Summery: This is an AU of the Gundam Wing characters, so be warned! Kina and Trowa belong to the government now, and are undercover to destroy the mafia who runs a small town. A specialized team, hired by the mafia to stop any intereference, steps in. To complicate matters, Trowa seems to be taking his status a bit too seriously, and one of the members of the enemy seems to have a rather "personal" interest in Kina. To top it off...well, things keep getting worse and worse.
Warning: Language, sometimes explicit but not often; suggestive themes; sexual themes later on.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or characters. I do own any OCs and the plot. And trust me - I WILL NOT sterotype, though it may seem like I am now.
Please review if you read. Comments, ideas, suggestions, and helpful criticism is welcome. No flames.
"Looks likes rain," Trowa remarked, his brown hair hanging in his dark-green eyes. "I hope it holds off till the trip's over." He folded his arms behind his head lazily, and the gold wedding band on his hand caught the light.
"I'm glad he picked me for this," Kina Reeves glanced at the young man sitting beside her in the charter bus. "I needed the exercise."
"Yeah, you're getting lazy," the twenty-three year old teased his fellow traveler, and she promptly elbowed him sharply in the ribs. "Ow!"
"Remember – we're a couple!" she hissed through a pasted-on smile for the public's benefit, while her blue-gray eyes flashed at him. "So stop picking on me!"
"You just can't take a joke," he grumbled, and the young woman the same age smiled brightly at him. Her hair was the color of copper wire, and hung straight just past her shoulders.
"Of course I can," she replied. "Just not from you, that's all."
"I was expecting it to be bigger," Kina thought, gazing at the building. She exchanged glances at Trowa, who merely shrugged.
"Well, although it's only five stories, our hotel has overeight hundred and fiftyrooms," the doorman told them.
"Looks like they're getting ready for a party," Trowa commented, as they watched the hotel workers bustle around them.
"Quite astute, young man," an older gentleman with white hair approached them. "Have you been here before?"
"No, neither of us. I'm…" Trowa quickly glanced at Kina, who shook her head slightly.
"Excuse us, but we want to get a lot of sight-seeing in, and my husband takes forever to unpack," she flashed a smile, and picked up her suitcases. "I'm sure we'll have an opportunity to talk later."
"Of course," the elder man inclined his head slightly, and his sharp eyes followed them as they entered the hotel.
As the two agents unpacked in their room – with two double-beds – Trowa glanced at the young woman across the room. "You didn't like that old guy back there, did you?"
"Well, Boss did tell us we may be followed," Kina glanced around, her hair in a braid, "He just didn't feel right to me."
"Well, one of your talents is being able to see someone's aura," Trowa admitted, taking her arm. "Come on – the manager sent out a notice telling everyone that public dining is going to be held earlier, in order to accommodate that party."
"That's another thing – what is this hotel out in the middle of nowhere holding such a huge party?" she wondered, locking their door. "Especially with those prominent military figureheads as well…obviously there's more to this town than meets the eye."
"We're here to figure that out, remember?" he grinned, and took her arm. "Let's go – I'm hungry anyway."
"You're always hungry," she commented with a teasing poke.
Throughout their meal, the two agents surveyed the rest of the crowd, and kept a close eye on the comings and goings of both the staff and guests, taking a particular interest in the old man from earlier.
"Mind if I join you?" a young man around their age with medium-blue eyes and brown hair in a long braid grinned, appearing next to them as they finished their dinner. Kina and Trowa exchanged glances, and he shrugged slightly.
"Sure," she nodded, and moved over towards as the stranger pulled a chair over, earning dirty looks from several staff members.
"I'm Duo Maxwell," he introduced himself, slouching in the chair. "And you guys?"
"I'm Kina, and this is Trowa Barton – my husband," she added quickly, still unused to their new status for the mission.
"Nice to meet you," Duo nodded. "Honeymoon?"
"Not really," Trowa shook his head, eyeing the newcomer. "What are you doing here? Traveling?"
"In a manner of speaking," he stretched his arms behind his head and leaned back. "I'm road-tripping with a group of friends, that's all."
"Oh," Kina peered at the apparently-innocent young man with double-vision, and then looked away sharply. "Do you know who that man is?"
"Hm? Oh, that old guy?" Duo realized, following her gaze. "Not really. I heard one of the staff call him…Allistar, I think. Why?"
"No reason."
"He's probably one of those lecherous old guys pretty women like you should watch out for," Duo added with a smirk. "By the way he's eyeing you, I'm surprised your husband hasn't taken after him already."
"I hardly think some strange elderly man will jeopardize my position," Trowa replied tersely, and Kina detected a definite dislike between the two.
"Mrs. Barton, Mr. Allistar asked that I give this to you, on his good will," a waiter suddenly approached them, a shot glass in his hand. Kina paused, and glanced briefly at the man. He smirked daringly at her, and she frowned.
"Please give him my regards," she said finally, and took it as the man walked away.
"I don't think you should be drinking that," Trowa muttered under his breath, and she shook her head slightly, gesturing to Duo.
"The best way to find out," she replied, and quickly downed the shot. Duo grinned and watched Trowa as he glared at the old man. Kina looked around, and stood up.
"We should get going, Mr. Maxwell," she said, as Trowa pushed his chair in. Duo stood up as well, shaking his head.
"Just Duo, thanks," he protested, and mockingly bowed to her. "Pleased to meet you, Kina. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to talk later."
She looked at him momentarily, and then began to stride away as the strange young man disappeared into the crowd, heading outside. Suddenly, her vision tilted.
"Kina?" Trowa frowned as she tripped against the table.
"It's nothing," she shook her head, and straightened up with an obvious effort. He took her elbow tightly, and she leaned against him heavily as they headed out of the dining area, as the staff bustled around them, preparing for the soon-to-be party.
"You look green," he whispered, as they neared the elevator.
"Trowa…I think I'm drugged…" she managed to say. She began to stumble, and her vision blurred.
"All right, let's get upstairs," Trowa supported her, and they waited impatiently as the elevator arrived. The old man, his black eyes glistening, watched from the dining room with a small smile on his face.
"Ow…Trowa, did I talk?" Kina asked the next morning, after some coffee.
"Nothing, except that you were drugged," he said grimly. "I managed to convince the manager you just had a sensitive stomach, but you were gonna be fine."
Kina rubbed her head with her palm.
"So, were you drugged?" he asked.
"Trowa! You all of people should know I never get drunk – especially when I'm undercover!" Kina said, glaring at him. "Trowa, that guy – Allistar – slipped me something."
"Yeah, I know," he sighed. "He wants us thrown out of here pretty damn fast. I wonder if he works for the mafia running here?"
"Probably. I saw him smirking through the haze," Kina groaned. "I can't believe I was so stupid!"
"Well, Boss isn't too mad – as long as it doesn't happen again," Trowa told her. "We should get some breakfast in you, though. And then we'll go through the paperwork. But don't you think we should start acting more like a couple?"
"How so?" she asked suspiciously, and gasped as he went to kiss her. Shoving him to the floor, she stood up abruptly and began to brush her hair roughly. "What are you trying to do?" she muttered, as he got to his feet. "Want to get us both written up again?"
"So, what the hell did Boss tell us, anyway?" she asked quietly, once they were back in their room.
"There's a mafia clique here, and they're using this hotel as front for some smuggling. Drugs, munitions, we're not sure," Trowa handed her the papers, "I looked up that old guy, Allistar, and he's not there. Maybe he's not involved?"
"I'm sure he is," Kina muttered, flipping through the papers.
"I also checked out that guy – Duo Maxwell," Trowa continued, and she looked up in surprise. "I couldn't find anything definitive on him, though."
"Talk about suspicious," Kina commented. "Are you just jealous, Trowa?"
"No."
"Is the manager here?" she asked, glancing back at her files.
"No, apparently he's clean – or just being threatened," Trowa said, "Our job's to go and infiltrate this clique, and smoke 'em out of hiding. It would explain why this place is so busy – and popular with such influential people. This town is in the middle of nowhere – it doesn't make sense why the mafia would bother with it."
"Who know," Kina shrugged, and then frowned. "I hate that word. 'Infiltrate' – it sounds like what government rats do. But I guess we're the government rats this time, huh?"
"Yeah," Trowa agreed reluctantly. The two had belonged to a mercenary group called 'Cats' Laughing' – a reference to their symbol, a white panther. They left their signature on whatever job they hit, and the name stuck to them, mocking their victims. One day, their base was blown away, and Trowa and Kina, away on a job, were the only members left. A government facility captured them, and used them as DNA test subjects. After several years, the pair was relocated to a government building, supposedly to aid in security detail. But after a few months, they had been sent out on their latest mission – although a bit rusty.
"So…what first?" Kina asked.
"I'm not sure," he shrugged, "We don't really have any suspects."
"Boss sent us in here blind? I find that hard to believe," Kina remarked, "What about Allistar? Do you wanna check him out, and I'll snoop around the workers and see if I can pick anything up?"
"Sure. I'll meet ya back here before lunch," Trowa said, getting to his feet. "Just watch it, all right?"
"Stop worrying, dad," she grinned at him, grabbing a light jacket. "I'm not your little Susie-homemaker, remember?"
"Yeah, I know," he nodded, and sighed as she left him alone in the room. "Although, I have to admit that the prospect isn't that bad," he added under his breath, to make sure she couldn't hear him.
"What do you think you were doing last night, Duo?" Wufei demanded. The other one blinked in surprise.
"What got a bug up your ass?" he asked calmly. "Can't I fraternize with the enemy a little bit? Especially when it's so hot."
"Stop thinking with your balls," Heero interrupted, and Duo winced.
"Ow, come on!" he protested, and Wufei smirked.
"We've got a job to do, remember?" their team leader reminded them, hardly glancing up from the computer monitor. Hacking into encrypted systems was his speciality, and it came in handy more than once.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But can't I have a little fun while we're here?" Duo complained. "I mean, that couple didn't exactly seem lovey-dovey, if ya know what I mean. I bet I could get her laid within two days."
"I'll risk a twenty saying you can't," Wufei challenged him immediately, always looking for a fight with his cocky teammate.
"And I'll put down fifty saying you don't even get her attention," Quatre added, checking over their weapons. "Sometimes couples are closer than they seem, Duo. You should try remembering that one time."
"Whatever," he shrugged, promptly ignoring the advice of the most peaceful member of their squad. "I'll lay down my salary for this job saying I get her in two days – no more, no less. Nights count."
"Fine with me. You in, Heero?" Wufei asked, glancing over at the twenty-four year old. Older by a year, the Chinese martial-artist disliked being under his command, and took it out on twenty-two year old Quatre and twenty-three year-old Duo, who were technically his subordinates.
"Nah," he shook his head, still ignoring them. "There are better ways to spend my money than betting on Duo's conquests."
"You sure? You could make a lot of money," Duo prodded, but Heero remained silent, once more absorbed into his files. Quatre also resumed his work, and Wufei strode off to the gym for some exercise, leaving the assassin Duo up to his own devices.
"Oh, excuse me, miss!" a tall blond man wearing a pink shirt and gray slacks apologized, after knocking her over with a baggage cart.
"I'm fine," she assured him as he offered his hand to her. After he pulled her to her feet, it was obvious to her that he was in great distress. "Honestly, I'm okay," she said, trying to be convincing, as he continued to fret.
"Oh, I saw the cart run your foot over – I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed, wringing his hands. "I was so absorbed in my task I didn't realize you were walking past! Are you sure you're not seriously injured?"
"Yes, I'm sure," she nodded, barely suppressing a laugh. "I'm Kina Re-Barton. You?"
"Louis de Neian," he said, shaking her proffered hand. "I'm staying here for a bit. I'm afraid I missed the party, though."
"Party?" she repeated, catching his regretful tone. "You mean, that party with all the military officials last night?"
"Oh, I knew I had missed it!" he cried, his blue eyes widening. "I'm so stupid! I never should have listened to the weather report!"
"You were invited?" she asked curiously, as he sat down in apparent despair.
"Yes, yes!" he nodded tearfully. "It was supposed to be a large affair, with several possible connections for my book here! I'm a writer, you see," he added absently, "And my agent told me that several people here were very important people. He obtained an invitation for me, and I blew it!"
Kina surveyed the distressed man with interest, and then sat down across from him.
"I'm sure they'll understand," she assured him, and he looked at her hopefully.
"Do you really think so?"
"Of course!" she nodded enthusiastically, and stood back up. "You really shouldn't leave your baggage in the middle of the foyer, though."
"Oh, yes!" he jumped up, suddenly energetic, and began to push it away eagerly. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Barton! I hope to talk to you soon!"
"He's more observant than he looks," she thought, waving back at the man. "I wonder if all…that is an act? Somehow, I don't think so."
"Do you have a habit of making friends with hapless gay authors while your husband is looking the other way?" a voice suddenly asked, and she jumped out of her reverie. Turning around, she glared at Duo, who was smirking in self-satisfaction.
"It's none of your business what I do with my time, Mr. Maxwell," she retorted, and began to walk away. He grabbed her arm, and she twisted out of his grip.
"Hey, come on!" he called, jogging after her as she quickly left the foyer, walking out into the misty street. "I was joking! Everyone knows Louis around here – he's constantly trying to sell his book."
"What's it about?" she asked, despite herself.
"I don't think a woman should really know," Duo grinned, but at her glare he shrugged. "Fine, but I didn't tell you." Whispering something in her ear, he took a step back as her eyes widened, and laughed. "I told you."
"I see," she managed, and then looked around. "I have things to do, Mr. Maxwell, so if you'll excuse me…"
"Don't be like that," he protested, and once more took her elbow. "I said call me Duo, remember? I just want to be friends."
"I'd appreciate if you didn't manhandle my wife," Trowa growled, appearing suddenly and gripping Duo's wrist. Kina, who knew her partner's strength, watched as Duo's fingers began to turn white from the pressure, and he released her quickly.
"Yeesh," he shook his hand, trying to get the blood flowing once more, and glanced at Trowa. "Damn, man, that's quite a grip."
"Thanks," Trowa said coolly. Kina sighed, watching the two of them in exasperation.
"He really is jealous," she realized, seeing the look in Trowa's eyes. "It figures."
"I thought we were going to meet at lunch, dear," she said through her teeth, breaking the staring contest between the two young men.
"You lost track of the time again," he reminded her, pointing at her watch. "See? I found a good place around here, but I want to get there before it gets crowded."
"I'll see you later, Kina!" Duo called audaciously, waving as Trowa stalked off, Kina following his long strides with practice.
Well? This is my first AU of Gundam Wing, so I hope it's decent. Please review!