Duo...

“These people will never learn,” muttered Duo as he inspected the data on his computer monitor. “Seven years of peace but still not contented.”

Flashes of the places, which were ruined by an unknown enemy, crossed his monitor. The very nil data of the attacking suits followed next. Afterwards, a message from Trowa Barton, which kept Duo updated with what was happening on Earth and vice versa.

“What could they be up to now?”

“Neo-gundamium alloy, that’s a tough one,” Duo said as he read Trowa’s update. “The federation has a few trick up their sleeves, huh.”

After rounding up quickly at the control center, Duo stepped out in the parking lot towards his vehicle and headed home.

Home… What a wonderful word. Duo thought and gave his lopsided smile. He got a lovely wife, a wonderful home and a prestigious job. What more could a man ask for?

“Peace,” he said aloud. “A real one. Not just something that is here for now and gone the next.”

He pulled over in front of the mansion which he and Hilde occupied. He took time in entering the front door, admiring the view around with a wide grin on his face. Who would’ve thought that a mere mechanic would end up living this kind of life?

Not the angel of death.

He frowned with the thought. It was always a wonder for him if he really deserved this because of his former job.

But it is different now, he thought of what Hilde said before they got married, you accepted this kind of mission to atone for your sin, just like Heero, and I know you will do your best. And besides, you were not taught before to choose but to accept everything as it was. Now it is different, you were offered the choice and you chose what you think is good. And whatever your choice is, I will always be there for you. I love you.

Duo sighed and entered their home, a smile of contentment pasted on his face. “I’m home!” he bellowed.

Hilde appeared from the top of the staircase going down to meet her husband.

“I am glad you’re home. How’s your day?” Hilde asked as she gave him a kiss on his lips. She wrapped her arm around him as she led him towards the staircase.

Duo smirked. “As always,” he replied and wrapped his arm, too around her shoulder.

“Makes me wonder why I bother asking. Anyway,” Hilde said smiling broadly. “I prepared your bath so you could have a soak as I prepare dinner.”

“Hmmm, you’re an angel,” Duo said, then whispered something to Hilde, which made him received a nudge on his navel.

“You naughty boy,” Hilde declared.

Duo made a pained expression. “It’s not a sin to hope.”

Hilde laughed at that. “Did you tell Heero about dinner?” she asked from the bathroom as she prepared Duo’s bath.

“Yeah, he said he’ll come by as soon as he’s finished there,” Duo replied, taking off his shoes.

Hilde appeared from the bathroom and leaned on the door holding a towel. “Did you break the news regarding Relena’s coming here for the peace conference?” she asked enthusiastically.

“I did,” Duo said removing his coat and tie and went passed Hilde towards the bath.

“Oh, come on, honey, don’t leave me hanging,” Hilde begged. Duo broadly smiled at Hilde as he settled down the tub.

“He was shocked, I can tell. He was adamant with the news but he could not do anything about it anyway. I haven’t told him the real reason regarding the peace conference yet, maybe later or tomorrow. Anyway, you should have seen his reaction. Man, after all these years, he hasn’t forgotten Relena.”

Hilde made a dreamy expression. “I know that this would do the trick.” She kissed Duo on the forehead. “It’s a good thing that you told me the news before him, this way, the two of them would finally be able to sort their feelings by themselves. What a perfect chance this is! I better get dinner prepared.” Hilde said as she was leaving.

“Honey,” Duo called her.

Hilde appeared from the doorway. “What’s that?”

“I would like you to know that my fees have gone up. Playing cupid is one tough job.”

Hilde smiled and bent closer to Duo. “Name your price, man.”

With that she gave him a thorough kiss.