Author:  aomurasakiai

Warnings:  AU, Angst, Sap, Shounen ai/Yaoi

Pairings:  2+1, 1+2, 2x1

Spoilers:  None

Rating:  PG-13

*Everything above may be subject to change*

Fragile Faith: Chapter 01 - One Final Assignment

Duo Maxwell, a 17 year-old prodigy, bounced into his dormitory and flopped unto his bed.  Being a young prodigy, he was able to complete high school at only the age of only 14, whereas most teenagers were just starting.  Currently attending White Fang University, his amiable nature and charm had gained him many friends and the trust of his professors.  Now, Duo is nearing his 18th birthday, legal adulthood, and coincidentally enough, his graduation day.

Duo groaned in boredom as he reached over to his nightstand to grab a book.  He had absolutely nothing to do as he had flown through every course within the university's curriculum.  He had done some odd jobs, like tutor or help out with his professors and had been in clubs and sports before deciding to spend the remaining 3 months until graduation in peace.

As Duo flipped the page, a knock was heard at his door.  He got up quickly and opened the door to find Mr. Khushrenada, his former history teacher.

"Hey, Mr. K!" Duo said with a grin.  "What can I do for you on this fine-but-really-boring-afternoon?"

"Well Duo," Mr. Khushrenada said, smiling.  "I just wanted a quick word with you, if you don't mind."

"Nah, I have time.  What is it?"

"I have been noticing that you constantly seem have nothing to do around here.  Must be quite boring."  Duo emphasized that true statement by pretending to fall asleep against the door.  Mr. Khushrenada let out a laugh.  "So I see.  I was wondering if you are interested in having one final "assignment" before you leave here for good.  It isn't research or anything but more of a... community service."

That made Duo jerk upright.  "Really?!"  His eyes lit up.  "Of course I would!  What do I have to do?"

Mr. Khushrenada smiled at his enthusiasm.  "Well, do you know the Wyatt Orphanage at the edge of town?"

Duo thought for a moment.  "Yes... I think I do."

"Well, here is the phone number.  Just ask for Lady Une."  Mr. Khushrenada handed Duo a piece of paper with the phone number and the address.  "I spoke with her already and she agrees that if you're interested, you could just go over there everyday for like a month or so, you know, to help take care of the kids.  She would pay you.  She really needs the help badly."

"No!  I can't do that!" Duo exclaimed, shocking Mr. Khushrenada.  Seeing his reaction, Duo laughed.  "Ha ha.  No, what I mean is that I can't accept her money.  I would just be helping out, like volunteering.  And you know as well as I do that volunteers don't work for money.  Besides, I'm pretty good with kids."

"As I expected."  Mr. Khushrenada sighed in relief.  "She will be most pleased.  Thank you Duo.  You really are one of a kind."  He paused to check his watch.  "Well, must be off to my next class.  Tell me how everything goes," he said, smiling.

"Thanks, Mr. K and I sure will!" Duo said, nodding and closing the door.  "One final assignment?"  Duo smiled.  "This is going to be fun."

tbc...