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
The next few days after the attack were boring by comparison. Because no real harm was done to them, neither Wu Fei nor Noin were compelled to have those men arrested. It was evident that they were having a tough enough time in this post war era; Wu Fei and Noin didn't want to add to their misery.
Besides throwing them in jail would not change their attitude towards the British. It would only exacerbate the already volatile situation. The Governor's top priority was to cultivate better a relationship with the local people not provoke them.
Life went back to its routine apart from one little change. A guilt-ridden Noin was determined to make it up to Wu Fei. She waited on him hand and foot and was very apologetic. If Noin had had her way, Wu Fei knew that she would have confined him to his bedroom. Once a nurse, always a nurse. Zechs and Treize also took advantage of her penance for 'putting Wu Fei in mortal danger'. No matter how much Wu Fei tried to convince her that he was fine, that he would live and that he didn't blame her in the first place, the Lady would not heed his pleas. Exasperated, he just left Noin to do as she would.
"Just sit back, relax and enjoy it, Wu Fei!" Zechs advised, they were in the drawing room enjoying a very nice supper that Noin suddenly decide Wu Fei needed, "She'll work herself out of her guilt eventually and things will return to normal. I do have one piece of advice, when she eventually does that, don't even THINK about trying to get any more out of her!"
"You sound like you're speaking from experience," Wu Fei said.
"I am!"
The Chinese youth chuckled, "Thank you for the warning, but unlike you and Treize, I'm not manipulative!"
"And WE are manipulative? Talk about pot calling the kettle black!"
"Hah!" Wu Fei scoffed, "When it comes to manipulation I do not hold a candle to you or Treize. You are both the masters in the art. Speaking of whom, where is Treize? Why isn't he taking advantages of Miss Noin's good graces this time?"
"He's retired for the night."
"Already? He's missing out on a great pudding," Wu Fei was this close to licking the bowl in his hand, but he had a little more dignity than that.
A knock on the door interrupted the pair. A servant entered and said that Treize had asked to see Wu Fei in his room. No other explanation was given. Excusing himself from Zechs, the Chinese youth headed upstairs.
A faint whispering of a haunting melody filled the hallway, slowly growing louder as the boy neared Treize's room. Wu Fei wondered why Treize had asked him to see him. Perhaps, he thought, something urgent had arisen.
After rapping on the door three times, Wu Fei heard the music stop and footsteps approach the door. Moments later, the door swung open and the Governor smiled at him.
"Ah, Wu Fei," he stepped aside, "Come in."
"Is something a matter?" Wu Fei asked as he seated himself in an armchair in Treize's solar.
"No, why do you ask?"
"It's late, Zechs said you had retired to bed," Wu Fei eyed the redhead, already in his pyjamas with a robe over it, "I simply assumed that something was wrong and couldn't wait till tomorrow."
"I see," Treize moved to his sideboard and uncorked the decanter, "Can I offer you some port?"
"No, thank you," Wu Fei shook his head and waited patiently for Treize to pour himself a drink. When the Governor was done, he asked, "Well?"
"First of all, this does not concern work," Treize said, sitting down in the chair opposite Wu Fei.
"Oh?" an elegant raven eyebrow rose, as did the youth's curiosity and trepidation.
"Secondly, please hear what I have to say, all of it, before you decide what you want to do,"
Wu Fei was now intrigued, "Go on."
"Zechs told me you were looking for Chang Li."
"He did?"
"Yes, I have to confess I am curious why you didn't come to me instead. As good and influential an officer he is, Zechs lacks certain sources that only I am privy to. That is why he came to me after weeks of false leads and dead-end searches. I hope you are not upset."
"No, of course not," Wu Fei shook his head, "If you can help me then by all means, please do! I apologize for not coming to you first."
"No apology needed. I can see that your friendship with Zechs is built on firmer foundations than ours."
Wu Fei blushed, thinking he had offended Treize. Nevertheless, that was truth in that proclamation. He saw Zechs as an equal, and tried as he might, he did not find it altogether comfortable considering Treize to be anything more than an employer or a benefactor. A sense of apprehension always kept him at arm's length from the Governor.
"Oh, don't worry, I am not offended," Treize chuckled, "Friendship of that calibre is something you earn and not to be given away lightly. But I digress. I merely wanted to let you know that we have managed to procure a rather strong lead of where Chang Li may be."
"You have? WHERE?" Wu Fei demanded, forgetting himself.
"He was tracked to Kowloon but we have been unable to find him there as yet. However, there is possibility that he might be here in Hong Kong," Treize smiled genially, "Most likely at the docks area. Work is plenty there and the shipping companies provide board for their labourers. If he had nowhere to return to, taking up employment there would be easiest in this time of need. I am sorry I cannot offer more at the moment but I still have people out there searching for him."
"That, Treize, is more than enough. I will continue the search myself. Thank you. Please excuse me," Wu Fei stood and took two steps to the door only to be halted by a gentle grip on his wrist.
He turned and found his gaze being held by insistent azure eyes. Treize had an undecipherable expression on his face.
Satisfied that Wu Fei was not going to rush out of his room, Treize let go of his wrist and stood to face the youth.
"What are you planning to do? Scour the docks this late in the night all by yourself? We are not even certain that he IS in Hong Kong. Trust me, Chang Li WILL be found. In the mean time, please sit, I have more to say."
Reluctantly, Wu Fei sunk into the chair he previously vacated.
"I have one more thing of value to give you," Treize wandered into his bedroom.
Wu Fei heard the sound of a trunk being opened and closed before Treize returned to the solar with a large oblong box. The Chinese boy eyed him curiously. Treize laid the box down on the table next to Wu Fei and stood before him.
"I was unsure as to how you were coping with the loss of your family, hence my reluctance in giving you this earlier. Now that we have established an understanding between us and I understand that you wanted to put the ghosts of your past to rest and move on, I feel that you deserve to know and have this."
Treize then knelt before Wu Fei and laced his fingers through the youth's. He looked intently into sable eyes and whispered, "I cannot say how sorry I am about your loss. I do hope that you will one day find it in your heart to forgive a foolish soldier."
Treize then kissed the back of Wu Fei's hands, first the left then the right, and stood, moving away from him to look out the window.
To say that Wu Fei was confused and anxious would be an understatement. Treize's uncharacteristic plea and subtle seduction unnerved and scared him. He didn't understand what the Governor wanted nor did he comprehend the meaning of his words.
He looked at Treize's back but when he could not discern any understanding to the redhead, he turned his attention to the box next to him. Unhooking the clasp, he threw the lid open and peeled the cloth back to reveal a Chinese long sword.
Wu Fei recognised it immediately.
"How did you get this?!" he growled.
"It was given to me," Treize said without turning around.
"GIVEN?" Wu Fei snorted, "I find that hard to believe."
"I had thought you would think that of me," the redhead sighed, "I promise you, this sword did not come into my possession through force or subterfuge. It was awarded to me for safekeeping with instructions to find someone worthy to own it. You are that such a person."
"That is irrelevant!" Wu Fei cried and grabbed the sword, brandishing it before Treize's calm composure, "This rightfully belongs to ME!"
"And that is why you are worthiest of us all. He had hopes that I would be able to return it to you."
"Did he die by your hands?"
Treize looked steadily into Wu Fei's eyes and said, unflinching, "Yes, your father fought well till the end."
The fires of hell blazed in Wu Fei's eyes as he drew the sword, sliced at Treize's robe just enough to cut the fabric but not harm the Governor. Before the shredded material touched the floor, the tip of the sword was already resting steadily against Treize's throat. Surprisingly, the Governor made no move to defend himself.
"It was you, and not your general, who ordered your men to search my home?" it was more of a statement than and question.
"Yes, it was I. The general had other ... things he was more concern about."
"WHY?"
"I had to eliminate the greatest threat to my men and I wanted to face the most prominent warrior of my enemy."
"You dare justify massacre with your vanity?!" Wu Fei spat, "There were NO warriors within the hallowed halls of my home! Only women and children who sought refuge and comfort! How many more unguarded homes did you raid before you successfully eliminate the threats to your men?!"
"Wu Fei, I sent those soldiers on a reconnaissance mission. They were simply supposed to find out WHERE your father was, not invade your home."
"Nevertheless, they did!"
"And they received a fitting punishment for their transgression. None in that unit made it out of your home alive."
"What of their commanding officer? What of his punishment? Should he not shoulder the blame for their insubordination?"
"Do you see me defending myself against your wrath?" Treize spread his arms as if in surrender.
It infuriated Wu Fei that Treize showed no remorse despite his pretty words. To him, they were simply words. He scowled at the redhead, seething at the shocking revelation. Wu Fei felt dirty, for the first time he truly felt like he was a traitor to his people and to his family. He had willingly accepted and aided the man who was responsible for his father and wife's death. Though no fault of his own, he felt ashamed.
Treize suddenly gasped. Wu Fei, trembling with fury and betrayal, had slipped. A thin red line welled just under Treize's chin, trickling onto pristine steel.
Long sword clatter upon wooden floor when Wu Fei realized what he had done. He took a step back from his benefactor; his eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"Wu Fei."
The Chinese youth heard no more of what Treize had to say for he rushed out of the Governor's room, hurrying away into the night.
Just as he reached the front door, Wu Fei thought he heard another voice calling him. He neither slowed nor paused to answer it. He just needed to be away from the wretched place.
Wu Fei was sitting in the park, in the pouring rain, when Zechs found him. He didn't know how long he had been there or WHERE there was for that matter. All he remembered was fleeing from the place he had begun to regard as home. In his harassed state of mind, all he could see it as was the lair of an enemy.
Colonel Treize Kushrenada.
Enemy.
Murderer.
Saviour.
"Wu Fei?" Zechs laid his hand gently on slender shoulder.
"It was he all along, wasn't it?"
"I do not understand you mean."
"Did you care for me under his orders because he was feeling guilty about my father's death?"
"No, Treize gave me no such orders," the Lieutenant chuckled, "Truth to be told, I cared for you under Duo's orders."
"Did you offer me this position because Treize asked you to?"
"No, it was I who recommended you to him. After all, he had not known you before you arrived on Hong Kong."
"Did you know?" he continued asking without looking at Zechs.
"Which part?"
"That it was HIS commands that brought Murphy and his unit to my home?"
"No. I didn't even know that there were such orders."
"Why should I believe you now?"
"I have not lied to you since we first met, Wu Fei, I have no reason to start now," Zechs reached down to pull Wu Fei to his feet. Surprisingly, the youth did not resist, "Come, Noin is beside herself with worry. We don't need you getting sick either. It would do you no good to get your wound wet, although I suspect that is too late already."
"How can you be so nonchalant about this?!" Wu Fei glared at him acidly.
"Nonchalant?" Zechs cocked his head but continued leading Wu Fei to his gelding, "Because I'm not letting you mope? Sitting in the rain in the middle of a park at twilight will do little to resolve this matter. Neither will making yourself ill be of any help. Once we return to the warmth and comfort of the mansion, you can look at this more objectively."
"Objectively?" Wu Fei snorted, "There is nothing objective about this. How would you feel in my position? To find out that the man you respected and regarded as benefactor had a hand in your ruin?"
"To err is human, to forgive divine," Zechs said as he waited for Wu Fei to mount the horse before getting up behind him, "We all made mistakes in the war, even more so for those in command. Do you wrong me for my deeds during the war as well?"
"I ... I no longer see you in that light," Wu Fei confessed, "Do you not remember my hostility towards you when I first awoke on Lintin? I DID wrong you. I wronged everyone - you, Duo, myself, my father, even Miss Noin."
Wu Fei sighed and sagged against Zechs as they rode back home.
"We all did what we had to do. Unfortunately, they are not always the right things to do. Do not be too harsh on Treize. His heart is in the right place and I do believe he is trying to make amends."
Wu Fei nodded absently and shut his eyes. The gentle swaying of the ride lulled him to sleep. He was more tired than he thought. Before he realised it, they had arrived home. He was dimly aware of being passed from Zechs' embrace to someone else's.
Noin's worried voice filtered through the layers of sleep in his mind, "What happened? Is he hurt?"
"Do not fret, dearest, he's just asleep," Zechs replied.
Feeling content to be carried up to his room, Wu Fei did not feel the need to wake and reassure Noin, Zechs had already pacified her. Sometimes, it was nice being treated like a child. His head lolled against broad shoulders and he was back in the land of nod before long.
It was warm. That was the first thing Wu Fei noted. That and it was dry. The first signs of daylight peeked through a gap in his blinds that were slightly ajar. A delicate scent of chrysanthemum tea wafted in the air and the soft movements of feet shuffled against wooden floor.
Wu Fei sat up.
"Good morning," Noin chirped as she the blinds wide open, letting the morning sun pour into the room, "How are you feeling?"
"Well, thank you, a little rain won't kill me," Wu Fei felt silly, "I'm sorry I ran off that way. I didn't mean to worry you."
"I'm glad you are alright," she sighed then placed her hands on her hips firmly and reprimanded Wu Fei, "but don't EVER do that to me again!"
"I promise," he grinned as he got out of bed, "Next time, I'll come running to you instead."
"That sounds like a good plan," she nodded, pouring the tea for Wu Fei and herself.
"Of course, I'm hoping there won't be any more shocking revelations to unhinge my already fragile emotional state," Wu Fei sighed, as he accepted the cup from her, "Is Treize alright?"
"He'll live," Noin replied, "It was barely a scratch. The Governor, I recently learned, had suffered graver wounds than that during the war. Although, I believe he is a rather upset about the robe, it WAS his favourite."
Wu Fei felt himself flush then realised that Noin was teasing him, yet again, when she failed to suppress her giggling.
"Miss Noin, you are cruel!"
"What? Me?" she feigned a wounded look, "If I were cruel, would I bring you tea?"
"True, but where's breakfast?" Wu Fei grinned.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, "The more time you spend with Zechs, the cheekier you get!"
"I learned well from the best."
She harrumphed and scowled at him playfully, "Get dressed, imp! It is nearly noon and I do believe you have better things to do than languish in bed?"
"Speaking of getting dressed..." Wu Fei looked at his pyjamas, "Who put me in my pyjamas last night?"
"As if you had to ask!" Noin rolled her eyes.
"You did?" a slight look of uncertainly and distress washed over his face, unsure if she was only teasing or being truthful.
"Wu Fei," she smirked, "Any of my hopes and desires to catch a glimpse of that budding body of perfection has been fulfilled while you laid unconscious under my care in Lintin. I seized every opportunity AND excuse to scrutinize then, I don't need any more now!"
"MISS NOIN!"
Noin's only reply was her fading giggles down the hallway.
Zechs was right. Sitting in the rain and brooding did nothing to help Wu Fei resolve his conflict with Treize. It only made it harder to face the Governor.
He was living under Treize's roof and he was the man's counsellor. There was little he could do to avoid Treize unless he fled again. THAT was not an option. His pride would not let Treize win that way.
Wu Fei sighed, squared his shoulders and marched out of his room. There was something he had to do to resolve this matter. No matter how irrational it may have felt, it had to be done.
Wu Fei found all three of his housemates in the garden.
"Treize!" Wu Fei called out as he stalked up to the redhead, his father's sword in his hand. When he found the sword in his room, bloodless, he guessed Treize had put it there, "Defend yourself."
"WHAT? NO!" Noin exclaimed and jumped to her feet.
"Miss Noin, please, I beg you not to interfere in this matter. This must be done."
"Do not be ridiculous! What possible good will it do to have you - "
"Wu Fei is correct, Noin," Treize stood and sighed sadly, "It must be done. Zechs, could you please bring me my sabre?"
"Certainly," the Lieutenant replied and headed towards the house.
"YOU WILL NOT!" Noin bellowed, "If you think I'm going to stand by and watch two of my friends - "
"Noin," Zechs took her hand, "Come with me and I'll explain."
"No! What is there to explain?" Noin argued as Zechs dragged her with him.
Treize and Wu Fei locked their gaze. For the first time since learning the truth of his father's death, Wu Fei could see remorse in Treize's eyes. His heart softened a little. Nevertheless, he was determined to see it through. He owed his father that much. Wu Fei may not have been the perfect son but he was still dutiful and filial enough to honour the traditions of his people. Treize had admitted to taking General Chang's life, Wu Fei had the right to challenge the Governor and seek revenge.
Notwithstanding, did he really want revenge against the man who has given him a new life and hope for the future? Why was he doing this? For his family's honour? He had estranged himself from this family what did they care if he avenged his father or not?
"I'm glad you are alright," Treize broke the silence, "I was worried when you left the house."
Wu Fei made no reply.
"I'm sorry, Wu Fei. I truly am," the redhead continued.
"You do understand I have to do this?"
"Yes, I do," Treize nodded solemnly, "You understand that I will defend myself. Should I win please do not think that I have discarded the blame and culpability for what I did to you and your family."
"Understood," he nodded stiffly.
Moments later, Zechs returned with Noin and Treize's sabre. The Lady made no more protest yet she did not seem happy at all. Wu Fei was not surprised, he did not anticipate she would understand, and even if she did understand she would not approve.
Wu Fei drew his father's sword. It was a magnificent piece. The blade, forged by the best ironsmiths the Empire could offer, was a gift to his family from the Emperor several hundred years ago. The Chang Clan had been faithful servants and guardians of the Manchu Empire not long after their reign began. Glory, honour and loyalty were synonymous to the blade and the family. Wu Fei felt unworthy to wield such a legend, but he would do this for his father. He had failed the General when he was alive, Wu Fei would not fail him in his death. Perhaps he could make amends by doing what he knew the General expected of him.
Furthermore, he could not continue to work and live with Treize if he did not challenge him. Win or lose, it didn't matter. The act was what counted.
Zechs led Noin away, giving the two a wide berth. Noin was practically chewing her knuckles away while her beloved held her close.
Wu Fei took two steps toward Treize and bowed. Treize lifted his sabre and offered a similar greeting to the youth.
For minutes, they simply stood and stared at each other. Wu Fei could see Treize transform before his eyes. The glint in his blue eyes hardened as the compassion in his expression faded. Although the change was only subtle, Wu Fei could see how Treize's stance shifted from passive to defensive. His jaw set, his gaze showing deadly intent, Treize was ready to win this duel at any cost.
Wu Fei knew he was no longer standing before the tolerant Governor he had come to know and respect, instead he was face by the ruthless Colonel that would do anything to triumph in a battle. If he were not careful, he would stand to lose more than the duel.
Silver blades sailed through the air, slicing the tension that had been building between the contenders. A piercing clang resounded the still garden as sword met sabre. Wu Fei bared his teeth and attacked again.
They danced around the yard in a deadly waltz of swordsmanship. If the situation were not as dire as it was, it would have seemed like a beautiful performance of their respective skills in their chosen blades.
Wu Fei's movements were brazen and almost feral. He employed every muscle in his body to drive the sword. He was the true dancer. On the other hand, Treize's execution of each move was controlled and disciplined, composedly wielding the sabre to thrust and parry against the attacks.
"You fight very well for someone this young," Treize commented as he parried.
"I am not here for you to evaluate my skills!" Wu Fei growled irritably and moved to thrust, "This is not a game!"
"Is this truly revenge then? Do you mean to kill me?"
"Do not tempt me, Treize," obsidian eyes narrowed menacingly.
Behind each movement was a strength that belied the youth's slender form. He drove Treize back with every thrust and gave the redhead little opportunity to retaliate. Wu Fei could not help but wonder if Treize was holding back. He had expected the Governor to be a better swordsman. However, Treize did proclaim that he would do all he could to defend himself.
"Stop playing, Treize and fight me like an enemy!" Wu Fei cried out in frustration.
"As you wish."
A flurry of sabre meeting sword screamed out angrily in the yard. Treize, Wu Fei quickly discovered, was a highly skilled swordsman. Within moments, the Chinese youth found himself on his knees, the sabre tip resting gently against his throat.
He glowered at Treize.
"I'm sorry, Wu Fei," Treize said.
"The better swordsman won, there is little need for apologies," Wu Fei replied.
"Can we consider this a fair fight? You are injured," Treize lowered his sabre from Wu Fei's throat.
"Do not patronise me, Treize!" the youth growled, "You won. By rights, my life belongs to you."
"Don't be ridiculous, the purpose of this duel was for your heart and conscience to avenge your father, not for you to concede your life to me."
"You may consider my father avenged, even though I have failed. This blade has, after all, drawn your blood," his expression now stoic and unreadable, "I no longer hold you responsible for you have defeated me in honourable battle."
He stood and bowed stiffly then turned on his heels and left the garden, not giving anyone any opportunities to approach him. No one pursued. He was glad they understood his need for solitude.
Wu Fei saddled a random horse and rode out of the city streets. He wasn't sure where he was going; he just needed to be somewhere else. He would've preferred to be out within the lush forests that surrounded Canton but that city and all associated with it was now in his past. Wu Fei eventually made his way to an isolated strip of beach.
He tethered his horse and slipped his shoes off. With his father's sword still in his hand, he made his way down to the shoreline. The sun was bright and there was little cloud in the sky. The sea glittered a sapphire blue as the gentle breeze brought it to shore, crashing into the fine powder-like sand with a trim of froth.
Wu Fei chose a lightly shaded spot under a cluster of coconut trees. Sinking into the sand he watched the tide rolling over the sodden beach like it was the most fascinating thing in the world.
He had wanted the time to think about what had happened between him and Treize, but that was the last thing he was doing. Instead, his mind was processing the most trivial of thoughts that were running through it, like the futility of a floating coconut being thrown onto the beach only to be swept away by the waves again and again and again, or how the sun made funny shadows on the sand, even what interesting shapes he could find in the sparse clouds that littered the azure sky.
He did that for a while, it could've been hours or it could have been minutes. What did it matter? His brain, finally bored of mindless observations, was trying to make him do something.
Eventually, Wu Fei stood and stripped out of his top. He unsheathed his father's sword and walked out of the shade into the afternoon sun.
Wu Fei stood motionless for several moments, centering himself, before he launched into a practise routine. It was one of Mei-Ran's favourite. She had always favoured the sword while Wu Fei preferred the quarterstaff. Nevertheless, the both of them were adept in wielding either weapon.
He was grace and elegance personified. Each step flowed onto the next seamlessly. Each movement, flawlessly executed, brought a calm into his turmoil. Each action became a release to pent-up aggression, each thrust was a voice to his silenced frustration and each kick was a manifestation to his unexpressed guilt.
The sword zinged in the heated air; it was almost like it was revelling in the thrill of being wielded by such experienced hands. There was no doubt that General Chang used the weapon for little more than show. It had been idle for years; finally awaken by the first true Chang warrior in decades.
If Master Ron had been present, he would have been very proud of his star pupil.
Wu Fei drove himself to a point of exhaustion. It felt good. He could not remember the last time he put himself through such rigorous exercise. Master Ron had been very strict with his students. Wu Fei felt a little guilty for letting himself slide. That, he decided was what he needed to do on a daily basis.
Shrugging his top on, he sheathed his father's sword and went to retrieve his horse. It must have been hours and after his exercise, he was ravenous. Slowly, he made his way back to the mansion without any detours. Noin would undoubtedly be worrying about him. At least, this time, she didn't send Zechs out to retrieve him.
He traversed the mammoth mansion in search of Noin. He wanted to let her know that he was home, first and foremost. After that, he would seek out Treize.
"Wu Fei!" Noin found him first, "You're home! I thought we agreed that you would run to me instead of taking off without word?"
"..."
"I'm teasing, Wu Fei!" she hugged him briefly, "Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Where have you been?"
"On the beach."
"I didn't realize you knew how to swim."
"I don't, I was just on the beach training. Do you know where Treize is?"
"No, he left shortly after you did and I haven't seen him since. He didn't say where he was going. A messenger came to see him. They spoke a for a short while then he left in a hurry."
"Did Zechs go with him?"
"No. It must have been something personal he needed to deal with."
"Must have," Wu Fei nodded absently. In a way, he was glad Treize wasn't around. Whatever that needed to be said could wait. His mind wasn't coherent enough to say anything anyway.
He excused himself from Noin and went in search for a snack. He would first satisfy his hunger then he would tend to his aching muscles. Wu Fei felt grossly out of shape - he shouldn't be feeling this worn out after only several hours of practice.
The bathroom was steam laden and it smelled of lavender - Noin's favourite scent. Wu Fei wondered why his bathroom would smell of Noin when he realised that she had left him a note. Apparently, she had intercepted the servant drawing his bath and added the essential oil to it. It was suppose to help him relax.
Shrugging, he lowered himself into the steaming water; he quite liked the subtle scent of the purple flower. Chuckling to himself, he hoped the Zechs wouldn't jump to conclusions when he emerged from the batch smelling like Noin or tease him for smelling like a lady!
The effects of the hot water mixed with the lavender were almost instantaneous. Wu Fei found his taut muscles loosening quicker than he expected. He sagged languidly into the water allowing sleep to lure him into dreams. His reached up to finger the little plait behind his left ear as he sought the images and memories of his beloved and his once-best friend.
His pleasant dreams of better times were interrupted a sudden gust of cold air in the bathroom. Wu Fei's eyes flew open realising someone else was in the bathroom. He hurriedly drew his knees up to his chest, upsetting the calm bath water and sloshing an ample amount of it onto the floor.
Wu Fei glowered.
"You should see the look on your face!"
"WHAT are you doing in here?! How long have you been standing there?!"
"I was told that you've been in here a long time. No one dared interrupt for fear of your wrath. I was sent in to check that you hadn't drown yourself," Treize chuckled.
"Where is Miss Noin?"
"Noin? You would favour Noin seeing you in the nude?" Treize asked, amused.
"I haven't drowned, can you please leave the room?" Wu Fei's scowl deepened. Now that he had sat up from the water, he was getting cold. Yet he would not move until Treize vacated the room.
"As you wish," he smiled.
Wu Fei shuddered when he realised that Treize was LOOKING at him. The redhead raked his eyes across his naked body, albeit briefly, but it was enough to make Wu Fei really self-conscious.
"I mean NOW!" Wu Fei almost threw the bar of soap at the Governor.
Treize chortled as he closed the door behind him.
To say that Wu Fei found Treize Kushrenada infuriating would be an understatement. Yet, there was something alluring about the enigmatic redhead. The Chinese youth could never tell if he was coming or going where the Governor was concerned. He had so many masks, so many facades, so many personas; Wu Fei's head was spinning from it all. What DID Treize want from him?
Whatever game he was playing, Wu Fei was resolved to win. Or at least try to make it as difficult for Treize to triumph.
After drying himself, he shrugged on his robe and padded out to his room. Treize was still there, seated in Wu Fei's chair, a glass of wine in his hand.
"WHAT?" Wu Fei snapped irritably.
"I would have thought that you would be in a better mood after your afternoon of solitude."
"I was until you rudely interrupted my bath," he replied sourly.
"I did knock, several times. But when you failed to answer I thought I had better check on you."
"Next time knock louder!" the Chinese youth growled, "Is there a reason why you're still here in my room?"
"Why are you so angry at me?"
"Is that supposed to be a rhetorical question? I would've thought an intelligent man like yourself could guess why!"
"Because I walked in on you in the bath?"
"NO!" Wu Fei exclaimed, then sighed in resignation, he continued, his voice softening, "It doesn't matter. Is there something you need from me?"
Treize set his wine down and stalked up to Wu Fei. Holding the youth in a firm gaze, he brushed a lock of damp hair out of obsidian eyes.
Wu Fei shivered at the gentle caress.
"Of course it matters," he said, almost in a whisper, "If I have done something to upset you, I would like to know about it. We live and work together, Wu Fei. Harbouring negative feelings towards one another will only cause a rift in our relationship, both business and personal."
"If you've upset me?" Wu Fei snorted and took a step away from the redhead, "Have this morning's events been cast out of your mind already? Is it so unimportant to you that you have not even considered it worth remembering? Or were just simply not paying attention? Perhaps I imagined it all?"
"Oh, that."
"Oh, that indeed!" Wu Fei fumed, "I am in no mood to entertain you, Treize. My life and honour may belong to you but not my will!"
"As I said before, you do not need to pledge your life or honour to me simply because I defeated you in a duel."
"Tradition dictates - "
"You were never one to hold onto tradition this staunchly, why start now?" Treize interrupted, "Wu Fei, I want nothing from you save your friendship and it is something I would rather earn than receive it simply because you feel indebted to give it. As I said before we duelled, my victory does not alleviate the blame I bear for what I did to your family. If anyone owes anyone anything, it is I who has debts to pay and amends to make. I am resolved to make it up to you, somehow."
"You don't have to, you defeated me. By rights, my life is yours to dictate."
"You seem rather eager to discard any kind of responsibility to your own life," Treize mused, "Why is that?"
"WHAT?!" Wu Fei exclaimed, "That is ludicrous!"
"Is it? I've seen you in action. Your martial art prowess are admirable and I daresay have very little peer. I am surprised that you lost today. I honestly did not expect to win. Draw, perhaps but certainly not win. You claimed not to be disadvantaged by the cut on your arm, therefore I must conclude your defeat was caused by your emotional - "
"Seen me in action?" Wu Fei echoed, not listening to Treize babble. He had not been practising since he arrived in Hong Kong. Then the realisation dawned on him, "It was you..."
"Me?"
"In room with the flowers on the top floor of the hospital on Lintin, you were the one Duo said was watching me all the time."
"Oh?" Treize merely said, not denying or admitting.
"Why?" Wu Fei didn't like what he discovered. Who was this man? Why was he so interested about him?
"As I recall, I was not the only fascinated patient in there who was watching you," Treize said coolly.
"No one else was watching me that night, why where you awake to do so?"
"You have never woken in the dead of night for one or another reason?"
"Must you answer my questions with questions?!" Wu Fei growled.
Treize laughed, much to Wu Fei annoyance.
"We cannot have all the answers we seek. That would be too easy, too boring. Perhaps in time, some of them will come to you," the redhead grinned, and returned to his wine, "Shall we worry about that later? Now, there is more pressing matters to attend to."
"Such as?"
"Dinner," he smiled, "You missed lunch, I suspect you would want to have dinner. I hear the kitchen prepared a scrumptious meal of honey-glazed pork, Yorkshire pudding and roast vegetable [1]. Shall I ask them to wait for you?"
Dinner? Wu Fei's mind boggled - they were talking about duty, honour, life debts and obsessions yet Treize's mind was focused on food?
"Yes, please," Wu Fei sighed and said. He understood the futility of arguing with Treize about the matter. Treize would not tell Wu Fei anything more than he wanted the youth to know. Wu Fei continued, "I'll be down shortly after I dressed."
"I'll see you in a moment then," Treize picked up his glass of wine and left Wu Fei's room.
The Chinese boy looked perplexedly at the door for a moment before he began getting dressed.
Even though he was grateful for Treize's help, Wu Fei cannot help but feel like a player upon a stage that the Governor had set. Treize wanted something, that much he knew. He had yet to see or hear anything to prove it but he was never one to deny his instincts.
Treize had done a lot for Wu Fei, helping him back on his feet, giving him a home and a new purpose in life. He had not asked for anything in return, but that did not mean that he wouldn't later. Could he truly trust the man?
He had trusted Zechs on Duo's say so, before he found out for himself that the Lieutenant was trustworthy. Why not extend the same benefit of the doubt to Treize? Zechs and Noin obviously had faith in him. Treize had given Wu Fei no real reason to doubt him, save perhaps for his father's death and several incidents of subtle seduction.
If he thought about it, Wu Fei felt that those were feeble grounds to cast away a relationship that had begun to show signs of blossoming. His father died fighting a war, Wu Fei felt that it was unfair to hold Treize personally responsible for it, for the Governor was one of the many soldiers serving his crown, like his father was. As for Treize's slight hint of flirtation, to maintain his own sanity, Wu Fei concluded that he was imagining it. Treize was a very expressive man, it was evident that the cared for all his housemates. Perhaps it was simply his way of showing concern. For all Wu Fei knew, Treize treated Zechs and Noin the same way when they were alone.
Wu Fei then made up his mind that he would not be judgemental towards his benefactor without just cause. He would remain wary but he would not jump to conclusions about Treize's motives and intentions. The Governor was a good man. He deserved respect and honour.
Pulling his hair back into a ponytail, Wu Fei left his room to join the others at dinner.
[1] I dunno if they were eating all that in 1830/40 but it's yummy and I like it. You are welcome to educate me though - maybe next time I'll make the extra effort in researching English food in the mid 19th C!
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