A/N This won't take long.

Just wanted to say that this story is set after the series ends, before Endless Waltz. But it's a bit AU because in my story Endless Waltz doesn't occur, or at least hasn't occurred yet. Kay, hope no one flips about that.

Also, this is going to be a pretty long story. It's received over 200 hits already; it's on 7 alerts, yet I've only gotten 5 reviews. I'll keep writing regardless of the reviews and everything, but I definitely will say reviews are very very encouraging. Especially in terms of how fast my chapters come out.

When Skies are Gray

I used to long for time alone

I used to long for a place of my own

and I'm losing faith in everything

I'm lost, so lost, i'm lost at sea, you'll see

Lady Une looked the same as always, calculating eyes, long brunette hair, and a pressed navy suit that clung to her slim form.

"Duo, you look like shit," she said with a smirk.

"Oh Lady Une, you flatter me." I wasn't going to deny it. My black shirt was riddled with wrinkles, my hair was knotted in places, and I

knew damn well there were dull purple circles tracing the bottoms of my eyes.

"This way, I have some blueprints I'd like you to look at," she said leading the way down the too tight corridor.

"Blueprints?" This was intriguing; usually it was just boring meetings or whatnot.

"You'll see," she said over here shoulder. The complex that was usually bustling with workers seemed somewhat abandoned.

"No one else is here?" I asked quickly trying to keep my tone casual.

"You mean Heero?" she said grinning.

"I mean any Gundam pilots," I glared at the back of her head. Stupid woman and her stupid know-it-all tone of voice.

"Just you Duo." I felt my body visibly slump with relief.

"I hope I'll see quickly, I was hoping that this wouldn't take long," I say hastily. I didn't want to make a damn day of this

Preventersshit.

"The junkyard busy these days?"

Bitch.

"Just make it quick," I reply firmly. How was she to know I didn't have plans. I could have a girlfriend, or a cat that needed to be fed.

But I didn't a girlfriend.

And I didn't have a cat.

Maybe I should look into the whole cat thing for next time I need an excuse not to stay here too long.

I followed the 20-something woman down the end of the corridor to an isolated looking room. She motioned for me to go in first and I

did without giving it a second thought.

I wanted to leave as soon as I walked into the room. There were no blueprints in sight. Only a pair of two very penetrating blue eyes.

"Whoa! What's going on here," I felt myself backing out of the room, only to be forced back in by Lady Une's steel grip.

"Duo, please, sit down," she was talking in a very soft condescending tone, as if I were a child.

"You lied to me, Une. Now I want to know right fucking now what is going on!" I wasn't sitting down, I wasn't talking softly either.

"Duo, keep your voice down!" her whispers were hasty this time.

"Keep my voice down. Oh okay! You try being lied to, and then forced into a room with…" okay I was at a loss here, "with people

you didn't know were going to be there!" Oh good recovery Duo, you sound real tuff.

"You haven't changed," his voice was smooth and monotone. Just what I'd expect. This was exactly why I didn't want to be here.

"Don't you fucking say another word to me Yuy," I narrowed my eyes in his direction before turning back to Une.

"Let me leave. NOW!" I wasn't asking I was demanding. Not only had I been tricked and lied to. I was just insulted by him.

" Just give us 5 minutes of your time Duo. Just listen. Please," said Une. I would have walked out if it hadn't been for the slightly

desperate tone in her voice.

I slumped into a chair, as far away from him as possible. I know it was childish but it's not like maturity is a trait I was particularly

known to ooze of. I figure, they'd say their bit, and I'm walk out. What was five minutes of my time anyway? Wasn't like I had big

plans. I didn't have a damn plan for my life. Not for today, not for the immediate future, not for any point in my future. I wish I had that

cat. I could be complaining right now that it was going to starve without me.

"Okay what is it?" I harshly spit.

"Let me get right to the point. There is a suspected, almost confirmed group known as the Order of Yun Zhonghe. This secret society

collects its members young, and its recruiting grounds are an exclusive private prep school.

It is The Preventer's belief that this society is an underground network of terrorist groups that plan to disrupt the Christmas ceremony

this year. However, it is unconfirmed exactly what the plans are. We need people on the inside, to first attend the school, join the

society, and find out the plans."

"So?" I asked nonchalantly.

"So, you're 17. You're the perfect age to infiltrate this organization. You are Heero will enroll in the school. You will join the Order of

Yun Zhonghe and retrieve information. You will do this over the course of a school year."

"No," I didn't have to even think about this one.

"No?"

"Yep, so show me the way out." I was standing now on my way to the exit.

"Duo," I flinched he had said my name, "You have to understand, this could ruin everything we'd worked for."

"Why me?" I asked refusing to meet his gaze.

"There is no one else. We have to take this mission," his voice was firm but I was surprised to hear emotion bubbling within his words.

"Get Quartre, or Wufei, send Trowa. Or better yet, do it yourself. You're the perfect soldier. Here's the mission. Do it yourself. I'd

only get in your way," I couldn't hide the bitterness from my words.

"Duo, please. We cannot allow this to happen. And more importantly, I can't do this alone. There is a chance that I won't make it into

the society. We need someone…"

"Someone…what! You need someone who will attract a bad crowd? Is that it Yuy!"

"NO!" He was visibly upset now.

"We need someone who will be popular," said Lady Une smoothly.

"Popular?" I asked slowly.

"You attract friends Duo. I don't. I need you," said Heero bowing his head, letting his messy locks fall around his face.

"Oh." I managed taken aback.

"So you'll do it?" He said hopefully.

"Okay, tell me the details." I said while slumping back into my seat. And for some strange reason Yuy issued me a smile.