Title: Chimera
Author: Amber
Pairings: Not Sure Yet but there will definitely be Yaoi.
Disclaimer: Gundam belongs to Gundam and any scene or plot similarity to another person's story, movie or anime is purely coincidental. Any new OC belongs to said author and her imagination.
Trinity
Zechs leaned back in the chair, he steepled his fingers together as he gathered his thoughts staring intently between Duo and Heero. The one thing that kept running through his mind was they knew more than they were saying. Hell they all knew more than they were saying but petty insecurities, jealousy and pride aside he would stake his life that Duo and Heero would never do anything purposely to hurt Relena. And it was that thought he was clinging to right now.
"Let me get this straight, you've brought this guy in but he'll be staying in your house?? With my sister," he said mildly. He sat there watching with a still expression on his face, which was unreadable. He broke eye contact as the door opened and only then did several expressions chase across his face but much too quickly to follow before once again he resumed his blank expression.
"You're just in time. Maxwell and Yuy are explaining to me why the very man that broke into our home and tried to wring Relena's neck will now reside in theirs... with my sister." Noin flicked them a startled glance before schooling it to one of cautious interest.
Duo winced put like that he and Heero needed their heads checked in fact it was a miracle Zechs hadn't started shooting first and asking questions later. Duo watched the staring contest between Zechs and Heero with interest idly he wondered how long they were going to mentally and verbally square off for Relena's affections the rest of their lives? Didn't they know there was no need for it at all? He glanced between them and then at the worried look in Lu's eyes. Apparently not, ok he could play voice of reason for a change. He could do that not a problem.
"I know it seems insane but he is eliminating the hostiles." Duo said as he ticked the reasons off on his fingers. "He seems to be one step ahead of them, he could have hurt Lena several times over and hasn't. What better way to keep an eye on him at the same time he eliminates the slime balls than have him right under Heero's nose?"
Zechs eyebrow lifted arrogantly. "Put him here in a holding cell and we do it our selves. If his story checks out.. What is his story anyway I don't think I've heard that part yet?"
Duo ignored that and focused on the one thing Zechs understood the bottom line."It's going to take time. Time according to him we may not have. And if having him in here instead of out there gets Lena hurt? Do we really want to take that chance? I don't!" Heero's eyes widened at the intensity in Duo's voice but other than that he remained silent.
Zechs stood swinging around he stared out the window. "That's quite a turn around Duo." His mouth dropped he didn't know what shocked him more hearing Zechs call him by his first name or how calm he seemed about the whole thing. "Where is he now?"
Duo closed his mouth. "Uh. O he's in conference room three Wufei's with him."
Zechs nodded silently. He turned his head capturing Lucrezia's intense look with a searching one of his own. "What do you think?"
Noin turned aside to look at Heero. "What does Relena say about this?"
Duo shrugged sheepishly answering for him. "She doesn't know yet she managed to get herself cut loose early from the hospital that sniveling weasel Swayne helped her go into work. She's next on our stop after we cut out of here."
Noin sighed closing her eyes a moment before she forced them open with resignation. "I have reservations. The key to his success so far has been his anonymity what we don't know the enemy doesn't either. That's over you can be sure of that we'll need to end it quickly now we can't let this drag on."
Zechs stared silently at Heero waiting for his input. Heero frowned. "I believe keeping Relena alive and safe is a goal we share beyond that isn't my problem until Gabriel makes it mine."
Zechs nodded coming around the desk, he leaned against it crossing his arms, his head lowered as he silently weighed his options. Duo shifted restlessly as he tried to read Zechs expression but a shief of blonde hair effectively screened any signs of whether or not he had gotten through to him.
"Come on Zechs I trust him more than some of those politicians she has to deal with. She hooks up with Swayne you'll have to put up with his slimy ooze trail all through the house."
His gaze settled on Duo giving him a piercing look before his mouth curved wryly. "I'm not a match making service Maxwell. Besides if she doesn't have better taste than that I don't want to have anything to do with it. Lets get on with this bring him in."
Lucrezia tensed as Duo hopped up and moved to the door. A short time later Duo entered with Gabriel following and Wufei trailing behind. Duo moved back against the wall so he could watch everyone's expression. Noin looked like she had a bad case of indigestion. Heero was watching her like a shark at a buffet. And Zechs, uh oh. Zechs looked like a man that just got his fondest wish.
Gabriel moved forward his eyes hooded as he took in the group with one glance. Zechs looked at Heero, "no restraints?" Heero shook his head.
"Good." Zechs straightened up and silently walked around him. When he stopped they faced each other silently taking each other's measure. Both men were in peak physical condition, both well over six foot so neither had no trouble looking the other in the eye. In a move to fast to follow Zechs brought his forearm across Gabriel's face. He fell back a few steps then righted himself, lifting his finger to the corner of his mouth Gabriel stared at the blood before meeting the deadly promise in Zechs eyes.
"Zechs! What are you doing?"
He held Gabriel's gaze while he answered Lucrezia. "Making sure he understands the rules." Deliberately turning his back on him he strode toward his desk and sat. "I need to discuss this with Lady and try to decide how much to tell her. You need to get Relena home, Lu and I will swing by later and make sure she's all right." He pulled a folder toward him in a silent dismissal.
Heero nodded, "let's go." They all filed toward the door.
"Noin." She stopped turning almost reluctantly, she moved back toward his desk to take a seat. "Hasn't this gone on long enough?"
"Zechs I.."
He shoved the file aside and stood, moving around his desk he perched on the edge, brushing his fingers softly down her cheek and jawline. "Lu, what's wrong?"
She closed her eyes and swallowed through the choking sensation. "I know we agreed there would be no more secrets between us. I'm," she faltered. "trying to work through some things as soon as this is all over I'll tell you everything."
"Trust me Lu."
She winced at his pleading tone. Lucrezia stood cupping his face. "I do. I have always always, trusted you even when I didn't understand or couldn't agree with your motives."
"Then let me help you."
She met his eyes and leaned down to capture his lips in a tender kiss. He let out a long breath, "alright." He leaned his forehead against her chest. "When you need me.."
Lucrezia pulled back to meet his gaze with her own, an urgent intensity there. "I know. I've always known. Just trust me a little while longer."
***
As soon as the door closed, Duo paused turning toward the opposite direction. "I'll catch up I need to see someone first." Heero's eyes narrowed. Duo shifted restlessly, "I need to do this Heero."
Wufei looked between the two. "Well I have better things to do than hold up Peacecrafts's door so if you have no further need of me?" He asked with asperity. Heero silently inclined his head. "Excuse me." Wufei eyed Gabriel suspiciously before moving off down the hall.
Heero returned his gaze to Duo. "Duo it won't."
He smiled wryly completing his unspoken thought. "I know."
Heero nodded, "meet us at Relena's office."
***
Relena opened the next folder slowly turning through the information until she found the photograph of a smiling family. This was the twelveth of such folders and there was still at least a dozen more to go through to personally call and offer condolences to. She stared at the sweetly smiling face of a little girl and her own crumpled. Her head dropped
down to rest in waiting palms, her shoulders shaking fiercely as she strove to keep her weeping silent, and not let it turn into a wailing which would have been so much more satisfying. She was appalled at her loss of control, especially here where the slightest thing could be perceived as a weakness and anyone could see.
This was the part of her she strived so hard to conceal, the child within that she still nurtured, the vulnerable young woman who still no matter how much death she saw never became enamored. Relena cupped her hand over her mouth to stifle her cries and rocked mourning for the little girl whose tomorrows had been brutally snatched away, the husband who had lost not only his daughter but his wife as well. And all those families who were now going to have to try and figure out how to live without their loved ones because of her.
***
Duo came up to Sally's door and knocked once before opening it and peering around the edge. "Anybody home?"
Sally looked up and smiled, "Duo come in."
He shut the door and sat on the edge of her desk swinging his leg. "We missed you the other night gorgeous. You could have brought Wuffie we would have tolerated even him to see you." She laughed .
Duo grew solemn, "seriously Sally you ok?"
"Duo I didn't know you cared." She hesitated then blushing she leaned forward. "I'm more than fine. Wufei and I well."
"What? Come on spill."
"Well, we're expecting a baby."
Duo grabbed her hands. "No.." She smiled mysteriously. "Alright Sally," he jumped up pulling her into a hug.
She laughed as he swung her around. "Duo easy."
Sitting her down he smiled, "don't worry it'll be our secret until you tell everyone. I thought Wufei looked more arrogant than usual."
Sally chuckled, "yes he's pleased we both are but when I told Lady Anne, Lucrezia insisted no more missions until after the baby was born."
"She did hmm?"
"So what can I do for you? Now that I'm on Admin, I'm swamped so unless you came for a reason." she trailed off.
Duo nodded, "go away. I wanted to ask a favor before we grab Lena and make her go home."
Sally half stood. "She's here? She needs to be home resting."
Duo grabbed her hand stilling her, "not to worry Heero's on his way and I'm putting my money on him." He unzipped his jacket and pulled out a bloody shirt. Sally stared curiously at the shirt then his face for understanding. "Sally I need you to tell me what you can about the guy this shirt belongs to."
She slowly sat down taking the shirt she stared at the torn stained condition choosing her words with care. "Duo I barely have time for my own work, besides I'm not a psychic."
He frowned, "I know Sally but you can do some tests on the bloodstains and stuff right?"
"Duo maybe I can help more if you told me what you're looking for?" He remained silent holding her gaze. "This is about the guy that Wufei was watching isn't it?" She probed.
"This has nothing to do with the mission Sally I swear I just."
"Duo as your friend what you say to me remains between us."
"Sally I need to know who he is. He looks so much like Heero. I watched them fight. Heero didn't say but I think this guy's just as strong as Heero Sal."
She studied him thoughtfully; "Duo I could probably tell more if you brought him into the lab." He was already shaking his head. She stared at him before lowering her gaze to the shirt. "Ok Duo, I have Heero's medical info on file I'll see what I can do and as soon as I know something I'll be in touch.
Duo leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks Sally you're an angel."
"Yeah yeah, you owe me lunch."
Duo stood and stretched, "you find me some answers and I'll treat you and the grouch to dinner at the restaurant of your choice."
Sally laughed, "your on now get out of here so I can get started."
He grinned, "I'm gone."
Once the door was shut Sally's brow furrowed. Turning to her computer she typed a few commands and pulled up the security camera from conference room three. Highlighting the subject, she froze the frame then enhancing the picture she filled the monitor with the subject. Sally gasped. She could see why Duo wanted to know but what she found equally puzzling was why he hadn't mentioned the resemblance to him. Or maybe he hadn't noticed. Who is he? Don't you mean who is he's related to? She smiled anytime she got to revisit her previous profession was an invigorating feeling add a mystery to it to make it a challenge and this was going to be fun. Besides she tapped her nail absently against her teeth Admin sucked and she was just bored enough and curious enough to want to know what the story was as well.
***
Heero pushed the door open to the outer office and gestured him in. Approaching the desk he stood there silently until Miriam looked up. Smiling a strained smile in acknowledgment she gestured to the correspondence. "Get well cards." She glanced at the clock her eyes widening.
"She took a break yet?"
She shook her head sadly before she slid a curious glance at the man beside him. "Shall I beep her?"
"No I'll handle it." Heero moved toward her door pausing he could hear the strain in her voice from there. Heero glanced over his shoulder, his eyebrow lifted quizzically.
"She insisted on handling the condolence calls herself."
Heero silently opened the door, without looking back to see if he was followed, he moved through the room intent on reaching the figure dominated by the desk. Gabriel looked around curiously it seemed deliberately austere as he leaned against shelves built into the wall. There was no clue or tell tale signs about who the woman within really was. He sighed pulling his gaze away from Heero kneeling by her chair he rubbed the back of his neck. This was the last place he wanted to be it's one thing to intellectually know the woman before him loved his father unconditionally. But to be faced with it when his feelings for her were so strong as well was another story.
He hated it, hated Heero, and hated himself and her for making him feel so out of control. His gaze grew icy as he watched Heero stroke her cheek he knew Heero loved his dad unconditionally but he also knew better than most Heero also loved Relena. They looked so right together unknowingly they complimented one another. He smiled savagely unlike him he was too dark, too tall, too hard someone as delicate as her wouldn't last long with him.
"Their something else when they're together aren't they?" Gabriel flinched Duo had come up behind him without making a sound.
He shrugged indifferently, "evidently it doesn't seem to bother you too much."
Duo smiled watching the two of them murmuring quietly to one another. "It did in the beginning, hard to compete against the dove of peace. Took me a while to realize I didn't have to oddly enough it was Lena herself who taught me that. As much as she loves him she wants him happy and she knows we're happiest when we're together."
Gabriel gave Duo a brittle smile, "he's in love with her as well." Duo gave him a level stare before glancing away. "Yes he is."
"How do you stand it?" Gabriel watched Duo watching them when it hit him. "You love her as well," he murmured in a slightly arrested tone. All those times he had heard them talk he had thought it was only Heero but it was both of them.
Duo laughed softly at his expression. "It's hard not to love someone that loves everyone so unstintingly. Besides so do you. The good news is you survived a possesive older brother, the bad news now you have to survive us." He said in an amused tone before moving in the room to join them.
Seething Gabriel raked his hands through his hair. "Fuck"
"Ok Princess, you've been up long enough good thing I'm a softie or I would paddle your butt. Heero stood and stepped back as Relena swung around and smiled sadly. Her eyes widened when she saw Gabriel leaning against the wall but other than that she remained quiet withdrawn even. Duo frowned glancing down at the picture laying halfway out of the folder his finger pulled it out. "Ah Lena." He moved around the desk and knelt.
She shook her head, "I had to do it. I had to don't be angry. He thanked me Duo for taking the time to call," she couldn't keep the tears from her eyes or her voice. "He lost his wife and his daughter and he was worried about me damaging my health. I just couldn't do it I kept putting it off until there were none left and I had to call him he was the last. He didn't blame me," she whispered brokenly. "Even though it was my fault. Look Duo doesn't she look so sweet she has.. Had eyes the same shade as Trowa's aren't they beautiful? Her fist clenched against the arm of the chair. How does someone recover from something like this? Their having a candle light vigil I need to.."
Duo and Heero traded worried glances as the jumble of phrases finally dwindled and stopped Duo softened his expression. "Shssh you haven't done anything wrong except skip out on the Doc and a candle light service sounds beautiful. But rest first," he crooned. Duo stood picking her up from the chair he cradled her gently against his chest. He hovered over her protectively murmuring soothing nonsense as he continued toward the door.
As they passed by him Gabriel could see her eyes were already closed once they left the room he pushed himself up and joined Heero at the desk. Turning the picture toward him, he stared down at a photo of the family, ah hell all his anger and jealousy fled leaving him feeling strangely protective. "She do this kind of stuff allot?" He asked without any appreciable emotion.
When he didn't get an answer he looked up to see Heero staring at him enigmatically. "You can't stop her you can only be there to give her the balance she needs when it all becomes too much for her."
Gabriel smiled, but it was a humorless smile. "It doesn't have anything to do with me."
Heero stared at him skeptically. "Let's go you can ride Duo's bike." Gabriel frowned uneasily, "what about those two?"
"Relena has a car and a driver at her disposal we'll be back up." Heero paused at Miriam's desk. "She's gone for the day, we're going to try for tomorrow as well but I'm not holding my breath. Can you lock up please?"
Miriam smiled wanly, "no problem.
"Thank you." Heero inclined his head politely, before quietly gliding after Duo and Relena. Gabriel stood there watching his brow furrowed. He just didn't get it and unfortunately he wouldn't have enough time to try and figure them out either.
Miriam smiled in sympathy. "Don't try." He looked at her blankly for a moment having forgotten she was even there. Mistaking his expression she elaborated. "Don't try to figure them out it will make you crazy. Just accept it."
He gave her a strange look. "You get a lot of people, do you looking dazed after hanging around the minister and her entourage?"
Miriam laughed at the image. "In the beginning, especially those trying to figure out the dynamics between her,Duo and Yuy but like I said in the end they give it up and just enjoy.
He lifted his eyebrow; "enjoy?" he said sardonically.
She studied him with eyes that saw more than he wanted her to, and whatever it was she saw must have been something she liked because she nodded. "Unconditional love and acceptance. Most just surrender and enjoy being included within the magic circle. It's a beautiful thing and before you know it analyzing and giving it tags just doesn't seem so important anymore."
He smiled fatalistically, "magic circle hmm? From where I'm standing it doesn't look like there's room for anyone else." He shoved his hands into his jacket, "thanks for the edification though." Miriam smiled compassionately as she watched him disappear out the door.
Author: Amber
Pairings: Not Sure Yet but there will definitely be Yaoi.
Disclaimer: Gundam belongs to Gundam and any scene or plot similarity to another person's story, movie or anime is purely coincidental. Any new OC belongs to said author and her imagination.
Trinity
Zechs leaned back in the chair, he steepled his fingers together as he gathered his thoughts staring intently between Duo and Heero. The one thing that kept running through his mind was they knew more than they were saying. Hell they all knew more than they were saying but petty insecurities, jealousy and pride aside he would stake his life that Duo and Heero would never do anything purposely to hurt Relena. And it was that thought he was clinging to right now.
"Let me get this straight, you've brought this guy in but he'll be staying in your house?? With my sister," he said mildly. He sat there watching with a still expression on his face, which was unreadable. He broke eye contact as the door opened and only then did several expressions chase across his face but much too quickly to follow before once again he resumed his blank expression.
"You're just in time. Maxwell and Yuy are explaining to me why the very man that broke into our home and tried to wring Relena's neck will now reside in theirs... with my sister." Noin flicked them a startled glance before schooling it to one of cautious interest.
Duo winced put like that he and Heero needed their heads checked in fact it was a miracle Zechs hadn't started shooting first and asking questions later. Duo watched the staring contest between Zechs and Heero with interest idly he wondered how long they were going to mentally and verbally square off for Relena's affections the rest of their lives? Didn't they know there was no need for it at all? He glanced between them and then at the worried look in Lu's eyes. Apparently not, ok he could play voice of reason for a change. He could do that not a problem.
"I know it seems insane but he is eliminating the hostiles." Duo said as he ticked the reasons off on his fingers. "He seems to be one step ahead of them, he could have hurt Lena several times over and hasn't. What better way to keep an eye on him at the same time he eliminates the slime balls than have him right under Heero's nose?"
Zechs eyebrow lifted arrogantly. "Put him here in a holding cell and we do it our selves. If his story checks out.. What is his story anyway I don't think I've heard that part yet?"
Duo ignored that and focused on the one thing Zechs understood the bottom line."It's going to take time. Time according to him we may not have. And if having him in here instead of out there gets Lena hurt? Do we really want to take that chance? I don't!" Heero's eyes widened at the intensity in Duo's voice but other than that he remained silent.
Zechs stood swinging around he stared out the window. "That's quite a turn around Duo." His mouth dropped he didn't know what shocked him more hearing Zechs call him by his first name or how calm he seemed about the whole thing. "Where is he now?"
Duo closed his mouth. "Uh. O he's in conference room three Wufei's with him."
Zechs nodded silently. He turned his head capturing Lucrezia's intense look with a searching one of his own. "What do you think?"
Noin turned aside to look at Heero. "What does Relena say about this?"
Duo shrugged sheepishly answering for him. "She doesn't know yet she managed to get herself cut loose early from the hospital that sniveling weasel Swayne helped her go into work. She's next on our stop after we cut out of here."
Noin sighed closing her eyes a moment before she forced them open with resignation. "I have reservations. The key to his success so far has been his anonymity what we don't know the enemy doesn't either. That's over you can be sure of that we'll need to end it quickly now we can't let this drag on."
Zechs stared silently at Heero waiting for his input. Heero frowned. "I believe keeping Relena alive and safe is a goal we share beyond that isn't my problem until Gabriel makes it mine."
Zechs nodded coming around the desk, he leaned against it crossing his arms, his head lowered as he silently weighed his options. Duo shifted restlessly as he tried to read Zechs expression but a shief of blonde hair effectively screened any signs of whether or not he had gotten through to him.
"Come on Zechs I trust him more than some of those politicians she has to deal with. She hooks up with Swayne you'll have to put up with his slimy ooze trail all through the house."
His gaze settled on Duo giving him a piercing look before his mouth curved wryly. "I'm not a match making service Maxwell. Besides if she doesn't have better taste than that I don't want to have anything to do with it. Lets get on with this bring him in."
Lucrezia tensed as Duo hopped up and moved to the door. A short time later Duo entered with Gabriel following and Wufei trailing behind. Duo moved back against the wall so he could watch everyone's expression. Noin looked like she had a bad case of indigestion. Heero was watching her like a shark at a buffet. And Zechs, uh oh. Zechs looked like a man that just got his fondest wish.
Gabriel moved forward his eyes hooded as he took in the group with one glance. Zechs looked at Heero, "no restraints?" Heero shook his head.
"Good." Zechs straightened up and silently walked around him. When he stopped they faced each other silently taking each other's measure. Both men were in peak physical condition, both well over six foot so neither had no trouble looking the other in the eye. In a move to fast to follow Zechs brought his forearm across Gabriel's face. He fell back a few steps then righted himself, lifting his finger to the corner of his mouth Gabriel stared at the blood before meeting the deadly promise in Zechs eyes.
"Zechs! What are you doing?"
He held Gabriel's gaze while he answered Lucrezia. "Making sure he understands the rules." Deliberately turning his back on him he strode toward his desk and sat. "I need to discuss this with Lady and try to decide how much to tell her. You need to get Relena home, Lu and I will swing by later and make sure she's all right." He pulled a folder toward him in a silent dismissal.
Heero nodded, "let's go." They all filed toward the door.
"Noin." She stopped turning almost reluctantly, she moved back toward his desk to take a seat. "Hasn't this gone on long enough?"
"Zechs I.."
He shoved the file aside and stood, moving around his desk he perched on the edge, brushing his fingers softly down her cheek and jawline. "Lu, what's wrong?"
She closed her eyes and swallowed through the choking sensation. "I know we agreed there would be no more secrets between us. I'm," she faltered. "trying to work through some things as soon as this is all over I'll tell you everything."
"Trust me Lu."
She winced at his pleading tone. Lucrezia stood cupping his face. "I do. I have always always, trusted you even when I didn't understand or couldn't agree with your motives."
"Then let me help you."
She met his eyes and leaned down to capture his lips in a tender kiss. He let out a long breath, "alright." He leaned his forehead against her chest. "When you need me.."
Lucrezia pulled back to meet his gaze with her own, an urgent intensity there. "I know. I've always known. Just trust me a little while longer."
***
As soon as the door closed, Duo paused turning toward the opposite direction. "I'll catch up I need to see someone first." Heero's eyes narrowed. Duo shifted restlessly, "I need to do this Heero."
Wufei looked between the two. "Well I have better things to do than hold up Peacecrafts's door so if you have no further need of me?" He asked with asperity. Heero silently inclined his head. "Excuse me." Wufei eyed Gabriel suspiciously before moving off down the hall.
Heero returned his gaze to Duo. "Duo it won't."
He smiled wryly completing his unspoken thought. "I know."
Heero nodded, "meet us at Relena's office."
***
Relena opened the next folder slowly turning through the information until she found the photograph of a smiling family. This was the twelveth of such folders and there was still at least a dozen more to go through to personally call and offer condolences to. She stared at the sweetly smiling face of a little girl and her own crumpled. Her head dropped
down to rest in waiting palms, her shoulders shaking fiercely as she strove to keep her weeping silent, and not let it turn into a wailing which would have been so much more satisfying. She was appalled at her loss of control, especially here where the slightest thing could be perceived as a weakness and anyone could see.
This was the part of her she strived so hard to conceal, the child within that she still nurtured, the vulnerable young woman who still no matter how much death she saw never became enamored. Relena cupped her hand over her mouth to stifle her cries and rocked mourning for the little girl whose tomorrows had been brutally snatched away, the husband who had lost not only his daughter but his wife as well. And all those families who were now going to have to try and figure out how to live without their loved ones because of her.
***
Duo came up to Sally's door and knocked once before opening it and peering around the edge. "Anybody home?"
Sally looked up and smiled, "Duo come in."
He shut the door and sat on the edge of her desk swinging his leg. "We missed you the other night gorgeous. You could have brought Wuffie we would have tolerated even him to see you." She laughed .
Duo grew solemn, "seriously Sally you ok?"
"Duo I didn't know you cared." She hesitated then blushing she leaned forward. "I'm more than fine. Wufei and I well."
"What? Come on spill."
"Well, we're expecting a baby."
Duo grabbed her hands. "No.." She smiled mysteriously. "Alright Sally," he jumped up pulling her into a hug.
She laughed as he swung her around. "Duo easy."
Sitting her down he smiled, "don't worry it'll be our secret until you tell everyone. I thought Wufei looked more arrogant than usual."
Sally chuckled, "yes he's pleased we both are but when I told Lady Anne, Lucrezia insisted no more missions until after the baby was born."
"She did hmm?"
"So what can I do for you? Now that I'm on Admin, I'm swamped so unless you came for a reason." she trailed off.
Duo nodded, "go away. I wanted to ask a favor before we grab Lena and make her go home."
Sally half stood. "She's here? She needs to be home resting."
Duo grabbed her hand stilling her, "not to worry Heero's on his way and I'm putting my money on him." He unzipped his jacket and pulled out a bloody shirt. Sally stared curiously at the shirt then his face for understanding. "Sally I need you to tell me what you can about the guy this shirt belongs to."
She slowly sat down taking the shirt she stared at the torn stained condition choosing her words with care. "Duo I barely have time for my own work, besides I'm not a psychic."
He frowned, "I know Sally but you can do some tests on the bloodstains and stuff right?"
"Duo maybe I can help more if you told me what you're looking for?" He remained silent holding her gaze. "This is about the guy that Wufei was watching isn't it?" She probed.
"This has nothing to do with the mission Sally I swear I just."
"Duo as your friend what you say to me remains between us."
"Sally I need to know who he is. He looks so much like Heero. I watched them fight. Heero didn't say but I think this guy's just as strong as Heero Sal."
She studied him thoughtfully; "Duo I could probably tell more if you brought him into the lab." He was already shaking his head. She stared at him before lowering her gaze to the shirt. "Ok Duo, I have Heero's medical info on file I'll see what I can do and as soon as I know something I'll be in touch.
Duo leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks Sally you're an angel."
"Yeah yeah, you owe me lunch."
Duo stood and stretched, "you find me some answers and I'll treat you and the grouch to dinner at the restaurant of your choice."
Sally laughed, "your on now get out of here so I can get started."
He grinned, "I'm gone."
Once the door was shut Sally's brow furrowed. Turning to her computer she typed a few commands and pulled up the security camera from conference room three. Highlighting the subject, she froze the frame then enhancing the picture she filled the monitor with the subject. Sally gasped. She could see why Duo wanted to know but what she found equally puzzling was why he hadn't mentioned the resemblance to him. Or maybe he hadn't noticed. Who is he? Don't you mean who is he's related to? She smiled anytime she got to revisit her previous profession was an invigorating feeling add a mystery to it to make it a challenge and this was going to be fun. Besides she tapped her nail absently against her teeth Admin sucked and she was just bored enough and curious enough to want to know what the story was as well.
***
Heero pushed the door open to the outer office and gestured him in. Approaching the desk he stood there silently until Miriam looked up. Smiling a strained smile in acknowledgment she gestured to the correspondence. "Get well cards." She glanced at the clock her eyes widening.
"She took a break yet?"
She shook her head sadly before she slid a curious glance at the man beside him. "Shall I beep her?"
"No I'll handle it." Heero moved toward her door pausing he could hear the strain in her voice from there. Heero glanced over his shoulder, his eyebrow lifted quizzically.
"She insisted on handling the condolence calls herself."
Heero silently opened the door, without looking back to see if he was followed, he moved through the room intent on reaching the figure dominated by the desk. Gabriel looked around curiously it seemed deliberately austere as he leaned against shelves built into the wall. There was no clue or tell tale signs about who the woman within really was. He sighed pulling his gaze away from Heero kneeling by her chair he rubbed the back of his neck. This was the last place he wanted to be it's one thing to intellectually know the woman before him loved his father unconditionally. But to be faced with it when his feelings for her were so strong as well was another story.
He hated it, hated Heero, and hated himself and her for making him feel so out of control. His gaze grew icy as he watched Heero stroke her cheek he knew Heero loved his dad unconditionally but he also knew better than most Heero also loved Relena. They looked so right together unknowingly they complimented one another. He smiled savagely unlike him he was too dark, too tall, too hard someone as delicate as her wouldn't last long with him.
"Their something else when they're together aren't they?" Gabriel flinched Duo had come up behind him without making a sound.
He shrugged indifferently, "evidently it doesn't seem to bother you too much."
Duo smiled watching the two of them murmuring quietly to one another. "It did in the beginning, hard to compete against the dove of peace. Took me a while to realize I didn't have to oddly enough it was Lena herself who taught me that. As much as she loves him she wants him happy and she knows we're happiest when we're together."
Gabriel gave Duo a brittle smile, "he's in love with her as well." Duo gave him a level stare before glancing away. "Yes he is."
"How do you stand it?" Gabriel watched Duo watching them when it hit him. "You love her as well," he murmured in a slightly arrested tone. All those times he had heard them talk he had thought it was only Heero but it was both of them.
Duo laughed softly at his expression. "It's hard not to love someone that loves everyone so unstintingly. Besides so do you. The good news is you survived a possesive older brother, the bad news now you have to survive us." He said in an amused tone before moving in the room to join them.
Seething Gabriel raked his hands through his hair. "Fuck"
"Ok Princess, you've been up long enough good thing I'm a softie or I would paddle your butt. Heero stood and stepped back as Relena swung around and smiled sadly. Her eyes widened when she saw Gabriel leaning against the wall but other than that she remained quiet withdrawn even. Duo frowned glancing down at the picture laying halfway out of the folder his finger pulled it out. "Ah Lena." He moved around the desk and knelt.
She shook her head, "I had to do it. I had to don't be angry. He thanked me Duo for taking the time to call," she couldn't keep the tears from her eyes or her voice. "He lost his wife and his daughter and he was worried about me damaging my health. I just couldn't do it I kept putting it off until there were none left and I had to call him he was the last. He didn't blame me," she whispered brokenly. "Even though it was my fault. Look Duo doesn't she look so sweet she has.. Had eyes the same shade as Trowa's aren't they beautiful? Her fist clenched against the arm of the chair. How does someone recover from something like this? Their having a candle light vigil I need to.."
Duo and Heero traded worried glances as the jumble of phrases finally dwindled and stopped Duo softened his expression. "Shssh you haven't done anything wrong except skip out on the Doc and a candle light service sounds beautiful. But rest first," he crooned. Duo stood picking her up from the chair he cradled her gently against his chest. He hovered over her protectively murmuring soothing nonsense as he continued toward the door.
As they passed by him Gabriel could see her eyes were already closed once they left the room he pushed himself up and joined Heero at the desk. Turning the picture toward him, he stared down at a photo of the family, ah hell all his anger and jealousy fled leaving him feeling strangely protective. "She do this kind of stuff allot?" He asked without any appreciable emotion.
When he didn't get an answer he looked up to see Heero staring at him enigmatically. "You can't stop her you can only be there to give her the balance she needs when it all becomes too much for her."
Gabriel smiled, but it was a humorless smile. "It doesn't have anything to do with me."
Heero stared at him skeptically. "Let's go you can ride Duo's bike." Gabriel frowned uneasily, "what about those two?"
"Relena has a car and a driver at her disposal we'll be back up." Heero paused at Miriam's desk. "She's gone for the day, we're going to try for tomorrow as well but I'm not holding my breath. Can you lock up please?"
Miriam smiled wanly, "no problem.
"Thank you." Heero inclined his head politely, before quietly gliding after Duo and Relena. Gabriel stood there watching his brow furrowed. He just didn't get it and unfortunately he wouldn't have enough time to try and figure them out either.
Miriam smiled in sympathy. "Don't try." He looked at her blankly for a moment having forgotten she was even there. Mistaking his expression she elaborated. "Don't try to figure them out it will make you crazy. Just accept it."
He gave her a strange look. "You get a lot of people, do you looking dazed after hanging around the minister and her entourage?"
Miriam laughed at the image. "In the beginning, especially those trying to figure out the dynamics between her,Duo and Yuy but like I said in the end they give it up and just enjoy.
He lifted his eyebrow; "enjoy?" he said sardonically.
She studied him with eyes that saw more than he wanted her to, and whatever it was she saw must have been something she liked because she nodded. "Unconditional love and acceptance. Most just surrender and enjoy being included within the magic circle. It's a beautiful thing and before you know it analyzing and giving it tags just doesn't seem so important anymore."
He smiled fatalistically, "magic circle hmm? From where I'm standing it doesn't look like there's room for anyone else." He shoved his hands into his jacket, "thanks for the edification though." Miriam smiled compassionately as she watched him disappear out the door.