((Uh…hey guys

((Uh…hey guys! Sorry for not posting for a few years…hmn…I guess life just caught up with me…dies Well I hope that some of you are still out there. I might be releasing some other stuff soon… GW and original fics. So…I hope you're still there to give feedback! Thanks!))

Ch. 4 Steel

"We'll see you in a few hours, Heero. It shouldn't take too long for me to wipe the floor with this little girl here." Duo pat Heero's tense shoulder in an attempt to tame the fiery temper that was obviously burning within his stoic partner. He winced when he heard Desiree pipe up behind him.

"Whaddya mean 'wipe the floor' with me?" Desiree growled as she flung the ball directly at Duo, managing to strike the back of his head.

Duo yelped as the ball bounced off his head and rolled behind some nearby bushes. Rubbing the back of his head and glaring at her, he yelled, "Well whaddya expect? I'm in top physical condition…and you," he gave her a critical eye and flashed her a cocky grin, "Let's just say that it appears that old age has caught up with ya!"

Duo's grin faded when he saw the look in Desiree's eyes. She cracked her knuckles and took a step toward the two. Duo gulped. "Uhm…uh…Desiree? You really shouldn't make that face...you might get…wrinkles?"

In a flash of braid and nails, she was on him, yanking on his braid and pummeling him with a fist. "WHADDYA MEAN OLD, YOU JERK?! I'M A YEAR YOUNGER THAN YOU?!"

Duo yelped through the beating, but still managing to gall his cousin with smart retorts. "You seem – ack – to be – ow – WISE for your age! Ha-OW!!"

Heero crossed his arms and clenched his jaw. This was ridiculous. There was no reason for Duo to take time away from the safe house. In fact, it was strictly forbidden with the exception of gathering necessary supplies. Who knew what trouble they'd bring if they were followed? Aside from that, he and the others had to concentrate on working on the suits before the next assault.

Desiree gave Duo's braid a particularly good yank, "Doesn't feel so good to be beaten up by a girl, does it? Maybe you should put some of that Gundam training to use and–"

"Quiet," Heero's voice was low and dangerous.

Both Duo and Desiree ceased in their antics and turned to look at Heero. He was clearly not pleased.

"Heero," Duo wondered. "What's wrong?"

"You will not go to a public area. You can play your basketball game here."

"Awww…Heero. What's with the below zero attitude? What's wrong if we go play a game? We'll be back and we won't get followed."

Heero glared. "If her mouth is as big as yours then you won't need to be followed."

Two pairs of arms folded in resentment. Duo noticed and, instead, placed his arms on his hips in defiance. "Whaddya mean 'mouth as big as yours?' Jus' what the hell are you gettin'–" He stopped when he realized Desiree's comment. "Oh, you're worried about her spillin' the beans about me bein' a Gundam pilot?"

Blue eyes focused intently on the girl next to Duo and Heero gave a curt nod. "She shouldn't have found out in the first place."

"Awww, Heero, don't worry about that!" He walked forward and wrapped an arm around Heero's shoulders. "Listen, I know I look like I'm all fun and games, but you know when things get serious, I'm your man. I've never let you down, right?" He squeezed for emphasis.

"…..Hn." Heero frowned.

"Des and I came from the same place. We grew up together on the streets." He stopped them both and placed hands on Heero's shoulders. "Like me, she knows when do keep a secret. Nothing's going to happen." He grinned again. "Now why don't we all go out for a quick game and then we'll work on the suits?"

Heero's frown deepened and he cast a glance at the unusually quiet Desiree. It was remarkable, how the two looked so much alike. His gaze met Duo's and he freed himself, turning toward the garage. "Do as you wish. I will continue on the suits."

Duo let out a frustrated sigh, "Your loss, Heero-buddy." He turned back to Desiree, who was idly passing the ball from one hand to the other. "Well, I guess I'll have to kick your ass solo then."

"As if you could," she snickered and then tugged his braid again. "But you should be mindful of that name! I wouldn't be surprised if Solo struck you down for using it so carelessly," yet it was said in a softer tone as she watched Heero's retreating back. She turned to Duo, "Quatre said he could do everything."

Duo smiled, "He pretty much can."

She made a face, "Can't seem to have fun."

He laughed, "I don't think the problem is with ability. I think he's just as capable of having a good time as me or you. The problem lies in the fact that he doesn't allow himself to indulge in such things."

"Why?"

"He just takes his mission seriously." He stole the ball from her. "You could call him a workaholic." Duo tossed the ball into the air and caught it, "I've already made it my mission to break that bad little habit of his, though." He passed the ball to Desiree, "And I think you're gonna be the only one who can help me break that steel exterior."

Desiree caught the ball, "Huh?"

"Come on!" Duo suddenly shouted. "Quit moving like a granny. Last one to the court does the other's laundry!" And he was gone.

"Oh no you don't, Duo Maxwell," Desiree screamed as she bolted behind him, ball tucked under one arm.

--

Heero watched twin braids flapping down the sidewalk. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but he was almost certain they had been talking about him. It made him uneasy. Not only because he was the main topic being discussed with a potential threat to the mission, but because he knew that Duo was planning something. Duo had always been a practical joker— a playful, mischievous, loud-mouthed practical joker. Yet, he also knew that Duo was determined, and when he became passionate about something, he would see to it that the job was done efficiently. That was probably the main reason Heero could truly trust the man and work well with him. Yet, when that determination was dedicated solely to making him break training, that fiery characteristic was another inconvenience.

It was strange to see the female version of his comrade. It made him wonder whether or not Duo truly understood his cousin, or if time taken its toll on the finer qualities of his bloodline that he had boasted about. They may have grown up together, but Heero knew that it takes a remarkably short time to rewire someone's thinking. The most trustworthy person in the world could one moment hug you and then next attempt to embed a blade in your spine. Anything could happen, especially when at the mercy of an OZ interrogator.

They were already running an unnecessary risk by revealing their identities. "Duo no baka!"

Watching her smaller frame running after Duo, he determined that OZ would have not trouble getting information from her. Even if she was trustworthy, as Duo claimed, she hadn't had any training. She wouldn't be able to endure the long sessions of torture and would leak their whereabouts and identities to the enemy. Information they couldn't afford to disclose.

With a clench of his jaw, he knew what he had to do. Take matters into his own hands and make sure that all they sacrificed would not be ruined. At that moment, at the risk of losing a war comrade and as close to a friend as he's ever had, Heero swore that he would personally eliminate her if she came in contact with the enemy.

With a shake of his head, he located the wrench he had discarded earlier and once again settled down to the task before him.

'No more room for distractions, Yuy.'

((Super short, but I'm just getting back into the groove. Sorry about the long wait.))