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.
<"..."> spoken in Cantonese
Wu Fei walked silently through Merchant's Quarter, his thoughts firmly focused on what he was going to say to Duo. It has been three days since he ran out on the braided Irish; Wu Fei fervently hoped that Duo would not be so mad at him that he would be unwilling to talk to him.
Had he the choice, he would have been back at the docks the same night his books were burnt. Heaven knows he needed an understanding shoulder to cry on that night. However, his father's men had been watching Wu Fei very closely, unreasonably close. They had tried their best to remain inconspicuous but Wu Fei was no fool.
He cast his thoughts back to the events of the past three days.
Every time he turned, he would find someone inanely staring at a plant, cleaning non-existent dust off a random table or saluting him smartly. General Chang even had guards posted by his door and windows! They may not have been directly next to the door or windows but they were certainly within visual range. And every time he tried to leave the compound he found himself being shadowed as well!
Wu Fei indulged his father for the first day after the incident, he wanted nothing more than to be left alone again and casting the image of a pious son would be the best way for him to do 'trusted' again. However, the young Dragon was not a very patient lad.
By the evening of the second day of his 'imprisonment', he was going barmy. What aggravated him more was the fact that it was Mei-Ran's last day in Canton. He had already missed seeing her the night before, he had wanted to spend some quality time with her ALONE before she left. Notwithstanding, he was relieved in some ways he had had not the chance to see her - he would not have to tell her of his, possibly, impending marriage until later.
Nevertheless, he wanted his privacy back and confronting his father would only exacerbate the situation. His only hope was Hoi Yee.
Wu Fei had seen neither hair nor hide of his surrogate mother in that time. In his effort to avoid his father disapproving gaze and Su Yin's looks of contempt, Wu Fei had decided to distance himself. No one seemed to care. Li got his meals for him and he ate in his solar. He had also taken this time to straighten out his library.
Occasionally, his sister, Siew Fong, would turn up and talk to him. Of all his sisters she was the most likable, she was her mother's daughter. Siew Fong and Hoi Yee were so alike it was uncanny. As the eldest of the remaining Chang children, Siew Fong had taken it upon herself to look out for her younger siblings. Wu Fei appreciated her sentiment but knew that she would have little luck in changing their father's mind. Still she had brought a little comfort to his broken heart.
Even though he had calmed down, he still felt betrayed and angry, akin to a wounded and trapped animal. In a sense he was - wounded by his father's betrayal and trapped by his filial duty as his son. He knew that if he wasn't left alone soon, he would most certainly lash out and do something he would truly regret.
Fortune favoured him. Hoi Yee turned up with dinner as he made up his mind to seek out his surrogate mother. She had chosen to dine with her son that night.
<"I hear you're going crazy?"> she asked, amusement underlying her tone.
Wu Fei scowled, <"It's not funny,">
<"I'm not here to rub salt in your wounds, Wu,"> she softened her voice, <"Siew Fong and Li said you looked like a rabid animal ready to pounce on the slightest hint of provocation. I just wanted to make sure you're doing okay.">
<"I'm most certainly not doing okay. They were my most treasured possessions. And Father had Li beaten because he was being loyal to ME! What happened to the preaching about servants being obedient to their masters at all times, in all situations? Li serves ME, not Father; he was being obedient! He should not have been questioned or even punished, much less flogged! Talk about double standards!"> he replied bitterly.
<"I know, dear,"> Hoi Yee attempted to pacify Wu Fei, <"I don't think it was what you owned that made your father as mad as the fact that you were hiding them from him.">
<"I make no excuse or justification for my interest,"> Wu Fei frowned again, trying to remember that Hoi Yee was on his side, it would do him no good to make her angry too, <"But can you blame me for not sharing them? Father has made it clear that he does not welcome them. What is it he keeps quoting? The Celestial Empire possesses all things in prolific abundance and lacks no product within its borders. There is therefore no need to import the manufactures of outside barbarians in exchange for our own produce.">
Hoi Yee could no help but laughed. Wu Fei did a very good impression of his father spouting the words Emperor Ch'ien Lung had given a British emissary when the request for the establishment of a permanent diplomatic residency was forwarded [1].
It was true - the General had often express his dislike towards the Western influence that was encroaching the borders of China. However, in all honesty, Hoi Yee never paid much attention to that. Politics, after all, was not a woman's concern.
<"You do make a good impression of your father, but you'd better not let him see you do that!">
Lightened by her laughter, Wu Fei smiled, <"Do you think I could get into more trouble than I am already in? I mean, he's already burned all my Western paraphernalia, have me under virtual house arrest and now he wants me to be an Official or a husband! I can't think of anything worse he could do to me.">
<"Don't underestimate him, Wu!"> Hoi Yee warned playfully, <"He isn't a General for nothing, you know.">
Wu Fei shrugged and heaved an exaggerated sigh.
<"And while we're on the subject,"> Wu Fei groaned, knowing what Hoi Yee was going to say. Hoi Yee continued, <"Have you put more thought into what you're going to do?">
<"Trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea.">
<"Sorry? What was that?">
<"It means both choices are difficult. How can he ask me to choose?">
<"At least he has given you a choice and not imposed either, or both, on to you. Leniency was served because your father recognised that you are your mother's son,"> Hoi Yee said in a comforting tone, <"She had always been the curious one and her appetite for the weird and unusual was virtually insatiable. Jung could not deny that, it was one of the many things about her that he loved.">
<"If Father can accept that in my mother, why can he not be more open minded about it with me? From what I have learnt about my mother, I have little doubt she would have kept away from the Westerners. My desire to learn about them and theirs does not mean I will forsake my heritage and values. Neither am I a naïve, unlearned child who would be so easily 'poisoned' or 'corrupted'. There is difference between learning about something and embracing it.">
<"I have to admit I do not understand your motivation on this matter but I can accept it. I know it can be harsh following the wishes and orders of your parents. We all had to do it; sometimes we win, sometimes our parents win. But whatever the situation, always look on the brighter side of things and try to make the best of it.">
Wu Fei humbled by Hoi Yee's words of wisdom simply nods.
<"So have you thought about it?"> she asked again.
Shoulders rose briefly then sagged, as if the weight of the world were upon them, <"In a manner of speaking, I have. I am certain that I do not wish to be an Official. The xenophobic thinking that reign supreme among them and their reluctance to acknowledge something new and different, even within our own borders, would surely be the death of me! I do not understand how Brother, a rebel such as he, can bear to be in that environment.">
<"If you are resolved in that matter, the choice is obvious, is it not?">
<"Mother Hoi Yee, I am fourteen! I do not believe I have the emotional maturity or the sense of responsibility to take a wife! Brother is seventeen and his marriage happened not three months ago.
<"At least you are mature enough to realise that you have some growing up to do. You may be a little rebellious and very stubborn but you have proved to be sensible and responsible more times than your brother has. I have faith that you will learn to be a good husband.">
<"This is not fair!">
<"That is exactly how I felt when my father told me I was to be married. I was not much older than you. Barely fifteen. I felt like I was just at the beginning of my life's journey. Even though I was groomed for marriage, and pretty much nothing else, I was not ready. I felt that there should've been more for me to achieve before I was made a wife. Nevertheless, I made the best of it.
<"Despite what you may think of him now, your father is a kind and generous man. He, however, is very set in his ways but beneath his stern exterior, he has a beating heart. I wouldn't change the past twenty-three years I have spent with him. He has given me a good home, a family and wonderful son. I know my desires out of life is much simpler than yours, but marriage is not the end of the world.">
<"It is, if you end up with someone like Lady Su Yin,">
<"Wu Fei!"> Hoi Yee gasped at his disrespectful comment and proceeded to reprimand him, <"I may be supporting you in this matter, and I know there is no love lost between you and the Lady, but such rudeness will not be tolerated! Despite what you feel at the moment, remember she is still your father's wife.">
<"I'm sorry, Mother Hoi Yee,"> Wu Fei bowed in apology, <"But do not get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for Mother Su Yin as the matriarch of the house but she is simply not what I would want in a wife.">
Hoi Yee eased up a little on her wayward son and nodded, <"I can see that. You both are of opposite poles. So, what, then, are you looking for in a wife?">
Wu Fei laughed, <"I haven't really put any thought to that. I had not anticipated to be matched to someone this early.">
In all honesty, Wu Fei knew, deep down, exactly who he wanted for his wife, he just had not realized it yet, and even if he did he felt that his family would not approve.
He shrugged and continued, <"But I suppose someone like my mother or Aunt Pui San. I don't think I could handle someone who would only do things if I told her to, none of this 'Yes, sir, no, sir' malarkey. She would have to be capable of independent thought and action. I want a partner in life, someone who will share my interests, not quell them. I do not want token wife that only looks good on display or a tool to merely secure an heir. But what are the chances of being matched to someone like that?">
<"Have a little faith, Wu,">
<"I seriously doubt that father or Mother Su Yin would find me someone who is capable of being as 'childish and irresponsible' as I! Then again, they probably COULDN'T find someone like that.">
<"You are right, they wouldn't and couldn't.">
<"Oh thanks, I feel so much better now,"> Wu Fei pouted miserably.
<"Oh, don't pout, little Dragon,"> Hoi Yee tittered, <"All is not lost since they won't be choosing your wife for you.">
Wu Fei's heart skipped a beat, was she saying what he thought she was saying? He stared wide-eyed at his mother, hope written all over his face.
<"Yes, Wu. Your father has given me the responsibility of finding you a 'respectable, responsible, skilled and beautiful' young lady."> [2]
Wu Fei almost leapt from his seat to hug Hoi Yee - almost. Hugging was not a Chinese thing, especially not for a young man his age. He did sit up and gape at her. There was a light at the end of the tunnel. He fervently hoped that it wasn't coming from a train!
<"How?">
<"I have my ways, young one,"> she smiled impishly at him, <"Su Yin wasn't too pleased but I have been responsible for you and your well being for the past ten years, no reason to stop now. Your father is not entirely unreasonable; he agreed that I would be the best person for the job. That is, if you do want to take a wife.">
Wu Fei felt his heart lightened. He felt that he actually had a fighting chance with Hoi Yee's support. Wu Fei smiled and gazed at the woman who had loved and cared for him as one of her own after his mother's death. Wu Fei felt closer to her now than he had ever been before. He was thankful that she was open-minded enough accept his idiosyncrasies and diverse interest and not dismissed them flippantly. Even without truly understanding him and his interests, Hoi Yee had defended and protected him without question. Hers is a love that was unconditional. For the first time it felt like Wu Fei had a mother again.
Wu Fei had always thought that she was rather 'typical and conventional', but his opinion of her had somewhat improved. Hoi Yee was obedient but not without her own thoughts and beliefs, as demonstrated in her defence for Wu Fei. She was gentle, quiet and demure, often preferring the background to the limelight. Notwithstanding, she was strong mother figure for her daughters; kind and loving yet would not hesitate to dish out fitting punishments for them where necessary. She knows her place as the third wife of General Chang but she has no qualms in exercising her authority when needed.
Upon his re-evaluation of his surrogate mother, Wu Fei thought that she was a happy medium of Su Yin and Pui San. Perhaps someone like her would make him a better wife. A girl as headstrong and impetuous as Pui San would only lead to fireworks. They would probably kill each other on their wedding night!
<"Make the best out of the situation, huh?"> Wu Fei finally said, <"Mother Hoi Yee, I would rather risk marrying one like Mother Su Yin than to have to face the impossibly rigid members of the Emperor's court. But I trust you wouldn't choose one like her for me?">
Hoi Yee tittered, <"Have faith in me, little Wu, I am certain I will find one that both you and your father would approve of. If not, that's just too bad, because, as of now, I'm running the show!">
<"Better you than them, I say!"> Wu Fei laughed, <"Mother, I don't know how I can thank you for your support these few days.">
<"Wu Fei, you are my son,"> she smiled, <"And I would do the best I can for you. I do not claim to understand your ... interests, but I do beseech you not to resist and opposed too hard against your father. He cares as well.">
<"I know..."> Wu Fei sighed, <"Now that I have agreed to marry, will you please get Father to get his people off my back?">
<"Most certainly,"> Hoi Yee rose from her seat, <"I'm sure your father would be delighted to hear you made your choice. I'll send someone to collect the dinner plates shortly. Good night, Wu Fei.">
<"Good night, Mother Hoi Yee.">
Day three, dinnertime - it was only then did Wu Fei have his privacy returned. Although, he noticed there were fewer people watching him after his conversation with Hoi Yee, he was STILL being watched. Even as he walked through the mansion that evening, some wary eyes were still upon him. They were more likely doing it under Su Yin's orders but it did not concern him too much. One or two people, he could evade with little problems.
And evade he did.
Deep in thought, Wu Fei had not realised that his subconscious had led him to Duo's room. He stood unmoving in front of the door, a little apprehensive and rather unsure, still sparring with his thoughts on how to broach the subject.
Fate did not spare him a lot of time to mull over what he would say when Duo's door suddenly swung open and the room's occupant almost walked into him.
Both startled by each other's presence stood gaping for a moment.
"Hello," Wu Fei found his voice first.
"Hey," Duo replied.
"Um... mind if I come in? I know it's rather late but I couldn't get away earlier," Wu Fei asked after another moment of silence.
"No, o'course not! Just make yourself at home, I'll be back in a mo." Duo stepped aside to let Wu Fei into his room before walking out again.
Wu Fei could not find the source of his nervousness but was relieved to find a non-hostile Duo. He then decided that he needed to occupy himself before he twisted his braid off.
Duo's room was in the same chaotic state as it was the last time Wu Fei was there. Wu Fei picked up the stray items of clothing strewn over the floor and on various pieces of furniture and folded them before piling them on the table.
Wu Fei took his seat on Duo's chair again and waited for his host's return.
Moments later, the door swung open again and Duo walked through balancing two mugs and a plate of something unfamiliar to Wu Fei. Duo let out a laugh as his gaze swept across his room.
"Fei! I should hire you as a housekeeper. I never thought you were so domesticated!" Giggling, he set the mugs and plate down onto his table.
"Just because I'm neat doesn't mean I'm domesticated!" Wu Fei scowled, moving the clothes off the table to make more room for the mugs and plate. "I don't see how you can live in such an untidy environment."
"Hah! Says the guys who's got more servants in th'house then there are family members!"
"They work for my parents, not me. And I'll have you know none of them pick up after me, not even Li. In fact, I make it point for them NOT to touch my things," Wu Fei wrinkled his nose then added bitterly, "I know all too well the consequences of having someone pilfer through my belongings."
"Whoa, Fei!" Duo held his hands up as if in surrender, "Calm down. I was only teasing. Here, try these." Duo gestured to the mug and plate.
"What is it?" Wu Fei peered dubiously at the contents of the mug as if it would jump out and bite his nose.
"The drink is called cocoa, the round, flat thing on the plate is called a cookie - specifically double chocolate chip cookie. D'you know how long it's been since I last ate a cookie?" Duo replied, sinking his teeth into the cookie in his hand. [3]
"Chocolate chip?" Wu Fei raised an eyebrow.
"Don't ask me ta explain what exactly chocolate is. It's too difficult! It's a kinda confectionery - sweet, gooey and VERY satisfying. Trust me."
Wu Fei grunted, still staring at the dark brown, round and flat object on the plate, "Famous last words. Where did you get it?"
"Let's just say this is a reward from th'harbour master for all his hardworking employees. The last ship came with some cocoa powder and chocolate pieces and the harbour master got the cook to whip up a batch of cookies for us. They're freshly baked. I've already had my share but I managed ta bribe the cook for a couple of extra pieces just so you could try them. Go on! Be brave, Dragon of the East!"
Wu Fei, delighted to see Duo in such a happy mood, decided to trust him. He took the cookie, it didn't smell bad - that was a good start, and nibbled the edge tentatively.
"Oh, fer crying out loud, Fei!" Duo guffawed, "You a man or a mouse? Quit nibbling, fer Christ sake, and take a manly bite! Do I need to come over and force feed you?"
"No!" Wu Fei glared, "I'd like to see you try some strange foreign food with equal gusto! Stop harassing me! I'll eat it at my own pace!"
"Okay, but you'd better eat it! That cookie ain't cheap!" Duo grinned as he gulped a mouthful of cocoa to wash down the rest of his cookie. "And by the way, I take up your challenge."
"Hm?" Wu Fei tore his gaze from the crumbly confection briefly to look at Duo quizzically, "What challenge?"
"The challenge for me to eat some strange and foreign food with equal gusto."
"What do I look like? A chef?"
"I didnae say you had ta cook it. Just get it to me."
"No. You're up to something. I can see the mischief in your eyes!"
"What me? I'm thousands of miles away from home in some wonderfully exotic country and I'm still eating bangers and mash! Some host you are! You should be introducing me to the delicacies of your cuisine."
"You wouldn't want to eat the delicacies of my cuisine! Heck, sometimes even I don't want to eat the delicacies of my cuisine."
"You may be unadventurous in the culinary department but I'm always game to try something new."
"Hah! I'm sure you are!"
Duo stuck his tongue out at Wu Fei and blew a raspberry. Wu Fei, feeling a little puerile himself, returned the gesture.
Duo then suddenly cried, "Hey!"
"What?"
"Eat the cookie!"
"Yeesh! You are so pushy," Wu Fei rolled his eyes then promptly took a big bite out of his neglected cookie.
Just as the cookie touched his tongue a burst of new and interesting sensations jolted every taste bud to live. He sat there in stunned silence, savouring the scrumptious satisfaction of letting the cookie crumble in his mouth. The added euphoria came from the sweetness and the gooey-ness of the chocolate slowly melting against the warmth of his tongue.
Wu Fei blinked, feeling the onset of a major sugar rush, and swallowed. His expression told all that Duo needed to know.
"Good?" Duo asked innocently.
Wu Fei nodded mutely - movement of mouth hindered by the gooey-ness of melted chocolate and crumbled cookie mixed with saliva.
"Take a drink, mate," Duo gestured to the other mug, "It'll help wash it down."
After Duo's good recommendation on the cookie, Wu Fei did not question the drink and lifted the mug to his lips. The pungent scent that wafted before him smelled inviting and sweet. He concluded that the liquid called cocoa was made of the same stuff as the chocolate was. Bravely, he took a swig of the steaming liquid.
"Gods, Duo!" Wu Fei finally squeaked, "Potent! You've been holding out on me. This is much better than the coffee stuff you usually drink."
"I thought you'd like them," Duo smirked, "This is luxury, mate. I'd share more if I had more to share."
"Why aren't we importing this stuff from you?" Wu Fei polished of the rest of his cookie and took another gulp.
Duo let out a bark of laughter. "Beats me, Fei. I'm sure we could do well selling this stuff."
"Oh, indeed." Wu Fei nodded as he drank the rest of his cocoa.
Silence suddenly engulfed the boys. Wu Fei began to feel the apprehension mount again. Notwithstanding, the cookie conversation had helped him to be more at ease. He was there for a reason, and even though it was apparent that their friendship was not threatened, Wu Fei felt he needed to confront the issue, lest risking it rearing its ugly head in the future.
"Duo..." Wu Fei turned to see Duo sitting by his window peering into the night sky, fiddling with his silver cross.
"Aye?"
"I'm sorry."
"For what?" Duo cocked his head.
"For running out the other day, for not coming back sooner, for being judgemental, for - "
"Geez, Fei!" Duo interrupted, "Stop beating yourself up for such a simple matter."
"I don't see it as simple," Wu Fei shook his head, "I should've made more of an effort to accept and understand it there and then. It was cowardly and hypocritical of me. I'm truly sorry."
"I was never THAT mad at you. Sure, I was a little hurt when you just ran out, but you came back. I've had people not come back before. But the important thing is that you're here, so all is forgiven, eh?"
"I promise I'll do better next time."
"Next time?" Duo chuckled, "I don't have anymore shocking news to share I'm afraid. Being a sexual deviant is as shocking as I get!"
"Sexual deviant? Nice choice of words, Duo. You do like using disparaging terms on yourself, don't you?"
"They are only words, Fei," Duo shrugged, "Besides, if I can show the world I'm not afraid of acknowledging the truth, they can't hurt me."
"Duo..."
"It's okay, Wu Fei. I'm a street rat; I've lived through worse. We have a saying, yes another, that goes 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me'. It's just another name."
"It doesn't make it right."
"A lot of things aren't right, but they still happen. You just gotta make the best of it."
Wu Fei tittered, remembering Hoi Yee's words.
His attention then turned to his carefree friend. Duo has had a rough journey in life so far and he has managed to emerge with a smile on his face. All Wu Fei had to do was get married and he had been screaming blue murder. His life has been a walk in the park in comparison. He had often prided himself on his vast general knowledge and believed himself to be rather worldly for his age. It took a street rat and a book burning session for him to realise that he had been as sheltered as the world saw him to be.
It was time for him to wake up and smell the smouldering pages, time to be brave and embrace what is coming to him, time to face his trials like man. As Hoi Yee and Duo said - make the best out of the situation.
"What so funny?"
"My mother said the same thing."
"Mother?" Duo frowned, "Which one?"
"Hoi Yee. Su Yin and I never talk, we exchange pleasantries, she orders me around, I acknowledge her, but we never talk."
"Right, Hoi Yee - that's Three right? Su Yin is One, your mother was Two and there's no Four."
"Yes, that's right," Wu Fei giggled. Duo was not good with names, at least not Chinese ones. The only way he could identify them was to number them. He had on occasion commented on why the Chinese couldn't make it simple and just marry once!
Wu Fei continued, "Hoi Yee told me to make the best out of this situation. I've heeded her advice. And with you reaffirming that, how can I go wrong now?"
"What situation?"
Wu Fei sighed wistfully and began retelling the story of his precious memorabilia meeting a tragic end, of how he was made to choose and what his choice was.
Duo sat in silence listening to Wu Fei pour his heart out. Not once did he interrupt or comment. He too felt the despair, anger and hopelessness his best friend was feeling. Duo could not help but wonder how someone as stifling, rigid and myopic as the General could have a son like Wu Fei.
"Whoa..." Duo breathed after Wu Fei finished his story, "I'm sorry about your books. I can get you more if you want."
"Maybe later. Right now, I'm in enough trouble as it is. Besides, they'd probably get burnt again. But thanks for the offer."
"I've got a question and this may sound stupid but can't you marry Mei?"
"Unlikely," Wu Fei shook his head, "Not as my first wife anyway and I'd doubt she'd settle for less. Mei is not an aristocrat. Tradition dictates that we marry within our class, someone 'fitting' and 'worthy' of our station. I'm probably going to end up with some General' or bureaucrat's daughter - oh, I can hardly wait. Moreover, it's not my choice. My parents will choose my first wife, as my father's parents did for him, and his father's parents did for his father, and so on. Thankfully 'Three' is doing the choosing and I trust she won't find someone completely incompatible."
"Why didnae you tell your mam about Mei and you?"
"Are you kidding? She may be more open-minded that my Father and One but I doubt she'll agree to it either. She was, after all, raised an aristocrat as well. Mei is considered a commoner; can you imagine the 'scandal'? The youngest Chang betrothed beneath his station, gasp, shock, horror. How will the family live down this embarrassment? My father will probably retract all choices and turn me into a eunuch instead!"
"Ye gods! You are so cynical!" Duo shook his head in disbelief, "From what you say Master Ron is an outstanding member of the community. Respected and revered for his unparalleled service as a doctor and martial arts master. Mei no doubt commands the same respect as her father. So what if they weren't born with blue blood running through their veins? It's what you do and what you are that counts! Not every member of the aristocratic society has royal blood in them. We all gotta start somewhere."
Wu Fei shrugged, "Mei IS respected as a martial artist and herbalist but she certainly isn't seen as a lady. Even if my family did not object to our union, which is VERY unlikely, I won't do that to Mei. She's also fourteen, she's got a lot more going for her to be married to a spoilt, rich boy like me."
"There you go again! Mei adores you. Did you ever think that she might WANT to be your wife?"
"Not at the age of fourteen."
"There's no convincing you is there?"
"Unless you can sway my family into thinking that tradition isn't something you have to live by, word for word, that sometimes you just have to be slightly unorthodox to gain the full benefit of the situation, and for them to leave me to find my own wife at a time of my own choosing, no, there is no convincing me. And while you're at it, talk my father out of trying to quash my 'childish and irresponsible' behaviour."
"Okay, I know when I'm fighting a losing battle," Duo shrugged and sighed in resignation, "So, what are you going to tell Mei?"
"The truth. I can't run from it. If my brother's wedding was any indication, mine would be no small affair either. I may not be first born, but this is my family we're talking about - the masters of pomp and ceremony. The whole of Canton is going to know, if not invited! No way am I going to keep it from her. Thankfully, she's gone away for a while. At least that gives me time to think of what to say."
"She's gone? Where? Why?"
"To her ancestral village. She's staying with her aunts. Her father thinks she's in need of training - as a herbalist," Wu Fei paused then added, "And a woman."
Hysterical laughter rang in the night air as Duo doubled over. He DID try not to laugh but had obviously failed, rather miserably in fact. Even Wu Fei's scowls did little to stop him.
"Just be glad Mei isn't here. She would kill you for that."
"And that ...giggle ... is exactly why she needs lessons ... chuckle ... to be more genteel and ... guffaw ... ladylike!"
"Oi!" Wu Fei picked up a pillow and smacked Duo over the head with it, "Watch what you're saying, she IS still my girl! I have to defend her honour!"
Duo blocked and quickly reached for his other pillow, "You call her 'your girl' and she will kill you too!"
Duo thwapped Wu Fei in the face.
"Not before she drags your carcass through hell and back!"
*SMACK*
"Hah! Your ass will be floating in the Yellow River before she gets to me!"
*THUMP*
"You wish! I'm a better fighter than she!"
*THUD*
"Big deal! You go all misty whenever she walks into the room, you couldn't block a hit even if you saw it coming with warnings of flashing lights and ringing bells!"
*SLAP*
"At least, I'll SEE it coming."
*THWAP*
"OI, MAXWELL!!!" a third voice echoing from the room next door stopped the boys in their tracks, "GO FUCK YOUR CHINESE BOYFRIEND SOMEWHERE ELSE! SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!"
"GET BENT, SMITHY!" Duo hollered in return, "AT LEAST I HAVE SOMEONE TO FUCK!"
Duo's expression registered shock as the words left his lips. He swore quietly, cursing himself for this hasty verbal retaliation.
"Sorry, Fei. I didnae mean - "
"Hey," Wu Fei waved his hand dismissing his apology. He shrugged and settled down on the edge of the bed, "They're only words, Duo, remember?"
"You're not angry at me for implying that you're me lover?" Duo asked in surprise as he straddled the chair next to Wu Fei.
"Do you honestly believe that their opinion matters to me? You and I know exactly where we stand with each other, so who cares what they may think of me?" Wu Fei replied with an amused smile, "Unless of course someone starts propositioning me!"
"Your reputation has preceded you, mate, they all know how you kicked ass at New Year. I don't think any of them have a death wish. Besides, they also know not to mess with what is 'mine'!"
"'Yours'? Hah! I didn't know you had a reputation." An eyebrow quirked.
"Infamy follows me like a bad smell."
"Hehe, just like trouble follows Mei."
"Don't start talking about Mei again, they'll probably throw us out if we start another fight about Mei!"
Wu Fei chuckled. For the first time in days he felt calm and relaxed. Duo's company was a great balm for his frayed nerves. Flopping listlessly on the bed he sighed again. He felt tired from being so depressed, high-strung and preoccupied, plus the sugar rush from his first encounter with cocoa and chocolate was coming to an end.
"What's wrong?" Duo asked as he lay down beside Wu Fei.
"I'm just tired."
"No surprise there, the past three days sounded rather tedious and draining. Why don't you go home and get some rest?"
"I'm so sick of being home! I've been home for the past three days! I need to get away."
"What about your wedding?"
"What about it?"
"Don't you need to do anything about it?"
"That's the beauty of our custom. I don't have to do a darn thing. Mother Hoi Yee, that's Three, will take care of everything. All I have to do is turn up on the chosen, auspicious day."
"Hmmm, I think not having to do the preparation is good but not even getting to choose your own wife kinda sucks."
"You think that's bad? I don't even get to SEE her until the wedding night!"
"You must be having a laugh!" Duo's eyes were wide as saucers.
"Do I look like I'm having a laugh?" Wu Fei cast Duo the most sombre expression he could muster.
"No!" Duo cried out in disbelief, "You're telling me you're going to marry a completely stranger?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Why in heaven's name can't you see her?"
"For the benefit of the bride. The way things go around here is that the more beautiful you are the more marriageable you are and not everyone is gorgeous. Beauty somehow had managed to worm its way up the list of priority. After all, the bride and groom doesn't know each other from Adam and what you have is your looks and commendation of your skills by the matchmaker. Best not to let the groom see the bride just in case he starts running for the hills."
"That sounds a little shallow."
"Well, that's the way things go. Once the marriage vows are said, there's no going back."
"Crikey! I don't think I could be as brave as you! I can't imagine having to spend the rest of me life with someone that I might not even like much less love."
"I think that's the reason why men can have up to four wives! If you don't like the first one, just pick another one, or three, for yourself!"
Duo let out a giggle, "Now I see the benefit of that custom! Although, me heart goes out to the women."
"We are a patriarchal society. Women don't get much by way of privileges. That's just tradition, Duo. We, Chinese, pride on nothing more than tradition, customs, cultures and taboos."
"Don't sound so bitter, Fei. It ain't all bad. At least your culture has a strong sense of family."
"I'm sorry Duo, I didn't mean - "
"Lots of apologies tonight, eh? We've got to stop doing that. We're best mates, right? We should be as open and honest as possible. Y'know I would never intentionally hurt you."
"Nor would I. It makes a change - to be able to speak as freely as I please and knowing I would not be reprimanded, judged or punished. I may have family, but I have little freedom. I guess we both have a little something we want. But together perhaps we can have our cake and eat it."
"Ever the philosophical scholar." Duo grinned.
"I try!" Wu Fei turned to look at his best friend only to find Duo staring back at him. Neither boy said anything; simply content studying each other's face. Wu Fei reaffirmed the fact that he found Duo beautiful, at least this time his affirmation did not scare him. There was no harm in appreciating something that was aesthetically pleasing. He studied each curve and contour of the Irish's face, examined how the soft chestnut locks fell carelessly into amethyst orbs and scrutinised the well-defined lips that always bore a jovial smile.
Duo had a soul that would not be silenced. Wu Fei knew the hardships and trials that Duo has endured and yet there was no other that could take such a bite out of life. No matter what life threw at him, Duo caught it with dignity, optimism and, most importantly, a smile on his face. There was an uncanny acceptance of the 'shit happens' philosophy in him that would not be quelled by the worst of humanity. Duo had showed Wu Fei that if he believed in himself and have faith, there was little the world could do to crush his spirit.
Not only was Duo Maxwell beautiful without, he was remarkable within.
"Don't freak, Fei," Duo finally whispered, "But has anyone told you that you're beautiful?"
A soft chortle tumbled from Wu Fei's lips, "As a matter of fact, yes. Three days ago I vaguely recall someone saying that. Want to know something funny? I was just thinking the same thing!"
"What? That YOU'RE beautiful?" Duo teased, "You're such a narcissist!"
"Fool!" Wu Fei flicked Duo's ear, "You know what I mean! Stop fishing for a compliment that's already directed at you!"
"Why, Master Chang! You certainly know how to flatter a boy!" Duo batted his eyelids in attempt to play the blushing maiden.
"You are impossible, you know!" Wu Fei rolled his eyes.
"I believe that's Mei's line usually directed to YOU!"
"Birds of a feather... " Wu Fei replied nonchalantly, then sat up and stretched, "I'd really better go. If someone finds me gone, I'll be in real trouble. I'm not supposed to have ANYTHING to do with the Westerners!"
"Heh, I see you're being very obedient in following that order,"
"You're never pleased, are you? You pout when I leave, you beat me up when I turn up and you chide when I'm breaking rules for you! You're worse than Mei!"
Laughing, Duo rolled onto his side and propped his head on his arm, "You've got yourself to blame fer that! You just bring out the worst in the both of us! Anyway, you plan on coming back soon?"
"Whenever I can get out unnoticed, really. Being in the house is just driving me barmy."
"Be good! Don't do anything I would do."
"Oh that leaves me practically nothing then!"
"Bugger off!" Duo flipped him off as Wu Fei shut the door behind him.
[1] The situation is a historical fact, as is the quote, excerpt from 'China: A Short Cultural History', by C. P. Fitzgerald. Lord George Macartney was despatched in 1792 by the British East India Company to approach the Emperor Ch'ien Lung and request for diplomatic relations. Obviously the Emperor refused claiming China has all it needs within its borders - as per quote.
[2] For all you hentais out there - when I said 'skilled' I was referring to her ability to sew and embroider! For some bizarre reason, that particular skill is valued almost above all else. *shrug*
[3] I dunno when chocolate invaded the East but Wu Fei being rather sheltered and stifled would unlikely have encountered the heavenly substance. And I am also assuming that the Western world would've discovered chocolate chip cookies by then - if not, heck, indulge me!
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