I bristled. My whole body tensed. He must have felt it, but he continued on regardless. There was a strange wildness to his tone, like he was running towards a cliff, and he knew damned well he was heading for the edge -- but he didn't slow down. "He told me there were other things I should have accounted for, not just the physical effects of the stabbing. He told me you would have been in shock too, from the attack, from the investigation. I just saw your behaviour -- took you at face value. I never credited anything beyond that."
I didn't know anything about that. I'd been in shock? Well of course I had been -- but it had been my problem, my trouble to cope with. Daresay it'd be some syndrome that the head shrinkers had in their text books -- but I didn't have time for that, did I? Think about it, Duo, I told myself. I had been a little mad then. Maybe more than a little. Are you the last to be honest with yourself?
Duo Maxwell and Heero Yuy are members of the highly specialized Project Team, dealing with matters that are too sensitive for normal political channels. But there was a time when they were something very much more than that - until one particular mission went horribly wrong. Duo is in retreat from this past when a visit from his colleagues brings shocking news. They also bring him a most unwelcome visitor - Heero Yuy. Now he's forced to work with Heero again, in a situation that's both claustrophobic and highly dangerous. He will have to reconsider his perceptions, his loyalties - and his desires.
My notes: Angsty non-war AU where the team and Relena are special agents and decent worldbuilding. Relena positive.