Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing and it's characters.

Author's notes: Hiya people. Sorry to make you wait. I really was busy these pass few weeks and I don't see any of my work letting up any time soon. But I promise to do my best to keep updating this fic. Anyway, to make up for it, this chapter is extra long so hope you like it. And thanks to the following reviewers:

Jessi Lynn – Thanks for the wonderful critique on the characterization! It also made me take a closer look at Sally's personality. You're right, she does seem kinda wimpy. Maybe a little backbone won't hurt. ^_^

sweetangel14 - Thank you so much for the review and the encouragement!

Lady Dragonnaine – Sorry for making you wait for this installment. I had the chapter all planned out. I just needed the time to type it up. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the others. ^_^

Bloody Love – Thankie! I hope I put this out soon enough for you. I really don't want anyone dying out on me (he he). Amy said the same thing to me last time. ^_^

Amy – Ah! This update took a while, you're probably in you deathbed by now. (Er … heaven forbid) Anyway, I'll try to upload the next chapter faster, hopefully within this month.

hydra-star – So, Duo's your favorite, huh? Well, he does make an appearance in this chapter, not much though. Sorry. But I'll do my best to give him as much part as I could. And the rest of the gang is also making an appearance.

Penbee of Treewood – Hey, that was good insight on the Pride and Prejudice thing. I didn't even think about the connection. The book just happened to be one of my favorites so I used it. As for the cameo's, there'll definitely be one or two with each chapter. Thankie!

Chapter Five: Lost Opportunity

At a quarter till eight that evening, blue eyes glared at Wufei's house from inside a car's darkened interior. Sally tapped her fingers on the steering wheel, willing herself to calm down. The young man's ruse did not hit her until she was driving off Altron's parking lot. She was fuming mad by the time she picked up Jax at Marimeia.

After reassuring the teenager that it was not her she was angry at, Sally decided to drop off the book at Lucrecia's, hoping that the detour would help her cool off. In a not so gentle way, the blond had informed her purple-haired friend of the change in plans. Sally had told Lucrecia all about Wufei and the orphanage years ago, but omitted the part about her developing feelings for the young man. The other woman had been delighted to hear that Sally was meeting up with an old acquaintance, but did not bother to hide her amusement at her friend's gullibility.

"I can't believe you didn't see it right away," Lucrecia had said and laughed at the blond's incredulous expression. "Are you sure the kid hated you back then? 'Cause it seems that he's being awfully eager to spend time with you. Up to the point of being manipulative."

The last comment had been said with a raised brow and Sally couldn't help the indignant protest she let out.

Sally snapped her gaze away from the house when she felt a reminding lick on her cheek. "Sorry, Jax," she said with a smile. "I guess we better get down then, huh?"

She continued to think about her friend's comment as they walked up to the front door. It's true that she was mad at Wufei for tricking her, but at the same time, Sally couldn't help but wonder if Lucrecia's words had any merit to them.

If only …, she silently sighed. Catching herself, Sally shook her head and reminded herself not to dwell on wishful thinking.

By the time Wufei opened the door at her ring, Sally was once again frowning.

"You tricked me," she said in an accusatory tone.

Wufei did not bother to misunderstand what she meant. "So how long did it take for you to figure it out?" he asked with a smirk.

"As soon as I drove off the parking lot." Sally stepped inside with a huff.

"I always knew you were smart."

She felt herself blush at the offhanded compliment and falter with her resolve to stay mad at him. Sally quickly introduced Jax to cover up her conflicting emotions. She was mildly surprised that the dog immediately took to liking Wufei. She smiled when he bent down to scratch Jax behind the ears and was rewarded with a wet lick.

Wufei gave the dog one last pat on the head and straightened up. "I hope you don't mind, but I picked up some dog food on my way home." He headed off towards the kitchen, the dog and its owner not far behind.

Sally could have kicked herself for forgetting to bring Jax's own food. "You didn't have to, but thanks. Sorry, I guess I forgot to bring his stuff."

"It's alright," he said opening the bag. "You were after all too busy getting mad at me."

Sally opened her mouth, ready to protest. Wufei caught the action and raised an eyebrow, challenging her to deny what he had said. With a blush, the blond quickly shut her mouth in defeat. He turned his back on her to hide his smile and busied himself with scooping some dog food into the dog dish.

"I hope this kind is alright," he said, referring to the brand.

"It's fine," Sally answered. "Although, I don't usually spoil him with the most expensive brand out there. Now he'll be asking for that one from now on."

"Cheap skate," he said dryly.

"I am not!" She raised her chin up defensively. "I'm just being frugal."

"Now you're just sugar coating it." Before she can say anything else, he handed her some utensils and ordered her to set the table.

Sally dropped the argument and did what she was told. Wufei brought the food in soon after and the two sat down to eat. Sally was surprised at how good a cook he was and complimented him on it. With a slight blush, he quickly dismissed the comment and asked her about her work.

Dinner went by pleasantly. At the end of the meal, they lingered in the dinning room and just talked. Wufei was still not quite the conversationalist she wished him to be. His comments were usually short and often consist of rude remarks, but he did listen to what she had to say.

"Do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds," he was saying.

"Well, I think it's sweet."

"Your friend must be delusional."

"No, she's not," Sally insisted heatedly. "Heero promised Relena that he'd come back for her once the plant he gave her blooms its first flower (1). She believes in him because she loves him. So she'll take care of that flower until it blooms."

Wufei just shook his head.

"Oh, come on, Wufei. Don't tell me you've never thought of doing something so out of the ordinary for someone you love?"

The black-haired man gave Sally a long look, but kept his face blank.

At the point of the silence around them being uncomfortable, Sally glanced at her watched and quietly gasped at how late it had become. She stood up and made her excuse. She was surprised that she actually feels sorry she had to leave.

"Do you want any coffee before you leave?" Wufei offered nonchalantly, hoping to keep her in the house a little longer.

"No, that's okay. I really have to go. Besides, I don't drink coffee."

He was about to offer tea instead, but quickly refrained from saying it, afraid that he might look too desperate. So with a stiff nod he walked her to the door. Jax, who had been lying on the floor by Sally's feet, eagerly followed.

Sally opened the door and told the dog to stay. Jax obediently sat down and the young man watched with envy as the dog received a hug from his owner. The blond turned to Wufei and shyly smile at him.

"Thanks for doing this. I'll come by right after work tomorrow to pick him up."

"Hn," came the short reply.

After a mumbled goodbye, she walked out and got into her car.

Wufei watched her drive off and looked down at the canine. The Chinese man narrowed his eyes at the dog. Jax almost looked smug, as if taunting him that he did not get a hug from the blond girl.

"Don't get too cocky. I promise you, I'll be getting one of those soon enough."

**********

Sally hurriedly made her way to the copy machine and discreetly glanced at the clock as she passed by it. She hardly slept a wink the night before. Events from yesterday kept replaying in her mind and even though she was deprived of sleep, the blond can not help feeling upbeat.

The young woman once again glanced at the clock on her way back to her office, happily noting that it was close to quitting time. It was not that she was eager to go home like her other coworkers.

More like eager to see Wufei again, she silently told herself. Sally sighed, knowing she was acting like she was back in high school.

"I'm so happy to see that you're looking forward to this evening."

Sally looked up to see her friend Relena walk in and position herself on the corner of the desk where she dropped off some files. The older woman gave her blond friend a wide-eyed stare and wondered how she could possibly know about her seeing Wufei tonight.

"No need to look shock," continued Relena with a smile. "You've been sneaking peeks at the clock the whole day."

Sally felt her face warm up. "How did you know I'm seeing him tonight?"

The other girl gave her an exasperated look. "Sally, I was the one who set you two up, remember?"

"What?" she asked, thoroughly confused now.

"The date with Quatre." Relena gave a satisfied grin. "I told him not worry since you couldn't wait to see him tonight."

"Date with …" Sally groaned as she remembered the blind date Relena had been trying to set her up with for the last few weeks. "That was tonight. I completely forgot about it."

Her friend lost her smile and blinked at the other girl. "You forgot? Then what were you talking about earlier?"

"Huh? … What?" Sally weakly sat on her chair and rubbed her temple. "Nothing, it was nothing. I thought you knew about …" She broke off and gave Relena a pleading look. "What about lunch tomorrow? It's my day off. I'll meet him tomorrow."

The other blond looked panicked. "But Sally, you promised me you'd see him tonight. Besides, I just finished talking to him on the phone. He's already left his office to come pick you up here."

"What?! … But I…" Sally slumped dejectedly in her chair. Knowing she could not back out of her promise, all the anticipation she felt at seeing Wufei again deflated out of her.

Relena only meant well and she did not blame the girl for what happened or rather what would not happen. She looked at her friend and gave her a reassuring smile.

"I'm sorry, Relena. You're right, I made plans to see him tonight so I'll go."

The blonde's worried frown smoothed out and she smiled in relief. "Thanks, Sally. Quatre's a really nice guy. I know you'll like him." Relena began to walk out the room, but paused when she reached the doorway.

"If you forgot about the blind date," she told Sally. "Then why were you keeping track of the time?"

"It's nothing important. Don't worry about it."

When Relena left, Sally took out the card Wufei had given her and picked up the phone. She dialed Altron's number and hoped that he will understand.

********

Trowa had just finished ringing up a customer when the phone next to him rang.

"Altron's," he answered efficiently. "This is Trowa. How may I help you?"

Wufei glanced up from the paper work he was sorting out by the counter. He looked at his employee and frowned as the young man answered the phone with a toneless voice. Trowa was a good worker, but he definitely needs to brush up on his people's skills. But then again, he too can be accused of the same thing.

He caught the brunette's eyes and saw the silent message about the phone call being for him. Wufei shook his head, knowing he could not afford to take any calls if was to be home in fifteen minutes. He was running late as it is.

"I'm sorry, Miss Po," Trowa said. "Mr. Chang is busy right now. Would you like to-". The stoic young man blinked when the phone was immediately snatched from his hand. He briefly gave the dark-haired man a speculative look before turning away.

"Sally," Wufei greeted into the phone. "I'm almost done here. I should be home by-"

Sally interrupted him by saying, "I'm sorry Wufei, but I can't come by to pick up Jax this evening."

Wufei was quiet for a while "Any particular reason why?" he asked, his voice not betraying his disappointment. He heard her hesitate on the other end.

"I forgot I had a prior engagement tonight," she said softly. Then she added in a rush, "But I swear I'll come by for him first thing tomorrow morning."

"Engagement?"

"Um … yeah… I forgot I had a date."

The last word was almost inaudible, but Wufei still managed to catch it. This time the silence was much longer as the young man tried to control his emotions.

"Wufei," came Sally's worried voice. "Wufei, are you still there?"

"Yeah," he said flatly. "It's fine. Don't worry about it."

Without waiting for a goodbye, Wufei hung up and gathered the stuff he was working on earlier. He shoved the pile at Trowa and told him to do it.

"I'm going home," Wufei said gruffly. "I have a dog to feed."

Duo, who was passing by heard the comment. "Dog? When'd you get a dog?"

The other man gave the brunette a dark look and without saying anything walked out the store.

"What's with him?" Duo asked Trowa.

"Girl problem," his coworker said, summing everything up with that simple phrase.

Author's notes: (1) This was inspired by one of the episode from Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne, where Maron helped out a girl who was given the promise that her boyfriend will come back for her once all the forget-me-nots in their town bloomed during the Spring season. And he did! sigh

Next chapter: Sally's date and the confrontation with Wufei the morning after.