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
Macao offered a multitude of strange and exotic things for the Britons to marvel at. Anything from the food to the architecture to the legends awed Quatre and Sally. Even Dorothy found a few wonders she could not deny.
More than once they had managed to accost Trowa or Cathy to have them as guides. Both siblings obliged willingly, taking to heart their most enthusiastic guests. They knew a lot more about the colony than Duo and were certainly more familiar with the streets. Besides they enjoyed the Britons' company.
On the last evening of their stay on the peninsular, Trowa and Duo were at the hotel's private beach looking out at the Praia Grande Bay as the sun set behind them.
Trowa sat, legs outstretched, leaning back on his elbows while Duo's head was pillowed on his lap. The boys had decided not to join the others on their final night revelling in the streets of Macao with Cathy, namely because Trowa had to stay to at the hotel just in case he was needed and Duo had to make sure that all had been arranged for their journey to Hong Kong the next afternoon.
Duo sighed.
"What's the matter, Paddy?" Trowa asked.
"Nothing."
"I thought you said you never lied."
"I was lying," he grinned. Trowa flicked his ear playfully.
"Very funny. C'mon you can tell, Uncle Trowa."
The braided Irish let out short bark of laughter, "Uncle Trowa? The frightening thing is that I can picture you very well in that role!"
"Well, it is unlikely I will have children of my own, I will simply have to be the best damned uncle there is. One who will spoil Cathy's children rotten then hand them back to her without having to deal with the consequences."
"You are cruel."
"Just paying back for all those time she bossed me around when we were younger."
"Remind me to never cross you," Duo giggled, "You are as bad as she!"
"Don't let her hear you say that," Trowa began playing with Duo's fringe, "Are you going to tell me what's bothering you?"
"As if you didn't know," Duo mumbled.
"Awww, Paddy, I didn't know you were going to miss me that much!"
"Fool! I wasn't talking about you!" he swatted the Macanese boy in the arm.
"Oh, the pain! The horror!" Trowa wailed melodramatically, "You mean to say that my presence in your heart has been replaced by that of an exotic Chinese youth? Oh, how will I carry on?"
"Carry on like that and I'll give you real reason to whine, Verde," Duo threatened playfully.
"You are hopeless, you know?"
"Hah! You have no claim accusing me of being a coward!" Duo retorted.
"By that, you mean?"
"Don't play the blushing maiden, Mister Barton," Duo looked up at Trowa, eyes full of mischief, "You cannot hide such things from me."
"Paddy," Trowa looked away, a faint blush on his cheeks, "I know not what you refer to."
"And I am the Prince of Wales," Duo rolled his eyes. He then sat up and spun around to face his friend and once-lover, "Let the voice of experience teach you, Trowa. Do not let love slip by you this easily."
"Love?" Trowa snorted, "You fall in love to quickly and easily, Paddy. That's why you end up hurting."
"And you, Verde," Duo sighed, "Are too afraid of adventure. If you've never been hurt because of love then you have never lived. Tell me honestly, Verde, have you sought another bed mate since we were last together?"
Trowa looked away and stood up abruptly. Duo took his silence as a no.
"He leaves tomorrow," the Macanese youth murmured.
"Let that be an impetus for action before it is too late," Duo had laid himself down on his belly, looking at Trowa's feet before him.
"He does not belong with me."
"Why not?" Duo asked.
"Because he is a son of an English Lord!" Trowa cried.
"You would let a small matter of title and rank stop you from finding out if Quatre is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with?"
"Now who is being hypocritical?" Trowa looked at Duo acidly.
"My not being with Wu Fei had nothing to do with his rank and status. Wu Fei is not like us, Trowa. He said it himself. I never stood a chance."
"And how certain are you that Quatre is like us? As I recall, you said that he would be appalled if he knew about you."
"I said Dorothy would be appalled, not Quatre. I am allowed to make mistakes once in a while. I would not encourage you if I knew you did not stand a chance."
"Has he told you?"
"No, but even the blind can see how his eyes light up whenever you sashay into the room. Some things need not be said to be known," Duo chuckled.
"I do not sashay," Trowa growled.
"Nevertheless," Duo reached out and tugged the hem of Trowa's trousers, "Won't you sit? My neck aches from craning to look at you."
"Why don't you stand?"
"Your attempts to change the subject will do you no good," Duo giggled, "I will not let this matter rest easily."
"What does it matter?"
"Are you flipping mad?" Duo exclaimed, "It matters because I want to see you and him happy!"
"It will not work," Trowa flopped back onto the sand, this time his head nestling in the arch of Duo's back.
"How can you be so certain when you have not tried?"
"He leaves tomorrow," the leggy brunette repeated himself.
"Hong Kong is but a stone's throw away," Duo shrugged, "There's room on the ship to come with us and I know Cathy will be able to manage without you for a while. We will be there for months to come. Your excuses are baseless."
"I am not sure..."
"None of us are ever sure, Verde, but we take the risk nevertheless," the Irish tucked his hands under his chin, "You need some excitement and danger in your paltry existence."
"Have anyone ever told you that you have the tact of a drunken buffalo?"
"Don't scorn me because I am truthful."
"Truthful? Don't you mean brutally honest?"
"We are not talking about me. Stop mulling and do something before he sails out of your life."
"What do you propose then? Should I court him into my bed like you did me?"
"If I remember correctly, it was you who invited me to your room!" the braided youth exclaimed, "But I digress. Just talk to him, Trowa. You've hardly said ten words to him in the last two weeks! He's just as terrified as you are. Remember, he is a sheltered child and this is his first time away from home. Just be a friend then slowly charm him with your dashing good looks and skilled, silver tongue, and I mean that in more ways than one!"
Trowa ignored his innuendo, "I wouldn't know what to say."
"Christ!" Duo swore, "What do I need to do to knock some sense into you?"
Sliding from under Trowa, he scrambled to his feet. Without missing a beat, he pulled his shirt off, grabbed Trowa by his ankles and began dragging him towards the water.
"Ow, Duo!" Trowa squirmed and tried to anchor himself, "What in God's name?"
"I think maybe a dunk in the cold water might clear your self-doubt and awaken your courage!" Duo picked up his speed.
"Let me go, you crazy Irishman!" Trowa squealed and tried to kick free but Duo had a good, strong grip. Digging his hands into the sand didn't help one bit, "Duo!!"
The braided Irish ignored him and continued into the lapping water.
"Aaaugh!" Trowa screamed when the first wave hit him, "Okay, okay! I'm in! Let go!!!!"
"Tsk!" Duo snorted and began wading further into the sea, "You're barely wet!"
"You ARE crazy! Let my legs go before you dr- blurb?! Ack! Koff!" Trowa spluttered as another wave smacked him in his face.
Duo, with water up to his thighs, finally decided that Trowa was wet enough, let go of the Macanese's ankles. Trowa, still spitting out seawater, scrambled to his feet. He was thoroughly soaked, his hair and clothes hanging on him limply.
"Oh, prepare to meet Hades!" he threatened, an impish look flashed in emerald eyes and he made a lunge for Duo.
"You've gotta get me first!" Duo dived away, cackling like a lunatic.
Trowa plunged into the water and swam after the braided Irish. Fortunately, for Duo, he was a faster swimmer than Trowa. But that didn't help him much as he was laughing too hard to swim properly. Trowa eventually caught up with him and began dunking him into the water.
As Trowa submerged his head into the water for the third time, Duo took advantage of the unguarded torso before him. He began tickling Trowa. He heard a muffled shriek from above the water and the hands on his head ended up around his wrists.
Duo popped his head up, took a breathless gasp of air and grinned.
"You have not won yet, Paddy!" Trowa smirked. He jerked Duo towards him, spun him around and wrapped an arm and a leg around the braided boy. With his free hand he began running his fingers lightly behind Duo's ear and down the back of his neck - it was the only place that Duo was ticklish.
"EEEEEEEE!" the braided boy squirmed even harder, "No! Noo! Hahahahaha, have mercy... eeee...!" and the cries of leniency mixed with hysterical laughter continued echoed through the bay as Trowa got his revenge.
Duo did the only thing he could to get free. He submerged himself, and because Trowa wasn't going to let him go that easily, he, too, went down with Duo. Soon the two of them were wrestling underwater again. Duo once again proved to be the better swimmer when Trowa ran out of breath quicker than he did. Seizing the opportunity, he kicked away from the brunette and swam a few strokes.
"You'll never catch me, landlubber!" Duo cried swam a few more strokes.
Hearing no retort from his companion he stopped and looked around. The sun had set and the only source of light was from the waxing moon and the torches on the hotel beach. He treaded water and searched the bay frantically with his eyes.
"TROWA?!" he cried, panic began rising in his chest, "Trowa, where are you? This is not funny!"
He kept as still as possible trying to listen for any sounds of his friend, "TROwaaaaa - ulp!"
Something had snagged his ankle and was dragging him down. Another wave of panic seize him before he noticed a pair of lips pressing firmly against his.
Moments later, they both broke through the water and Duo slapped Trowa in the arm.
"That was NOT funny! You scared me half to death!"
"I caught you, though," Trowa smirked triumphantly.
"Cad." He hit the tall brunette again.
"Scamp." Trowa tugged his braid.
"Rogue." *slap*
"Pirate." *punch*
"Flirt." *jab*
"Tart." *elbow*
"DUOOOOO?!"
Both boys stopped fighting for a moment and squinted towards the shore. They didn't realise how far out they had swam.
"Who's that?" Duo asked.
"Quatre," Trowa said.
"You can tell from here?" Duo raised and eyebrow, "Luv, stop kidding yourself and go get'im!"
"I told you -"
"You told me jack shit, Verde. Fuck all th'logic in your head, luv, and listen to your heart for a change! Christ!" Duo began swimming back to shore, "C'mon, lets go back before he gives himself an ulcer thinking you're drowned."
Trowa followed him in silence.
"Hey, Quatre!" Duo said as he emerged from the water, "Had a good time?"
"What's going on? Where's Trowa? I heard you screaming for him." Quatre's eyes were wide with anxiety. Duo thought it was really sweet the way he was so concerned about Trowa.
"He's right behind me. Don't worry, we were only playing and the prat was trying to scare me. Huh, worked too!" Duo began wringing his hair out.
"Hi, Quatre." Trowa sashayed up to the boys, his wet garments clinging onto every curve of his sculpted body. "How was your evening?"
"I, uh, good," Quatre stammered, "How was yours?"
Duo's heart fluttered looking at those two in almost-courtship. Judging by Quatre's reaction to Trowa's sodden form, he knew that he wasn't wrong about the cherub. He HAD to do something or he'd go crazy himself.
"It was nice and pleasant until Paddy, the crazy Irishman, here decided he wanted to go for swim fully clothed."
"I took my shirt off," Duo replied nonchalantly.
"An option you failed to offer me when you bodily dragged me into the water."
"You were being a prat, I had to do something."
"I was a prat? Says the plonker who almost drowned me."
"You see what I had to put up with all evening?" Duo complained to Quatre, who was now giggling. "And you wonder why I had resort to such measures to break his sombre and melancholy mood?"
Duo looked down to see Quatre's feet were bare. He was only dressed in light cotton shirt and trousers. Hmmm... thought the braided boy.
"I wasn't being melancholy!" Trowa protested.
"I see you both had fun tonight!" Quatre tittered.
"The night is young... You can still join in the fun!" Duo cried and charged Quatre.
"AAAAAAAAA!!!!!" the blond cherub screamed as Duo's tackle took them both into the water. A huge wave happened upon them and they were both submerged for a moment, cutting out Quatre's panicked screaming and Duo's howling.
"Duo! You lunatic!" Trowa cried as he rushed into the water help the blonde to his feet.
Quatre was coughing and spluttering as Trowa drew him up. He was also trembling.
"Quatre?" Trowa asked gently, sweeping sodden locks away from his eyes. "Are you alright?"
Still coughing, Quatre nodded gently.
"You'll live, Quatre!" Duo giggled, still splashing in the water, "A little bit of sea water won't hurt ya!"
"Not unless, koff, you don't know how to swim," came the shaky reply.
"WHAT?!" Duo sprang to his feet. "And you didn't see fit to mention that BEFORE we left Plymouth?"
"I didn't think that was relevant," Quatre half shrugged.
"NOT RELEVANT?" Duo squealed, "You sailed thousands of miles in the open sea without letting us know you can't swim?"
"Um... yes?"
Duo rolled his eyes, "From now on, you are NOT going to be on the promenade unaccompanied! Jesus Christ! You could've fallen overboard and drowned before anyone realised! What about the others? I'm guessing they can't swim either?"
"Sally and Relena can," Quatre said in a timid voice under the protective embrace of Trowa.
"Anything else I should know?"
"Um... no?"
"That's enough, Duo," Trowa interjected as he drew Quatre closer into his embrace gently.
Duo sighed. "I'm sorry I shouted, Quatre. Are you okay?"
"Yes, I am alright." He nodded. "I was just taken by surprise and the water is cold. We weren't deep enough to drown anyway."
"You know I wouldn't have done that if I knew you couldn't swim," Duo then added to himself silently - actually I would've seeing I've managed to get you into Trowa's arms.
"I know." He gave Duo a bright cherubic smile.
"Let's get back to the hotel and get you dry, Quatre." Trowa smiled and led the blonde back.
Duo stood motionless, looking at the two figures retreating from him. A broad and self-satisfied grin spread across his face.
"Heh," he whispered to himself as he made his way after his friends, "If I had known that that was all it took to get Trowa in motion, I'd have tried to kill Quatre earlier!"
Cathy was staring daggers at Duo. He knew very well what prompted that reaction. His gaze shifted to a pair of whispering, beaming youths standing by the courtyard entrance. He couldn't be happier that those two had finally decided to TALK to each other instead of merely gazing dreamily at one another.
Duo smiled and walked up to Cathy. Her scowl deepened.
"Speak and I will gut you," she hissed.
"You don't mean that, Red. You love me really."
"This is your doing, isn't it?"
"Not entirely, I merely pointed Trowa in the right direction."
"This had better not be one of your pranks, Maxwell. If Trowa comes back heartbroken, I will hunt you down and flay the skin from your writhing body."
"Ouch." He grinned. "Look at them, Red! Does it look like one of my pranks? When was the last time you saw Trowa grinning like a fool? When was the last time he snuck out to rendezvous with a mysterious amour? They were made for each other."
"But Quatre is not - "
"Not yet. He doesn't know it, but he is. Trust me, I know these things."
"You HAD better!" she growled.
"Ahh, Red." Duo smiled gently at her. "You know I would never wilfully hurt you or Trowa. Don't worry, I will take care of your baby brother while we are in Hong Kong."
"You had better make a stop back here before leaving for England!" the redhead warned, "I want to see my baby brother again before he sails away into far and foreign lands!"
Duo's smile widened into a happy grin. "Of course. Anyone tell you are a great sister?"
"Not often enough," she grumbled.
"You are the best, Red. I'm going to miss you too."
"Your princesses are waiting, you had better go." Cathy pointed to an impatient Dorothy pacing, a nervous Relena twisting her handkerchief and an eager Sally bouncing on the balls of her feet.
"Take care, Cathy." Duo suddenly swept her into his arms, dipped her and plunged a hearty kiss on her lips.
Cathy blinked stupidly at Duo; then exhaled, "So, that's how you courted my brother. Now, behave, take care and farewell."
Duo hugged her again and left the Boa Vista Hotel with five in tow.
"Welcome to Hong Kong, Miss Dorothy," a man in smart military uniform greeted them as they disembarked, "I was sent to greet you. I am Lieutenant Nicol."
It would seem an entire legion of the Armed Forces had been summoned to greet her. Duo didn't even know that a welcoming party was expected. Dorothy must have contacted her relation herself.
"Duo, what's going on?" Sally asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine! For a moment there, I thought they were here to take me into custody!" he joked.
"You're a wanted man?"
"One can only hope." Duo grinned.
Sally rolled her eyes. "Duo!"
"No! Of course not, Sally! I'm not a wanted man. I may have had my brush with the law but I've served my sentence!"
"You were sentenced?" Her eyes widened with intrigue and misplaced awe.
"It's nothing to be proud of but I did it save a friend."
"Oh, how noble!" she cried.
"He called me foolish." Duo laughed. "Someday I'll tell you all about it."
They made their way to Dorothy and the others. The Lieutenant who greeted Dorothy was now explaining the situation to her.
"As you know, your cousin is away at the moment but he should return in a week's time. You have leave to use his estate and make yourself at home. Will your friends be accompanying you?"
"Of course, we are!" Sally said before Dorothy could reply, "We've heard so much about Dorothy's cousin, we simply HAVE to meet him, Lieutenant. Isn't that right, Dorothy?"
Dorothy did well to hide her distaste. To openly reject Sally would be poor manners, "That's right, Lieutenant. I'm certain Treize would not mind the extra company."
"Excellent!" Sally clapped. "Lead the way, Lieutenant. By the way, do you have rickshaws here?"
Duo shrugged and followed the company. He made a mental note to cancel the reservations he had made. He giggled at Sally's antics, only she could ruffle the Lady Catalonia's feathers this well. Dorothy was already on edge, seething about Quatre and Trowa's newfound friendship. She had one more contender to deal with.
He walked up to Relena and offered her his arm as the walked toward the waiting carriages. The Lady was looking good. It would seem the short trip didn't faze her too much.
"Who is Dorothy's cousin?"
Relena took his arm and cocked an eyebrow at him, "Treize Kushrenada, of course."
"Why do the Armed Forces answer to him?"
"Because not only is he the Governor of Hong Kong, he was a Colonel of the Forces as well."
"I see Miss Dorothy has friends in high places."
Relena giggled. "I wonder if Dorothy actually told him that there were six of us."
"I doubt Miss Dorothy wanted all five of us there with her, she was more than likely planning to accost Quatre and Quatre alone, while the rest of us languish away in less than aristocratic surroundings!"
"You are probably right. It was very bold indeed of Sally to invite us to the Governor's mansion. Oh, and I want to thank you."
"For what?"
"For Trowa." She grinned.
"For Trowa?" Duo raised a confused eyebrow. "What do you mean for - OH! You're not upset?"
"Upset? Whatever for?" Relena tossed her golden blond locks. "I may be a Lady but do not mistake me for being naïve and ignorant. My dear cousin on the other hand has the innocence of a babe.
"We grew up together and have always been close. I have watched him the last few years. I have seen where his interests lie. However, if I were to suggest or encourage him to pursue happiness, he would undoubtedly be horrified that I could have such a notion for I am a Lady and he would be ... ashamed about his diverse preferences. He needs to realise and embrace it himself, explore it when he is ready. I'm glad to finally see him accepting the possibility of companionship, even love, despite its variance to what society deems natural."
Duo's jaw hung low; his awe and respect for the Lady soaring to even greater heights. THAT was not something he would expect from Relena. She portrayed herself to be demure and conservative. Her open recognition of her cousin's diversity was nothing short of astounding yet heart-warming.
"Duo?" She looked curiously at him.
"Aye?"
"Have I surprised you?"
"Surprised? Nay. Shocked? Flabbergasted? Astounded? Gobsmacked? Aye."
Relena laughed, a clear fairy-like sound. "My mother is correct, my independence and liberalism will be my undoing when it comes to finding suitors."
"Not all men are intimidated by that. In fact, I knew someone who welcomed it."
"Oh? He must be a gem among men."
Duo sighed wistfully to himself, "Aye. Aye, he is."
Seeing the master was absent, Dorothy did not hesitate a moment to claim the mantle of mistress of the house. It was fascinating to see how every servant simply obeyed her despite not knowing who she was. There was little doubt that the Lady had a firm grip on authority and wielded it like a cracking whip. Duo was fortunate that she had not tried that same whip on him as he had her peers' 'protection'.
After sending most of the servants scurrying preparing food and rooms for she and her 'guests', Dorothy began questioning Nicol about Treize's whereabouts.
The others had decided to leave Dorothy to her shenanigans and retreated from the drawing room. Trowa, Quatre and Relena disappeared into the garden while Sally had Duo in tow exploring the mansion.
Duo thought that Sally must have been a rather handful child.
"Treize has a keen interest in the Orient," Sally said as she examined another relic from the Yuan dynasty.
"That goes without saying. I doubt that he would've chosen to be the Governor of Hong Kong if he didn't like it here," Duo said peering at a large silk painting with beautiful, curly calligraphy.
"I wonder what he's like." Sally pulled Duo to the next room. "I certainly hope he is nothing like Dorothy."
"I pray not." Duo hurried after her, trying not to trip over her skirt. "However, what I am wondering is how he would take to five unexpected guest who have conveniently invited themselves into his home for the next few months."
Sally clicked her tongue. "Oh, pish-posh! Have you no eyes to see the vastness of this mansion? I believe so long we don't interfere with his work, he would hardly realise we're here."
"I hope you are right."
"Of course I am!" she said brightly.
"Of course." Duo rolled his eyes. "Silly me."
"Oh, a music room!" she cried into it then hurried into it, "We must bring Quatre here. He must miss his own."
"Quatre plays?"
"Only too well!" Sally sat herself on the pianoforte and tapped a few keys. "He has a talent that is peerless. I miss his music. Let's go find him!"
With that the honey-blonde bounded out of the room and headed towards the garden. Duo, laughing to himself, hurried after her, still marvelling the endless mirth and energy in the Lady Powell.
After much cajoling, threatening and pleading, Quatre finally consented to playing. The quintet retired to the music room, when they finally found it again, and spent most of the day there. While Quatre played a multitude of tunes, Relena and Sally were resolved to teach both Trowa and Duo to dance. By the time a servant came to inform them their room were prepared and tea was served, the Ladies declared that the boys were ready to court and awe the maiden of their choice at the next ball.
Speaking of balls, Dorothy seemed to have taken upon herself to organise one for two reasons. Firstly was to introduce herself to the crème-de-la-crème of Hong Kong society and secondly to 'welcome' Treize home. Duo thought that the second reason was merely a cover up for her desire to have a party. From what he heard, Treize had only been gone several days and will be back in no more than a week's time. A homecoming party was hardly warranted.
Nevertheless, no one in the company complained. In fact, they welcomed the idea as the party kept Dorothy out of their way, Quatre was particularly grateful for that. She had seven days to whip the servants into shape in preparing the best soiree this little island had seen. Time was of the essence.
While Dorothy organised her party, the others were busy exploring Hong Kong. Duo having never been there himself was enjoying the sights and sounds of the colony as much as the others were. Without the benefit of someone familiar with the place, he and Trowa, both capable of speaking Cantonese, did their best in ferreting out the most interesting of locations and fascinating of activities for the company to indulge in.
Food seemed to be the primary interest of their holiday. Sally taking the lead into unchartered territory. Soon, Quatre and Relena relented and plunged into the unknown with equal gusto.
Second on their list was shopping. This activity was welcomed by all three Britons with open arms. Between the three of them, there was little they didn't purchase - from trinkets to ornaments, from toys to jewellery, from accessories to dresses and suits. Both Duo and Trowa had ended up being coolies for their friends' shopping.
In between eating and buying everything in sight, Duo and Trowa took them to temples and clan houses, they watched the Chinese opera and street side martial arts performances, they ate at posh inns and hawker stalls. When they weren't out causing havoc in the streets of Hong Kong, they were either in the garden enjoying a spot of tea or in the music room being entertained by Quatre and Relena, whom Duo found out had a beautiful voice.
The mansion in the meantime was being turned upside down by Dorothy's ministrations. Neither one of them were inclined to stop or deter her. It was after all HER cousin's home. The company kept to themselves and asked little of the poor servants who were already run down by the maniacal new mistress of the house.
"Do you think we'll live to see the sunrise after the party?" Duo asked. He was lying on the grass next to Quatre's chair. The company was enjoying a lazy afternoon.
"For the moment, I doubt it," the blonde giggled.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous!" Relena exclaimed. She was in the chair opposite Quatre. "Treize is a fair and patient man."
"Perhaps he is." Trowa nodded, he was propped up on his elbows, lying next to Duo. "But did you ever question why he had travelled thus far? Perhaps he wanted to get away from the likes of Lady Dorothy?"
Duo and Quatre laughed.
"You may be right there," said Sally, also on the grass, seated and leaning on Relena's chair. "I had never thought of that! Can you imagine coming home after ten days to find your home being invaded by five strangers and your cousin having free reign to it? I would not be very forgiving."
"Oh, come now, all of you," Relena chided, "Treize is not unreasonable. He is rather charming and gallant."
"You have met him?" Duo asked.
"Briefly, perhaps ten years ago, before he left England to sail east."
"That many years can change a man," Trowa said, "Even more so when he is abroad."
"I would rather think the better than the worse of him."
"I agree with Relena but there may be some truth in that," Sally added, "I heard he was in the front lines of the war."
"What war?" Quatre sat up, intrigued.
"The Opium War," Duo replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice. No one seemed to notice it, save Trowa. The Macanese youth cast the Irish a knowing glance.
"When did that happen?" the blonde continued querying.
"About four, five years ago," Trowa hurriedly replied, wanting to spare Duo from talking about it. He continued, hoping that the blonde's curiosity would be satisfied, "It was between the Chinese and the British and concentrated mainly around Canton. That is how Hong Kong was ceded to the British. It was part of the treaty to end the war."
"I see," Quatre was momentarily satisfied, "But Relena is right, we should not judge - what in the world was that?!"
All heads had turned towards the mansion when a loud bang interrupted Quatre.
"Maybe one of the servants who had had enough of Dorothy shot her?" Sally said.
"Sally!" Relena exclaimed aghast.
"I was merely jesting!" She grinned.
"I hear people shouting." Duo said as he jumped to his feet. "I, for one, am curious to know what is happening." Duo extended his hand to Sally and said, "Care to join me?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world!" She took his hand and, like curious children, the both of them ran back to the mansion.
Duo was right, there were people shouting. The haughty female voice was undoubtedly Dorothy, the other, male, didn't sound familiar. Duo wondered if a servant was brave enough to challenge the Lady.
Duo and Sally stood by the dining room door to watch the exchange. Dorothy's challenger had a shock of wild, dark brown hair. He was not very tall but his slim stature gave him the impression of height. He stood firmly before the Lady, his hands clenched in fists.
"I do not care if you are the Queen of England!" he exclaimed, "I am certain the Queen would have more manners and respect for others than you do! Who gave you the right to invade Treize's home?"
"How dare you!" Dorothy cried, "Who do you think you are? You are bold for a servant!"
"Servant?" he echoed in disbelief, "Are you simply ignorant or are you arrogant? Do you even realise that you are not the only nation that has an aristocracy and we are not all subservient. My being Oriental does not simply mean that I - "
"You?" Dorothy scoffed, interrupting the youth, "An aristocrat?"
"I never claimed that I was," he replied, much calmer now, "The more you speak, the more ignorant you prove to be! Surely, you wouldn't have made it here all on your own. You MUST have a chaperone, where is she?"
Dorothy's expression was priceless. Duo did all he could to suppress his laughter. From the corner of his eyes he could see Sally doing the same thing.
Dorothy had never looked this astonished or insulted. It was no doubt that no stranger has ever been so bold towards here. Especially when he had openly admitted to not being a member of the landed gentry. She had been slighted by a mere commoner!
"You cannot expect me to believe you would sail all the way from England unaccompanied," the brunette continued when she made no reply, "Surely you would need someone to lace your corset, hold your hand when thunder rolls and slice the truffles upon your dinner plate?"
Duo was fast losing his battle with the giggles.
"Oh!" Dorothy exclaimed, "Treize will hear of this!"
"Of course he will for I will tell him myself."
"I ... " Dorothy began but could find no words to challenge the youth. She suddenly looked past his shoulder and straight at Duo and Sally. Duo thought that the Lady was going to take it out on them instead. However, she wasn't looking at them, she was looking at Quatre standing behind them.
"QUATRE!" she screamed.
Duo could FEEL the cherub cringe. Heaving a sigh, the blond Lord stepped around Duo and entered the dining room. Trowa followed, as did Relena, then Sally and Duo, both still trying not to laugh too much.
"This cad here had insulted me!" She pouted. "I demand satisfaction!"
"Dorothy, please," Quatre pleaded, "Please - "
"I said, I demand - " she repeated.
"We heard what you said, Dorothy," Sally came to Quatre's rescue, "What with your screaming and shouting like a pampered, petulant child, the ENTIRE mansion heard what you said. Perhaps even the island heard you."
"Who are you?" the brunette demanded as he scowled at the five newcomers.
"We are her 'chaperones'." Sally smiled. "Although it was not a task that anyone of us took on willingly. Nevertheless, some of us have greater crosses to bear."
"I'm sorry," Quatre apologized and began introductions, "My name is Quatre Winner. This is my cousin, Lady Relena Peacecraft and my friends Lady Salina Powell, Duo Maxwell and Trowa Barton. Lady Dorothy Catalonia, you have met. And you, sir, are?"
"Heero Yuy." Heero nodded briefly at Quatre. "Who gave you the authority to do ... this to Treize's home?"
"Who gave you the authority to be here?!" Dorothy barked.
"Dorothy, please!" Quatre sighed exasperatedly. "Sally, Relena, would you please escort Dorothy to her room and calm her down?"
"We would be delighted to," the two chimed and whisked a mildly protesting Dorothy away.
"I must apologize for Dorothy, she can be difficult at best."
"Well?" Heero's scowl deepened.
"Yes, Governor Kushrenada's home. I have to confess we had no dealings in this matter. Dorothy had invited us to stay here for the duration of our holiday. But I assure you we were not involved in the preparation of Dorothy's party."
"Party?" Heero asked incredulously, "It looks like the room has been raided by a band of blind baboons with the finesse of pirates and the sophistication of barbarians!"
That was too much for Duo to bear, his legs buckled from under him as he collapsed in a heap of laughter. Trowa was the only thing keeping him upright as he leaned on the taller youth.
"Please excuse Duo, as well." Trowa grinned. "He, too, can be difficult."
"Hey!" the Irish protested.
Heero ignored them. "If this was to be a party, pray tell what the occasion is?"
"Dorothy's debut to the social elite of this island, in conjunction with the Governor's homecoming," Quatre said with a somewhat strained voice.
"Homecoming? Treize has only been away for ten days!"
"There is little we can do to apply such logic to Dorothy."
"Am I to presume that invitations have been issued?"
"No doubt, but as I said, we had no involvement in this. We were only instructed to attend this party dressed in our finest. That is our only involvement."
Heero sighed. "I see. Treize returns in two days' time, therefore I am assuming that this party will be held then. I fear it might be a little late to retract the invitations without making Treize look like a fool. I have no doubt that it was done in his name as well."
"Dorothy is efficient in matters of these nature if nothing else."
"That was what I feared." The brunette ran his fingers through his unruly hair. "Then tell your Lady that she may continue. I will intercept Treize at the docks to warn him of this escapade. I am certain he would rather have the opportunity to appear presentable to his 'guests' than simply arrive in his travel worn attire."
"Thank you, Mister Yuy." Quatre extended his hand. "We shall endeavour to keep Dorothy in check in the future."
"You're welcome." Heero shook the blonde's hand graciously. "I apologize for my outburst, Lord Winner. It is not everyday you find your friend's home being 'invaded' by the likes of your Lady."
"Dorothy is not my Lady," Quatre corrected, "She is my cousin's companion and our family are associated. That is all."
"Truly? She seemed rather compliant to your commands."
"That is her own choice, I do nothing to encourage her."
"She does seem rather ... tenacious."
"Tenacious?!" Duo spluttered, "You are too kind!"
"You are right, Mister Barton." Heero eyed Duo curiously. "He seems rather difficult too."
"Hey!"
"You're outnumbered, Paddy. Now behave before Quatre sends you to your room like he did Dorothy." Trowa grinned then turned to Heero. "Please call me Trowa. 'Mister Barton' sounds so uptight and pompous!"
"A name change won't stop you from being uptight and pompous, Verde!"
"Perhaps not, but I know what will make you silent and polite!"
"Oh, shit!" Duo ran before Trowa even moved. Trowa, who could never resist making Duo squirm, took after him.
Duo sped into the garden and scaled the trellis to the first floor. He reached a window and peered into it. Seeing that it was empty he slid into the room and made his way to the door. He knew that Trowa was very likely going to tickle him to death or tie him up with his own braid. The Macanese youth seemed to have an advantage over him even though they were similar in height and weight. Trowa just KNEW how to get the better of him. This time he wasn't going to let him do that.
He hurried down the hallway only to run into Sally.
"Duo? What are you doing?"
"Shhh!"
"What?" Sally whispered.
Duo ushered her into the room they were next too. "I'm being pursued."
"Your dreams come true then?"
"Ha-ha."
"What happened with Mister Yuy?"
"Nothing. Once Dorothy left the room, he calmed down. Perfectly understandable. He had given consent to carry on with the party, so we still might perish on Treize's return!"
"He's given consent? Who is he to Treize?"
"A friend." Duo shrugged.
"Must be a good friend."
"What are you implying, young Lady?"
"Nothing!" Sally exclaimed, "Your imagination is by far too wild for your own good, Duo. I'm going to tell Dorothy that she can carry on being a prat before she drives Relena to despair."
"Right, I'm going to keep hiding until Trowa forgets about me."
"Just get Quatre to smile at him and Trowa will forget his own name!"
"Good point! You're greatest, Sally!" he kissed her on her cheek and bounded out of the room looking for the blond cherub.
Heero stayed at the Manor from that day on, much to Dorothy's chagrin. Nevertheless he stayed out of Dorothy's way, unless of course he spotted something that could potentially destroy the Manor.
While he kept a wary eye on Dorothy, Duo and the others encouraged his company. Heero, when not provoked, was pleasant company. Duo found him to be well learned, worldly and curious. He was rather shy and reserved and was only forthcoming when questioned about something that wasn't personal - the most popular topic was Treize. Duo felt that they all needed reassurance from the Japanese youth that Treize wasn't going to have them hung, drawn and quartered for not hindering Dorothy.
When the day of the party arrived, everyone obediently prepared themselves for it. Duo knew that the others were more concerned about meeting Treize for the first time than they were looking presentable for the party. It was understandable, Treize did sound rather intimidating.
Duo checked his reflection one last time. Everything looked as good as could hope for. Satisfied, he headed down to the ballroom to face the music.
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