beat. So how are we going to handle this. I hate to drive in, back out and then in again.”

“We’re not. Stevens doesn’t want me in his class either. He told me to do all the work and email it in. I’ll get a C for poor attendance.”

Heero glared at his keyboard for a moment. “No you won’t. I’ll tell Stevens that I’ll be sure to give another address so that you’ll be sure to attend and get an A. See if he’s stupid enough to bite on that one.”

“Probably is. I’ll start my home work. You see what he says.”

“He’ll probably wet himself. I’m not going to be nice.”

Duo just stuck his nose in a book. He studied for nearly an hour only looking up once, when Heero laughed.

“What?”

“I’ll let you read it when I run it by your councilor and the Presidents office.”

“Don’t get me expelled.” But Duo’s attitude, near boredom, showed that he wasn’t much worried.

At the end of the hour, Duo glanced at the clock. “Time’s up. Call Buck.”

“Don’t need to. I checked the message board early. Ronnie is going home at three. Buck said, no visitors until tomorrow, then he’ll set up a schedule so that Ronnie doesn’t get too tired and everyone gets a chance.”

“You guys are really organized.”

“Better be. This happens more often than I’d like. Not always someone getting shot, but we get a few beat downs a year. Occupational hazard. Without hazard pay. But what can you do?”

Duo snorted. “Not get smacked around?”

“Yeah. Good idea. Carry it out.”

Duo just shrugged and went back to his book.

.

Heero turned out to be right on both counts. Stevens emailed back that, since Heero was obviously coaching Duo, he didn’t need to be in his class. If he could pass the extensive test on ESUN and local statutes and laws pertaining to Fugitive recovery, as compiled by ESUN legal, he, Duo, could pass the class. Duo eyed the email and snorted in disgust. “Wordy bastard, ain’t he?”

Heero just clicked to open the attachment and groaned. “Damn! Duo, the bastard has put a clock on it. You have to take it in the time allotted or you won’t pass it. And clicking on the attachment activated the clock.”

Duo just turned his chair around and gently shouldered Heero out of the way. “Out. Bring me coffee. I’ve got exactly four hours to take this bastard and damned if I’m going to fail it. Since he pulled that pissant trick, I don’t think it’s cheating if I look stuff up. I’ll go through and answer all the questions I’m sure of then go back for the rest.”

Heero just snarled and went to make coffee. Stevens wasn’t going to get away with this one. Heero was going to make his life miserable. He set to planning while he set up the coffee maker.

When the maker was done, he made Duo a cup and one for himself. He really preferred tea but he wasn’t going to make Duo feel guilty about Heero making just for him. He moseyed back down the stairs, put Duo’s cup in front of him and settled back to watch.

Duo was working his way through the questions quickly. They were getting more and more complicated as he progressed through the pages but they were worded much better than anything Stevens had tortured the class with. Stevens had a habit of using verbiage instead of words. The more convoluted and complicated he could make a question, the happier he was. The ESUN test was worded simply and the sentences were as uncomplicated as they could be. Duo was making progress at an amazing rate, for anyone except him.

Three hours into the test, Duo was at the end. “Well, that’s that. Now I can go back and answer the questions I skipped. .... um ... I skipped three. Ok, here goes.”

He read the first question carefully, realized that he’d misunderstood the question and knew the answer. He looked up the answers to the last two questions in his text book remarking that they were answered in the four or five chapters he hadn’t read yet. He examined the test quickly for other unanswered questions then sent it off.

“Ok. I’m dead. I have no idea how I did. And how’s it going to go over that I’ve finished the three semester certification program in less than one?”

Heero shrugged. “I have no idea. We’ll deal. I’ve already sent off an email to the president of the college. If they won’t give you your certification, we’ll figure out something. Don’t worry.”

“But, Heero, it’s just ... every time I get my heart set on something ... it doesn’t happen. And Steven’s would just so love to cut my throat. Ya know?”

“Oh, he’s in for his. I’ve got him in my sights and he’s not getting off. I’m just trying to decide what to do first.”

Duo cracked his knuckles. “Just don’t get us caught. Computer hacking is a felony, you know.”

“I’m not going to hack anything. I’m going to get legal access to the college computers, then ... well, we’ll see. How long will it take to grade that test, do you think?”

“Since it’s multiple choice and graded by a computer, not long.” Duo finished his coffee and sighed, he was tired. The tension of taking a four hour test unexpectedly and unprepared was hellacious. “I’m beat. Damn thing first thing in the morning. Bleh!”

“I’m going to check the message board. We’ll be up to visit Ronnie, probably tomorrow.”

Heero pecked at his keyboard and the tension in his shoulders faded slightly. “Yeah! We’re scheduled for one tomorrow afternoon. Great.”

Duo checked his email to see if he’d gotten his grade yet. He hadn’t but he’d gotten an email from the President’s office. He was happy to see that they were very glad to announce, pending his final grade in Steven’s class, he was a graduate of their Fugitive Recovery Agents Training Program. As soon as he filled his log book. Duo’s sour expression made Heero raise and eyebrow in his direction.

“Well, I’ve passed that test I think, so I’ve graduated sort of. I still have to fill my log book. How long do you think that’ll take?”

Heero patted Duo’s shoulder sympathetically. He knew how Duo felt. The quibbling was maddening, but they’d won a war on sheer stubbornness and bull-headed refusal to quite. They’d get through this too.

“Don’t worry. It’ll be ok. If you don’t make it this time. I’ll hire you as office help and we’ll try again.”

Duo patted the hand Heero had left on his shoulder. “I know. I’m just really tired of working so hard, having something I really want right at my finger tips and having something happen. Just sick if it.” He gave a near by file cabinet a kick, denting it slightly. Heero just pulled him out of his chair and hugged him.

“You’re not going to lose this. I’ll see to it. I swear. Even if I have to relocate to one of the colonies. Got me?” Heero cupped Duo’s chin in his hand and raised Duo’s eyes to his. “Got me?”

Duo closed his eyes for a moment to shut out the fierce glow of love, if he didn’t he was afraid he’d cry. “Yeah, I got it.” he opened his eyes, sparkling with unshed tears. “I really do.”

“Good!” They both turned to the computer, which had chimed with an incoming mail alert.
Duo opened the mail, from ESUN legal, and read it. “Oh, man. Oh, wow. Shit! I aced it. Aced it!”

Heero leaned over to look at the email. Duo had passed with one of the highest grades ever. He’d only missed two questions. Heero grinned, grabbed Duo and hugged him so hard Duo squeaked in protest.

“Easy there. Fragile human person.” But he hugged back as hard as he could. He actually danced Heero around the room, not that Heero protested overmuch. “Man, like 16 weeks of my life, it feels like forever. Or not really. The semester is only about ... what two thirds done?”

Heero checked his internal calendar. “Um ... it’s been three months. There’s only about a month left, but you’ve cleared all your classes. Everyone was really helpful except Stevens and he’s a rat bastard. But he’s tanked as well. Now we’ve got a month to get you ... ten more. That’s not going to be hard. Three a week ... for me, isn’t that hard. And I usually do quite a few more. I’ve really been taking it easy just now.”

“Heero, dammit, I told you not to do that!”

“Shut up. I wanted to. I was getting tired, burnt out. I needed it just as much as you did. Now we go out and kick ass. Ok?”

Duo turned in Heero’s arms until they were face to face. “Ok. Take names, then kick ass. That way we know we’re kicking the right ass.” Heero threw back his head and laughed.

.

They spent the rest of the day puttering around the house. Heero sent off a couple of emails and refused to tell Duo what he was smirking about.

The evening was spent necking on the couch, alternated with heckling the news caster and making snarky comments to the movie of the week. Duo was totally disgusted by the dramatic explosions and Heero kept asking how many times the hero was going to waste ammunition by racking the shotgun, the scene cuts kept showing him jacking the pump and never firing. They wound up laughing so hard they missed the end.

“I’m for bed.”

“Me too. In just a few minutes. Why don’t you go on up and take a shower. If I’m not up by then, just go on to bed.”

Duo gave Heero a peculiar look but didn’t ask any questions. Heero kissed him so sweetly that he knew something was up. Something Heero was afraid might make him mad. Duo kissed him back, didn’t ask any questions and took his shower. He went to bed after putting Heero’s pyjamas on the foot of his side of the bed. He caressed the lapel of the jacket with gentle fingers. “They are too pink.”

Duo pulled the covers up to his chin and went right to sleep.

Heero, meanwhile, was on his computer. He’d checked his offer to assess the college’s computer security for free. The answer from the president was a resounding ‘yes’.

Heero grinned and hacked his way into the computers, unfortunately deleting some very old lecture notes while he was doing so. He did exactly what he’d promised to do, proving the computers were a sieve. He made several suggestions for improving the security of the computers, apologized profusely for his slight error but assured the administration that he was sure the professor in question had backups. He also reassured them that the lectures were several semesters old. He didn’t apologize for deleting the old tests, they were supposed to be deleted every three semesters and these were up to two years old.

Finished with his bit of mischief he signed off and climbed the stairs to his bed.

He had to smile, Duo was curled up on his side of the bed, obviously seeking him even in sleep. He had a small pout on his otherwise peaceful face.

Heero picked up his pyjamas, pulled them on and headed for the bathroom. He dumped his dirty clothing in the hamper, brushed his teeth and washed his face. He returned to the bed, nudged Duo over and eased between the sheets. He was asleep before Duo could creep back to lie next to him.

.

Heero checked his watch and sighed. He shouted up the stairs, “Duo, come on! We’ll be late.”

“I’m coming. What’s the rush? We’re leaving in plenty of time.” he bounced down the stairs braid lashing his thighs.

“I want to pick up some fruit or something to take to Ronnie.”

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t think of that. The farmers market is on the way. We could get something made up there.”

Heero nodded as he eased Duo out the door. “That’s a good idea. Maybe we could just get a nice basket and buy some stuff to put in it. I don’t really like those commercial baskets. No basket, not much fruit and a bunch of throw away stuff. I like your idea.”

Duo hopped into the SUV and started mumbling to himself. Heero listened with half an ear until Duo asked him, “Does Ronnie have any preferences in fruit or nuts? Any allergies? How about including some jelly or something like that? Books, or magazines?”

“Ronnie is only allergic to artificial sweeteners. He likes apples and peaches. Nuts? Um ... I don’t think he’s really fond of peanuts. Get him some honey, he puts it in his tea. And magazines on Gundams. He’s nuts for mecha of any kind.”

Duo laughed a bit. “And how’s that working out between you?”

Heero snickered. “He’s used to me now. But when we first met, it was really bad. Awestricken zombie describes it really well. I told him everything I could about all the Gundams. He wrote it down word for word. And I drew him some schematics, anything that wasn’t confidential. He’ll freak when he sees you. Just don’t let him wear himself, or you, out. He’ll get over it in about a year.”

Duo moaned piteously. Heero laughed in what, Duo said was a heartless manner.

They got to the farmers market, got a basket and Duo filled it with fruit, nuts, jelly and magazines. Heero carried it back to the truck, groaning at its weight. Duo just laughed at him with a cheeky grin.

.

They got to the Masters house just on time, knocked at the door and gained admittance. Duo smiled at the lady who answered the door.

“Hello, are we at the right address. Masters house?”

Heero walked up behind Duo with the basket, that was what had delayed him, getting the basket out of the SUV.

“Sure are. Hey, Heero, who’s gorgeous?”

“My partner. Duo, meet Mrs. Masters. Martha, Duo. What do you want done with this monstrosity?”

Martha just pointed to the back hallway. “Down the hall, in the back lounge. He’s all set up like a petty prince. He’s ok. Just a bit weak from loss of blood. Doctor gave us some stuff for that. Thanks for your help.”

Duo smiled at the woman and headed for the lounge. Heero kissed Martha on the cheek and followed.

Ronnie greeted Duo with a puzzled expression, “Do I know you? You look awfully familiar.”

Duo stuck out his hand. “Duo Maxwell. I’m Heero’s partner. Pleased ta meetcha.”

Ronnies eyes bugged out. “You’re .. You ... oh, man. .. And Heero’s partner. Again? That’s great. I’d get up but Mom ‘ud kill me.”

Heero plunked the basket on the coffee table and grinned at Ronnie. “Hey, kid. How’s it hangin’?”

“To the left. Heard you went all out to get Gene. Thanks. Sit down, take a load off.”

So they sat down, Martha brought coffee and took the fruit basket into the kitchen. She came back with the books and magazines Duo had picked and handed them to Ronnie. He thanked her for the coffee, Heero and Duo for the fruit and magazines. They talked for over an hour and only left when the next group displaced them. Ronnie made Duo promise to come back and talk Gundams with him. Duo promised, shook his hand and nudged Heero out the door.

“Well, that went well. You think the guys are going to get pissed? I mean, that I’ve gotten through my courses so quickly. I don’t need a bunch of trouble from jealous men, taking it out on me. What do you think?”

Heero eased into the SUV. “I think you’re worrying about nothing. Most of them will be happy that you’ve gotten done so quick. We need more qualified bodies and you’re way more than qualified. Stop worrying. You’ll make yourself sick.”

Duo nibbled at his lip. “Ok. Where are we going now?”

“To the college. I want to see the President and the head of the computer division. I did a job for them last night and I really want to make a personal report.”

Duo turned to Heero, wide eyed, “Um ...You what? I thought you didn’t do ... uh, don’t answer, never mind, I don’t want to know. Lalalalala.” Duo clapped his hands over his ears.

Heero roared with laughter, nearly sideswiping a van. “Don’t ask and I won’t have to lie. You’ll find out soon enough.”

The drive to the college was uneventful after the blaring horns of Heero’s laughter inspired near collision. They made it to the parking lot quickly, Heero pulled a briefcase from the back then led the way to the presidents office where they were to meet with a vice-president/ member of the board of directors and the head of the computer department.

Heero walked into the office, spoke with the secretary and then followed her to an office with Duo trailing behind.

They were met by two men who were obviously rather amused. Heero shook hands, introduced Duo and settled in a chair. Duo plunked himself down beside Heero.

“Well, Mr. Yuy. As you can imagine, we’re very pleased that you felt motivated to donate some of your time and expertise to the college. I’d like to thank you on behalf of the administration and staff. Did you have a written report you wanted to submit?”

Heero pulled a folder from the briefcase he’d brought with him. “Yes. Here it is. I’m really sorry about those files. But they were so old that I figured it didn’t matter much. I’m sure that Professor Stevens has back ups of the old lectures.”

Duo made a funny squeaking sound then cleared his throat. “Sorry. Heero, you usually don’t slip like that. What was the deal?”

Heero’s grin took in everyone in the room. “I was cleaning up some of the older, corrupted files while I waited for one of my analysis programs to run. I checked the files and they were old, corrupted and obsolete. I deleted them before I realized that there were no uncorrupted or newer files. Sorry. I’m not used to the way some of these professors manage their stuff. I hope Professor Stevens wasn’t too inconvenienced.”

“Well ... ahem ... I’m not sure. He’s still screaming about his precious lectures being deleted.”

Heero gave the department head a blank look. “Lectures that are ... two years old? His field moves quite quickly. I don’t think ... well, well. He’s probably thinking that his up to date files got deleted. You should go tell him that those files couldn’t possibly be his this semester lectures.”

By now Duo was practically convulsing with merriment. “Excuse me. I need a moment ... er ... personal problem. Where’s the men’s room?”

The department head told him, containing his own laughter as best he could. It wouldn’t do to break down in front of a vice-president. Duo left the room but didn’t manage to contain the loud snicker until he got out of ear shot. Everyone pretended they didn’t hear it.

Heero smiled genially at both men, announced that his business with them was concluded. They stood shook hands and Heero started to leave.

“Oh, don’t leave just yet. I have a little piece of paper I think you’ll really want. I have it just here.” He picked up a piece of paper, read it then handed it to Heero. “We did some checking around and realized that your partner has enough credits to graduate immediately. And we feel that he should.”

Heero glanced at the paper. “But, he hasn’t filled his log book yet. He doesn’t have enough assists.”

“My son’s best friend is the son of the chief of police. They were talking about that sweep you and Mr. Masters did several weeks ago. Didn’t Mr. Maxwell make most of the arrangements? I also believe that he was right there, helping with the captures. He gets credit for assisting in each and every one of those. Over a hundred, if I’m not mistaken.” Heero gave a stunned nod. “Well, he’s worked very hard and deserves credit for his dedication. There’s a very special person here to make the presentation.” he laughed softly. “As soon as Mr. Maxwell is back from his laughing fit. I’ll have to admit I had a bit of a chuckle too.” He winked at Heero then turned his attention to the head of the computer division. “Didn’t we, Patrick.”

“Darren, don’t tease the young man.” Mr. Tatopolous grinned a bit. “It’s not nice ... I’ll go get Mr Maxwell, shall I? That’ll give you time to get everything organized.”

“Good, good. Hurry along. I’m anxious to get started.”

Mr. Tatopolous left to find Duo while Darren, Heero never found out his last name, opened a door in the back of the room. Wufei entered the room with a smile.

Heero grabbed his hand and shook it. “Wufei, glad to see you. What the hell is this all about?”

Wufei smirked, looking very satisfied with himself. “I heard about the log book and thought that Duo should get credit for all his assists. So I did a bit of checking. He got credit for my arrests as he assisted in a major way and that round up you did was magnificent. He got credit for those. That pushed him to the top of his class. And his grades are impressive, in every class. He worked hard for this and he deserves to be graduated with honors. I’m the honors.” Wufei made a rueful face. “Bizarre as it seems. So where’s the honoree?”

Heero pointed to the door. “Outside. Trying not to laugh his head off. I’ll explain about Professor Stevens and his lectures later.” Wufei just grinned. “Or do you know about him already.” Wufei just shrugged noncommitally and grinned wider. “Devil.”

“Who me?” Wufei pointed to his nose, Chinese style and shook his head. “Never.”

Just then, Mr. Tatopolous came back with Duo, cutting their conversation short. He also led a small contingent of people Heero grinned to see. As many of Buck’s people as could make it crowded into the room. They ranged themselves around the walls, shuffling quietly around so everyone could see.

Duo gave Wufei a startled look. “Hey, Wufei, what are you going here? Glad ta see ya an’ all.” Heero gave Duo a reassuring smile. He could tell Duo was nervous, his L2 accent was peaking through.

“I’ve been invited here. Or, rather, Une sent me to try to recruit you. You’ve graduated with honors you see. You’ve completed your log book. Don’t look so stunned. You got credit for aids in my operation. And that round up you helped with too. So you’re way over the top on assists. You’ve completed all your courses with a 4.0 grade point average. In record time I might add.” Wufei took the diploma from the vice-president with a dignified nod. “So ... it gives me great pleasure and much pride to present you with this diploma. Congratulations, Mr. Maxwell.” Wufei held out his hand.

Duo took it, shook it then just stood there holding his diploma, a pole axed expression on his face. Heero wrapped his arms around Duo before he tried to sit down. He’d have missed the chair entirely.

He stood beside Duo, nearly holding him up as all the people in the room filed by, shaking his hand and congratulating him. He finally got himself back together when Buck slapped him on the back and announced that it was about time someone in this ‘half-assed operation’ beside Heero actually had some schooling. Duo flinched slightly and looked around, afraid that the others would be upset, but the grins told another story.

Buck nodded. “I’m mighty proud of you. You’ve done a great job. Now all you have to do is learn to put up with this bunch of misfits.”

Buck moved on to speak to Wufei, then Mr. Tatopolous. Duo shook his head. “Heero, they act like sweepers. I think I’m really going to get along with them. This is so great.”

.

There was coffee and cake as well as little sandwiches. Duo finally got himself together and circulated. He schmoozed with the other agents, spoke with the vice president and the dean of men who’d dropped in for a moment. He smiled, chatted and generally made himself agreeable. And when Duo decided to be agreeable it was something to see. Heero stood by Wufei and kept an eye on Duo.

Buck eased up beside Heero. “You sure that boy’s Shinigami? Doesn’t seem ... well, hard enough, or something.”

Heero nudged Wufei with his elbow. “Yeah, I’m sure. You really wouldn’t like him when he’s pissed. At least if it’s aimed your way. Incredible.”

Wufei shuddered. “Indeed. The last time I saw him truly angry, he blew up an OZ space station. By himself. He’s very good.”

Buck nodded. “Ok. He’s going to be a real asset to the company. I’m glad to have him on board. Unless you intend to go all independent on me.”

Heero shrugged. “No. But we’ll be taking work from other bondsmen too. I’m going to have to do some catching up.”

Duo eased up to Heero. “Talking about me?”

Heero grinned. “Sure am. We’re going to have quite a few jobs now. Now that you’ve graduated.”

Wufei poked Heero. “Stow the gloating until later. Maxwell ... Duo ... I know what you’re going to say but I promised Une when she let me come that I’d ask. Would you consider a position with Preventers? As a commissioned officer. Specials. Probably directly under Une’s command.”

Duo just shook his head, a tiny frown between his eyebrows.

“Didn’t think so. But I said I’d ask.” Wufei glared at his watch. “Damn, I have to leave. I’ll miss my flight back if I don’t leave.” Duo hesitantly offered a hug. Wufei grasped his arms and pulled him into a firm hug. “Sorry I have to rush off like this. Congratulations on a job well done. Come see me, now that you’re feeling better. I promise that Une will take no for an answer and won’t harass you about accepting a job when you come. Good-by.” He gave Duo a little shake. Duo hugged him back then released him to hurry out the door so he wouldn’t miss his plane.

The party broke up soon after. Duo stood by the door, this time with a wide grin on his face. He shook hands with everyone again, accepting their congratulations with joy.

.

Duo kept looking at his diploma all the way home. Every time he opened the folder, he grinned.

Heero pulled into the garage and turned off the engine. “Well, home again. Happy?”

“Delirious. I still don’t quite believe it. And all the guys seemed genuinely happy for me. I ... feel ... man, I’m not really sure how I feel.”

Heero pulled Duo out of the SUV and guided him into the house. He settled on the couch, pulling Duo down beside him.

“I would think you’d feel really proud of yourself. You’ve worked so hard, for so long. Now you’ve got your diploma. I couldn’t be prouder of you ... you’re so beautiful. So smart. And ...” Heero trailed off as he realized that Duo was silently weeping. “Crying. Why?”

“I’m ... proud. I’m so happy. I actually made it. For once, all my work. All the ... everything. I actually succeeded. I got my diploma. I worked hard, yeah. But here it is. Proof that, for once, all my work paid off.”

Heero smiled. “Yeah. Things are really looking up. We’re finally getting the peaceful life we were promised. Great, isn’t it?”

Duo snuggled up against Heero with a contented sigh. “Yeah, life is finally getting great. Thanks to you. Partner.”

“Yeah, partners.”

 

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