by Kedriaa
Disclaimer: GW characters do not belong to me. No monetary profit gained through this venture - just an ample amount of self-satisfaction and self-indulgence.
Notes: <"..."> spoken in Cantonese
Duo's BACK! The interlude is done from his POV instead of Wu Fei's. All you Duo lovers out there, this one is for you! ^_^ Happy reading!
Duo looked out into the English Channel from the starboard deck of the Excelsior, currently docked at Plymouth harbour. Before long, he would be, once again, sailing into the majestic waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A sense of comfort and serenity washed over him. He was always most at ease in the embrace of Poseidon. Even when the Roman God of the sea was throwing a fierce tantrum, it never perturbed the young sailor. In fact, it would put him right in his element, defiantly and boldly laughing into the face of Mort.
The seemingly endless expanse of the ocean freed his soul. Out there, there was just he and his fate, no one to judge him, no one to condemn him, no one to disapprove of him. The daily concerns of society were left at the ports; he need not worry about anything but surviving the voyage and delivering the cargo. That, to him, was the easy life.
Duo had not stopped thanking the good Lord for putting him at the right place and the right time to pick the pocket of a certain ship's first mate on that fateful morning. It has been some six years since and the young street rat has gone far. Duo, at the tender age of nineteen, had become the First Officer of the Excelsior - the flagship of the Winner Shipping Company.
"Oi, Duo!"
Duo snapped out of his reverie and turned to his caller, "What?"
"The 'cargo's' being loaded."
"Hey! None of that nonsense, you plonker!" Duo reprimanded the fairly large sailor sitting on the promenade. For a stranger to witness that exchange, one cannot help but wonder how a lanky youth could command such respect from a man twice his size. Duo continued, "Don't forget one of these 'cargo' pays your wages! Don't you have a deck to swab or something?"
"Aye, aye, sir!" the sailor saluted the youth as Duo walked towards where the 'cargo' was being 'loaded'.
"Welcome, Miladies, Milord," Duo bowed then extended his hand to the only male in the company, "I'm Duo Maxwell, Excelsior's First Officer."
"Good day, Mister Maxwell," the blond youth stepped forward and shook Duo's hand, "I'm Quatre Winner. This is my cousin, Lady Relena Peacecraft, and her companions, Lady Dorothy Catalonia and Lady Salina Powell."
"A pleasure, Lord Winner, Ladies," Duo gave them his most charming smile and bowed, "Please allow me to show you to your cabins. The crew will take care of your bags."
"Be certain that they do not damage them, Mister Maxwell," Lady Catalonia said loftily.
"Dorothy!" Lady Peacecraft whispered and nudged her friend.
"There is little need for concern, Miss Dorothy, you and yours are in good hands. I will personally see to your bags, if you prefer."
"That is not necessary, Mister Maxwell," Lady Powell interjected before Dorothy could reply, "I'm sure, as the First Officer, you have better things to do than cart our bags. Shall we proceed to our cabins?"
"As you wish, Miss Salina," Duo extended his hand to Lady Powell, "And please call me Duo."
"Only if you call me Sally," she replied as she threaded her arm through his.
"It's a deal," Duo smiled. He had only known her for no more than two minutes and he liked her already.
Like the rest of the crew, Duo was not thrilled either when they were told that their next consignment included the Winner heir and his aristocratic friends. He had met his share of nobility and not many had given him a good impression. So far, only two from the ranks of landed gentry have truly proven themselves to be human. One of them was currently on his arm, the other he had not seen in years.
It would be a lie to say that he was not dreading having to deal with them on this long voyage. Nevertheless, as First Officer, he had the responsibility to uphold a certain sense of decorum - especially towards the son of the Lord who owned the shipping company that he worked for. However, if Lady Salina Powell could be likeable and forthcoming, perhaps the others, save Lady Dorothy Catalonia, could be too. Only time would tell; and time was something that they had in abundance.
After seeing them to their cabins, Duo left them to inform the captain that their guest had arrived and would be waiting for his greeting in the dinner hall before making certain that they were ready to set sail.
Duo was hunched over the navigational charts on the bridge when one of their guests wandered in. Duo looked up when he noticed an unusual hush had engulfed the bridge.
"Ah, Lord Winner, is everything all right, sir?"
"Oh, yes, all is well."
"What can I do for you, sir?" Duo approached Quatre and led him out to the promenade to allow the rest of the bridge crew to continue working.
"You can stop calling me 'Lord Winner' and 'sir' for a start. That's my father. I'm just Quatre," the blond youth smile and Duo could not help but think of him as a cherub.
Quatre Winner had an innocent radiance about him that could make anyone gawp. Only years of practice had saved Duo the embarrassing situation of being caught ogling at another man, his employer's son no less. However, that did not mean he wasn't looking.
Wispy blond locks tumbled into baby blue eyes. The childlike smile on the angelic face made Quatre look much younger than his seventeen years. He was a picture to behold and Duo, bored of being around gruff, burly and foul-mouthed sailors, welcomed the change of scenery with open arms.
The added bonus was that Quatre seemed very much like his cousin's companion - friendly, down to earth and open-minded.
"Is this a common thing among you and your friends?" Duo asked amused.
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I do not know what you are referring to," golden eyebrows bunched in bewilderment.
"Asking people who work for you to call you by your first name," Duo replied, "It's just I don't meet many from the upper class asking me to do that."
"Ah, that," Quatre nodded in understanding, "No, it's not a common thing. Especially not when I'm at home, but all this formality and so call etiquette can be somewhat tiring. I put up with it because it's something that is expected of me. However, I'm about to set sail to the other side of the world, this is my chance to get away from all the pomp and ceremony! Besides, when people call me Lord Winner or sir or Master Quatre, they don't often talk to me like a person. They only see my father, his title, his station and his shipping company. I'm here to let my hair down and I would prefer people to see me for who I am and not who I'm related to."
Duo was impressed that this young lord could say as much as he just had to a virtual stranger. However, it was not how much he said that caught the Irish by surprise. It was WHAT Quatre had said - it brought back some previously buried memories, reminded him of a long-lost friend. Duo recomposed himself quickly, not wanting to dwell on those thoughts.
"Well, that works for me. Let's start again, huh?" Duo extended his hand again, "Hi, I'm Duo. Nice to meet'cha!"
"Hello, I'm Quatre," Quatre shook his hand heartily.
"So, Quatre, did you come to the bridge for a reason or are you lost?"
"A little of both actually," the blond blushed lightly, making him look even more adorable in Duo's eyes, "I do want to know when we're setting off but I was looking for the Captain. He mentioned he would be in his cabin."
"Well, I can show you Skipper's cabin. As for setting sail, final preparations are being made as we speak. We'll set of in about twenty minutes."
"Thank you, Duo. You don't need to show me the Captain's cabin now. You seem busy."
"Frankly speaking, we are at the moment, but once we're out of the Channel there's little for me to do. Unless, of course, we run into pirates."
The look on Quatre's face was priceless. Duo guffawed; he had not expected his little comment to elicit such an extreme reaction.
"Hey, don't look so worried!" Duo continued chuckling, "I was only joking! Pirates are far and few between along the route we are taking. And even if they are daring enough, we are more than capable of dealing with them. You'll be safe with me!"
Quatre giggled nervously, more embarrassed about his ignorance than worried about pirates, "Okay, I'll see you later then."
"Sure, perhaps then I'll give you and the Ladies the grand tour."
"I'm sure Sally has already found every hidden hold and trapdoor by now and I can honestly say the Relena and Dorothy wouldn't be interested. But I would appreciate it."
Duo chuckled again, Sally sounded like someone he would get on with very well. "Not a problem, Quatre."
Quatre gave Duo a smile and a little wave before wandering off. Indeed, not only were his smiles childlike, his entire demeanour was. Duo could spot a sheltered child a mile away. Although, it was hardly a surprise that Quatre was one. Most aristocratic children were. Heck most aristocrats were, period. It was just the way of life for those within the upper ranks of society. And in a way, Duo pitied them.
Even though his life had scarcely been a walk in the park, Duo would not trade what he has had for anything. It had been one great big adventure as far he was concerned. Sure, there were times that he wished it would all end and there were times when he cursed the Lord most eloquently for dishing out more dirt to him but there were also times of happiness, fulfilment and contentment, of excitement, danger and escapades and, most of all, of triumphs, accomplishments and no regrets.
Save perhaps one.
And his name was Chang Wu Fei.
Duo gazed out into the Channel again, letting his mind wander into memory lane. After returning from the East, some four years ago, Duo had not been back. Through cunning and wit he had managed to avoid all journeys going to the Far East, working primarily on African and Indian voyages. Winner Shipping Company was the perfect company to work for as their largest investments were in South Africa; hence shipments to the Far East were few and far between.
This time however, his employers had outwitted Duo.
One fine day, Quatre Winner had decided that he was bored at home and wanted to explore the world, wanted a sabbatical before furthering his studies then settling down to the mundane task of managing his father's company, and eventually marriage. The further and stranger the destination to explore, the better and so he chose the Far East.
Thus, Duo found himself eastward bound towards the colony that he believed he would never set foot on. There were a few good reasons why he had been 'conned' into this trip to Hong Kong.
The first was Quatre. His Lordship Winner could and would not allow his only son to sail halfway around the world on anything less than the flagship of his fleet. It was the Excelsior or nothing.
Secondly, Quatre's father, who was somewhat wary about the 'barbaric' nature of the natives, did not feel assured to allow his son roaming freely in the foreign streets of China. Quatre was only to stay in Hong Kong, under the watchful eye of the British Government. Quatre, not satisfied by the restrictions, had managed to negotiate time on Macao as well. Duo did not thrill to be shipped off to the Portuguese colony either. For that island held some unresolved issues, as well.
Thirdly, Duo was the best at what he did and his Captain would not allow him to take a post on another ship. Duo did feel that he should be flattered that he was considered such a valued member of the Excelsior's crew.
And finally, with his past experience in the East and his ability to speak the local dialect, albeit a little out of practice, Duo had little chance of worming his way out of the job of being the local tour guide.
It's not the end of the world, Maxwell, he berated himself; besides, it's been nearly five years, get over it!
Yes, get over it - if it were that easy.
"Good morning, Quatre," Duo said as he walked up to the blonde emerging from the Officers' Deck. The young lord did not look well. It was week three of the voyage and the constant swaying of the ship was getting the better of him. He did display remarkable strength for the first two weeks but now he was beginning to waver a little.
"Hi, Duo."
"How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay. Just bobbing a little too much for my liking. When are we going to set foot on solid ground again?"
Duo laughed, "In a week or so. We'll be sailing around the Cape of Good Hope to the sunny shores of Cape Town [1]. Don't worry; we'll be there before you know it. We're expecting good weather all the way there so the ride won't get any bumpier that this."
"Oh, good," Quatre leaned on the railing beside Duo, "It's bad enough having to cope with all this bobbing, but if I have to hear Dorothy complain one more time about the excessive swaying!"
"The Lady Catalonia doesn't really understand the concept of waves, does she?"
"The Lady Catalonia doesn't really understand the concept of anything beyond her mansion walls," a third alto voice joined the pair.
"Good morning, Sally," Duo greeted her, "You are doing remarkably well for your first sea voyage."
"Sally does everything well, Duo," Quatre quipped, "You had best keep an eye on her at all times."
"You're just jealous I'm a better rider, marksman AND seaman than you."
"You are not a better rider!" Quatre retorted, "I won the last time we competed."
"Oh, yes! You won the last time but I won the previous five times we raced!"
"Did not!"
"Did to!"
"Children!" Duo cried between fits of giggling. The entertainment value of Quatre and Sally's exchanges were certainly priceless. They fought like siblings in the most 'common' way possible. Duo had even witnessed them slapping each other about on one or two occasions. Sally seemed more like Quatre's friend than Relena's.
"Sorry, Papa," Sally teased.
Duo rolled his eyes, "Shall we mosey on to get some breakfast? I'm sure Hilde has it ready by now."
Quatre groaned, "Ugh... breakfast. Am I really ready for that?"
"Of course, you are!" Sally quipped dragging him off toward the dining hall, "Don't be such a wimp. You've been eating fine for the past few days. In addition, if I'm man enough to stomach the ship's movement, surely you are too!"
"Heh, you certainly are man enough!" Quatre replied cheekily.
"Watch it, Winner! Or you'll be peeing sitting down!"
"SALLY!" Quatre cried, a heated flush washed over his face.
Sally laughed and skipped off ahead, not giving Quatre a chance to retort.
"Is she always like that?" Duo asked, fighting another fit of laughter.
"She's worse," Quatre grumbled, "Oh, why in the world did I agree to take her along?"
"Because if you knew it would be a boring trip if you didn't," Duo answered, "Besides, you needed someone to keep Miss Dorothy in check."
"Well said," Quatre nodded in acquiescence, "Let's go before she eats up all the food."
Laughter from the braided youth was the only answer Quatre got. When the boys reached the dining hall, Sally was nowhere to be seen. Duo could only guess what the unconventional Lady was up to.
"Where could she - " Quatre began only to be interrupted by a loud bang of the door, adjoining the dining and kitchen, swinging open.
Sally strode through it and walked out with a large tray in her hands. It held plates of cold cuts, poached eggs, porridge and various other dishes. Following Sally was Hilde - the ship's only female crewmember and part time chef. When she wasn't helping out in the kitchen or keeping Duo out of trouble, she was their resident navigational expert.
"Sally, what in the world?"
"I'm just helping Hilde out. She only has two hands you know."
"Don't bother, Sally, men don't understand the concept of helping women do 'women's work'."
"Oi, Schbeiker!" Duo cried, "Don't you start on that! Don't need you to put your ideas into Sally's head. Besides, I've always helped you out, so what'cha complaining about?"
"I am perfectly aware of men's inability in helping women do household chores, I don't need Hilde to put ideas in my head, thank you very much!"
"Oh no, I cannot deal with another one!" Duo groaned.
"Another one what?" Quatre asked
"Them!" Duo gestured to the ladies.
"Well, I know when I'm not wanted!" Hilde said haughtily, "Unlike some of the crew, I've got a job to do delivering breakfast to our princesses then get the Skipper his."
With no further words, the dark-haired girl marched out.
"Duo! That wasn't nice!" Quatre chastised him.
"Hil's got a hide as thick as an elephant's. Like you and Sally, we jibe and insult and abuse each other. It's commonplace. Trust me, it takes a lot more than that to offend her."
"Sally and I do not jibe, insult and abuse each other!"
"Uh, huh! Sure, you don't!" Duo replied cheekily, "Better eat up before it gets cold."
Sally and Quatre were nothing like what Duo expected them to be. They, along with Hilde, had become fast friends, spending all their time together when Hilde or Duo wasn't working. The two aristocrats were mesmerised by both sailors' tales of adventure. While Duo's experiences were largely from the East, Hilde's were of the Americas. Between the two of them, there was rarely a dull storytelling moment.
While Quatre and Sally explored the ship and mingled with all the crew, Relena and Dorothy had chosen to keep to themselves, only fraternising with the Captain and occasionally Duo. Although, Relena did have an excuse - she had succumbed to seasickness and rarely had the will sit up much less socialise, Dorothy simply felt it was beneath her station to be consorting with the common people. At least, her reluctance in leaving the Officers' Deck benefited the rest of her company - Quatre and Sally did not have to worry about looking after Relena as Dorothy rarely left her side and could tend to her every need.
Duo did wonder why those two were on this voyage. It was plain to see why Quatre and Sally were - they had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, a passion of gaining new experiences and an innocent curiosity for the strange and unusual.
"Why?" Sally parroted Duo, "Well, Relena is here because she is bored as well and she's trying to put off her impending arranged marriage to some Lord whose name I have forgotten. Dorothy is here because she cannot bear to have Quatre out of her sight. Plus, she has relations in the East."
The pair was standing at the stern of the ship enjoying the night air and a nightcap, watching the foam bubbling up from where the ship cut the water then fizzle and merge with the ocean again.
"Dorothy and Quatre?" Duo asked incredulously.
"No," the beautiful honey-blonde shook her head, "You misunderstood; there is no 'Dorothy and Quatre'. Only a hopeful notion from our Lady Catalonia for there to be a 'Dorothy and Quatre'."
"I see. I certainly couldn't picture Quatre with her."
"Oh, no? With whom can you picture Quatre then?"
"You."
Sally almost spat out the coffee in her mouth, instead she choked on it, "Are you serious?!"
"No," Duo replied with mischief twinkling in his eyes, "But I couldn't resist teasing and I was curious what kind of reaction I would get from you."
"Imp!" she slapped him upside of the head.
"Hey, you can't hit the First Officer of the Excelsior. I'll throw you in the brig for this."
"Empty threats! You couldn't catch me even if I was tied up to the mast!"
"Hmm, you tied to the mast? Oh, what glorious imagery you have conjured!"
"Behave!" she smacked him again, "Let's get back on subject. With whom can you picture Quatre?"
"Why are we talking about Quatre?"
"Yes, why are we talking about Quatre?" a third voice joined them.
"Quatre!" Sally spun around in surprise, not realising the blond had sneaked up on them.
"Yes, I am he," the young lord walked up to his friends with Hilde in tow, "What tall tales are you telling him about me, Sally?"
"I wasn't telling, I was asking."
"Asking what?"
"Private conversation, Lord Winner! Mind your own business!"
"Mister Maxwell, it would do you well to remember that, technically, your business is my business!"
"I'd advise you not to get too technical with Duo, Quatre," Hilde warned, "He is likely to talk your ears off. Then again, he's likely to talk your ear off anyway."
"You never complained before," Duo stuck his tongue out at her, "Why start now?"
"Do I need a reason for doing anything to you?"
"Good point."
"Excuse me!" Quatre suddenly cried, "Do you mind getting back on subject? Why are we talking about Quatre?"
"Oh, don't get paranoid, Quatre," Sally waved him off, "We were talking about Relena and Dorothy and you just happened to come into the conversation."
"Oh, not the 'Dorothy and Quatre' topic again?"
"Is there ever any other where she is concerned?"
"What 'Dorothy and Quatre' topic?" Hilde asked, hankering for gossip.
"There is none - that's the point! If only she understood that!" Quatre growled, "If she wasn't such good friends with Relena and her family so closely associated with mine, I wouldn't come within a mile of her if I could help it!"
"A true love-hate relationship then!" Hilde chuckled.
"I'm glad you can see the funny side of this," Quatre scowled, "Thankfully she's kept to herself so far. God only knows what she's going to do when we dock in Macao for the next two weeks."
"We'll find out in a few days, won't we? I'm sure she wouldn't dream of mauling you in a foreign country!" Sally quipped.
Dorothy's pursuit of Quatre had amused her since it began when they were children. Quatre had never encouraged her advances; in fact, Quatre has done everything short of publicly spurning her. Yet Dorothy's determination and perseverance never wavered once, much to Quatre's chagrin.
"You had better not give her any ideas, Sally," Quatre warned.
"Me?" she put on her best innocent look, "I do nothing to encourage the love-lorn Lady."
"Ahhh, ain't love grand?" Hilde giggled.
Duo snorted.
"What?" Hilde scowled at him.
"Did I say anything?"
"You are such a cynic!" Hilde punched him in the arm, "Lighten up Duo, or you'll die a lonely, old fart."
"Oh, gee, thanks, Hil," Duo muttered before walking off, "Well, unlike some, I have the early shift tomorrow. Good night all."
Duo gave his companions no chance of replying or questioning. He needed no reminding. Being in the waters of the South China Sea was enough to frazzle his nerves. He could not understand why he felt so nervous being in the East again. He had nothing to be sorry about, nothing to be ashamed of. Still, it hurt to be so close. He understood he was being ridiculous as China was a big place. He knew Wu Fei had family in Peking and naturally assumed he would have returned to them. He was being silly, and even if they should chance upon each other, what would be so wrong with that? Hadn't he wanted to see the Chinese youth? Even if it was only to see that he was doing well.
There was little point in worrying about it. Besides before that, he had to worry about being on Macao.
Notwithstanding, Duo could do little about it. He had a job to do and he was not going to let ghosts of the past stop him.
"Wow!" Quatre breathed.
"It is not beautiful?" Duo smiled.
The youths were standing at the bow of the Excelsior enjoying the picturesque scene unfolding before them as the ship sailed into view of the Macao harbour. The first landmark that came into view was Barra Fort - one of Macao's oldest forts built into the hills at the southwestern tip of the island's peninsular.
"What's that, Duo?" Quatre pointed to the fort.
"It's Barra Fort. Magnificent, huh? It was built over an older cannon battery. It protected the Inner Harbour from the Dutch invasion in 1622. The cannons haven't been used since then. But if you see a redhead behind one aiming at me, do tell, huh? Her aim is perfect."
"What?"
"An old wound, Quatre, with a very protective sister," Duo shrugged.
"I'm sorry, Duo."
"Why are you apologizing? It wasn't your fault. Besides, when I say 'old wound' I mean OLD. It's been just over five years, and you know what they say about time healing all wounds?"
"Five years? You were here five years ago?"
"Aye, I first came to the Far East when I was barely fourteen. I left the East nearly four years ago and began working for your father's company. Haven't been back since."
"Wow, really? The way you tell the stories it seemed like you were only here not yesterday."
"Well, some things really leave an impression. I'm hoping your visit to the East is going to be as memorable."
"I have no doubt it will be. I couldn't have asked for a better companion and friend than you, Duo. You've already made the journey here the best months of my life. I can hardly wait to see what you have in store!"
"Don't pin too much hope on me, mate! I'm just the one pointing you in the right direction. The rest is up to you."
"If that isn't a challenge, I've never heard one."
"You've been spending too much time around Lady Powell, Quatre."
Quatre giggled, "Perhaps I have."
The blond cherub then sighed in contentment as he shifted his gaze back to the approaching harbour. Duo smiled to himself and marvelled at the unmitigated joy pouring out from his young employer. He vaguely remembered that feeling for himself. It was with him when he was last in the waters of the South China Sea. Perhaps returning would award him with the same happy moments, albeit brief.
Before long they had docked at the main harbour on the west coast of the island and all cargo was being unloaded. Duo stood upon the promenade awaiting his charges to emerge from the Officer's Deck with the last of their possessions.
Quatre and Sally could hardly contain themselves, eagerly chatting in excited voices. At one point, Duo was certain Sally was going to dive off the Excelsior and swim ashore herself for she found the docking procedure taking too long.
His gaze shifted to Relena, who was hanging off Quatre's arm. The shear look of relief on her face made Duo giggled. He was a natural seafarer and has never fallen victim to seasickness; he could sympathise but certainly not empathise. Nevertheless, he, too, felt relief on the Lady's behalf. After all, she was supposed to be on a holiday, so far she had seen little other than the walls of her cabin.
The last member of their party strode sullenly and silently some four feet behind the others, scowling at Sally. Duo could see the jealousy and envy burning in her eyes. She was obviously not used to being 'ignored'. The Lady Catalonia had always been the centre of attention; Duo believed this voyage would serve as a rude awakening for the young aristocrat.
After reassuring Dorothy that her luggage would not be manhandled, scratched, damaged or go missing, Duo arranged transport to the hotel - the local way.
"That was so much fun!! Can we go again?!" Sally practically squealed as she hopped off the rickshaw. [2]
"Fun?" Dorothy snorted, "There must be a more dignified manner to travel. Have they no horses and carriages in this hovel of the world?"
"My apologies, Miss Dorothy," Duo offered her a hand off the local public transportation service, "I had thought that..."
"Duo, there is little need to apologize," Sally interrupted as she glared at Dorothy, "Quatre, Relena and I are here to experience the foreign culture and learn about how things work this side of the world. If you do not wish to join us in the venture, Dorothy, you are welcome to remain in the hotel or return to England aboard another vessel. All we ask of you is to not dampen or darken our sabbatical with your narrow mind and dour mood!"
It took everything Duo had to keep a straight face. Dorothy has done little save complain and criticize. Of her peers, Sally was the only one who could put her in her place. Quatre was too kind hearted, Relena too timid.
After a brief moment of staring daggers at each other, Sally turned to Duo and swept him away leaving Dorothy fuming.
"You are a brave lady, Sally," Duo whispered, "I hear Catalonia is powerful name."
Sally blew a raspberry, "Yes, and that's all they have - a name. I couldn't care less if she tells her grandfather on me! What is the Duke going to do? Reprimand me? Ruin me? I am neither the eldest nor the heir apparent to my family; there is little she can do to unhinge my world in the political arena. And without that arena, Dorothy has little claim to power."
"Remind me never to cross you, Lady Salina Powell," Duo replied then turned to the others, "Ladies and gentleman; welcome to the Boa Vista Hotel [3]. This is where we will be staying while we're in Macao. It has a private beach that looks out into the beautiful waters of Praia Grande Bay. It's no palace but I daresay your stay here will be comfortable and enjoyable."
Duo led his group through the large cedar wood doors into the foyer. The Portuguese influence within the halls of the hotel, interwoven with the unique design of the Orient, was remarkable.
"This is beautiful, Duo!" Sally gaped, "And ever so ... quaint, rustic and charming!"
"I wholeheartedly agree with Sally. It is very nice. I commend you on your choice, Mister Maxwell."
"It is just Duo, Miss Relena," the braided teen smiled, "Take a seat while I deal with your reservations."
Moments later, everyone was comfortably settling in their rooms, yes, Dorothy included. Duo had arranged for her to have the biggest and the best suite available, that was good enough for her, for now. The little reprimand she received from Sally served its purpose in humbling her. Duo wondered for how long though?
Relena, infinitely relieved to be on solid ground for the next two weeks, had decided to stay in until the 'bobbing' stopped. She wanted to be in full capacity of her senses before she began gallivanting around. Dorothy, too, had decided to stay, sulking in her room, no less. She claimed she wanted to indulge in the luxuries that the Excelsior failed to provide, namely a long, hot perfumed bath. Duo suspected that it was more akin to her not wanting to be in the same room as Sally. No one complained.
Duo, having the least to unpack, stood waiting the open courtyard for Quatre and Sally. Sally wanted to make the best of the remaining hours of daylight and insisted on beginning her adventure that day.
Even though he was glad to be the chosen escort of Quatre's party, Duo could not help but feel a little apprehensive about being back in the Orient. Pacing around the stone fountain, he tried to keep his calm. He was there, on Macao, still alive, but that might not last long.
"Of all the hotels on this island, you had to stroll into mine," a sultry soprano voice, underlined with a touch of venom, said.
"I would have thought that you would appreciate the custom I'm bringing in."
"So this is purely business?" she stalked up to him and scowled.
"Christ! Either I've grown or you've shrunk, Red. The last time I was here you were towering over me!"
"Don't talk to me like we're friends, Duo Maxwell," she stabbed him in the chest with her index finger, "I haven't forgiven you. I don't know if I ever will!"
Duo's shoulders sagged, "For what it's worth, I'm really sorry. I panicked. Plus my ship was leaving. I - "
"Spare me your excuses, boy!" the fiery redhead waved her hand to silence the braided Irish, "I am not the one you should be apologizing to. And what makes you so sure you can simply waltz in here five years later and be welcomed?!"
"As I said, business, you DO have the best hotel on the island," Duo tried not to provoke the owner of the establishment any more, but no matter what he said or didn't say she would not be pacified.
"You are heartless, you know! Have you no feelings? No remorse? No guilt? Did he mean nothing to you? BUSINESS?! That's it? You just came back here because you fancied a holiday in Macao?"
"Not I, I am here to accompany my employer's son and his friends on THEIR holiday to Macao. I'm just the hired help."
*SLAP*
Duo saw that coming, even if he didn't actually SEE that coming. Four crimson streaks appeared in his right cheek.
"I guess I deserved that."
"You ruddy deserved more than that!"
"That is no way to be treating a customer, Cathy," a soft baritone filtered into the courtyard.
Duo's heart clenched as he whispered the name of his 'old wound', "Trowa..."
"You hurt him again and I WILL kill you!" Cathy hissed before stalking back into the foyer.
"Please forgive Cathy. For some unknown reason she can't seem to let it go. But after hitting you, I suspect she might finally be able to let the anger rest."
"What about you? Do you want to take a swing as well to appease your anger? I promise I won't hit back."
"As charming as you were, Duo," a small, amused smile lifted the corner of Trowa's lips, "You weren't the love of my life and I have not been pining for you since you left. Granted, I was smitten, mesmerised, enchanted and completely entranced but something just didn't feel ... right."
"Strange, I felt the same way too," Duo felt a burden lifted off his shoulder, "In any case, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have simply upped and left without word."
"Don't be, I think a long drawn out goodbye would have been worse. Let's just put it down to experience and start anew."
"And a damned good experience it was!" Duo grinned.
Trowa blushed, "As charming as ever, I see. How many hearts have you broken since?"
"I've lost count!" Duo chuckled, "Christ, Trowa! Tis good to see you."
"Likewise," Trowa smiled again then promptly swept the braided lad into a crushing embrace. Duo hugged him back with matching fervour.
"Ehem, we're not interrupting, are we?" Sally's voice broke the pair apart.
"Not at all," Duo replied, "Sally, Quatre, this is Trowa Barton. Together with his sister, Cathy, they are the proprietors of this fabulous hotel. Trowa, Lady Salina Powell and Lord Quatre Winner, they are my 'charges' while in the Far East."
"A pleasure, Mister Barton," Sally curtsied, "My, my, Duo, you certainly are introducing us to the best this island has to offer."
"You flatter me, Lady Powell," Trowa blushed for the second time. Duo had almost forgotten how bashful Trowa could be. Not to mention adorable, too, when embarrassed.
"Please! Call me Sally. I'm on a holiday! Oh, and this mute, blond fool is Quatre. He CAN actually speak, I've trained him well, honestly!" Sally teased as she elbowed him.
"Sally!" Quatre hissed and he turned a lovely shade of fuchsia then mumbled a feeble hello.
"Don't mind them, Trowa," Duo laughed, "They're like this all the time! Care to join us?"
"I'm afraid duty calls. Perhaps another time," the leggy brunette shook his head, "It was nice meeting you, Sally, Quatre. Duo, we need to catch up on old times, if your 'charges' will let me have you for one evening?"
"Only if you would let us have you for at least one evening as well, Trowa!" Sally grinned.
"I'm certain that can be arranged. I shall take my leave now. Good day," with that Trowa left the trio in the courtyard.
"Right, folks," Duo clapped his hands together, "What would you like to do?"
"FOOD!" Sally replied in a shot, "I'm positively starving. I want something foreign, actually I should say local, something strange and something exotic!"
"Food?" Quatre groaned, "I don't think I can even handle something English, familiar and bland at the moment, much less something foreign, strange and exotic."
"You are such a wet blanket!"
The blond cherub rolled his eyes, "I'm just NOT hungry. My belly still thinks we're on the ship and the bobbing sensation that Relena spoke of is still very much with me. I think I'll spend some time with my dear cousin. After all, misery loves company."
"Tsk! You're no fun! Well, go away then! Duo and I will have a great time on our own," she stuck her tongue out at Quatre and promptly marched Duo out on the streets.
Sally's appetite for the new, wondrous and foreign was nigh insatiable; and Duo wasn't just thinking about food. She was like a child in a toy store, every shop they passed grabbed her attention with an iron grip, every sight she saw held her in awe. Duo had to practically blindfold her to keep her contained until they reached their destination.
As Sally wanted a rich and wide variety of food, the local market would be the best place to go. Apart from having a large congregation of stalls selling anything from reams of silk to wooden trinkets to jade jewellery, the markets, more often than not, host a large selection of hawker stalls. Duo knew that they wouldn't find any more 'local' cuisine than that.
It wasn't until way past sunset was Sally willing to return. Duo marvelled at the inexhaustible ball of energy that had just begun to stop bouncing. He was surprised that she wasn't more tired - most first time passengers tire easily after a long voyage and wanted nothing more than days of rest and relaxation to recover.
They returned to the hotel to find Quatre, Relena and Trowa sitting in the lounge, enjoying a nightcap.
"Good Lord, Sally!" Quatre exclaimed eyeing Duo's package-laden arms, "Did you have to buy all of Macao the first day you are here?"
"Hardly!" she tossed her head, "Duo only took me to the market and WOULDN'T let me stop in any of the shops."
"That's not true! We stopped plenty, I just asked to wait till we had more hands to carry things before you DID decide to buy the whole of Macao!" he retorted as he laid the contents of his arms onto a nearby chair before flopping into one himself.
"Never take Sally shopping. She is prone to turn into a maniac, the worst of them all!" Quatre pretended to whisper, just loud enough for Sally to hear.
"I heard that!" the honey-blonde scowled at him.
"I thought you were going for food," the blond cherub smirked at her.
"We did. The market had food AND merchandise! Isn't that great?" she grinned inanely, "Well, I'm going back to my room to admire my new trinkets!"
"I'll join you," Relena said as she stood, "You can show me what you've bought. Perhaps I'll get some for myself later."
"I'll take the packages up for you, ladies," Quatre offered.
"Christ! Do I smell or something? Why is everyone leaving?" Duo cried.
"No, it's not your smell that is repelling us. It's your blinding personality that's giving us all a headache."
"Lady or no, Sally, I'll get you one day!"
"You are very welcomed to try!" she replied cheekily, "Good night, Trowa. Keep this hooligan in check, would you?"
"As the Lady commands," he stood to bid the others good night.
Both remaining youths watched in silence as the trio ascended the stairs to their rooms before sinking back into their seats.
"Can I get you a drink?" Trowa finally offered after a few more moments of hush.
"No, thank you," Duo replied, feeling a little awkward and wondering why that was so. He had thought they had resolved any issues between them. Evidently, five years of festering guilt couldn't be washed away with one hug.
Duo sneaked another glance at Trowa. The boy that Duo met five years ago had matured into a beautiful young man. The roundness of youth had given way to chiselled features. Sandy brown locks had deepened into rich chocolate hue. His dark olive skin, evidence of his Macanese ancestry, offset his brilliant malachite eyes. While he was once considered gangly and skinny, Trowa has become a lithe, svelte body of perfection. Duo smiled to himself thinking - aye, he did have a soft spot for exotic Orientals.
Trowa looked up and met Duo's gaze. The intense emerald fire behind those green eyes was as fierce and determine as the braided youth remembered. Those orbs were the first things that entranced him and were still doing wonders to his insides.
"You're looking good," Duo finally whispered.
"As are you," Trowa replied with a slight smile, "Tell me how the years have been to you."
"Good," Duo flashed his trademark grin and began sharing his capers.
They continued chatting into the night, catching up, slowly filling the five-year gap. Even if they began their relationship in a somewhat strained condition, they boys were not about to let that get in the way of finding new horizons in a beautiful, budding friendship.
He wasn't sure why, but Duo felt comfortable with Trowa. They were nattering like old friends and friends were far and few between for Duo. Trowa had even managed to coax Duo into talking about Wu Fei. Or perhaps it was the drink that they boys had decided to share in the end that loosened his tongue. Duo didn't mind Trowa knowing, he knew the green-eyed youth would not judge him. It was nice to share - as Wu Fei once told him a problem shared is a problem halved.
Duo chuckled at that memory.
"What's got you tickled, Paddy?" Trowa asked.
"When I returned to Canton after leaving you, it was his shoulder I cried on about you. Now five years down the line, I'm crying on your shoulder about him. What a lark, eh?"
Trowa giggled, "I'm glad to hear you had someone to turn to then, and I'm glad you can turn to me now."
"Ack! Don't get sappy on me! Why are all my friends so sappy?"
"Maybe because you're such a tactless lout, you need a little sap in your life?"
"Prick! You'd better shut it!"
"Make me," the Macanese youth whispered the challenge.
Duo did not hesitate in taking it up and launched himself across the table to capture Trowa's inviting lips. Pleasant memories of their brief affair flooded back to him. Never in a million years would he have dreamed it would happen again. The familiar touch of his old lover sent shivers down his spine. He could feel long nimble fingers tangled in his hair, he, in turn, had Trowa's collar in his grip. His free hand found Trowa's wondering fingers and promptly intertwined with them.
Duo wasn't sure how long they were in a lip-lock, but they didn't care. At least, not until they heard Cathy's voice called out to Trowa. Duo was certain that Cathy WOULD kill him if she found him on Trowa.
Hastily, they pulled away from each other but as fate would have it, it didn't quite work. Duo yelped in pain as they sprang apart. His hair was caught on Trowa's ring. They must have been a funny sight - Trowa halfway out of the chair his hand outstretched, Duo sprawled on the floor his head attached to Trowa's right hand.
"What's going on?" Cathy demanded.
"Duo had something in his hair, I tried to remove it," Trowa replied calmly, "And now it would seem my ring is caught."
Duo put on his most innocent smile, hoping Cathy would believe Trowa.
"It's late, don't stay up too long," she shot Duo a murderous glance before retreating back to her room.
The boys burst out laughing once they were sure Cathy was out of earshot.
"You lie to her often?" Duo asked between giggles.
"I told no lie, there WAS something in your hair - my fingers," Trowa wiped a tear from his eye with his free hand.
"You think she's going to believe we weren't doing anything naughty?"
"Maybe, we'll know for sure tomorrow after breakfast."
"What do you mean?"
"If you don't die from poisoning, we'll know she either didn't suspect or didn't mind."
"Oh, gee thanks, I feel reassured." Duo pouted.
Trowa chuckled then tugged gently at Duo's hair. "Come here, let me untangle you."
Duo scooted over to Trowa and allowed him to free himself from the russet locks.
"There, all done."
"Well, I won't be trying that again. It bloody hurt!" Duo rubbed his scalp.
"Pity, I enjoyed it," Trowa replied with a cheeky grin.
"Now, who's being charming flirt?"
"No harm in flirting is there?"
"No, none at all, gorgeous. Flirt all you want with me, just as long as you don't scare the ordinary!"
"Are you talking about Quatre and his friends?"
"Uh, huh. I haven't told them and I'm not sure how they would react. Well, actually I can guess. Dorothy would definitely be furious and disgusted and probably try to have me exiled to Outer Mongolia. Relena would be shocked and be at a loss; perhaps in time, she'll get used to and accept the idea. Sally, I have a feeling she wouldn't bat an eyelid. As for Quatre, he'll no doubt be surprised, although I have a feeling, given time, he would have no reservations in accepting it."
"Why haven't you said anything about it if you're confident of their reactions?"
"Not exactly a dinner conversation is it, Verde. How many people have YOU told?"
"Not many."
"Not the easiest thing, is it? If it ever comes up, I won't deny it, until then, why bother? Besides, I don't see how my preferences has anything to do with me carrying out my job."
"Nothing I guess." Trowa shrugged.
"I think we'd better get to bed before Cathy catches us again."
"You're right," Trowa rose and offered a hand to Duo, who was still on the floor. The braided lad took it and let himself to be pulled up. Trowa held him close, "Goodnight, Paddy, maybe we can do this again sometime?"
"Maybe..." Duo kissed Trowa again before heading upstairs to his room, "Goodnight, Verde."
[1] I'm not sure how long it takes to sail from Plymouth to Cape Town, Africa so I just made it up. Totally fiction! Can anyone shed any light on it?
[2] Public transport in that era. Um.. how do I describe this? It's a one-seater with two large wheels pulled by someone and only used by the rich.
[3] The Boa Vista wasn't actually built until 1870 and started out as a private mansion. But I read about it and it, apparently, is arguably one of the most romantic places in Macao. I just had to use it. From its completion up to today, it has served as a multitude of institutions, from being a hotel to a school, from a sanatorium to a gambling den! It still stands today as the Consulate of Portugal.
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