Well, if you haven't already known, I'm a HUGE fan of pairing different cartoon characters together and while these two are from the same show, I can also pair together characters from different shows.
Please read and review!
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Wen-qi's eyes widened as she found a crumpled envelope among her office mail. The letter had the symbol of a snake stamped on it. Opening it, she read it slowly, each word making her heart beat faster with fear.
"If you refuse to accept my proposal," she read to herself, "consider your life cut short."
Her hands shook as she held the letter in her hands as she reflected back to the scene a few days ago...
"No!" Wen-qi cried out as the man had knelt before her, a diamond ring in his hand. "I refuse to marry a man who is part of a gang and violence system!"
She took a step back from the man known as Fu Li, who was one of China's greatest drug dealers who got received his fortune through secret marketing of drugs and other illegal products.
"But I can give you anything you want!" He exclaimed, not wanting to lose her. "I can buy you a ring for every week with the money I have!"
"Bah!" Wen-qi retorted. "Money cannot buy me love! And love is not something I feel towards you." She pointed a accusing finger at him. "Good bye!" And with that she left him in a huff.
Slowly coming back to reality, Wen-qi now realized that she had put her life in danger by saying no to this man. Now he was after her; he had the money to hire thugs to retrieve her and bring her to him, whether to marry or to die.
Wen-qi didn't want to die. Though she was in her early thirties, there was still so much in life she wanted to do. Go to America and become a great news reporter; she was getting tired of the adoption agency business. Make many American friends and hopefully meet the Simpsons again as she had done a long time ago during an adoption mishap; she wanted to see how Selma Bouvier was doing with baby Ling.
And then there was falling in love.
Wen-qi longed to meet an American man whom she could love truly and passionately. Secretly, when she had first met Homer Simpson, she thought he was the most dashing American man she had ever met and considered Selma and/or Marge to be the luckiest woman to be married to him. Wen-qi wanted to be lucky as well.
But luck seemed to be against her at the moment.
Dropping the letter into her pile, she threw her mail inside her desk and quickly got out of her office and rushing home.
She was going to pack her bags.
She didn't feel safe in China anymore. She had to leave and go somewhere safe, calm, but very inviting and wonderful. And she knew exactly where to go...
_
Springfield.
Wen-qi looked out the window of the plane she had boarded as she gazed down at America for the first time. As the plane got closer, she gazed at the colorful and lively town that she knew a certain family lived in. She knew she'd definitely feel safe here.
"Now arriving in Springfield," the announcer said as the plane landed.
Grabbing her suitcase, Wen-qi walked out of the airport and imbibed herself in the smell of America. The smell of grease and gas and thickly scented perfumes really had her nose hairs stand on edge but she was proud to be in this town, nevertheless. She walked throughout the town known as Springfield as she searched for her needed destination, admiring the lovely shops and people she passed by.
Stopping in front of a Japanese restaurant, Wen-qi took a deep breath before she pushed herself through the door.
Akira, the restaurant owner, lifted his eyes from his order forms and saw her. His eyes widened.
"Wen-qi..." his voice trailed off in surprise as he gazed at her.
Wen-qi gravely smiled. "Hello, cousin Akira."
"So this drug dealer won't stop his threats until you agree to marry him?" Akira asked as he drove him and Wen-qi in his car. Wen-qi had explained everything on the way as they drove off, looking for a specific house.
As confusing as it was for most people, Wen-qi and Akria truly were cousins, despite her being Chinese and him being Japanese. A member from one family married into another and that's how they became cousins even though not of the same blood.
Wen-qi nodded, feeling guilty that she might be dragging her cousin into something dangerous. "America seemed like my only option. Seeing as how powerful this evil man is, I had decided to escape to this free country."
"This may be a free country," Akira told her, "but Americans take the freedom they have for granted if you have not already noticed."
They stopped in front of a specific house and got out of the car.
"Who's a good girl? Who's a good girl?" Selma Bouvier cooed as she bounced her adopted baby, Ling, in the air.
"More marshmallow squares," Marge Simpson announced as she placed a heaping plate on the coffee table for her family.
"Woo-hoo!" Homer exclaimed as he reached to get one.
"Can you believe it's been almost a six months since Ling was adopted?" Lisa Simpson asked as she dipped her marshmallow square into her cocoa.
"And it still feels like I've just adopted her yesterday," Selma sighed as she rocked her baby back and forth.
"And it still feels like yesterday when I had to pretend to be your husband," Homer said, cringing at the memory. "Uh! I hope that'll never happen again!"
"That makes two of us," Selma shot back.
The doorbell rang.
"I wonder who that could be," Marge said as she went over to the door and opened it. As soon as she saw who it was, she could hardly contain her excitement. "Madame Wu!"
"What?" Selma exclaimed as she turned to see the Chinese woman, along with Akira, enter the house. "Madame Wu, it's so good to see you here in America!"
"It is an honor, indeed," Wen-qi said, smiling for the first real time since she left China.
"Please, sit down," Marge ushered her and Akira to sit on the couch next to Selma.
"Hello, little Ling," Wen-qi cooed as she gave the baby a kiss on the forehead.
"Because of you, I feel like the luckiest woman in the world," Selma told her proudly.
"Other than the fact you have no real husband and your waistline's going wider," Homer pointed out. Magre kicked him in the shin. "D'oh!"
"It is wonderful to see you, too, dear, Homer," Wen-qi told him, "you sure seem different from our last encounter. You seemed to become more handsome, and more...fit."
"Well, I do what I can to stay this good," Homer said modestly, smiling at her compliment.
"Yeah, by eating a whole fridge!" Patty Bouvier laughed.
"What brings you here, lady?" Bart asked. "Took the citizenship test and decided to make a living here?"
Wen-qi bit her lip as she looked over to her cousin Akira, who gave her a worried glance. He cleared his throat as he gazed at the family.
"Actually," he began, "my cousin is here in hiding."
"Hiding?" Homer asked. "From what? Because if it's got something to do with my recent brawl with those monks, then let me tell you that they should've saw it coming."
"No, no," Wen-qi sighed, "it's far worse." She lowered her head, feeling a bit ashamed.
"Have some cocoa, dear," Marge said as she offered her a cup, "tell us what's wrong."
The cup trembled in her hands as Wen-qi took a deep sigh. "I am running for my life from a man that wants me to marry him."
"Wow, there are even people in this world who hate the reality of marriage," Homer said. He gave a nervous glance at Marge. "Not that I think so. No way!"
"Who is this man?" Selma asked in concern. "Some politician?"
"No," Wen-qi murmured, " a drug dealer. Powerful one, too."
"So you're saying he's going to kill you just because you said no?" Bart Simpson asked. "Wow, some people can be really messed up."
"I took the next plane to America," Wen-qi continued, "I thought Springfield would be my sanctuary, seeing as my cousin, and you people, live here."
"Oh, you poor thing," Marge said as she placed a hand on her shoulder, "well, we'll make sure no one dares place a threat on you. Isn't that right, Homie?"
"Don't worry," Homer told the worried Chinese woman, "getting killed doesn't happen often in Springfield, so you're more than safe."
"How are you two cousins?" Lisa asked Akira in confusion. "I mean, she's Chinese. You're Japanese, Akira."
"I'm her grandmother's daughter's son's daughter's in-law's son," Akira explained.
"So you're twice removed," Bart told him. Though he wouldn't admit it, Bart was showing he truly he a smart side a lot more lately.
"Correct," Akira told him.
"I'm sorry if I seem to have put you all in danger," Wen-qi apologized, feeling even more ashamed.
"Aw, we've been in danger a whole lot of times," Homer assured her, "this is no surprise."
"You're welcome into our home anytime," Marge told her, "and since you'll be staying here in America, allow us to show you around Springfield."
_
"For the crappy town Springfield is," Homer explained to Wen-qi as they rode in his car, "we are a town full of love."
"Hey, jackass, watch it!" Yelled the driver behind him as he honked his horn.
"Go to hell!" Homer yelled out his window. He turned to Wen-qi and smiled at her. "But if there's one place where you can just forget all your toubles, it's Moe's." He parked his car in front of the tavern and opened her car door for her so she could get out.
Homer was greeted by his barfly buddies as he entered the tavern.
"Everyone, I'm not alone tonight," he told them, "so I want you all to make a warm welcome to my old friend, Wen-qi Wu." He gently placed his hand on her shoulder as he brought her in.
"Hubba hubba!" Carl exclaimed as he gazed at her features from head to toe. "Asian chick, oh yeah!"
"Hiya, toots!" Barney belched, a bit tipsy.
"Sexy outfit," Lenny told her. eyeing her green, silky dress.
"Like food, this is how I like my women," Moe said as he grinned slyly, "Asian style."
Wen-qi blushed madly as she clasped her hands together tightly. Growing up, she had always been told by her mother that she had grown from an adorable little girl to a lovely woman, often saying she inherited her late father's looks. If Wen-qi had ever known her father, he must have been a very handsome man.
"I said to welcome her," Homer barked as he led her to a stool beside him, "not make her feel uncomfortable!"
"Okay, okay, sorry," Moe apologized. He turned to Wen-qi and smiled. "Care for a Duff on the house, doll?"
Wen-qi blinked in confusion. "I do not know this Duff you speak of."
"Sorry, she just came to America," Homer told the bartender, "just give her a small amount."
"Sure thing," Moe said as he placed a shot glass in front of him and poured some beer into it. He secretly pulled out a pill from his pocket.
"No ecstasy," Homer told him sternly.
_
"Well, that didn't go well as I would have hoped," Homer said sheepishly as he continued driving them, his family now included, "at least they thought you were hot."
"Homer, you should've known better than to bring her to Moe's," Marge scolded, "you're friends always chase after almost every woman you bring there because they're lonely, single drunks."
"Can't blame them for being desperate," Homer told her.
"Maybe some foreign/American food will drop you out of your worries," Lisa assured Wen-qi. "It's dinner time and I'm sure you must be famished for something great!"
"Such as?" Wen-qi asked.
"Luigi's," Bart responded as the car stopped in front of the fancy, Italian eatery.
"Ah, the Simpsons!" Luigi himself exclaimed as he saw them enter the restaurant. "Family night out, no?"
"With an addition," Homer said, "meet Wen-qi Wu." He motioned to the Chinese woman who smiled politely at Luigi.
"Mama mia!" Luigi exclaimed as he took a good look at her. "She's a-beautiful! And so innocent-like."
Wen-qi blushed as she smiled to herself. 'Innocent' was often a word used to describe her character, though she didn't always measure up to that adjective as she would usually have a tough attitude.
They all sat at a table and placed their orders. Homer was already stuffing his face with pasta and breadsticks while the rest of the family talked to Wen-qi.
"So," Marge began, "how the adoption business back in China doing?"
The Chinese woman sighed. "It's boring, but going fairly well," she replied, "three babies have just recently been adopted."
"Wen-qi, I'm curious," Bart began, "you make so many families happy...haven't you ever considered having a family of your own?"
Wen-qi blinked at the question, her heart tightening. "I long for a family as wonderful as yours, dear Bart," she told him, "but finding the right man is very difficult."
"If you ever think finding a man's difficult, you have no trouble looking for me," called a voice.
Wen-qi turned to see a rough-featured man at a nearby table with a group of men look over to her, smiling and winking.
"Who are they?" Wen-qi whispered nervously to Marge.
"That's Fat Tony," Marge told her, "Springfield's local mob boss."
Wen-qi nearly choked on her pasta as Marge mentioned the word, 'mob boss'. With one more nervous glance at the mafia, Wen-qi slid down in her seat, scared.
"Oh, dear," Marge said as she looked at Wen-qi in concern, "I think we better take out food to go."
_
"Don't worry about Fat Tony," Homer assured to a very tensed Wen-qi as he continued driving, "he's just widowed and is just looking for a woman that'll love both him and his son."
"If you really want to feel safe," Lisa told her, "there's always the mayor's building, now open for tour. Mayor Quimby makes sure this town is safe."
"Or at least tries, Lis," Bart corrected.
Entering the government building, Wen-qi observed the halls of every corner as she walked beside the Simpsons family.
"Er...ah...who's this?" Asked a slightly round man as he stepped in front of Wen-qi.
"Quimby," Homer said as he placed an arm around Wen-qi, "meet Wen-qi Wu, she just came here to America from China."
"China, eh?" The mayor asked as he eyed Wen-qi up and down. "Just so you'd know," he whispered to her, "my wife's not her right now." He winked at her.
Wen-qi gulped as she stepped back away from him, sidling close to Homer.
"I'd like to leave now," she told him desperately.
"Yeah, you're right," Homer told her, "government buildings can become so boring now-a-days!"
Homer continued driving the family as Marge apologized to Wen-qi over and over.
"I'm so sorry you're getting a bad first impression of America," Marge told her, "Springfield's not usually like this almost every week."
"It is alright, Marge," Wen-qi assured her, "if it's alright with you, I'd like to observe your education system."
"We can't bring her to school, though," Bart said, "it's the weekend."
"Wait, we can still take her to one place that always has one light on!" Lisa exclaimed. "Springfield Heights Institute of Technology!"
"S-H-I-T..." Wen-qi carefully spelled, "isn't that an acronym for-"
"It is," Lisa said dully, "this town is filled with lots of unfortunate names."
Professor Frink mumbled to himself as he observed a test tube closely. The college was closed for the night, but he, as usual, stayed behind to double-check on some last-minute experimenting that he could teach his daily classes about in hopes that the next Frink might be born.
"Hi, Frink!" Chimed two eager voices.
"Do-wah?" Professor Frink began, startled as he looked up from his work to see the Simpsons kids enter his room. "Ah, Bart and Lisa, are you here to try out my newly experimented tuna-flavored gum?"
"Ew, no!" Lisa exclaimed in disgust.
"Mmmmm..." Homer drooled as he and Marge, holding Maggie, entered, "Tuna-flavored gum..."
"Actaully, we're here to show an old friend around," Marge explained, "she's very fond in learning more about the education system."
"Frink," Homer as he motioned to Wen-qi. "Meet Wen-qi Wu."
The Chinese woman smiled politely before giving a traditional bow to the scientist. "Hello," she greeted shyly.
It didn't take a moment for Frink to realize that an actual woman was standing in his room. Looking at Wen-qi, he couldn't help but clutch his heart as it beat rapidly.
"Gah," he began nervously, "welcome, welcome to my lab, ma'am."
"Frink," Lisa began, "perhaps you could show her some of your new inventions."
"While you do that, where's that tuna-flavored gum?" Homer asked eagerly.
"Freezer," Frink told him pointing towards the direction.
As Homer and Marge walked in the direction he pointed, Frink nervously led Wen-qi, followed by Bart and Lisa, to a nearby desk.
"Um, this *ga-haven* little doo-wad right here helps make filing your nails easier so you won't have to focus on one finger at a time," he explained as he showed her a small, pocket knife-like gadget. He pressed a switch and five nail filers popped out.
Wen-qi's eyes widened in amazement.
"Back in China, I had to wait a very long time before all my nails were finally filed and ready to be manicured," she said, "but I guess it's because America always receives the best...besides freedom."
"Oh, I've always found China's political institution quite thrill," Frink told her fondly. He was usual nervous forming a conversation with women, but with this Chinese woman that found such interest in his inventions, all nervousness died down and he was actually talking to a girl that wasn't Marge or some other married woman.
"I think we should leave them for now," Lisa whispered knowingly to Bart. Nodding, the kids slipped away as Frink and Wen-qi got to know one another better.
"I'm guessing your wife must find you as a perfect encyclopedia, seeing as you know more than what a regular Chinese woman knows," Wen-qi said softly, her eyes fluttering shyly.
"Oh, no, I'm not married," Frink told her, almost feeling ashamed that someone like him in his early thirties still had no wife. "I never had a date, to be honest." He lowered his head. "My prom date was a robot I built out of trash cans, and even it walked out on me before the last dance."
"Oh, that's awful," Wen-qi gasped in shock.
Frink looked at her, surprised at her pity for him, though she wasn't the first one. "What about about you? Are you married?" He sounded almost hopeful.
Wen-qi shook her head. "I had just recently turned down a proposal for...crucial reasons." Her eyes darted back in forth in pure paranoia.
"The man must have been a real brute for you to turn him down," Frink said sincerely.
Wen-qi couldn't help but smile at his sincere words. "He may have been a powerful man, but his money could never buy my love, seeing as how it was received in the first place."
"So, uh..." Frink began, nervously playing with his fingers, "you're single then?"
"Of course," Wen-qi said, "although, it seems like in every American corner you turn, you feel like you're a walking sex object just because you're a woman from another country." She sighed, remembering the earlier events of being hit on and being stared at from her legs to her chest because of her Asian features.
"Men can be pretty gritty," Frink told her, "even I know that."
"You certainly aren't like other men," Wen-qi chuckled as she smiled at him sweetly, "and I like that."
"Ga-hey..." Frink blushed madly by her statement. "Well, uh, thank you...thank you for the compliment."
"I have to return back to my cousin's place," Wen-qi told him, "Akira's my twice removed cousin by the way." She smiled at Frink. "Perhaps we can continue our conversation tomorrow?"
Tomorrow? She wanted to see him again and talk more on the laws of physics or whatever? Frink felt he was dreaming.
"Oh, yes, indeed!" Frink exclaimed excitedly. "I am always free to talk to!"
Wen-qi laughed as Homer and Marge walked beside her.
"Hey, Frink," Homer began, "does your gum make colors on your tongue?" He opened his mouth to show his tongue was green.
"Oh, dear," Frink muttered, "I must have mixed my mood mixture with my iodine."
"Ready to go home, Wen-qi?" Marge asked the Chinese woman.
"Yes," Wen-qi nodded, "this was quite an experience." She turned to Frink and smiled. "Perhaps America isn't such bad a place afterall."
"Bye, Frink," the kids waved as they exited out the door.
"Goodbye," Frink said, waving. He watched as Wen-qi was the last to leave, taking one graceful step at a time as she continued smiling at him.
"It was wonderful meeting you, Frink," Wen-qi said softly before she went out the door.
As soon as the door closed behind her, Frink couldn't help but lean back on his desk and clutch his chest.
"Oh, sweet glaven..." he sighed. "I feel as if the emotion swing virus has plagued itself upon me...
_
It's called the Love Bug, Frink.