Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 18 ( Chapter 18 )

Disclaimer: I don't own the G Boys, I just borrow them from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I do own the plot line and any other characters that appear here that are not in the Gundam Wing Universe; please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.

 

Warnings: Angst, sap, fluff, violence, Mpreg.

 

Rating: NC 17

 

Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4x3, 5xS, HxOC

 

Summary: Sequel to Chimaera. Life in the Maxwell -Yuy household has undergone some big changes when Duo brings Keitaro home from the hospital. Hilde's wedding is approaching and the guys find there's more to this baby business than they thought. Struggling to raise a child, work at Preventer and keep the home happy is certainly a trial for both guys. Add an assassin's threats to prominent government officials' lives and both men find their lives are suddenly changed. Just how far will one go to protect the ones he loves?

 

Dedication: to all my lovely readers out there who enjoyed Chimaera and have since begged, threatened, pleaded, bribed and blackmailed me for a sequel. ^_^

 

 

 

 

"Family Ties"

 

January. 2007 ShenLong

 

 

Chapter 18

 

"Relena, what's going on?" Heero repeated the question.

 

"I'm not completely sure," Relena began. "One minute I was sitting at my desk getting ready to call it a day and then the alarms went off and we were all told to evacuate to the lobby. It must be something pretty bad for them to evacuate us all. I'm thinking it might be a terrorist threat."

 

Duo mulled that thought over in his mind. A terrorist threat didn't seem likely as all the senators currently in the building were in the lobby. If it was something along those lines, then the entire building would have been evacuated and the people sent to a safe place a short distance away. No, it had to be something else. Heero was thinking along the same lines.

 

"Wait here a moment," said Duo and walked off to speak with a security guard. He approached a middle aged man, one who looked pretty calm and that he would be able to talk sense. Taking his badge out of his pocket, Duo showed it to the guard. "Preventer Agent Night, sir. I wonder if you can tell me what's going on here..." Duo looked at the man's name tag, "Officer Penros?"

 

The guard studied the badge and Duo's face, then determined it to be legitimate. "I didn't know the Preventers were called in."

 

"We haven't been. My partner and I were stopping by to pick up something when all this happened." Duo figured it couldn't hurt to bend the truth a little. "My partner and I are also Preventer bodyguards for Senator Peacecraft and it would be to both yours and our best interests if we knew what was going on in case there is a threat to the senator."

 

The guard thought for a moment and then sighed. "I'm not too sure myself. All I've been able to find out is there's been a security breach, something about a hacker."

 

"I see." Duo pondered that for a moment. "Thank you. You've been most helpful." He left the security officer and walked back over to Heero and Relena.

 

"Find out anything?" asked Heero.

 

"Not much. The guard said he thought there's been a security breach, something about a hacker."

 

"If security has been breached then Une needs to know. Preventers are responsible for the safety of the ESUN delegates," Heero stated flatly.

 

"Okay, hold on to your text book, buddy. I'll give her ladyship a call and fill her in." Duo fished in his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He dialed the office number and was soon connected to Lady Une.

 

"Une here. This had better be important."

 

"Hey commander. Agent Night here."

 

"Duo? Why are you doing calling me at this time of the day. Don't you know it's knock off time?"

 

Ohh, who would have thought that Une was one to want to get away from work on time? "Uh, sorry about that, but we have a situation."

 

"Situation? Maxwell, what the hell are you talking about?"

 

Duo took a deep breath and began to explain. "Heero and I were on our way home and needed to stop by the ESUN office to see Relena."

 

"Why?"

 

// Oh shit! // Duo knew he'd put his foot in it this time. // How to get out of this one alive? // "Um, she said she had something for us so we decided to call in on our way home.”

 

Heero raised an eyebrow, Relena snickered, both had a pretty good idea of what Une was asking.

 

“Anyway, it seems there's been some sort of breach to security. I don't know what exactly, the security guards are all milling around and the local constabulary is interviewing people and everyone's clamming up. Just thought you should know.”

 

“Thank you, Agent Night.” There was a few moments silence as Une was obviously thinking things over. “Okay. You and Yuy, I take it Yuy is with you?”

 

“Yes, he is.”

 

“You and Yuy remain there. I'll speak with Agent Fire and get in touch with the police chief. I think we should be informed of what is going on, especially as Preventer is assigned to protect several of the ESUN senators and delegates.”

 

“Will do.”

 

“I'll call you shortly and give you an update. Une out.”

 

Duo couldn't help the snicker as he hit the end button. “Geeze, she's only on a cell phone and speaks as if she's in radio contact.”

 

“What did she say?” Heero asked, not wanting to get involved in anything else.

 

“She said to sit tight and wait. She's gonna get hold of the police chief and Wuffers, speak with them and then call me back with an update and orders.”

 

“Okay.” Heero looked around. “Let's take a seat over there. Who knows how long this will take.” Heero ushered Relena across the lobby to where a couple of vacant chairs sat. “I'd better call Nurse Brown and let her know we're going to be late.” he reached for his cell.

 

“No, wait! I'll call,”

 

“Huh?” Heero already had his cell in his hand and was punching the speed dial number.

 

“Ah, shit. Too late,” Duo groaned as he heard the call connect. “Thanks a lot, buddy,” he growled softly. “You just lost me ten bucks.”

 

Heero informed Nurse Brown of their delay without going into too many details. When he'd finished, he closed the cell and gave Duo a funny look. “Why did you not want me to call? And what's this about ten dollars?”

 

Knowing he had nothing to do but 'fess up, Duo explained about the bet. “I was winning until you made that call,” he growled. “That call made it number twenty-two and now I have to pay up.”

 

“You shouldn't bet. Maybe that will teach you,” Heero stated.

 

“But it's not as if I bet on a regular... Ah fuck it. Don't worry about it, Heero.” Duo decided it wasn't worth getting into an argument about it. He just hoped Nurse Brown didn't gloat too much. His cell going off in his pocket soon diverted the attention away from that topic.

 

“Maxwell.”

 

Heero watched as Duo's eyes reflected what he was hearing. Moments later he hung up and turned to face Relena as well as Heero. “That was Une.”

 

“I kind of gathered that.”

 

Taking a long suffering breath, Duo grit his teeth and continued. “She said to wait for Wufei. He's on his way right now and should be here in the next ten minutes. She's spoken to the chief of police assigned to this case and whilst we're not to be directly involved in the case itself, the police are to allow us entry to the crime scene and fill us in on what is happening. Then we can determine if there is cause for Preventer to become involved.”

 

“I see.” Heero thought for a moment. “Guess we can't do anything else for now then but wait.”

 

“Duo?”

 

Duo switched his attention to Relena. “Yes?”

 

“Here's that disc I promised you.” Relena reached into her pocket and pulled out the disc, handing it over.

 

“Thanks.” With everything going on around them, Duo had completely forgotten why they were at the ESUN building in the first place. He pocketed the disc. “I'll take a look at it later.”

 

* * *

 

Wufei swore under his breath as he arrived at the ESUN building. The area had been cordoned off, the police putting barriers around the immediate vicinity to keep the spectators at bay - and the media. He had to drive around the block several times before he could find anywhere to park and then he ended up having to park in a loading zone. He consoled himself with the thought that if he got a fine for it, Preventer could pay it, it wasn't his fault he couldn't get any closer to the building. Pocketing his keys, he proceeded on foot.

 

Rounding the corner, Wufei located what seemed to be the officer in charge and flashed his Preventer badge at the man. “I'm Agent Fire for Preventer. My presence is required within.”

 

“The officer looked at Wufei, then at the ID. He clearly didn't believe this man was an agent. “One moment, sir. I'll need to check with my superior.” The officer reached for his walkie-talkie and moved slightly away.

 

Wufei waited patiently. He was used to this by now, his young age, even though he was twenty-one, didn't seem to fit with most peoples' idea of a Preventer Agent.

 

“Sorry, sir. Please, go right through,” the officer said.

 

“No need to apologize for doing your job, constable. If more people were to be as thorough as you then we wouldn't have half as many problems with crime,” Wufei replied. Whilst he might be irritated at having his ID questioned, he was also pleased that the officer took his job seriously; and Wufei was always one to recognize and offer praise where praise was due. He could also be downright scathing too.

 

He proceeded into the lobby of the ESUN and scanned around. He spotted a familiar chestnut braid and homed in on it. “Agents Day and Night,” he greeted.

 

“About time you got here, Wu-man,” Duo replied. “Maybe now we can check out what's going on and get off home.”

 

Wufei scowled. “May I remind you that I also had plans for this evening and really have no desire to be here either. However, duty comes first. You might do best to remember that, Agent Night.”

 

Seeing that Wufei wasn't in any sort of mood to be teased, Duo decided it would probably be best for all if he were to shut up now.

 

“Where is the officer in charge?” asked Wufei.

 

“I'm not sure,” Heero replied. “I think he's around somewhere.”

 

“I'll find him.” Wufei walked off with a purpose to his stride and a look on his face that clearly told anyone in his way to move or risk his wrath.

 

Several minutes passed before Wufei returned, and when he did, he had a young constable with him. “We have permission to enter the crime scene and evaluate any possible threat to those delegates Preventer protects. Whilst we are there we are not to touch anything, this is not our investigation so be careful to leave things alone and let the police do their job.”

 

Heero nodded. “Fine.” He really didn't want to get dragged into all this anyway.

 

The constable led the way through the building via the emergency stairwells to the sub levels and finally the crime scene. He introduced them to Officer Clarke who seemed to be the man in charge of the investigation. Whilst Wufei spoke with the officer, Duo slipped away. He'd spotted the officers inside where the mainframe was situated and curiosity took hold.

 

Entering the small room, Duo made sure not to touch a thing, rather he moved to a spot where he could observe without getting in the way. His quick mind picked up on the many things currently taking place in the room and made mental notes.

 

Heero noticed his partner slip into the mainframe room and quirked an eyebrow. He noted Duo's stance and the way his violet eyes scanned around the room. With Wufei still talking to Officer Clarke, Heero did his own inventory of the room he was currently standing in. The body of the guard was still present, the police photographer taking the necessary photographs. Another of the forensic team was busy dusting for prints whilst another was scanning the area for any possible clue to tie in the body in the other room with the guard's. From what Heero could see, it appeared a pretty much open and shut case of murder and suicide.

 

In the other room, Duo had finished his preliminary perusal and decided a few questions were in order. Casually, he spoke to the officer examining the body. “Any idea why he was in here?”

 

The officer looked up and grunted.

 

“Sorry. Agent Night from Preventer. I'm not here to rain on your parade, just to get some information to make sure that none of the people Preventer guard are in any danger.”

 

“As yet, we don't know what he was in here looking for.”

 

“Ah. Anything been removed yet?”

 

“No. Everything is still as we found it. We will be removing any and all evidence shortly once we've finished photographing and cataloging the crime scene.”

 

“I promise not to touch anything then. Is it okay if I just stay here and watch?”

 

“Suit yourself.” The officer returned to his work, completely ignoring Duo.

 

After looking around for a few more minutes, Duo left the room and went back out to Heero. “Got anything?”

 

“Hn. Wufei is almost finished talking to Clarke.” Heero paused and looked closely at his partner. Lowering his voice, he spoke again. “Did you find something?”

 

Duo scratched his chin. “Not sure. Look, leave it with me and we can talk more when we get home. Too many ears.”

 

“Hn.” Heero could see his partner's mind ticking over and when Duo was in this mood, it was best to leave him alone to his thoughts. Once Duo had thrashed out in his head what was bothering him, he would be sure to tell Heero.

 

Wufei gave his thanks to Clarke and with one last look around, he gathered the other two agents and headed for the stairs.

 

“What gives?” asked Duo as soon as they were alone.

 

“Not much at this stage,” Wufei replied. “All the police officer could tell me was that they'd been called in once the two bodies were found. The preliminary check shows the guy in the mainframe room had hacked into the database, what he was after, we don't know yet and won't know until the techs are allowed to go into the system and check. It appears that after he'd finished doing what he was doing, he committed suicide.”

 

Duo snorted.

 

“You have something to add, Maxwell?” Wufei questioned, his voice cool.

 

“Doesn't seem to add up to me.”

 

“Theory?”

 

“Working on it.”

 

“I trust you will keep me informed.”

 

“Of course, Wuffy.”

 

“It's Wufei!”

 

Fortunately for both agents, they reached the main lobby area again and the discussion was put on hold. With there not being any apparent immediate threat to the delegates there wasn't any reason for the agents to hang around. Wufei informed Une of their findings and she dismissed the agents for the evening, asking Wufei for a proper report in the morning.

 

The police had finished questioning all the building's inhabitants and were allowing them to leave. Relena found Heero and Duo and bid them good evening. Heero asked her to keep her eyes and ears open for them and should she hear anything at all, to let them know. Relena agreed and then left.

 

With nothing more to do, the pair also went home to where Nurse Brown and Keitaro were waiting for them.

 

Wufei walked back to the loading zone where he'd left his car. Arriving at the spot, he froze. His car wasn't there. He checked the street, checked the loading zone again. He could swear he'd left his car there. Frustrated, he gave a growl. Where the hell was his car?!

 

“You looking for a black sedan?”

 

Wufei spun around to see a guy across the street calling to him. “Actually, yes, yes, I am. Do you know anything about it?”

 

“Yeah. It got towed about half an hour ago. It's probably down the local cop shop now.”

 

Wufei nodded and turned back to the empty spot. His eyes narrowed and his fists clenched. His car had been towed. Towed! Growling under his breath in Chinese, he vowed to have some serious words with the local police when he went to fetch his car. Still seething, Wufei began to walk back along the street. Hopefully he would be able to catch a cab home. He was majorly pissed off. He'd had to cancel his date due to the length of time he'd spent at the ESUN, gotten practically no information from the police and now found his car had been towed. Could it get any worse?!

 

It began to rain.

 

* * *

 

Duo fingered the disc in his pocket as his mind mulled over the events of the past hour. He began to assemble the thoughts into some sort of logical order and try to break them down.

 

“Care to share?”

 

Heero's voice drew him from his musings and he sighed. “I dunno what it is, Heero. Maybe I'm just finding things that aren't there.” He gazed out of the window as the thoughts surged forth again.

 

“We will know more once the police have finished their investigation. Une has asked for a copy of the findings.”

 

“Good.” Duo rubbed his chin. “If that guy was supposed to be hacking into the mainframe, what was it he wanted from it? And why go to all that trouble only to shoot yourself afterwards?”

 

“I don't know.”

 

“You know something else I find fishy, Heero?”

 

“No, but I take it you're going to tell me?”

 

“He didn't have any gear with him.”

 

“Hn. What exactly do you mean by gear?”

 

“Wouldn't it make more sense to have your own equipment with you to get into the data banks?”

 

“Hai, it would. But that doesn't mean you can't hack a system directly.”

 

“I know that, but having your own gear would make it quicker. I didn't see anything else in that room other than the body and a gun.”

 

“I guess we will have to wait for the police report.”

 

“Yeah, guess we will. I'm still not convinced though.”

 

The rest of the drive passed in silence, Heero mulling over what Duo had said whilst Duo continued to chase his thoughts as the windscreen wipers began a monotonous swish, swish.

 

* * *

 

Parking the car in the garage, the pair made a dash along the path that would take them from the garage to the back door of the house. Managing not to get too wet, the pair entered and shrugged out of their jackets, boots following soon after.

 

Heero hung their jackets up whilst Duo went through to the kitchen to put the kettle on and let Nurse Brown know they were home. Something on the stove smelt good and Duo's stomach rumbled in appreciation of the scent. He could hear the sounds of the television coming from the lounge room and an occasional gurgle which meant the nanny and his son had to be in there. With socked feet, he padded through tot he lounge and stopped in the doorway. He smiled at the sight of Keitaro lying on his stomach in the play pen. Surrounding the babe were several of his plush toys. Keitaro currently had the toy lion Heero had purchased by the tail and was busy tugging at it.

 

Nurse Brown sat on the sofa, the play pen in front of her. Her hands were moving busily, eyes focused on the screen, darting every now and then to a sheet of paper sitting beside her. Occasionally she would pause and count stitches, then pull some more wool from the ball and continue her knitting.

 

Duo made sure to make a little noise as he entered the lounge, not wanting to startle the woman, especially when she had those needles in her hands. "We're home," he said softly as he entered the lounge.

 

"Ah, Duo. You two manage to get everything sorted out that you had to?" asked the nurse.

 

"Yes, sort of."

 

The nurse quirked an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. She'd worked at Preventer long enough to know that agents didn't discuss cases. "I made a casserole for dinner. There's some left on the stove if you and Heero would like it."

 

"Thank you, that's really kind of you, but you shouldn't be cooking for us, you're employed as a nanny, not a housekeeper."

 

"Ah, bosh," said the nurse as she put her knitting away in a bag. "I have to cook for myself and the little man here, it's no harder to put on a little extra for you two as well. Besides, I like to cook, I miss cooking for more than just me. David used to enjoy a good, hearty meal and now I have the chance to cook properly again."

 

Feeling a lump lodge in his throat, Duo quickly swallowed to remove it as best he could. "Well, thanks. Heero and I really appreciate it and as long as you're happy to cook then there's no objection from me." He gave the nurse a warm smile of appreciation.

 

"Good. I'll go warm it up for you both."

 

"How's Keitaro been today?"

 

"As good as gold. He's such a pleasure to look after," replied the nurse as she watched the long haired man pick his son up and cuddle him close.

 

"You been a good baby, Keitaro?" Duo asked as he pressed a kiss to his son's forehead.

 

Keitaro gurgled and laughed. His chubby hands reached forward, mesmerized by the moving lips before him.

 

"Who's a gorgeous kid, hey?"

 

Keitaro reacted by reaching out and managing to latch one of his hands onto Duo's upper lip.

 

Duo responded with a raspberry to Keitaro's hand. The babe giggled, enjoying his new game.

 

Nurse Brown got up and smiled. She walked towards the doorway, when she got to Duo, she paused for a moment. "By the way, you owe me ten bucks too," she smirked.

 

"Yeah, yeah. I know," Duo growled. "You nearly didn't win though."

 

"Really?"

 

"Yeah. If we hadn't had to stop off on the way home, Heero wouldn't have had to call and I would have won," Duo groused.

 

"Want to make it double or nothing?"

 

"You serious?"

 

"Yes. I bet Heero calls a minimum of twenty times tomorrow."

 

Duo glanced around and seeing Heero wasn't in the immediate vicinity, he turned back to the nurse, an evil glint in his eye. "You're on. Twenty bucks says he calls less than twenty times."

 

The nurse smiled and went to heat up their dinner.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc...