by Kedriaa
Disclaimer: GW characters do not belong to me. No monetary profit gained through this venture - just an ample amount of self-satisfaction and self-indulgence.
Notes: <"..."> spoken in Cantonese
When Wu Fei stepped off the ship, he was surprised to see Heero waiting for them. The Japanese youth very rarely greeted them at the harbour. Something must be amiss.
"Heero?" Wu Fei approached him.
"Don't look so worried, Wu," Heero chuckled. As the years went by Heero felt comfortable and close enough to the others to cease the use of suffixes that were traditional to Japanese society, "Everything you own is still intact under lock and key."
"I didn't lock my room before I left."
"I know, I locked it."
"Why?" Wu Fei asked nervously. No one ever had reason to lock his room apart from him and even then it was a rare occurrence.
"It was only a precaution, knowing how well you like your things left alone. I'll tell you and Treize all about it, on the way back."
"Sounds ominous."
"Is something a matter, Heero?" Treize stepped up to the pair.
"Your cousin arrived a week ago," Heero stated plainly as they headed to the horses.
Wu Fei could not help but wonder why Treize's cousin's arrival would solicit such a look of dismay on the redhead's face. He looked positively aghast for a moment then sighed gloomily and returned to his normal composure. Wu Fei watched the exchange with fascination, wondering what kind of person Treize's cousin was to possess the ability to unhinge the normally unflappable Governor. Wu Fei felt it was prudent to stifle the giggle that threatened him.
"Let me guess? A party of some sort?"
"You know her well," Heero chuckled, "I was informed it was her debutante ball to the upper class of Hong Kong society in conjunction to your homecoming."
Treize sighed again, "Please tell me that the house is still intact."
"It is standing, but it has somewhat been transformed."
"Transformed... she didn't break anything, did she?"
"No, I've had those you value the most placed in storage for now. I would've halted her efforts earlier if I knew she was going to be there. I only found out about it two days ago. Sorry, Treize."
"No need to apologize. I should've warned you. I did not think she would arrive before me. Dorothy's sense of timing has always been bad. Not to mention her inability to give details of her comings and goings. I feel that she does this deliberately to rattle everyone. I haven't seen her in years and she sounds like she hasn't change."
"There is one more thing," Heero said.
Treize groaned, "She brought friends?"
"Yes, five of them."
"FIVE?!" the Governor exclaimed, "Am I running a hotel now?"
"I wouldn't worry too much about her friends, Treize," Heero tried to pacify the redhead, "They are nothing like her, not even her lady companions. Miss Dorothy is the only one who had taken the liberty to host a ball. The others are more content in indulging in other activities like sight-seeing and exploring Hong Kong's culture."
"Sight-seeing? They don't sound like the kind of people who would befriend Dorothy at all."
"No doubt, I have the impression that Miss Dorothy's presence is mainly due to one Lord Quatre Winner. If he weren't there, she wouldn't be."
"Ah, Quatre Winner!" Treize cried, "Of course! I should've guessed the young curious lordling would venture this far from home. Naturally, Dorothy would follow him. She had taken a fancy to him since they were tots. I have not seen him since he was a child and would like to meet him as a young man. I am not dreading their presence nor this party as I was a moment ago."
"I'm glad to hear that!" Heero laughed, "Some of your guests will be arriving soon."
"IT'S TONIGHT?"
"Hai," Heero smirked, "Tonight."
"Can a man get no rest or respite? Could she not even wait till we are rested and bathed?"
"Am I to presume that I have to attend this party as well?" Wu Fei finally said.
"If I am not excused, neither are you!" Treize wagged a finger at him.
"Am I also to presume I have to be more presentable then I am now?"
"Most definitely," Heero supplied, "The Lady Catalonia is dressed in her finest! As will all her guests."
"Can't I not simply pretend to be your servant, like so many presumed me to be?"
"That was four years ago, Wu Fei!" Treize chuckled, "Everyone knows who you are by now!"
"Not Lady Dorothy."
"Your efforts to shirk from your duties will be in vain."
"My duties, Treize, do not include attending parties immediately after I have disembarked from days of conferencing and hours of travelling!"
"Don't be a spoilsport, Fei," Heero said, "You will enjoy the company of Quatre and his friends. If not then, accompany me."
"You will be there too?"
"On the request of Quatre."
"And even if Quatre did not invite you," Treize added, "I would've wanted you to be there too. I will not face the aristocratic hoard alone!"
Wu Fei chuckled. For an aristocrat, Treize seemed rather reluctant to mingle with those in the rank of the landed gentry. Then again, he himself didn't like the Chinese aristocracy very much either, so it wasn't such a surprise.
The rest of the journey was dominated by silence. Both he and Treize were weary from the days of travelling and conference. Wu Fei wanted nothing more than to slide between his silk sheets and slept for the next few days. But as Treize said, rest and respite will have to wait. 'Duty' came first.
They entered the Manor through the rear courtyard. As Heero predicted, some of the guests had arrived. Treize, although a little miffed at her, had every confidence in Dorothy to be the perfect host in his absence. Travel worn and somewhat dishevelled the pair decided not to make an appearance until they were presentable.
Wu Fei was delighted to see that Heero had had the foresight to have a bath prepared for him. He even laid out a selection of suits for him to choose from. Wu Fei chuckled to himself; still finding it hard to believe the Japanese youth could be so domesticated.
As much as he wanted to sit and indulge in the bath, Wu Fei felt guilty. Once he felt clean and human enough, he got out and chose an unadorned tunic of brocade in plum with a white shirt and a pair of black trousers. He didn't seem to mind the various tones of red now that he was no longer required to wear it annually. In fact, he discovered that he quite like the mellower shades of crimson.
Pulling his hair back into his trademark ponytail, he set out to face the party that had successfully unnerved Treize. If the Governor could be shaken by this, what chance did he have? On his way to the ballroom, he made a detour to the room that Heero had claimed for himself. The Japanese youth seem to spend just as much time in the Manor as he did at his own place. Wu Fei knocked on Heero's door, hoping that the Japanese youth was still there.
"Ah, I was wondering when you'd be ready," Heero, now dressed in a Western suit, exited his room to join Wu Fei.
"Do you know if Treize is already down?"
"No."
"No, you don't know or no, he isn't?"
"No, he isn't."
"What is Dorothy like?"
"Patronising, haughty, commanding, manipulative, loud, arrogant bad tempered, pampered, molly-coddled, ignorant and the list goes on."
Wu Fei chuckled, "You get along well with her then?"
"Perfectly, as long as we're in different rooms. Lets just say we started out on the wrong foot and neither one of us have had the inclination to begin again."
"I see," Wu Fei nodded, "What of this Lord Winner and his friends?"
"They are of a different breed. Much like you and Treize really."
"Treize and I? How so?"
"Aristocrats that do not flaunt their status."
"I see. They sound amicable."
"They are," Heero smiled, "Trust me, have ever I led you astray?"
"Is that a rhetorical question?" Wu Fei returned his smile with an impish grin.
"Hn!" Heero snorted as he led the Chinese youth up to Quatre and Trowa, who were standing by the patio doors, "Hello, Quatre, Trowa."
"Heero!" Quatre beamed, "You made it."
Trowa merely smiled and nodded.
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world," he replied wryly, then added, "Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet Chang Wu Fei, one of Treize's most trusted advisor."
No one seemed to notice Trowa stiffened at the mention of Wu Fei's name, except for Wu Fei himself.
"Wu Fei," Heero continued, "Quatre Winner and Trowa Barton."
The blond extended his hand and shook Wu Fei's heartily. Trowa did the same, hiding his disbelieve well. Wu Fei was a little unnerved, why would Trowa react to his name in such a manner? Did he know of him prior to that? Had they met before?
"Pleased to meet you, Wu Fei," Quatre said, "Were you away with the Governor?"
"Yes, I was. How are you finding Hong Kong? I hear you have been sight-seeing."
"It is a beautiful place. So much more colourful and vibrant when compare to the dreary old England!"
Wu Fei chortled, "I'm certain if I visited 'dreary old England', I will find the place just a beautiful as you do Hong Kong."
"True, have you lived here all your life?"
"No, I am from Canton."
"What is it like? Is it much like Hong Kong?"
Wu Fei paused for a moment wondering how he should describe the place. The last picture of Canton he had were of its war torn streets.
"Ahh, my favourite group of people!" a new voice said before he could answer Quatre, "How are we all holding up against the onslaught of Miss Dorothy's tomfoolery?"
Wu Fei turned around; no doubt Heero would want to introduce him to the newcomer. What he never expected to see was someone he had known well. The face had matured but there was no mistaking the brilliant amethyst eyes or the russet braid.
The look of astonishment on his face must've mirrored the one on Duo's. They stared at each other wordlessly. Wu Fei's heart began to race and he was certain it was going to stop any moment.
"... Fei ... ?" Duo finally whispered after what felt like an eternity.
"You know each other?" Heero said, much louder than Duo, making Wu Fei jump.
"Yes," Wu Fei replied, "Yes, we do. How are you doing, Duo?"
"I'm good! You?" Duo's ability to bounce back from shock and heartache with no hint of trouble was mind-boggling.
"I'm doing well," Wu Fei replied. Their chance meeting had a greater impact than they let on. As they were in the company of others, neither one would let it show.
"Let me introduce you to Sally and Relena," Duo hurriedly said, "Sally, Relena, this is Chang Wu Fei, an old friend from years before."
The Ladies greeted him and a mix of conversations flooded around him. Wu Fei began talking to Sally, but his mind was clearly on Duo. He had never expected to see the Irish again, not that he didn't want to. He had often thought of how he would meet up with the braided youth and what he would do, he just didn't expect it to be in his own home four years after they parted.
Not long after, Treize sashayed into the room and all eyes turned to him. That man was someone who could command attention like a general commanded his troops. He had donned his dress uniform - an elaborately embroidered jacket of indigo, pristine white slacks and shiny black boots. His rapier, one only used for show, hung on his left hip. Badges, pins and tassels of gold, silver and bronze decorated him.
Treize first made his way to Wu Fei's group, evidently ranking them as his most honoured guests.
"Ladies, gentlemen," he bowed to the group, "I'm Treize Kushrenada. Welcome to my home. I trust your stay has been comfortable?"
"Oh, very much so, Governor," Relena said.
"Please let me make introductions," Heero supplied as he named everyone in the group.
Treize lingered for a moment, but Wu Fei couldn't care less. He was at a loss on what to do. He wanted to talk to Duo, but could not think of anything to say to him. He wasn't even sure if Duo wanted to talk to him. Even if they did say goodbye to each other, he had always felt that they parted in less than friendly terms. Could he still make amends? Could he bridge the gap that spanned some four years?
Standing like a fool, lost in his own thoughts, he hadn't realise that Duo and Trowa had disappeared into the darkness of the garden until Treize called him.
They were to mingle - as 'requested' by the Governor.
Wu Fei slipped his 'official' mask on and assumed his post diligently. No one would've guessed that he was a little less then interested by the way he was conducting himself. No one, save for those who were closest to him.
"You seemed rather distracted."
"MISS NOIN!" he exclaimed. Although Noin had married Zechs three years ago, Wu Fei and the others kept calling her Noin. It was much easier than Lucrezia and she had long considered that to be a nickname, only used by those very close to her.
"You sound surprised, imp!"
Wu Fei frowned, "Stop calling me that! What are you doing here?"
"What? You wouldn't think Zechs and I would be invited to a ball the Governor was hosting?" she smirked at him.
"Treize is not hosting this farce," Wu Fei snorted, "Both he and I are tired! Can you not see he'd sooner fall asleep on his feet than greet another pompous lord?!"
"Oh, hush!" she chided him playfully, "You wouldn't want the Lady Catalonia to hear that, do you?"
"I could honestly say it would make no impact on my life if she heard or not."
"Still as tactful and charming as ever!" Noin rolled her eyes, "Have I taught you nothing?"
Wu Fei laughed, "On the contrary, you have taught me a lot including how to defend myself against strong willed women like yourself!"
"You ARE an imp!" she scowled at him, "So, tell me, are you simply bored or preoccupied?"
"Both actually."
"Come tell me all about it," she gave him no chance to protest as she swept him onto the dance floor. Thankfully they were only doing the waltz. Even after all these years, he would still shy away from the dance floor.
"Did you know that Duo is here?" he asked as he whisked her around the floor.
"DUO? Here? In this manor?"
"Yes, here, in this manor."
"How is that I have not seen Duo all night then?"
"The last I saw of him was his retreating form into the garden with the one called Trowa Barton. Besides, Miss Dorothy seemed to have invited all of Hong Kong. With so many people ambling around here, it's not surprising that we haven't seen Duo. I didn't even see you till I almost walked into you! How she managed to organise an event of this scale in a matter of days is beyond me. There are more people here than there are in the marketplace!"
Noin giggled, "Some ladies are groomed for such skills as hosting balls and galas. And the others would not miss the opportunity to attend a ball hosted by such a prominent figure."
"I just wish she didn't planned for it to be tonight," Wu Fei sighed, "I am dead on my feet."
"You'll survive one night, Wu Fei."
"I just might. Once I have made my rounds and greeted everyone of 'importance', I am retreating to wherever Heero is hiding. He is more than likely with Quatre."
"Quatre? As in Quatre Winner? He is here??" Noin exclaimed.
"You know Quatre?"
"In a manner of speaking. Did he come alone?"
"No, he had five in his company."
"There isn't any chance that Relena Peacecraft is one among them and is currently present at this party?"
"As a matter of fact she is," Wu Fei frowned, "Is something wrong?"
"I will tell you all about it later, I need to find Zechs. Please excuse me," Noin said and hurriedly left the dance floor.
Wu Fei shrugged and decided against following her. If she had wanted to let him know what caused her concern, she would tell him in good time. Wu Fei went in search of Heero and the others instead.
As he made his way to where he last saw the Japanese youth, Wu Fei found Treize drowning in a sea of aristocrats but it was not up to him to save his benefactor. Treize was more than capable of handling them.
Just as he made his way to the patio doors he spotted Duo returning to the ballroom with Trowa in tow. Wu Fei briefly contemplated the idea of running and hiding but Duo had spotted him. Besides, he would not give into such cowardly acts.
"There you are," Heero said, Quatre and the others were not far behind him, "Finished socialising?"
"No, but does this look like a face that cares?" Wu Fei replied, blasé and nonchalant, "I think someone should rescue Treize though."
"Shouldn't that be your job?"
"I think I'll leave that to Zechs."
"Zechs is here?"
"Yes, as is Miss Noin."
"Miss Noin and Zechs are here?!" Duo piped.
"Oh, yes," Wu Fei replied, "She was pleasantly surprised to hear that you are here too, but she's gone off to hunt Zechs down."
"I never thought the three of you would've remain in contact," Duo said, Wu Fei thought he heard a hint of regret for not being a part of their lives.
"We never broke contact," Wu Fei said, "Zechs, Noin and I came to Hong Kong together and have been working with each other since."
"Oh, that's nice," Duo nodded.
Wu Fei notice a slight frown on Trowa's face.
"Do you think if we hide, Dorothy will know we're gone?" Wu Fei heard Sally asking as the others walked up to them.
"Do you really think she even noticed we were here in the first place?" Duo rolled his eyes, "I don't even know why I bothered being here!"
"Because you wouldn't pass up a chance to preen in front of a throng of people?" Sally asked.
"You know him well, for someone who has only met him a few months ago," Trowa chuckled.
"I do NOT preen!" Duo harrumphed.
"Of course not, dearest," Sally smiled sweetly at him, then suddenly clapped "Oh! This is one of my favourite songs!"
"Don't even look at me, Sally! I'm not dancing in front of all those people!" Duo backed away from the advancing lady.
Fortunately for the Irish, Trowa stepped up valiantly to rescue him. Sally grabbed the tall brunette's hand and they rushed off to the dance floor. Relena laughed watching the two as Quatre asked her for a dance too.
"Blimey, I don't know about you two," Duo grinned, "But am I glad there ain't enough ladies to go around!"
"I am inclined to agree with you," Heero replied.
"Consider yourself lucky, gentlemen, I have already been accosted by several ladies and whisked off onto the dance floor, with or without my consent!" Wu Fei rolled his eyes.
"You must be really tired to be preyed on!" the Japanese youth teased, "Either that or you are losing your touch."
"I AM tired! Go harassed someone else!" Wu Fei growled.
"Temper, temper. Well, I know where I'm not wanted," Heero feigned offence, "Duo, I'd seek cover if I were you."
The braided youth chuckled, "Thanks for the advice. Tis nice to see some things haven't changed."
"Hey!" Wu Fei cried.
Heero gave him a smirk and wandered off towards Treize. Perhaps the brunette was going to give the Governor a hand in breaking free.
Now that only the two of them remained, Wu Fei began to feel really uncomfortable. Thoughts and feelings were running rampant in his head and nothing coherent was reaching his lips. He dared a quick peek at Duo and the Irish seemed just as anxious.
"Would you like - " the both of them began simultaneously. They pause when they heard each other.
"You were saying?" together they began again. The pair chuckled, both grateful for the brief moment of comic relief.
Duo recovered first from the giggling, "I was going to ask if you wanted to get a drink."
"Sure," Wu Fei nodded as they headed for the punchbowl, "And I wanted to know if you would like to find somewhere else sit and maybe talk?"
"Yeah, talk. That'll be good. We haven't done that in years," Duo gave him an encouraging smile.
"I was hoping you'd say that," the Chinese youth picked up two glasses and handed one to Duo.
"Thank you. Well since this you know this place better, I'll let you pick a location."
"Personally I like the roof or we could always go to the rear garden."
"You're still going up the roof?" the Irish giggled, "Who are you hiding from this time?"
"Tonight, it would be everyone who wants to either dance or indulge in mind-numbing small talk," Wu Fei replied, "Any other time, it would be Zechs and Treize after Heero and I have played a practical joke on them."
"You? Playing practical jokes?" Duo gaped at him, "Will wonders never cease?"
"I remember not so long ago someone told me that laughing was a good thing. I have come to believe him."
"Well, I'm glad you found your reason to," he smiled wistfully at the Chinese youth, "Well, the roof it is then! At least we can be certain that Dorothy won't find us there!"
"With any luck, no one would. Besides, no one dares, apart from Heero that is," Wu Fei led the way upstairs.
"For a quiet, sombre youth, he does have a rather playful side."
"It will take him time to open up to strangers. He wasn't always like this. But once you get to know him, he could rival you."
"Rival me?" Duo cocked his head, "In what?"
"In talking."
"0h, ha-ha."
That earned Wu Fei an elbow in his ribs. The rest of the short trip was made in silence. Before long the pair were perched upon the roof of the manor, facing the distant, brightly lit streets of Hong Kong's night markets.
"Tis nice up here," Duo whispered.
Wu Fei merely nodded. They sat staring blankly out into the streets not saying anything to each other. The distant echo of the party and the occasional rustling of the trees were the only noise that surrounded them. Neither was compelled to speak. Wu Fei wasn't sure if they were merely comfortable with each other's company or if they were too scared to say anything. He suspected it was more of the latter than it was the former.
"So... " Duo finally spoke.
"So?"
"It looks like you've had it good these years."
"I've had food on the table and a roof over my head, so, yes, it was good."
"But?"
"What do you mean but?"
"The way you said what you said just gave me an impression that there is a but."
"But ... " Wu Fei began but pause momentarily to think about his response, "But I don't have all those I love with me."
"Still, you have been well, no?"
"Yes, I have. You don't look too rough yourself."
"I've been pretty good actually. Three months after I got home, I landed a job with Quatre's father's company. I've been doing well there."
"I'm glad to hear that. What is it you're doing now?"
"I'm still a sailor, Fei, always will be one, I think," Duo smiled, "I like being out at sea. Maybe even more than seeing new places!"
"Where have you been?"
"Mostly Africa and India. Went to the Mediterranean once."
"It must have been exciting."
"It was the first time, but after a few times, tis just another port," Duo shrugged, "But enough about me. How is that you, Zechs and Miss Noin ended up on Hong Kong?"
"Treize. When he became governor, he asked for Zechs assistance, Zechs asked for mine and you know wherever Zechs went, Miss Noin will follow."
"So you actually work for the Governor?"
"Yes, Zechs and I are his advisors. I am also helping Heero run Miss Noin's orphanage."
"Orphanage?" Duo's interest perked, "What orphanage?"
Wu Fei smiled to himself when he saw Duo's eyes lit up. Having spent the best years of his childhood in one, Wu Fei guessed that Duo would have an affinity to similar institutions. The Chinese youth told Duo all about the orphanage, from the event that led to its conception right up to the last day Wu Fei was there watching the children bullying Heero into letting them stay up that night for one of the boy's birthday. Wu Fei never expected the silent ronin to be so easily manipulated by a group of puppy-eyed children.
"Wow," Duo breathed, "You have been busy."
"Miss Noin was bored and wanted to make a more active contribution to society," the Chinese youth chuckled, "Yet Heero and I ended up doing most of the work!"
"Work?" Duo snorted, "Who are you trying to kid? You enjoyed every moment of it. You still love it."
"After all these years, you still read me like a book."
"Are you happy or uncomfortable about that?"
Shoulders rose briefly, "I haven't decided yet."
The silence returned once again but Wu Fei felt a little better about it. The awkwardness was slowly dissipating. The operative word being 'slowly'.
"Can I ask you something?" Duo looked over to the Chinese youth.
"You can ask," Wu Fei dared to meet the amethyst gaze. Four years ago it was the very same eyes that ensnared his mind. He wanted to know if they could still do the same.
"Have er ... I mean... didjafindher?" Duo's words came out in a rush.
"What?"
"Did you find Mei-Ran?" the braided lad repeated himself softly.
Wu Fei's expression registered surprise. It was not something that he had expected Duo to ask.
"I'm sorry, I shouldnae ha'e asked, I didnae mean ta -" Duo began rambling, his Irish accent becoming more prominent.
"It's okay, Duo. I'm not upset or angry, just surprised. And yes, I found her. Actually Treize found Li and Li brought her back to me."
"Oh, good. I'm glad you and she were reunited. I couldn't bear it if you didn't because I should've - "
"Duo!" Wu Fei interrupted, "Don't. It's been years. I have come to terms with her death, please tell me you haven't been holding yourself responsible for ... whatever it is you're holding yourself responsible about Mei's death!"
"I - no, I haven't," Duo gave him a watery smile, "Don't worry, I was just worried that if you didn't find her, you wouldn't have mourned her and that would mean the wound would never heal."
"The wound will never heal. That is for certain. But I've learned to live with that. I still miss her dearly, and I always will. Notwithstanding, I've moved on. I carry a little piece of her with me all the time that helps me through my difficult moments," Wu Fei subconsciously reached up to finger the plait behind his left ear.
"I would like to pay my respects, if it's okay."
"Of course it is! Mei would like it very much," Wu Fei moved to make his way down from the roof.
"What? Now?"
"Yes, now, unless you'd prefer not to."
"But the party?"
"We've been gone this long, if they were really missing or needing us, I am certain Heero would've found me by now," Wu Fei lowered himself onto the balcony, "Besides, we're not going far."
"Oh," Duo said as he followed Wu Fei down.
A smirk appeared on Wu Fei's lips as he looked at Duo.
"What?" the braided Irish asked.
"You're not afraid of ghosts, are you?"
"What?!" he cried indignantly and crossed his arms, "NO!"
"Don't worry, Mei won't haunt you and we're not going to a public cemetery. I don't think there's anyone else around."
"I'm not afraid!" Duo protested again, "Where are we going then?"
"To the rear garden."
Duo stopped walked and gaped at Wu Fei. When the Chinese youth realised he no longer had his companions by his side, he turned.
"On, for goodness sake!" Wu Fei rolled his eyes, as he interpreted the braided youth's expression, "She's not buried there if that's what you're worried about! What have you been doing in the back garden? Marking your territory?"
"No! But we have been running around it a lot."
"Might I ask you think a little more highly of me? Do you honestly believe I would leave my wife in an unmarked grave?"
"No, of course not!" Duo cried, "Uh.. where are we going? Isn't the garden that way?"
"It is, you know the layout well; just how long have you been here?"
"A week, it's a bad habit. You didn't answer me."
"To my room."
"You live here?"
"Yes, I've lived with Treize since I came to Hong Kong. Zechs and Miss Noin used to but they've move to the orphanage after they got married. Heero spends half his - "
"Zechs and Miss Noin are married?" Duo exclaimed.
"Oh, I beg your pardon, did I forget to mention it? Why the surprise? They have been absolutely devoted to each other since I met them."
"Anything else I should know about?"
"They have an eighteen-month-old daughter named Elisabeth, we call her Lily."
"Wow... Zechs, a father?" Duo grinned, "Poor child!"
Wu Fei chuckled, "He is very good with children actually."
"I believe you, is there anything else?"
"Not that I can think of."
"Ah well, I'm the kinda lad who likes a little surprises once in while," Duo shrugged, "Why are we going to your room?"
"To get the key," Wu Fei said as he opened the door to his room. Duo followed him in. Wu Fei's solar reflected his personality rather well. It was clean and crisp. Although well furnished, there was an absence of clutter. Shelves upon shelves of Eastern and Western literature lined one wall while a mix of ornaments littered the room.
Wu Fei headed straight to his bureau and took a key out.
"What's the key for?"
"The door of the sepulchre."
"Sepulchre? Is that what the building at the end of the rear garden is?"
"Yes, what did you think that was?"
"I didn't bother guessing. Sally came in one day and told us that it was out of bounds. I never questioned what it was. With Dorothy acting like she owned the place, we didnae want to incur Treize's wrath further by going somewhere he didnae want strangers to go. I'm glad I didnae now, knowing that it is you whom I had to face instead!"
Wu Fei laughed, "You still don't think I have reputation for being intimidating?"
"Are you kidding? Did you see how the crowd parted when you stalked across the room to get us drinks?"
"No."
"You can be so blind sometimes, Fei!" Duo chuckled.
Idle chatter was exchanged between the youths as Wu Fei led them by candlelight to the sepulchre. It was on the southern end of the garden almost hidden away by a large rose bush. Once inside, he lit the other candles in the chamber.
The marble-lined chamber glowed in a gentle hue of amber. Candelabras stood at two feet intervals along the wall illuminated the chamber well. It was not large but it housed an aura of majesty and serenity. The altar made of sturdy oak had several plaques upon it. A large incense holder stood before them flanked by two matching candlesticks.
Wu Fei took three sticks of incense stored upon the shelves below the altar and lit them.
"Duo?" he turned to face the braided youth still standing at the threshold gaping at the chamber, "You'll need to be in here if you want to pay your respects."
"This is beautiful," Duo whispered, as if not wanting to disturb the tranquillity of the room.
"I thought so too when Treize presented it to me."
"What do you mean presented to you?"
"I asked for a place where I could honour Mei and my family and he had this built for me," Wu Fei handed the incense to Duo.
"He sounds like a very obliging employer."
"He's not just my employer. We're friends."
Duo nodded absently then asked, "What am I supposed to be doing?"
"Talk to her, bow three times and put the incense into the holder," Wu Fei replied, "I'll let you have a moment."
"Uh... thanks."
Wu Fei headed out the chamber and waited patiently. Leaning against the wall, Wu Fei heaved a sigh of relief and took the moment to compose himself. The shock of seeing Duo again hadn't subsided yet it was just taking a long time to come and go. He was relieved that they were talking to each other rather amicably. The Chinese youth was unsure if they would ever be as close as they were again but he was satisfied to know that Duo did not bear a grudge against him.
"I've blown all the candles out," Duo said as he emerged, holding the candle that they brought with them.
"Thanks."
"Why are there so many name plaques there?" the braided youth asked as they made their way back to the manor.
"They are for my mother, brother and father."
"Oh," Duo was about to ask more questions when something caught his attention, "Did you hear that?"
"Sounds like someone shouting."
The pair hurried to up the path towards the commotion. They spotted three figures by the western hedge, their collective blond heads shimmering in the pale moonlight. Quatre had his arm around Relena, she looked a little upset, while he looked livid. Zechs stood before them, somewhat in attention, while stoically taking whatever Quatre was saying to him.
"Wu Fei!" a voice called out just as he and Duo made their way towards the trio.
The Chinese youth turned to the voice. It was Noin. She stood by the patio doors watching the trio and chewing her knuckles out. She gestured to them to approach.
"Miss Noin?"
"Leave them be, they need to sort it out amongst themselves."
"Sort what out?"
"Family matters, Fei," Duo whispered briefly then turned to Noin, "Miss Noin, lovely as ever I see."
Noin beamed at him and took him into an embrace, "Charming as ever I see! It's good to see you!"
"Aye, tis good to be here."
"You are going to tell me everything. Later."
"As you wish, dear Mrs. Merquise."
"What do you mean family matters?" Wu Fei finally asked after their greeting.
"You knew?" Noin asked Duo in surprise.
"I knew." [1]
"Can someone please tell me what's going on?!" Wu Fei cried.
"I'm sure Zechs doesn't mind you knowing. Relena is his sister," Noin explained.
"Zechs never said anything about a sister."
"Well, technically Zechs doesn't have a sister, but Milliardo does," Duo continued.
"You've lost me now," Wu Fei shook his head.
"Is there something of interest happening in my garden?" Treize said from behind, making Noin jump.
"You!" Noin stabbed him in the chest, "You knew Relena was going to be here and you didn't tell Zechs?!"
"Me?" Treize raised an eyebrow, "Noin, I've only been back four hours. I didn't even know you were here, and if there's anyone to blame, it's Heero. He has been entertaining young Lady Peacecraft for the past few days."
"My ears are burning," Heero said, who seemed to have materialised from thin air, "What am I being blamed for now?"
"For not telling Noin that Relena was here," Wu Fei supplied, thoroughly confused by the whole situation.
"I did tell you."
"You told me you had to deal with Treize's cousin. You didn't tell me about Relena being here!"
"What difference would that make?" Heero frowned, evidently sharing Wu Fei's confusion.
"Noin, gentlemen!" Treize interjected and began ushering everyone, excluding Noin, back into the manor, "Little will come out of blaming each other. Lets just wait for them to resolve their differences and take it from there. If they choose to disclose the matter to the rest of us, so be it. If not, we still have a party to host."
"Well, that's easy for you to say, Treize," Wu Fei frowned and muttered, "You are already in the know."
The Governor chuckled, "After all these years, you still surprise me, Dragon. I never picture you for a gossip!"
"I am NOT!" the Chinese youth retorted hotly.
"Hello all, what's going on?" yet another voice joined the group as they retreated to a quieter part of the manor. It was Sally and Trowa, both looking a little worn out.
"Blimey, Sally, ya haven't been taking advantage of poor Trowa, have ya?" Duo chuckled, "You'd wanna be careful, Cathy'll gut ya!"
"Paddy, shut up!" the Macanese youth began blushing as he punched the braided Irish in the arm. That was enough to get Duo chattering. The Peacecraft family altercation was momentarily forgotten as a mix of lively conversations was struck up within the group.
Wu Fei suddenly became aware of Treize standing very close behind him. The Governor leaned in and whispered into his ear, "Now I understand the chestnut locks."
The young Dragon frowned and elbowed the Governor. Treize chuckled; he did enjoy ruffling Wu Fei's feathers.
Moments later Noin turned up and said that she and Zechs were heading home and Quatre and Relena had retired to their rooms. No one questioned them as Treize rose to see the couple out.
"What was that all about?" Sally asked.
"I think it would be better to ask Relena herself," Duo replied.
"You know something, don't you?"
"Tis not for me to say!" he leapt to his feet and headed to the door, "Well, I'm going to take a leaf out of Quatre and Relena's book and retire as well."
"I'll join you, Paddy," Trowa stood then bade the others good night.
"Duo!" Sally followed them in a hurry.
"NO! I thought you were her closest companion, how is that you don't know?"
"Please?"
"Ask Relena!"
The pair continued arguing as they disappeared around the corner. Wu Fei looked at Heero. Heero looked back. Both Oriental faces had confusion clearly etched onto them. Heero grunted, Wu Fei shrugged and the pair returned to the party. Seeing that it was his home too, Wu Fei considered himself host and would not shy away from the crowd. Heero just wanted to keep his friend company while he suffered Dorothy's shenanigans.
Fortunately for them, the rest of the guests tire soon. Within the hour, most the guests had left. The stubborn few who were still determined to stay were being forcefully 'urged' to leave. Treize could be a very persuasive man.
Before long, the Manor was emptied of party guests. Relieve washed over Treize, Heero and Wu Fei as the key to the front door was turned.
"And where might I ask is your cousin?" Wu Fei growled, "How did we end up doing this when it was her party?"
Treize shrugged, "Don't fret, Dragon, she will not get away with this unscathed. She may have had her grandfather wrapped round her little finger, I am not prone to her manipulation."
"Glad to hear that," Heero muttered as he wandered off, "Good night, gentlemen."
Wu Fei bade Treize good night as well and stumbled back to his room. He was rather surprised that he was still standing, considering how tired he felt. Kicking his shoes off and dropping his tunic were he stood, the young Dragon crawled into his bed. Even if he wanted to spend time mulling over the events of that night, Wu Fei didn't get the opportunity as he fell asleep the moment his head touched his pillow.
[1] The sidefic "An Angel Will Watch Over You" explains how Duo knew.
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