Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Bounty Hunters Case #678832-02 ❯ Chapter 3

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Bounty hunters part 3
Bounty Hunters Case #678823-02

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.

x.

"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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

"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.

x.

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.

x.

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."

x.

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."

x.

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.

X.

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.

X.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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."

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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."

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

"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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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.

x.

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."

x.

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.

x.

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."