Warnings and Disclaimer on first page


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CHAPTER 19


Duo looked around quickly and saw Charity reach for him, but was swooped up by a haggard looking young man, about 19 years old. Charity shrieked and struggled for a moment, but was turned around and she saw who it was.


"UNCLE GRANT!" She shrieked, smiling brightly and wrapping her arms around him. The room grew quiet, and he saw all the eyes shift from her to him, standing docilely with a knife to his throat. Then, with a deft motion, he twisted away and plucked the knife from his attacker, and twirled it in his fingers, "So, I take it we came to the right place?"


Charity nodded and spoke to the man holding her tiny frame. "He saved me, he wasn't being mean to me. Ya gotta let him go, he was helpin' me find Sam." She lowered her voice conspiratorially, "There were some bad men after me and he got rid of them."


The man who had had the knife was looking at his hands in wonder, while the others at him in grudging respect. Now the question was, what did he want. The looks turned suspicious, they had nothing to give him, perhaps he wanted acceptance into the group.


Duo saw there reactions, and knew he couldn't really convince them that he wanted nothing since none of them would believe it. No one ever did something for them without wanting something in return.

The door that had been closed once he was dragged in, opened, smacking right into his head and causing him to stumble forward. A thin, unshaven man walked in, looking surprised at the obstruction. He wiped a tired hand over his face, and looked around worried.

Charity squealed. "SAM!" She struggled out of Grant's arm and lept up to the newest arrival. The man looked surprised and wrapped his arms around his sister, closing his eyes wearily. "I'm so sorry Sam, but I didn't talk to any strangers I swear!"


"I was so worried, no one had seen you since yesterday morning, and someone mentioned a man following you. . . ." His voice cracked and he closed his eyes, leaning his chin on his sisters shoulder. Duo looked around and noticed that there was no condemnation in any of the other mens faces. It was curious, but he knew that rarely, a group formed that was protective of every member, and any member threatened was a threat to themselves as well. An 'all for one and one for all' sort of motto. It appeared Duo had stumbled on such a group, and knew Charity was lucky to be part of it, even if it was only because of her brother.


"I was good though, I didn't talk to any men, not even Mr. Maxwell, even when he was nice to me." Charity said fervently, squeezing her brother tightly. "He let me take a bath and made me a sandwich and. . . ." Her voice trailed off.


"What?" Her brother said, looking straight in her eyes, "He didn't touch you did he?" All the eyes moved accusingly at Duo, who shrugged.


Charity leaned into her brother's ear, and a rosy blush tinted her cheeks. Sam's eyes widened, but he nodded, satisfied.


"So it appears you saved my sister? Thank you," His eyes bore into Duo, waiting for the supposed demands. Duo thought to himself, was there a demand he could make, that while satisfactory to them, wouldn't impede on them to much. Duo smiled, and the men shifted closer.


"Actually, I am looking for a mechanic, I am not sure if any of you know one, but it seems that someone here ought to have those skills." The room rustled in movement and he heard the people murmur amongst themselves, and the eyes turned to Sam, who frowned.


"Whats the catch? No one offers a job to wretch like us."


"No catch, it's a good job, I don't have any reason not to trust you." Duo's voice was firm, cool and confident. He was a complete business man, and it was killing him to not start yelling, about he understood; but what would it help. Then they would think some haughty man was trying to 'relate'.


Sam stared at him, then looked around. The room began shifting, a square table appeared in the middle and beer was pulled out. "Sit, have a drink. We can talk." Sam said, heading for the table, his sister in his arms.


Duo sat, knowing this was a test, if he passed, he had a mechanic; if not. . . . well that all depended on what they found wrong. "I'll think I will decline the drink, thank you."


"Too good to drink our beer, sir?" Sam stressed the 'sir' sarcastically and Duo grimaced.


"I can't drink due to health reasons." He bowed his head, "but give me a little while and we can try the drink part again." Sam raised an eyebrow, and he set the bottle down.


"So where are ya from?" Sam said apatheticly.

"Colony L2" Duo replied as emotionlessly, a small murmur went through the room. Charity watched, standing next to her 'Uncle' Grant.


"Oh really? Where did you stay there?" L2 was known for it's unsavory areas, but the few places acceptable for living were well-known.


"Maxwell Church."


Sam grimaced, they all knew about that place and the attack on it. The attack that had become known as the Maxwell Church Tragedy. None of them felt the need to ask if he was one of the rare survivors, and Duo didn't offer the information so the subject was dropped and an awkward silence reigned. Sam coughed slightly and continued; "Where would this mechanic be working?"


"The Fixer-Upper, I own it. It's a small body shop downtown." Sam sat back. There was more to the braided man than met the eye.


"We will get back with you tomorrow, at your shop." Duo nodded, he knew a curt dismissal when he saw one. He knew he had shocked them, and had given them cause for discussion. With a fond smile at Charity, he left, closing the door behind him.


~*~*~


Becca had worked herself into a fine state of worry and was about to come look for him when he came back to the car. He had calmed her down, and then explained as well as he could what happened, leaving out the more personal aspects of the interrogation. She had seemed satisfied, and suggested they return to the apartments, as the day was wearing on.


It was a short ride, both contemplating the life and different paths people have to take. Becca, for her part, was deeply moved by the gaunt child's face and fierce loyalty to her brother. She had never really interacted with a child without a home and family. It was like a cold bucket of ice slithering down her back, such was the reality shock she received. She had lived a rather sheltered life so far, content to let the verities of life pass her by. But when something like this happened, she knew that she had remained ignorant for far too long. She took a deep breath and turned her deep brown eyes out the window and let them focus on the irregular outline of the cracked, destroyed curb.


Duo stared at the road, working on auto pilot. He felt a somewhat familiar sense of helplessness within him. He couldn't save anyone when he tried, they ended up more lost and farther gone than before. He winced. He was pitying himself and he knew it. Some of his own frustration released itself as he barely squeaked around the corner, the car nearly rolling over. Becca looked at him curiously, but noticed the anger smoldering in his eyes and said nothing.


When he arrived at there apartment complex, he parked the car, nodded in farewell to her and went inside. He needed to talk to someone, he didn't really want to impose on Heero, but he knew he was the only one he could tell. He picked up the phone and called Heero's cell.


"Afendoulis Cleaners," A familiar monotone answered.


"Heero? Are you at work?" Duo asked, twisting his braid within his fingers.


"Duo? Yea, for another hour. Why? Is something wrong?" Heero's voice lowered and Duo could hear people talking in he background.


"Not really," Duo felt rather stupid, making a deal out of this but he needed to talk to someone. "When you get off, could I talk to you. . . . in person?"


Heero agreed, rather suspiciously, not believing that nothing was wrong, but he promised to come over after work.


~*~*~


Duo was sitting in his apartment, watching t. v. and eating a bowl of ramen when the doorbell rang. He stood, keeping his eyes on the screen all the way to the door. He turned after he opened it. There was Heero, dressed formally and his hair combed over. He stifled a yawn, and raised a questioning eyebrow.


Duo brought him in, placing an arm on Heero's and sat him down. "Want some ramen? I swear it's edible!" Heero smiled and agreed and Duo set about making some of the tasty noodle meal. Heero sat down on the couch and immersed himself in the anime Duo was watching, taking the ramen when Duo offered and together they finished the episode. With a 'click' Duo turned the set off, and turned to Heero.


"Whats up?" Heero said with a raised an eyebrow.


"Today I found Charity's brother," Seeing Heero's confusion he explained. "The girl, her name was Charity. Anyway, today while we were there I offered a job to her brother and was. . . . tested. I am not sure if I passed, but afterwords I felt so helpless! I can't do anything to help them! I never can!" Duo's fists turned white, and his expression pinched.


Heero, in comforting gesture, pulled Duo down to his shoulder. "Duo? Who can you never help?" He inquired, sensing more than just a brief occurrence would get him worked up.


Duo looked up at him, "Have you ever heard of the Maxwell Church Tragedy?"


tsuzuku


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AGH! Must rush, I am sorry! No time for anything! But ya got a chapter!

Thanks for your reviews! I really appreciate it!


~Annie~