Title: Not a Stranger

Author: Karina

Rating: PG

Pairing: Duo + Jessica + Jamie

Notes: Challenge 216. Baby Series 4 #106. Takes place at approximately the same time as Sanc's Needs.

Spoilers: None

Warnings: Extended Length

Many thanks to ShenLong Deb for her work betaing this set of fics.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine.

Title: Not a Stranger

"Well, I guess I will have to get back to my measuring."

Duo watched as his visitor daintily wiped her fingers on her coat. She was adorable and he was worried for her. They were a fair way from the city and the weather was not looking the greatest. He did not want her to be caught out in a storm. Even a light rain could turn these slopes treacherous, and it was still not the warmest. It would not take much of a drop in temperature to change rain to sleet or, worse, snow. Sancian spring weather was a changeable affair.

"Can I watch?"

He smiled at her, inclining his head slightly. "If you wish, I don't mind. You might be good company for me. Don't stay out too late though, I'm sure your Jamie would not be too happy to have you out in the rain. He would not want you to catch a cold."

"I have my coat on. It's warm."

Duo stood up and moved back to his equipment, reaching for his clipboard to check his lists. "And rain is wet."

Jessica giggled. "And sometimes it is so cold rain becomes snow."

"Indeed, that can be the case. And if the wind gets up it can become a full on storm."

"Mr. Duo?"

He turned to face her. "Yes, Jess?"

She blushed and pressed her now mittened fingers to her cheeks. "You called me Jess."

He arched an eyebrow. "Sorry? Am I not supposed to call you Jess?"

"Only Jamie calls me..."

"Jess! What are you doing? You should be home, it's going to storm... Who are you?"

He was a few years older than Jessica, flaming red hair, brilliant green eyes and the most fantastic array of freckles Duo had ever seen. And he was dressed equally as randomly as Jessica, with patched hand-me-downs and odd boots, but he carried himself with pride and he hugged a huge fish tight to him as he stood on the edge of the clearing.

"Hi. I'm Duo and Jess has been keeping me company while I measure the waterfall. You must be Jamie... Nice fish."

"Hi Jamie! Mr. Duo's been nice. Are we having fish for breakfast?"

"Seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner from the size of that beauty!" Duo commented, careful to not appear too interested in the children, peering through the sight of his range finder.

"Jess. Come on. We need to go home." He edged toward her, keeping a wary eye on the man who seemed to be ignoring them. "You know you are not supposed to talk to strangers."

"Mr. Duo's not a stranger!"

Duo glanced over his shoulder and grinned. "Why thank you, young Jessica, but Jamie has a point. You really should be careful of strangers. Not all of them would be as nice as me. When I was on the streets I met some really bad men... And women too. But I was more lucky than some. You just be careful, I wouldn't want to see you cry, sweet thing."

Jessica huffed, pouting, but she stood up and joined Jamie who was quick to try to direct her away from the clearing.

"Goodbye, Mr. Duo. I liked talking to you and I hope to see you again one day."

"Jess, come on! We don't have all day and this fish is heavy."

"Where'd you get it? Its a big one!"

"It's my pay, for working on the docks. If I go there early enough tomorrow I might be able to get some more work!'

End

Karina Robertson 2013