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
To Wu Fei, Treize was acting like the duel never happened, especially whenever anyone else was present. That infuriated Wu Fei and at the same time he was relieved to know that their little personal confrontation did not affect their working relationship. Treize and he spoke no more of the duel since that night which the Governor walked in on his bath. In fact, there was very little one on one session between the pair.
Was there any more to be said about that? Were words necessary? Wu Fei had already resolved to serve the Governor as best he could as his counsellor even if he had not become honour bound to do so. Moreover, the redhead has said he wanted nothing more than Wu Fei's friendship. Perhaps that awkward episode was over. Perhaps with the mutual insistence of being indebted to each other, he could consider that they were even? Wu Fei certain hoped that they could move on and bury this ugly incident.
Nevertheless, it was hard for Wu Fei to keep his mind on work alone. He was often distant and distracted. He didn't even know what it was that was bothering him that much. Was it Kwan and his family, something, that he knew all too well, was far from over, was it Li and the fact he hasn't been found yet or was it still Treize and his motivation behind his interest in Wu Fei? Whatever it was, it was making the young Dragon more moody and sombre than usual.
Noin did not pry nor try to cheer him up. Wu Fei suspected that she was still miffed at him for challenging Treize to a duel. In fact, she saw little of her. She can't have been that angry with him, can she?
One evening over dinner, he found out where she had been hiding herself.
"I've decided," she said carving her slice of chicken breast, "I want to do something to help the war orphans on the streets."
"Oh?" Zechs raised a curious eyebrow, "What spurred this decision then?"
"The boy who attacked us a couple of weeks ago," Noin replied, "He certainly didn't look like he had a proper home to go to or someone to care for him. I've been around the ... less travelled path, I've seen how some of them were living, scared, hungry, alone. I know I can help those who are willing to accept my help."
"How do you plan to help them?" Treize asked, rather hurriedly when he saw Zechs' expression when Noin admitted she had been wandering around the slums unaccompanied.
"I am not sure..." her shoulders rose briefly.
"An orphanage. You could also establish a school within. That way you can give them a home and an education," Wu Fei suggested. It was perhaps the longest sentence he had said during dinner for the last couple of weeks.
"Excellent idea!" Noin exclaimed, "Thank you, Wu Fei!"
"Running an orphanage is not an easy thing," Zechs said, "You will need help."
"Undoubtedly! I'm sure a lot of people would want to help these poor children. We are the kind of people in the position to spearhead a venture of this nature. Even if I do not administer the place, I can surely found it."
"That is a very noble gesture, Noin," Treize smiled, and took a sip of his wine, "You have my support in that endeavour."
"Thank you, Treize, I know I could count on you!" Noin beamed, "What of you gentlemen? Do I have your co-operation as well?"
"Anything you do, dearest," Zechs reached over to grasp her hand gently, "You have my support and encouragement. Wu Fei?"
"Of course, I'll do what I can to help."
"Wonderful, when do we begin?"
"I think a little more planning needs to be done before we run into the streets and abduct the children!" Zechs giggled.
"Like what?"
"Shall we talk about the finer points of your project later, Noin?" Treize interjected, "For now, let us finish our meal and enjoy a work-free evening."
The conversation dwindled for a moment then took on a more casual stance. Wu Fei said nothing more, his thoughts focused on the orphanage. He made a decision then that he would so all he can to help Noin. He liked the idea of being able to work actively to give something to the community. Moreover, if they could bring up the children to be more liberal, tolerant and understanding of all things not Eastern, then the future generations of Hong Kong would prosper from a more symbiotic relationship with the colonists.
In no small measure, he wanted to do that because it was his way of honouring his sifu and his wife. He was after all his sifu's principle disciple and husband to his only child. They had dedicated their lives to the school, which also served as home to several orphaned students, Wu Fei did not want their legacy to lay forgotten within the crumbling rubble of Canton. He felt that it was his privilege to be given this chance and his duty to accept and build a school again, even if it was not in their names, it would be in their memory.
With a new challenging project at hand, the moodiness around his heart faded a little and Wu Fei went to bed that night a happier boy.
As wide-eyed and enthusiastic Noin was about getting started with the orphanage, something else swept her attention away from it - Christmas.
Six weeks to Christmas and she was already dressing the house with the decorations she could find in Hong Kong shops. Where she failed to find a particular angel, candle or tinsel she wanted she had them delivered from other nearby colonies. All four of them had decided NOT to host a Christmas ball that year, using the excuse that the mansion was not suitable for such events. The Governor would not host any parties until the Manor was completed. This would be a small 'family' dinner for the four of them.
That left the others with the task of working on her project, although Wu Fei was torn between indulging and learning more of Christmas and getting Noin's project on the go.
Wu Fei and Zechs were charge with finding a location for her new orphanage. Getting permission to start an orphanage was not a problem - the man who had the last say was, after all, one of the benefactors to the project. So with the legal issues and paperwork being efficiently dealt with by Treize, the other two went about finding a place and coming up with ideas and plans on HOW to convince the children that they would be safer with them than on the streets. It is unlikely that they would simply flock to the orphanage on their say so. If they could help it, they would rather not have the children taken by law and by force.
Wu Fei and Zechs staggered into the drawing room one late afternoon after a long day on the streets. They were still scouring for a suitable building, which ended up fruitless, and they had also tried to get some response of their proposed orphanage but found only bewilderment, insults and blatant disregard. All that, they received from the few random people they approached. The children weren't even going to wait to see what they wanted. They fled at the sight of the blonde Lieutenant, some curious ones would hide and gawk at him instead and the other braver ones bombarded them with stick, stones and whatever else they could get their hands on.
"Next time," Wu Fei grumbled, "I go alone."
"You're welcome to it!" Zechs sighed, "I never thought I would provoke such extreme reaction in those children. I'm just glad that none of them had bowls of blood with them!"
"I told you, you were too charming for your own good," Treize teased as he joined them in the room.
"Perhaps you should be the one out there, what with your lacklustre personality, I'm sure you'll succeed where we failed!" the blond retorted.
"Ouch, sharpen those claws this morning, did you?" the Governor grinned, "I have good news, gentlemen. Perhaps it would lift your dour mood."
"About what?" Wu Fei asked.
"I have stumbled upon a building suitable for the orphanage."
"You had better had found this after we left this morning, Treize." Zechs warned, "Or there would be hell to pay for our redundant work today."
"My, my, you are in a testy mood! Did an orange hit you too hard in the head? Or perhaps it wasn't your head that was hit?" Treize quipped; making Wu Fei laugh out loud and Zechs frown even deeper. Treize continued, "Yes, I found it after you left. In fact, I only found it no more than an hour ago. I have yet to inform Noin. The place needs a little work but nothing serious. It's tucked away on the south-western quarter of the island, away from the manic activities of the docks, it is fairly large and is currently vacant."
"Sounds ideal," Wu Fei said.
"It is."
"Oh, good, you're all home!" Noin entered and stood before them, "I have someone I want you all to meet later. I've invited him for dinner."
"And who might he be?" Zechs asked.
"I've found someone who can deal with the day to day concerns of the orphanage, or at least oversee it until we can find ourselves a proper team to managed it."
"You found someone to run a place we haven't even established?" Zechs voiced the question that all three of them had.
"It was pure coincidence. I didn't go hunting for someone but I just couldn't let him go after I met him."
"What so special about him?"
"Well, for starters he was very highly recommended by Lady Palmerston, she had heard about our endeavour and invited me to meet him."
"Recommended for doing what?" Treize asked, almost too innocently.
Wu Fei and Zechs resisted the urge to laugh when Noin scowled at the redhead.
"He has been landscaping her garden!" she replied haughtily.
"You hired a gardener to run the orphanage?"
"Well, if you stop interrupting me, Treize, perhaps I can tell you what I learned of him! He's a little more than that. I have spoken to him and he sounds like the perfect man for the job. He's educated, handy and artistic, although he did seem a little shy. He had expressed an interest in working with the children. He has been working on several project in and around the house for the Palmerstons and the Lady has reassured me that he's trustworthy, dedicated and very good at what he does."
Treize whispered to Wu Fei, making him giggle, "Again I ask what is it that he does."
This time, Noin ignored them, "I've spend the afternoon talking to him and invited him over for you to meet him. He should be arriving soon. What of your afternoon? Has it been fruitful?"
"If by 'fruitful' you mean having fruit thrown at you, then yes, very," Zechs commented wryly.
Wu Fei snorted.
"You don't take rejection very well do you, Zechs?" Treize chuckled, "At least, I have good news for you, Noin. You may consider it as an early Christmas present - I have found you a building. It will need some work, but I daresay you would approve."
"Oh excellent!" she clapped, "If I had known today would be so successful, I'd have asked the kitchens to prepare something special."
Zechs harrumphed, "Speak for yourself."
"Don't be a sourpuss, dearest," Noin walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek, "We can't all win! Now, off you go, all of you, get ready for dinner. Our guest would be arriving soon."
Obediently, the trio shuffled out of the room to clean up for dinner.
Before long, the three of them had all reconvened at the reception room awaiting Noin and her new friend.
"I wonder what kind of person he is," Zechs said, almost to himself.
"Do I detect a tinge of jealousy?" Treize teased.
The Lieutenant scowled, "Oh, don't be ridiculous!"
Wu Fei could not help but snigger. However he did share Zechs' wonder. No point thinking about it, their guest would be arriving soon.
Oh, speak of the devil.
The door to the room was left open. Wu Fei who had been sitting in front of it spotted their guest being led to the room by Noin. He was much younger than Wu Fei expected, perhaps no older than Wu Fei himself. He was of average height and a slight built. The youth had unruly dark chocolate hair and oriental features. He did not look Chinese to Wu Fei though.
Two steps away from the door the youth suddenly looked up and caught Wu Fei's eyes. Wu Fei knew it was too late to pretend he wasn't looking so he smiled instead. The youth returned his smile, somewhat tentatively. Wu Fei knew then that the youth was not Chinese, at least not wholly, for he knew that no Oriental would have such penetrating blue eyes.
"Good evening, gentlemen," Noin said, "Allow me to introduce you to Heero Yuy. Heero, this is Treize Kushrenada, Zechs Merquise and Chang Wu Fei."
"Good evening," Treize rose and extended his hand towards the boy, "It's a pleasure."
"The pleasure is mine," the youth first took Treize's hand and shook it, before accepting Zechs' and Wu Fei's.
"Dinner is ready, shall we proceed?" Zechs said as he ushered the group to the dining room.
As per usual, Treize, Zechs and Noin dominated the conversation over dinner but they did not exclude the others. Heero was as quiet as Noin proclaimed. He would only offer his answer or opinion when directly questioned. Yet when he was asked about certain topics, he looked like he would be able to rival the braided Irish in verbosity.
Wu Fei trusted Noin's judgment and Heero did seem rather amicable. He spoke little of himself save that he was from Japan and that he came to Hong Kong in search of adventure and a change of lifestyle. He came to the right place - the island was a place of new beginnings.
The Japanese youth portrayed himself to be some sort of jack of all trades, working mostly among the colonist as he spoke little Cantonese. He had not taken up any permanent employment until now as he had been unsure as to what he wanted to do nor did he find anything that interested him. When Lady Palmerston mentioned Noin's orphanage in passing, he found himself rather drawn to the altruistic venture. He approached the Lady for a recommendation and the rest, as they say, was history.
As the night wore on, Wu Fei could see that both Treize and Zechs approved of Noin's decision to hire Heero. He, too, had no objections. In the short time that he had known him, Wu Fei could see that the Japanese youth was intelligent, worldly and open-minded. The fact that he was fluent in English led Wu Fei to believe that he was well educated and had, very likely, led a privileged life before he came to Hong Kong.
Even though it may not have been Noin's intention when she offered Heero the position, Wu Fei could honestly say that the youth with the shock of wild chocolate hair would make a fine addition to their little group.
"This is absolutely fabulous, Treize!" Noin exclaimed, "You've outdone yourself, sir!"
"You have to admire a woman with a great imagination," Zechs chuckled.
They five of them were standing in the courtyard of the building that Treize had procured for Noin's orphanage. It was large, old and looked like it had been unused for a better part of ten years. Zechs had called it derelict, only to have Treize rebuke saying that nothing a little spit and shine won't cure.
"We're going to be doing a lot of spitting then," was Zechs' wry retort.
Noin, on the other hand, was thrilled. Like Treize, she could see past the grime and abandonment to what the place could potentially be. She was happy and she was ignoring Zechs.
Wu Fei and Heero offered no comment, scrutinising the mansion in their own silence until Noin asked them what they thought of the place.
"Old," was Wu Fei's first word, eliciting a snort from Heero, but hastily added before Noin could bear down on him, "But all old things are not without their own qualities and charm. At least, for a mansion of this size, there would an abundance of rooms for the children."
"It has potential," Heero said briefly.
"Shall we see what it looks like from the inside?" Treize asked
"The roof isn't going to cave in on us, is it?" Zechs joked.
"Oh, ha, ha," Noin shot him an irritated look and headed in.
Wu Fei was right, there were a lot of rooms - possibly more than the Chang mansion had and that was saying something. The entire estate comprised of five main units - the main building, the living quarters, the servants' quarters, the stable and the courtyards
The main building housed the entrance hall, two reception rooms, a banquet hall, the family room and dining room. The living quarters were effectively three separate structures with no less than a total of fifteen rooms of varying sizes. The servants' quarters comprised of one large dormitory, three smaller rooms for the head servants, a common room and the kitchens. The stables, small when compared to the rest of the house, only had four stalls. And lastly the courtyards - Wu Fei counted five courtyards in total, the front, rear and three small inner ones.
As they traversed the corridors, rickety stairs and inner courtyards, Noin was already mentally mapping out what each room should be. Zechs and Treize followed idly, not really paying much attention if this room was more suitable to be a study or a music room. Heero, on the other hand, seemed to be scrutinising every crack in the wall and splinter on a beam. Wu Fei guessed he was trying to ascertain how extensive the damaged to the place was.
Their tour ended in the rear courtyard. When they stepped into the bright morning sun, they all stood transfixed at the vision before them. Zechs seemed rather impressed as well.
Even in its neglected state, the five of them could see that it had been a thing of beauty once. The plant life in there, surprisingly, was thriving. The foliage on the evergreen trees were still plush and green, the clusters of flowers spotted throughout the garden, now rampant, were still blooming. In the far end of the yard, a pond lay, now covered in algae and swamped by weeds and fallen leaves. Wu Fei wondered if there was anything living in there. The stone path that led to the pagoda by the pond had been overrun by uncut grass and several skilfully crafted stone statues, covered in moss, were littered around the yard,
"Heero?" Noin whispered.
"Hai, Noin-sama?"
"Can you make this beautiful again?"
A wide smile spread across his face as he said, "Ninmu ryoukai." [1]
Christmas decorations now lay forgotten; with Heero's help Noin kept herself busy in organising the restoration of the mansion. The Lady had also waylaid Wu Fei. Since neither she nor Heero spoke Cantonese, someone had to negotiate with the architects and communicated with labourers. Wu Fei was nominated - Noin believed that the local workers would react more positively to him than they would Zechs.
Restoring a mansion that covered the area of roughly four acres was not an easy task. The architects wanted things this way, Noin wanted things that way, the labourers complained that things were being complicated, Heero insisted that things had to be meticulously done, and Wu Fei was caught in the middle of it all. Nevertheless, the Chinese youth could admit that he hadn't had that much fun before.
After weeks of arguments, disagreements and interesting threats of incurring bodily harm, they came to a compromise and work was well on its way. They were promised that the work would be completed before Chinese New Year, some ten weeks from now. Noin and Wu Fei left them to work, while Heero began his own on the rear courtyard.
The courtyard was Heero's private project and he had free rein to do as he pleased. Wu Fei had made that clear to the architects and workers. They would not do anything there unless explicitly requested by the Japanese youth. There were instructions from Heero that under no circumstances anyone, but the workers, was to venture out back.
Wu Fei had come to know the Japanese youth much better and had found that they had a few things in common, namely their interest in all things Western, their appreciation for nature and their passion about the martial arts. Heero also revealed to be the same age as Wu Fei. The Chinese lad got on well with Heero and the boys enjoyed each other's company.
In some strange way, Wu Fei was glad to have a fellow Oriental with him even if their peoples have had centuries of conflict between them. That was one of their strongest common bonds - colour, creed or history matter little to them, just as long as the person in question was good and honourable. Although he had never felt out of place among his British housemates, having Heero there somehow gave him a better sense of belonging to the group, and the young Dragon suspected that Heero felt the same.
Satisfied that the orphanage was in good hands, Noin returned to her Christmas preparations.
"Two and a half weeks to Christmas and I haven't finished decorating the place," Noin sighed as she twisted a stalk of holly into the large wreath she was weaving.
"I'm sure Zechs and Treize doesn't mind the house not being decorated and two and a half weeks is still a lot of time," Wu Fei replied, handing her another twig. Wu Fei was curious about what Noin was doing and she had roped him into helping her, "Besides, we're not having guests."
"We DO have one."
"Heero doesn't count, he's a friend not a 'guest', and even if it did, I doubt he would mind either. They don't celebrate Christmas in Japan. I don't believe he even knows what Christmas is about!"
"Do you?"
"Duo explained a little of it to me. It's a religious festival associated with the birth of your saviour, usually celebrated with family and there's this tradition of getting stupidly drunk on eggnog," Wu Fei thought of Mei-Ran and her first hangover and chuckled.
"Ah, yes, the eggnog, a vital part of the celebrations."
"That and beer."
Noin guffawed, "I see Duo educated you about all the finer points of Christmas!"
"Of course," Wu Fei smiled, "I hope this Christmas would be better for him than the last."
"Oh, what happened last year?" Noin asked, intrigued.
"Didn't Zechs tell you? He was arrested for starting a brawl with the Imperial Guards on Christmas Eve. He spent Christmas Day in jail."
"No!" Noin exclaimed in disbelieve.
Wu Fei nodded then proceeded to tell Noin the story of how Duo valiantly stepped up to protect him and Mei-Ran, even if it meant being in danger himself and that that incident also led to his and Zechs' first meeting.
The pair continued to reminisce about the gregarious Irish that they both had grown to love. Noin, Wu Fei learnt, met Duo through Zechs, not long after the Irish arrived in Canton. Duo had gotten himself hurt and fell deathly ill with dysentery. Zechs took him to Noin and asked her to care for him. With infinite patience and care, she nursed Duo back to health and their friendship went from strength to strength from then. After Duo returned to his duties in Canton, he had had no contact with Noin until the war began.
Wu Fei in turn told Noin the tale of how he met the Irish and all the escapades they indulged in.
They completed the wreath, several candle stands and a centrepiece for the dinner table. It was a productive day. They also learned a lot more about each other and Wu Fei discovered that he was rather artistic and good at making Christmas decorations!
Wu Fei drew his practice to an end. He had once again been neglecting it as the orphanage took precedence over his time. Now that he had little more do to until the restoration was complete, he took the opportunity to make up for lost time.
The sun had long set and the night sky was clear and crisp. He looked up into the heavens admiring the waning crescent of the moon and the sparkling stars. A movement from a window on the first floor caught his eye and a frown furrowed his brow. It didn't take a genius to know who it was that had been watching him, yet again. Wu Fei didn't understand why Treize's scrutiny of his training unsettled him as much as it did.
Without any further deliberation, the young Dragon stormed into the house, nearly bowling over two servants, and headed straight up to Treize's room. It had to stop; it was driving Wu Fei barmy. Evidently, simply letting the issue lie wasn't going to make it better. This was something that was screaming for a confrontation.
So much for not being judgemental without just cause towards the Governor. However, in Wu Fei's harassed state of mind, this was quite justified.
Before he could even bang on the door, it swung open and a hand reached out to yank him in. Caught unawares, Wu Fei tumbled into the room, nearly landing on his face. Fortunately for his dignity, and his face, the same hand that pulled him also steadied him.
"To what honour do I owe this visit?"
"If your intentions are to push me over the brink into the depths of insanity, then congratulations! You are succeeding!?!"
"Am I causing you such strife?" Treize asked innocently.
"Stop watching me!"
"Why? You are quite a sight to behold when you train."
"I do not like it."
"You didn't seem to mind being watched on Lintin."
"I ..." Wu Fei hesitated, it was true, he didn't have much qualms being watched then. Then again, he didn't know it was Treize who had been one of the many who was watching him.
"Why does that bother you so much?"
"Because I don't know what you want from me, because you seem to enjoy playing games with me, because you're so damned elusive and infuriating when confronted!"
"My, my, you have THAT many reasons?" Treize chuckled and went over to pour himself a glass of wine, "Wine?"
Wu Fei growled.
"I didn't think so," he corked the decanter and seated himself, "I already told you what I wanted from you - friendship, companionship, trust. I assure you I play no games other than the one called life. As for confrontations, why do you deem them necessary? Must you always face off everything with a duel or a challenge?"
"This is exactly what I'm talking about!" Wu Fei cried in frustration, "You gave me nothing of clarity, answered questions with questions, twist and clouded my words."
"Clarity?" Treize advanced on Wu Fei, "What is it that you're so unsure about?"
"Are you going to give me a true answer?"
"If I have the means to," Treize had successfully backed Wu Fei against a wall even though they stood some three feet apart.
"What do you really want from me?"
"I told you - "
"Friendship, yes, you said," Wu Fei interrupted irritably, "But how can I trust you enough to be your friend when you cannot be open and honest with me? Are those not two of the foundations of friendship?"
Treize grinned, "You are indeed wise beyond your years."
"Stop," Wu Fei frowned, "Don't flatter me; just answer me!"
"Openness and honesty - have you offered me the same two virtues?"
"What?" the Dragon exclaimed, somewhat outraged, "I have nothing to hide from you! You are the one who has to give me answers, not the other way round. What DO you want?"
"As you wish," Treize bowed his head a little, "I cannot but feel I owe you. You may have alleviated me of liability for your father's death, but what of your home, your family, your wife? It was I, after all, who misjudged Lewis and Murphy, believing they would uphold the honour and standing of the British Armed Forces. I want to make amends for their folly."
Wu Fei was taken aback, that was not an answer he had expected. Treize's baby blues showed sincerity and for the first time Wu Fei was inclined to believe that he was being truthful. Even so, why did Treize feel so bad about making a command decision? Wu Fei had agreed with the Lieutenant when he said they were at war and certain things HAD to be done, despite its 'correctness'.
No, there was more to it, Wu Fei concluded. Perhaps Treize WAS feeling guilty but why was he feeling guilty? Why had he singled out Wu Fei?
"You cannot," Wu Fei finally whispered, "Mei-Ran is dead, and there is nothing you do can bring her back. Neither do you do possess the power to restore my family."
"I do not intend to perform miracles, only offer recompense to you."
"Recompense?" Wu Fei snorted, "What can you possibly offer me to ease the grief I bear for losing my beloved?"
Treize advanced again and pinned the Chinese youth with his piercing gaze, "I can think of a few..."
Flabbergasted at what Wu Fei felt Treize was implying, the Chinese youth merely gaped at him, his eyes wide with astonishment and disbelief. The redhead continued to stare at him, his gaze unwavering.
"I am NOT like that," the youth whispered, finally getting control of his vocal cords.
"Like what?" Treize raised an elegant auburn eyebrow then ventured, "Gay? I must confess neither am I, but I am not closed off to new and different ideas. I will not repress my sense of curiosity because it is one of the few virtues that led me to where I am today."
"I will not be a pawn in your trial of 'new and different ideas'! Gods! Have you so little respect for me?!"
"You shouldn't dismiss yours so flippantly either," Treize continued, as if not hearing what Wu Fei had said, "Is it not your inquisitiveness and intrigue for the unusual and new that brought you to my world?"
"Are you having fun?" Wu Fei glowered accusingly at him, "Do you enjoy playing with my mind and my emotions? Not content are you to simply unnerve me; do you also want to crush my spirit and my self-respect? I cannot take this, Treize. I WILL not. Do not make me regret coming to you."
"It is not my intention to do that. I apologise if you feel threatened by this."
"If you're sorry about it then STOP DOING IT! It's not difficult! Just stop. If you really want to make amends then leave me out of your sordid games, just leave me alone!"
"Can you honestly say you want that of me?"
"I would not ask if that were not so."
"I thought you said you had nothing to hide from me, young Dragon."
"What is that supposed to mean, Treize?"
"I have seen the longing in your eyes when you look at Noin and Zechs' courtship. I know loneliness when I see it."
Wu Fei averted his gaze from penetrating sapphires. Treize had been correct. He had been feeling lonely.
The redhead continued in a whisper, his voice pregnant with sincerity, "I cannot allow such a beautiful creature like yourself to languish. Not when I can offer succour. I, too, understand the pain of loneliness for I, once, loved and lost. I do not presume to be a replacement; heaven knows I am not worthy. Just like you cannot substitute the one I lost."
"Who did you lose?" Wu Fei asked despite himself.
"What does it matter? She's gone, just like Mei-Ran," the first hint of bitterness touched the normally dulcet voice. It vanished as abruptly as it surfaced.
"Losing a loved one doesn't naturally make us kindred spirits."
"But it can bring us closer for I understand your pain better than Noin or Zechs could. Why are you so afraid to allow yourself some comfort?"
Wu Fei almost punch Treize but anger kept him frozen, "It had scarcely been a year since my wife died, I have not found her, mourn her or put her to rest like a dutiful husband should, and you have the audacity to ask me why I am not accepting your preposterous invitation?!"
"You forget you still live, Wu Fei," Treize shook his head lightly, "Certain primal needs have to be fulfilled. It is just like eating."
"Is that how you mourned your beloved or honour her memory?" the Chinese youth spat, disgusted.
"My Lady would understand. She would not begrudge me; in fact, she would not want me to deprive myself of the comfort that she can no longer offer me. And I am certain neither would your late wife."
"You know NOTHING of Mei-Ran, do not presume to understand her."
"Of course," the Governor smiled, "I apologize."
"Get away from me!" Wu Fei lifted his hand to push Treize away. His efforts were in vain as Treize grabbed his wrists and held them against the wall. The element on surprise on Treize's part was very likely the only thing that saved him from being pummelled by a martial arts expert.
Wu Fei's heart began hammering in his chest. Surely Treize would not stoop to such levels? He contemplated on attacking the redhead but something halted his actions. What could it be? Did he actually want to see how far Treize would go?
"Do not dismiss me, or your true feelings, so quickly and easily, proud Dragon," Treize leaned in to whisper in his ear, "Hello, what's this? Chestnut locks?"
Treize had spotted the plait that was tucked behind Wu Fei's left ear. Releasing one of the youth's wrists, he reached up to it. Wu Fei reacted immediately. He tilted his head away from Treize while his free hand flew up to block Treize.
"Do NOT touch that!" he growled menacingly.
Treize looked at him perplexedly for a moment then smiled knowingly and took a step back, "Ahhh... a precious keepsake of your past. Some things you have to hold onto forever. Everyone needs that. I understand."
"You don't understand anything about me!" Wu Fe straightened himself and made his way to the door.
"Don't I?"
"Just STOP watching me!" Wu Fei demanded in his bid to have the final word and slammed the door so hard that the windows rattled.
That did not go well, the youth thought. He practically ran to his room. You would not regret this, Zechs had said. HAH! If only he could make the Lieutenant eat his words. Did Zechs even know that Treize had such ... perverse interests?
The impact of Treize's words and proposition affected him more than he thought it would. Unfortunately, deep down, Wu Fei knew Treize had been right about a lot of things he said that night. Whether Wu Fei chose to acknowledge it was another matter.
He did not want to think about it. He did not want to think about how close he came to accepting Treize simply out of morbid curiosity. He couldn't help but wonder if he was really THAT curious - why did he not traverse into realms unknown with Duo instead? At least, he trusted and loved Duo.
Was he really THAT lonely? Or was there something more sinister to his near-surrender? Duo never provoked such terrifying emotions in him, Treize, in contrast, was adept in doing so.
NO!
Wu Fei punched a wall. No, he would not yield to the redhead's manipulation. He WOULD not. Wu Fei had to prove to be a stronger man than that. Neither would he go back on his word to Zechs and take flight. No, he will persevere and triumph over Treize's depraved games.
"No!" Wu Fei declared to himself, "Treize will NOT be allowed to gain mastery over me!"
[1] Sorry! Cliché as it is, I just couldn't resist! ^_^ Translation: Mission Accepted.
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