Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters in Gundam Wing... I wish I did but that really doesn't change anything..................... Oh just leave me alone....
Thanks a million to all those who reviewed this fic! *Huggles everyone* ^__~
It started out as a cure for the writers block I was having recently. I never expected it to drag out this far.
And thanks to Jen who's writing and characterization of the Gundam pilots is absolutely spectacular. (Especially Duo and WuFei) for her inspiring reviews.
Also to SailorCelestial who's fic I'm hooked on. (I just reread it all over again! It's my 3rd time!!!)
And to Marika Webster, who has started her second series in her Virtues of Flight arc (This one's about Duo! Go read it!) You won't be able to look away! She's the one who inspired me to start posting in the fist place. Her fic 'Precious Are These Things' is WuFei orientated and simply wonderful!
Okay... Enough babbling... That's it!
The year is AC 200....
Sally is 22 and WuFei is 20.
SINS OF SILENCE.
Epilogue 2
Phoenix in the Flames.
*For all those times you stood by me.....*
"I'm telling you Heero.... That's what happened!"
Duo took the chilled bottles of wine and put them on the shelf, ignoring the ex-pilots raised eyebrow.
"He has nothing to hide."
"Ptsch! Heero, you know him as well as I do-"
"Who?"
Quatre entered the meticulous kitchen hauling bags of groceries in his arms, Heero moved over to take one of them and the blond nodded his thanks. Duo threw a glare at Heero who remained unaffected.
"WuFei." the American said.
Sandrock's ex-pilot put the remaining bag on the counter and turned with a curious expression on his face.
"What about WuFei?"
That was Trowa. Wherever Quatre was, Trowa wasn't far behind.
"Duo thinks there's something wrong." Stated Heero.
Two pairs of curious eyed trained themselves on the braided ex-pilot who had turned back to the shelves and was putting the food away. Duo couldn't see them, but he took their silence as a question.
"When WuFei came out of the house earlier on he was glaring daggers at me-"
"WuFei's always glaring at you." Trowa pointed out. There was a minuscule smile on his face, but you had to really study his expression to notice it.
Ignoring the interruption, Duo continued, "And, when Sally came out, she looked....."
He paused, enjoying the suspense he was creating, but also searching for the correct word.
"She looked...... ruffled..." he finished finally.
Quatre smiled slightly at Duo's choice of words. "Ruffled?"
"Yeah." The self proclaimed God of Death turned and gave his fellow pilots a long look. There was a tiny amount of worry in his eyes, one that Duo could not mask. One that he did not attempt to. As he once would have.
*For all the truth you made me see...*
"She looked like something was up..... I dunno.... Like something was wrong."
Despite their doubts, his comrades were frowning at this.
Well, Quatre was frowning, Heero and Trowa could very well have been frowning as well... it was always hard to tell with them.
One year ago, when Duo had contacted WuFei and invited his companion for a get together, he had not expected to receive an answer.
WuFei had never answered him previously.
Duo was amazed when he not only got a reply, but when the reply was positive.
Things had taken a turn from that moment on. For the better. The pilots met as frequently as was possible, they enjoyed each others camaraderie, as much as was conceivable with a silent clown, a perfect soldier and a cynical dragon for company, anyway.
But Duo loved it when they met up. They were his family now. As an orphan he had never had anyone, those he had, he had lost, and Duo Maxwell was determined not to allow anything to happen to his adopted 'brothers'.
Chang WuFei included.
*For all the joy you brought to my life.*
They had made it through the war, through Mariemaia, and Duo Maxwell was not about to let them be hurt now.
Trowa was gazing around the room one visible eyebrow raised. "Where is WuFei anyway?"
The American looked thoughtful at that, he pressed a finger to his lips and frowned lightly. Quatre was smiling at his theatrics.
"Actually... he disappeared a while ago.... But I saw him go out back." He turned his frown to Quatre and asked, "There's a playground out back... isn't there?"
The Arabian nodded as he was taking the shopping from Trowa, putting it away.
"It's for the neighborhood children."
"Hmmmmm."
They all paused at Duo's expression and regarded him.
Quatre carefully, Trowa cautiously and Heero with open suspicion.
The silence drew out until.
"What?" Heero finally asked.
The braided ex-pilot allowed himself a grin at their expressions. They knew him too well for him to hide anything from them. He feigned nonchalance for a minute until Heero's glare had risen in it's intensity so much that he was forced to confess.
"I was thinking... when the others get here, why don't we move it out back... You know, closer the playground..... I mean they are bringing their kids right?"
Quatre was nodding before Duo had finished. It was a good idea. Noin's daughter could be a handful, as could Mariemaia.
"WuFei won't like that." Heero observed.
"Well, we won't tell him until it's too late." Duo stated firmly. He turned back to the groceries and grabbed a handful of them, then made for the door.
Trowa looked amused, "You think he won't notice?"
Duo's voice floated back to them.
"I'm Shinagami..... secrecy is my middle name."
Quatre laughed.
*For all the wrong that you made right.*
Sally halted for a moment, her cerulean eyes framed by dark sunglasses, searching the green for her partner. She had lost track of him during all the movement and excitement.
She knew that he was around there somewhere.
Duo had directed her in this direction, the braided youth seemed to be keeping track of WuFei all day. An activity that drove the Chinese youth nuts. She could see he had been restraining his anger at Duo, by trying to avoid him.
However, trying to avoid Duo Maxwell was next to an impossible task.
Finally WuFei had broke and had said in a low, dangerous voice,
"Maxwell... If you do not go away... Right now... I will get my saber and use it to cut off that infernal braid... and after I have done that, I will wrap that braid around your neck and I will hang you from the nearest. Available. Tree."
His words held such venom that Duo had disappeared shortly after the first 'braid'.
WuFei had also withdrawn soon after that, but Duo had still been keeping tabs on her antisocial partner because he pointed her the direction in which he had seen WuFei head off.
Sally lifted her head for a moment savoring the warmth that only came with summer. The gentle breeze stirring her loose honey-colored tresses, a shade lighter in the bright sunlight. The soft curling strands of hair flitted about her face before she brushed them back. Then she resumed her search.
It turned out that Duo had pointed her in the direction after all.
Sally stopped and observed her partner from a distance.
*For every dream you made come true.... For all the love I found in you.*
The breeze brushed WuFei's still form, caressing sun-kissed skin, and playing with the loose ebony waves that fell beyond well toned shoulders.
The black silken strands fell midway down his back now.
WuFei had not cut his hair in over a year and wore it loose more and more often. He was sitting beneath one of the large trees, out of reach from the warm sunlight.
Sally smiled softly.
To a passerby, he looked like he was napping beneath the large shady tree. He seemed oblivious to the children that were playing in an open field behind him - kicking a ball back and forth with cries of glee. He looked like he was napping as mothers ushered their children to and from the small playground to his left.
Sleeping as all WuFei had fought to protect surrounded him.
But Sally knew better, she knew he wasn't asleep.
She knew, in fact, that he was more aware of what each person was doing than they themselves were. He was soaking in it, reveling in the world around him. The peace he had strove to achieve, that he was still working to preserve.
The solitude he enjoyed was now equaled by company. Sitting there, Sally could see him get a measure of both.
*I'll be forever thankful...*
He was in tune with his surroundings more than any other person there, she knew.
So in tune was he with his environment, that, when the little ball of giggling energy jumped into his lap and wrapped chubby little arms around his neck, he was not surprised.
Pulling the 'ball' closer, WuFei rolled over and then onto his back holding the 'ball' up in the air above him. Opening dark eyes as he did so.
The toddler screamed in delight.
"Cas! Cas! Where did you go to!?! Cas!!"
The child was too occupied to pay any heed to the voice.
WuFei, however, was under no such limitations. Smiling barely, he tucked the child to his side as he stood to greet the approaching mother.
"Ahh! There you are, Cassandra! And who have you found for me, huh?" asked the woman, a gentle smile lighting her face.
The child grinned.
"Hello," she said, placing fists on her hips. "Katriana Chase. You live in number eighteen don't you? We haven't met before. " She did not offer him a hand to shake. His hands were full.
He inclined his head in agreement, the smile fading, but he did not replace with a look of aloofness as he would have once.
*You're the one who held me up...*
"Chang WuFei..... I believe this belongs to you." He replied.
He recognized Mrs. Chase as one of his neighbors.
WuFei had not met any yet. He did not have the time or patience for socializing in his mind.
He had encountered little Cassandra before though. The child's cat often wandered into his garden... Cassy following close behind.
The woman gave a light laugh and nodded. "Yes... she's always running off on me."
"Children do that," he pointed out, shifting the child on his hip when she made no move to take her.
The child seemed delighted with his hair and had promptly began to tangle her small hands into it.
*Never let me fall....*
She studied him, an amused look on her face. "Hmm, they do, don't they? Cas seems to know you though....."
WuFei's eyes were on the child. "She strays a lot.... Often into my backyard."
Her eyes opened a little wider as she digested that information.
Then the lady shook her head slightly, then her head tilted and she studied him for a moment longer, and Sally knew why.
She too, was captivated by the sight the young man made with the toddler in his arms. Two small hands were slapping his cheeks as the three-year-old giggled. WuFei, unable to help himself, gave a low chuckle, the deep sound coming from his chest, causing the child to giggle further.
"You know," The woman began, not trying to hide the joy that shined in her eyes as she looked at her daughter. "You look good with a kid. Are you a father yourself?"
Even from the distance between them, Sally could see WuFei tense up.
"No." came the reply.
"That's too bad....I bet you'd make a great dad."
Sally saw the Chinese youth stiffen fully and he turned to look at the woman. A hand reached up and brushed the pale blond curls from the child's dark laughing eyes.
"Some thing's were not meant to be." He replied softly, and he brushed the child's cheek with a bronze finger before relinquishing her to her mother's arms.
"If you'll excuse me." He murmured, executing a small bow before brushing past her.
He was gone before her startled face could register, or her concerned questions voiced.
"WuFei...." Sally breathed after him, watching as Katriana Chase bounced her daughter on her hip.
Little Cassandra looked after the Chinese youth with an expression of hurt at being abandoned so suddenly.
"Woo-Faye....?"
*You're the one who saw me through.*
Sally's eyes followed the figure of her retreating partner. There was still some hidden pains in him. Even after all the time she had spent getting to know WuFei, Sally would be the first to admit that she did not know half of them.
Katriana's eyes caught sight of Sally as she noticed the young woman turned to follow the mysterious young man.
*Through it all....*
"WuFei...?"
He half turned and acknowledged he presence with a slight nod. Then he returned his gaze to the playground in the distance.
"Grow tired of watching me?" the question was mild and tinged with soft amusement.
Sally drew up beside him, a small smile of her own on her lips. "I was wondering if you'd spotted that."
"Hn... Be blind not to."
Her smile grew as she observed the laughing figures in the distance. They were so innocent, so carefree. Playing and happy. Oblivious to the tumult of troubles still around them. Troubles that her and her partner would endeavor to ensure that they would never have to discover.
*You were my strength when I was weak.*
"I was looking for you."
A dark glance from the slightly taller Chinese next to her. "You found me." he observed.
"Well, it wasn't easy."
"Hm."
WuFei turned to look at Sally with a mild expression of annoyance. She was trying hard not to smile, but her cerulean eyes were already laughing. When she caught sight of his expression, her mouth twitched again.
"Maxwell should learn to keep his mouth shut." He stated finally.
That did it.
Sally was unable to help the mirth from showing any longer. She giggled, a wonderfully youthful sound escaping her lips. Beside her, WuFei was also hard pressed to keep his expression schooled to one of disapproval. Sally's laughter had always been contagious to him. When she laughed, it invariably managed to lift his spirits as well.
WuFei treasured it when she laughed, even if it did not show on his face. The playfulness magically transformed her already pleasing features, and Sally was even more beautiful when she smiled.
Sally leaned against the wall next to WuFei and relaxed against him. The Chinese did not move a muscle other than to look at her.
*You were my voice when I couldn't speak....*
Wondering why, when an image came unbidden to his mind.
A memory. Of someone else he had known.
A girl had leaned against him once, in a similar manner.
He had told her to get off of him..
Sally reminded him of that girl at times. All spirit, fire and pride. A girl that would remain forever fourteen.
A girl who had been his wife.
Sally smiled more, she laughed easily. She possessed a stubbornness that was tempered with deep understanding.
Yet she was like Meiran. Sally would fight. She would strive for what she believed in. Even when circumstances would seem hopeless.
Sally was strong.
He had never told her that. He had never told either of them that, not until too late.
But when to came to strength, they were both unshakable.
Maybe he was a dragon.....
But Sally Po was a phoenix.
Gentle fire, moderate flame and raging passion. Rising out of the ashes to live again. She would always survive. Because Sally was strong.
She was still gazing at the jovial scene ahead of her though, and did not notice the cryptic light to his dark eyes. He idly wondered if she even knew the effect she was having on him. The changes she had wrought to his life. Inadvertently and deliberately.
*You were my eyes when I couldn't see...*
"Really though WuFei.... You have more layers than an onion."
He blinked.
And Sally did look at him then. Her eyes were not laughing any longer and he noted the tone and expression as one he knew well.
It was that I-know-you-don't-like-opening-up-but-you-have-to look, he could recognize immediately.
But WuFei found himself at a loss as to why she was gazing at him in that manner at that particular moment. When no answer was forthcoming, he raised an articulate eyebrow in question.
Sally tugged at one of his arms, drawing it around her shoulders, then she leaned into him even more, slinging her other arm around his waist. She sighed.
And at that simple sigh, WuFei felt the fire of their earlier 'encounter' build again.
Even if Sally seemed oblivious to it.
*You saw the best there was in me.....*
"I saw you out in the park."
He stiffened unconsciously, and Sally felt it.
She had not known this would make him so uncomfortable, thought if he ever admitted it Sally would easily have a heart attack.
It still hurt her when he pulled away.
He had told her once that he would do this to her. WuFei had warned her that she should expect it. He had asked her then if she was still certain she wanted to understand him. If Sally truly though it was worth taking the time to comprehend him.
He had said it as if he thought it was not worth her time.
Sally had been dismayed at WuFei's attitude.
It was at that moment she had discovered that he partner had quite a low self-esteem.
*You gave me faith because you believed....*
It did not show, he masked it so well. But sometimes he slipped and Sally saw the uncertainty behind those dark eyes. Certain things, particular situations. Just when she would think that he had full confidence, it would show itself.
WuFei could not seem to understand why Sally would want to take time out for him.
She often caught him looking at her with what only could be described as incredulity. When Sally had leaned against him a few moments before she had caught the bewilderment.
After all they had been through he was still so uncertain. That he trusted her, Sally was assured. Just as she placed the same unconditional faith in him. But she still was not sure as to where the borderline actually lay. She had never pushed WuFei that far.
Steeling herself, she stole a look at her partner. His eyes were on the playground again.
"She was right you know."
Those dark eyes turned their curiosity on her.
"You 'are' good with children."
They narrowed.
"I've seen you with Mariemaia. She looks up to you."
Sally was not getting the response she had hoped for from WuFei. She was not getting any response. She frowned slightly, thinking. Then she gripped his waist, her hands above his hips, and she squeezed tightly.
WuFei jumped.
The look he threw her was an annoyed one, yet still he did not pull away. Instead, his arm tightened over her shoulder in response.
It was all she needed.
*I'm everything I am... because you loved me.*
She waited.
Finally WuFei spoke, his voice was barely above a murmur.
"When I lost Meiran...... I lost..... hope of being a father." He told her softly.
Sally kept a hold of him, trying to give him some measure of strength. But she doubted that he needed it. The Chinese youth constantly amazed Sally with the amount of emotional strength he possessed.
He had begun these revelations year ago and continued to do so.
There was a long moment of silence before WuFei spoke again.
"When my colony destroyed themselves to save me.... They also destroyed the need for an heir to my clan."
Yes, strength. WuFei was strong. Sally inhaled deeply, silently as she watched her partner's struggle. So strong. And in pain, even now. Battling with himself and his past. It was a battle he would not have to fight alone.
"I believed that it had been... Fate...." He took a deep breath and then pulled Sally a little closer. Not alone anymore. He could lean on her if he needed to.
"I believed ....my destiny was to.... To be alone."
"And now...?" she whispered.
*You gave me wings made me fly. You touched my hand and I could touch the sky.*
His eyes narrowed once more and he cast her a sharp glance, then he looked away, back at the children. He frowned.
Sally pulled away. She moved around so that they stood face to face, placing her hands around his hips, drawing them together slowly. His eyes snapped to her own and a ghost of a smile whispered across his lips.
He inhaled and his own bronze arms encircled her carefully. She could feel him relax against her.
"Now.....? Now, I am.... Content."
She was watching for signs of pain on his face. It was there, but there was also healing.
"Content...." She echoed quietly.
"Content." He agreed, his eyes closing, the ghost returning.
"With my life....My friends.... With my partner."
*I lost my faith, you gave it back to me.*
Sally tilted her head, enchanted at the sight of the expression on his face at that moment. Trying to imprint it on her memory.
His head was inclined towards the sunlight, a smile threatening his lips. Dusky skin that was barely shadowed in the sun. Long dark hair falling past naturally bronzed shoulders.
At her loud sigh, WuFei opened his eyes and regarded her in mild curiosity.
She was smiling softly.
WuFei raised an eyebrow.
Sally grinned. Her hands moved up to the slender neck and she pulled him closer. A tiny smile crossed WuFei's lips as he allowed himself to be drawn closer to her. Enticing and alluringly seductive.
"We should go back." WuFei stopped, mere millimeters from her mouth. "The food should be done by now."
Then his lips met hers, coaxing a response, brushing lightly. Sally yielded instinctively to WuFei's touch. His sudden tenderness inflamed her more than any passionate demand could have at that moment. Exploring and tasting.
But only for a moment.
*You said no star was out of reach.*
WuFei pulled away and Sally had the opportunity to gaze into those intense eyes, drawn deeper. Her heart was pounding from the simple contact, her knees weak.
"And woman...... I'm hungry."
Sally blinked and he was already heading off.
She slumped in defeat. She would never have imagined her partner was such a tease.
*You stood by me and asked the toll.*
"Zechs. You sent 'him' looking for WuFei?"
"Yeah... Why?"
"Did you 'completely miss' the look on WuFei's face earlier...?"
"Huh?"
"Think he's found him yet?"
"I don't know....."
"Hn. Not yet."
"Oh? Why do you say that Heero?"
"..... No screams...... WuFei's gonna kill him."
"HEADS UP!! INCOMING!!"
Four heads snapped up from the large picnic table where they were preparing food for their meal.
And four sets of eyes widened as a long chestnut braid went flying past their table, hurtling at full speed in the direction of two firing barbecue grills, an ear shattering screech following in it's wake.
HEERO! HELP!!
A braided American launched himself behind the protective barrier that was a stunned Heero Yuy.
"What-"
"MAXWELL! I am going to kill you!"
All eyes turned at the sound of the enraged voice.
"Now, c'mon. Don't say that..."
Duo's voice came from behind a still confused Heero.
"You were looking way too serious, man. You really needed a distraction.
"I was 'working' on an account. OF COURSE I WAS LOOKING SERIOUS!!"
Finally a dripping, wet ex-pilot came into everyone's view.
Their eyes all widened.
Quatre Raberba Winner stomped around the corner, his aquamarine eyes swirling with rage at the hapless Duo.
"But... It's a party... a barbecue. You're not supposed to be working. You can't be working. Not during a 'party'!" Duo shouted back, still half hiding behind the safety of Heero.
"He has a point," Heero pointed out softly, his lips twitching ever so slightly.
The aquamarine glare shot a look in his direction, the effect causing those lips to twitch more noticeably.
*I had your love. I had it all.*
"Don't you start." Quatre returned as he began to shake the excess water off of his arms.
"I mean, c'mon Quatre. You have 'how' many sisters and not 'one' of them is capable of covering for you for one little day?"
Duo peeked around Heero's shoulder, as the Japanese youth was now a good six inches taller than him.
"What accounts?" Trowa asked as he stepped away from the grill he was maintaining. He wiped his hands on his apron. "Anything interesting?"
There was an indignant shout from Duo's direction again and he glared at Trowa.
"Don't get him going again!"
Quatre ignored Duo completely and glanced at Trowa's. "No, not really. These were 'private' accounts."
At the word private, Quatre glared again at Duo, who had apparently decided it was safe enough to step out from behind the protection of Heero.
The American shrugged and stood his ground. "You wanted this, Quatre." He said. "You should at least enjoy it."
"Maxwell has a point."
Duo turned to see WuFei and Sally approaching them at an easy stroll. He placed his fists on his hips.
"Well, if it isn't the slackers." He said.
The Chinese looked faintly amused. "You've had more than adequate help, Maxwell."
Duo's eyebrows shot up, not knowing what to make of his companions jovial mood. But WuFei was right. They had not been lacking in aid.
Noin and Zechs, their daughter, Kaylen.
Heero, Trowa, Quatre, Duo.
Une and Mariemaia.
Hilde, Relena, and Dorothy... Who had taken over WuFei's kitchen, incidentally.
People who had all, at one time or another, been enemies.
*I'm grateful for each day you gave me.*
"Hn." Heero beside him said.
Duo rolled his eyes.
"Hey guys! What's the hold up?!" Hilde called, walking to the table and snatching a carrot stick on the way. "We've got all the tables set up and the kids are helping. All we need is the rest of the food."
"Right." Added Relena, slapping Hilde's hand away from another carrot stick.
Noin smiled. "I think this stuff is all set to go. How are the burgers and dogs?"
"All set." Heero replied, moving away from Duo to the grills.
Trowa followed him. "Chicken's almost done, too." He added.
"Great." Duo took off again. "Lets get all this stuff onto the tables and eat! I'm starving!"
WuFei walked over to help. "You're always starving." He stated flatly.
Duo passed him with his arms full of food. "Of course! Where do you think I get all this irrepressible, irresistible energy that you love so much!?"
"Hormones." WuFei and Heero said in unison.
Duo halted in his tracks...
He turned then with a wounded expression on his face. He held it for a moment, until he was unable not do so anymore.
It transformed into a tempting grin and braided youth favored the pair with a saucy wink, before disappearing to the picnic tables.
WuFei just continued to look mildly amused while Heero rolled his eyes.
*Maybe I don't know that much...*
Sally closed the door with a sigh. It was surprising the Une and Mariemaia were the last leave. She would have expected it from Duo, not them.
The lady seemed strangely apprehensive. And her 'daughter' did not want to go at all. Sally could not really be shocked at that. Mariemaia and WuFei seemed to have developed a bond after the war. The child was becoming very close to him. Similarly she had also grown closer to Trowa, her adopted family.
Sally shook her head as she walked past the kitchen. The only way to get Mariemaia out willingly was to promise another visit soon, and for WuFei to disappear for a while. He had not even seen all the guests off. But Sally could not really blame him, he was not exactly the kind to tell them to come back again soon....
But now, Sally could not find WuFei either.
A glance into the lounge. Nothing.
The spare bedroom, the gym. Nothing.
Finally she reached his bedroom, Sally had never seen inside it.
A part of her hoped that he was not in there, but another part was praying that he would be.
He was not.
The dimly lit room was empty as she gazed around it. The large bed, comfortable chair sitting near the window. The shelf of books within arms reach from that chair. She idly wondered if he sat there, reading.
Reclining gracefully, completely engrossed in his precious books... Sally could imagine those glasses perched on his proud nose, sliding down occasionally only to be pushed back up again in an absentminded gesture as he never turned his eyes from those words...
But WuFei was not there, and Sally was bereft. She did not want to go.
At least not without saying goodbye....
Scratch that. Sally did not want to go at all.
But with no sign of her partner anywhere, it seemed she would have to.
*But I know this much is true...*
A sigh and she turned.
To find herself face to face with Chang WuFei.
Dark eyes glittered with restrained amusement and something far more powerful as she started in surprise.
She was suddenly, overwhelmingly, unbearably aware of his closeness; the warmth that radiated from his body; the spicy tang that always clung to his bronze skin. Her eyes locked with his, his stare as intense as his touch had been. Sally took a step back at the passion hidden in those obsidian depths.
WuFei moved forward gracefully crossing the threshold of the room.
His lips curved upward in a smile that was dangerously captivating and almost... feral.
"Going somewhere, Sally Po? ........ I believe we have some unfinished business...."
*I was blessed because I was, Loved by you...*
*You were always there for me.
The tender wind that carried me.
Light in the dark.
Shining your love,
Into my life.
You've been my inspiration.
Through the lies,
you were the truth.
My world is a better place.
Because of you.*
To Be Continued.... In, Playing With Fire...
Okay... that was waaaay OCC....
*Sniff* I'm so crappy at writing a tempered WuFei. (Even though it's been three years since Endless Waltz.)
But a gentler WuFei is hard to get across. I was trying to do it without it appearing too sappy. I don't think I pulled it off. Keeping that calm nobility he has outside of Nataku is bloody near impossible!.
WuFei does not shout a lot, only when he's in the cockpit.
And I doubt that he'd ever shout at Duo unless he was really, really pissed off. I'd imagine he'd get a deadly, restrained rage. Kinda like Duo would give you this evil smile... before he took you apart.
And every time I put Duo into one of my stories there's always humor. Why is that?
Heh.... And who though it was WuFei screaming at Duo there?
I was going to have him throw a temper tantrum at the braided bishonen. But then I thought.... It's been done so many times. And Quatre never gets to blow off any steam soooo...
And is my interaction between Sally and WuFei okay? Tell me if you don't like it.
Another Celine Dion song there. 'Because You Loved me.' From the album 'Falling Into You'.
I love her songs, both French, Spanish (yes she has Spanish songs too) and English. She has an amazing voice! I mean, who doesn't love 'My Heart Will Go On'?
Almost finished...
Orin.
Thanks a million to all those who reviewed this fic! *Huggles everyone* ^__~
It started out as a cure for the writers block I was having recently. I never expected it to drag out this far.
And thanks to Jen who's writing and characterization of the Gundam pilots is absolutely spectacular. (Especially Duo and WuFei) for her inspiring reviews.
Also to SailorCelestial who's fic I'm hooked on. (I just reread it all over again! It's my 3rd time!!!)
And to Marika Webster, who has started her second series in her Virtues of Flight arc (This one's about Duo! Go read it!) You won't be able to look away! She's the one who inspired me to start posting in the fist place. Her fic 'Precious Are These Things' is WuFei orientated and simply wonderful!
Okay... Enough babbling... That's it!
The year is AC 200....
Sally is 22 and WuFei is 20.
SINS OF SILENCE.
Epilogue 2
Phoenix in the Flames.
*For all those times you stood by me.....*
"I'm telling you Heero.... That's what happened!"
Duo took the chilled bottles of wine and put them on the shelf, ignoring the ex-pilots raised eyebrow.
"He has nothing to hide."
"Ptsch! Heero, you know him as well as I do-"
"Who?"
Quatre entered the meticulous kitchen hauling bags of groceries in his arms, Heero moved over to take one of them and the blond nodded his thanks. Duo threw a glare at Heero who remained unaffected.
"WuFei." the American said.
Sandrock's ex-pilot put the remaining bag on the counter and turned with a curious expression on his face.
"What about WuFei?"
That was Trowa. Wherever Quatre was, Trowa wasn't far behind.
"Duo thinks there's something wrong." Stated Heero.
Two pairs of curious eyed trained themselves on the braided ex-pilot who had turned back to the shelves and was putting the food away. Duo couldn't see them, but he took their silence as a question.
"When WuFei came out of the house earlier on he was glaring daggers at me-"
"WuFei's always glaring at you." Trowa pointed out. There was a minuscule smile on his face, but you had to really study his expression to notice it.
Ignoring the interruption, Duo continued, "And, when Sally came out, she looked....."
He paused, enjoying the suspense he was creating, but also searching for the correct word.
"She looked...... ruffled..." he finished finally.
Quatre smiled slightly at Duo's choice of words. "Ruffled?"
"Yeah." The self proclaimed God of Death turned and gave his fellow pilots a long look. There was a tiny amount of worry in his eyes, one that Duo could not mask. One that he did not attempt to. As he once would have.
*For all the truth you made me see...*
"She looked like something was up..... I dunno.... Like something was wrong."
Despite their doubts, his comrades were frowning at this.
Well, Quatre was frowning, Heero and Trowa could very well have been frowning as well... it was always hard to tell with them.
One year ago, when Duo had contacted WuFei and invited his companion for a get together, he had not expected to receive an answer.
WuFei had never answered him previously.
Duo was amazed when he not only got a reply, but when the reply was positive.
Things had taken a turn from that moment on. For the better. The pilots met as frequently as was possible, they enjoyed each others camaraderie, as much as was conceivable with a silent clown, a perfect soldier and a cynical dragon for company, anyway.
But Duo loved it when they met up. They were his family now. As an orphan he had never had anyone, those he had, he had lost, and Duo Maxwell was determined not to allow anything to happen to his adopted 'brothers'.
Chang WuFei included.
*For all the joy you brought to my life.*
They had made it through the war, through Mariemaia, and Duo Maxwell was not about to let them be hurt now.
Trowa was gazing around the room one visible eyebrow raised. "Where is WuFei anyway?"
The American looked thoughtful at that, he pressed a finger to his lips and frowned lightly. Quatre was smiling at his theatrics.
"Actually... he disappeared a while ago.... But I saw him go out back." He turned his frown to Quatre and asked, "There's a playground out back... isn't there?"
The Arabian nodded as he was taking the shopping from Trowa, putting it away.
"It's for the neighborhood children."
"Hmmmmm."
They all paused at Duo's expression and regarded him.
Quatre carefully, Trowa cautiously and Heero with open suspicion.
The silence drew out until.
"What?" Heero finally asked.
The braided ex-pilot allowed himself a grin at their expressions. They knew him too well for him to hide anything from them. He feigned nonchalance for a minute until Heero's glare had risen in it's intensity so much that he was forced to confess.
"I was thinking... when the others get here, why don't we move it out back... You know, closer the playground..... I mean they are bringing their kids right?"
Quatre was nodding before Duo had finished. It was a good idea. Noin's daughter could be a handful, as could Mariemaia.
"WuFei won't like that." Heero observed.
"Well, we won't tell him until it's too late." Duo stated firmly. He turned back to the groceries and grabbed a handful of them, then made for the door.
Trowa looked amused, "You think he won't notice?"
Duo's voice floated back to them.
"I'm Shinagami..... secrecy is my middle name."
Quatre laughed.
*For all the wrong that you made right.*
Sally halted for a moment, her cerulean eyes framed by dark sunglasses, searching the green for her partner. She had lost track of him during all the movement and excitement.
She knew that he was around there somewhere.
Duo had directed her in this direction, the braided youth seemed to be keeping track of WuFei all day. An activity that drove the Chinese youth nuts. She could see he had been restraining his anger at Duo, by trying to avoid him.
However, trying to avoid Duo Maxwell was next to an impossible task.
Finally WuFei had broke and had said in a low, dangerous voice,
"Maxwell... If you do not go away... Right now... I will get my saber and use it to cut off that infernal braid... and after I have done that, I will wrap that braid around your neck and I will hang you from the nearest. Available. Tree."
His words held such venom that Duo had disappeared shortly after the first 'braid'.
WuFei had also withdrawn soon after that, but Duo had still been keeping tabs on her antisocial partner because he pointed her the direction in which he had seen WuFei head off.
Sally lifted her head for a moment savoring the warmth that only came with summer. The gentle breeze stirring her loose honey-colored tresses, a shade lighter in the bright sunlight. The soft curling strands of hair flitted about her face before she brushed them back. Then she resumed her search.
It turned out that Duo had pointed her in the direction after all.
Sally stopped and observed her partner from a distance.
*For every dream you made come true.... For all the love I found in you.*
The breeze brushed WuFei's still form, caressing sun-kissed skin, and playing with the loose ebony waves that fell beyond well toned shoulders.
The black silken strands fell midway down his back now.
WuFei had not cut his hair in over a year and wore it loose more and more often. He was sitting beneath one of the large trees, out of reach from the warm sunlight.
Sally smiled softly.
To a passerby, he looked like he was napping beneath the large shady tree. He seemed oblivious to the children that were playing in an open field behind him - kicking a ball back and forth with cries of glee. He looked like he was napping as mothers ushered their children to and from the small playground to his left.
Sleeping as all WuFei had fought to protect surrounded him.
But Sally knew better, she knew he wasn't asleep.
She knew, in fact, that he was more aware of what each person was doing than they themselves were. He was soaking in it, reveling in the world around him. The peace he had strove to achieve, that he was still working to preserve.
The solitude he enjoyed was now equaled by company. Sitting there, Sally could see him get a measure of both.
*I'll be forever thankful...*
He was in tune with his surroundings more than any other person there, she knew.
So in tune was he with his environment, that, when the little ball of giggling energy jumped into his lap and wrapped chubby little arms around his neck, he was not surprised.
Pulling the 'ball' closer, WuFei rolled over and then onto his back holding the 'ball' up in the air above him. Opening dark eyes as he did so.
The toddler screamed in delight.
"Cas! Cas! Where did you go to!?! Cas!!"
The child was too occupied to pay any heed to the voice.
WuFei, however, was under no such limitations. Smiling barely, he tucked the child to his side as he stood to greet the approaching mother.
"Ahh! There you are, Cassandra! And who have you found for me, huh?" asked the woman, a gentle smile lighting her face.
The child grinned.
"Hello," she said, placing fists on her hips. "Katriana Chase. You live in number eighteen don't you? We haven't met before. " She did not offer him a hand to shake. His hands were full.
He inclined his head in agreement, the smile fading, but he did not replace with a look of aloofness as he would have once.
*You're the one who held me up...*
"Chang WuFei..... I believe this belongs to you." He replied.
He recognized Mrs. Chase as one of his neighbors.
WuFei had not met any yet. He did not have the time or patience for socializing in his mind.
He had encountered little Cassandra before though. The child's cat often wandered into his garden... Cassy following close behind.
The woman gave a light laugh and nodded. "Yes... she's always running off on me."
"Children do that," he pointed out, shifting the child on his hip when she made no move to take her.
The child seemed delighted with his hair and had promptly began to tangle her small hands into it.
*Never let me fall....*
She studied him, an amused look on her face. "Hmm, they do, don't they? Cas seems to know you though....."
WuFei's eyes were on the child. "She strays a lot.... Often into my backyard."
Her eyes opened a little wider as she digested that information.
Then the lady shook her head slightly, then her head tilted and she studied him for a moment longer, and Sally knew why.
She too, was captivated by the sight the young man made with the toddler in his arms. Two small hands were slapping his cheeks as the three-year-old giggled. WuFei, unable to help himself, gave a low chuckle, the deep sound coming from his chest, causing the child to giggle further.
"You know," The woman began, not trying to hide the joy that shined in her eyes as she looked at her daughter. "You look good with a kid. Are you a father yourself?"
Even from the distance between them, Sally could see WuFei tense up.
"No." came the reply.
"That's too bad....I bet you'd make a great dad."
Sally saw the Chinese youth stiffen fully and he turned to look at the woman. A hand reached up and brushed the pale blond curls from the child's dark laughing eyes.
"Some thing's were not meant to be." He replied softly, and he brushed the child's cheek with a bronze finger before relinquishing her to her mother's arms.
"If you'll excuse me." He murmured, executing a small bow before brushing past her.
He was gone before her startled face could register, or her concerned questions voiced.
"WuFei...." Sally breathed after him, watching as Katriana Chase bounced her daughter on her hip.
Little Cassandra looked after the Chinese youth with an expression of hurt at being abandoned so suddenly.
"Woo-Faye....?"
*You're the one who saw me through.*
Sally's eyes followed the figure of her retreating partner. There was still some hidden pains in him. Even after all the time she had spent getting to know WuFei, Sally would be the first to admit that she did not know half of them.
Katriana's eyes caught sight of Sally as she noticed the young woman turned to follow the mysterious young man.
*Through it all....*
"WuFei...?"
He half turned and acknowledged he presence with a slight nod. Then he returned his gaze to the playground in the distance.
"Grow tired of watching me?" the question was mild and tinged with soft amusement.
Sally drew up beside him, a small smile of her own on her lips. "I was wondering if you'd spotted that."
"Hn... Be blind not to."
Her smile grew as she observed the laughing figures in the distance. They were so innocent, so carefree. Playing and happy. Oblivious to the tumult of troubles still around them. Troubles that her and her partner would endeavor to ensure that they would never have to discover.
*You were my strength when I was weak.*
"I was looking for you."
A dark glance from the slightly taller Chinese next to her. "You found me." he observed.
"Well, it wasn't easy."
"Hm."
WuFei turned to look at Sally with a mild expression of annoyance. She was trying hard not to smile, but her cerulean eyes were already laughing. When she caught sight of his expression, her mouth twitched again.
"Maxwell should learn to keep his mouth shut." He stated finally.
That did it.
Sally was unable to help the mirth from showing any longer. She giggled, a wonderfully youthful sound escaping her lips. Beside her, WuFei was also hard pressed to keep his expression schooled to one of disapproval. Sally's laughter had always been contagious to him. When she laughed, it invariably managed to lift his spirits as well.
WuFei treasured it when she laughed, even if it did not show on his face. The playfulness magically transformed her already pleasing features, and Sally was even more beautiful when she smiled.
Sally leaned against the wall next to WuFei and relaxed against him. The Chinese did not move a muscle other than to look at her.
*You were my voice when I couldn't speak....*
Wondering why, when an image came unbidden to his mind.
A memory. Of someone else he had known.
A girl had leaned against him once, in a similar manner.
He had told her to get off of him..
Sally reminded him of that girl at times. All spirit, fire and pride. A girl that would remain forever fourteen.
A girl who had been his wife.
Sally smiled more, she laughed easily. She possessed a stubbornness that was tempered with deep understanding.
Yet she was like Meiran. Sally would fight. She would strive for what she believed in. Even when circumstances would seem hopeless.
Sally was strong.
He had never told her that. He had never told either of them that, not until too late.
But when to came to strength, they were both unshakable.
Maybe he was a dragon.....
But Sally Po was a phoenix.
Gentle fire, moderate flame and raging passion. Rising out of the ashes to live again. She would always survive. Because Sally was strong.
She was still gazing at the jovial scene ahead of her though, and did not notice the cryptic light to his dark eyes. He idly wondered if she even knew the effect she was having on him. The changes she had wrought to his life. Inadvertently and deliberately.
*You were my eyes when I couldn't see...*
"Really though WuFei.... You have more layers than an onion."
He blinked.
And Sally did look at him then. Her eyes were not laughing any longer and he noted the tone and expression as one he knew well.
It was that I-know-you-don't-like-opening-up-but-you-have-to look, he could recognize immediately.
But WuFei found himself at a loss as to why she was gazing at him in that manner at that particular moment. When no answer was forthcoming, he raised an articulate eyebrow in question.
Sally tugged at one of his arms, drawing it around her shoulders, then she leaned into him even more, slinging her other arm around his waist. She sighed.
And at that simple sigh, WuFei felt the fire of their earlier 'encounter' build again.
Even if Sally seemed oblivious to it.
*You saw the best there was in me.....*
"I saw you out in the park."
He stiffened unconsciously, and Sally felt it.
She had not known this would make him so uncomfortable, thought if he ever admitted it Sally would easily have a heart attack.
It still hurt her when he pulled away.
He had told her once that he would do this to her. WuFei had warned her that she should expect it. He had asked her then if she was still certain she wanted to understand him. If Sally truly though it was worth taking the time to comprehend him.
He had said it as if he thought it was not worth her time.
Sally had been dismayed at WuFei's attitude.
It was at that moment she had discovered that he partner had quite a low self-esteem.
*You gave me faith because you believed....*
It did not show, he masked it so well. But sometimes he slipped and Sally saw the uncertainty behind those dark eyes. Certain things, particular situations. Just when she would think that he had full confidence, it would show itself.
WuFei could not seem to understand why Sally would want to take time out for him.
She often caught him looking at her with what only could be described as incredulity. When Sally had leaned against him a few moments before she had caught the bewilderment.
After all they had been through he was still so uncertain. That he trusted her, Sally was assured. Just as she placed the same unconditional faith in him. But she still was not sure as to where the borderline actually lay. She had never pushed WuFei that far.
Steeling herself, she stole a look at her partner. His eyes were on the playground again.
"She was right you know."
Those dark eyes turned their curiosity on her.
"You 'are' good with children."
They narrowed.
"I've seen you with Mariemaia. She looks up to you."
Sally was not getting the response she had hoped for from WuFei. She was not getting any response. She frowned slightly, thinking. Then she gripped his waist, her hands above his hips, and she squeezed tightly.
WuFei jumped.
The look he threw her was an annoyed one, yet still he did not pull away. Instead, his arm tightened over her shoulder in response.
It was all she needed.
*I'm everything I am... because you loved me.*
She waited.
Finally WuFei spoke, his voice was barely above a murmur.
"When I lost Meiran...... I lost..... hope of being a father." He told her softly.
Sally kept a hold of him, trying to give him some measure of strength. But she doubted that he needed it. The Chinese youth constantly amazed Sally with the amount of emotional strength he possessed.
He had begun these revelations year ago and continued to do so.
There was a long moment of silence before WuFei spoke again.
"When my colony destroyed themselves to save me.... They also destroyed the need for an heir to my clan."
Yes, strength. WuFei was strong. Sally inhaled deeply, silently as she watched her partner's struggle. So strong. And in pain, even now. Battling with himself and his past. It was a battle he would not have to fight alone.
"I believed that it had been... Fate...." He took a deep breath and then pulled Sally a little closer. Not alone anymore. He could lean on her if he needed to.
"I believed ....my destiny was to.... To be alone."
"And now...?" she whispered.
*You gave me wings made me fly. You touched my hand and I could touch the sky.*
His eyes narrowed once more and he cast her a sharp glance, then he looked away, back at the children. He frowned.
Sally pulled away. She moved around so that they stood face to face, placing her hands around his hips, drawing them together slowly. His eyes snapped to her own and a ghost of a smile whispered across his lips.
He inhaled and his own bronze arms encircled her carefully. She could feel him relax against her.
"Now.....? Now, I am.... Content."
She was watching for signs of pain on his face. It was there, but there was also healing.
"Content...." She echoed quietly.
"Content." He agreed, his eyes closing, the ghost returning.
"With my life....My friends.... With my partner."
*I lost my faith, you gave it back to me.*
Sally tilted her head, enchanted at the sight of the expression on his face at that moment. Trying to imprint it on her memory.
His head was inclined towards the sunlight, a smile threatening his lips. Dusky skin that was barely shadowed in the sun. Long dark hair falling past naturally bronzed shoulders.
At her loud sigh, WuFei opened his eyes and regarded her in mild curiosity.
She was smiling softly.
WuFei raised an eyebrow.
Sally grinned. Her hands moved up to the slender neck and she pulled him closer. A tiny smile crossed WuFei's lips as he allowed himself to be drawn closer to her. Enticing and alluringly seductive.
"We should go back." WuFei stopped, mere millimeters from her mouth. "The food should be done by now."
Then his lips met hers, coaxing a response, brushing lightly. Sally yielded instinctively to WuFei's touch. His sudden tenderness inflamed her more than any passionate demand could have at that moment. Exploring and tasting.
But only for a moment.
*You said no star was out of reach.*
WuFei pulled away and Sally had the opportunity to gaze into those intense eyes, drawn deeper. Her heart was pounding from the simple contact, her knees weak.
"And woman...... I'm hungry."
Sally blinked and he was already heading off.
She slumped in defeat. She would never have imagined her partner was such a tease.
*You stood by me and asked the toll.*
"Zechs. You sent 'him' looking for WuFei?"
"Yeah... Why?"
"Did you 'completely miss' the look on WuFei's face earlier...?"
"Huh?"
"Think he's found him yet?"
"I don't know....."
"Hn. Not yet."
"Oh? Why do you say that Heero?"
"..... No screams...... WuFei's gonna kill him."
"HEADS UP!! INCOMING!!"
Four heads snapped up from the large picnic table where they were preparing food for their meal.
And four sets of eyes widened as a long chestnut braid went flying past their table, hurtling at full speed in the direction of two firing barbecue grills, an ear shattering screech following in it's wake.
HEERO! HELP!!
A braided American launched himself behind the protective barrier that was a stunned Heero Yuy.
"What-"
"MAXWELL! I am going to kill you!"
All eyes turned at the sound of the enraged voice.
"Now, c'mon. Don't say that..."
Duo's voice came from behind a still confused Heero.
"You were looking way too serious, man. You really needed a distraction.
"I was 'working' on an account. OF COURSE I WAS LOOKING SERIOUS!!"
Finally a dripping, wet ex-pilot came into everyone's view.
Their eyes all widened.
Quatre Raberba Winner stomped around the corner, his aquamarine eyes swirling with rage at the hapless Duo.
"But... It's a party... a barbecue. You're not supposed to be working. You can't be working. Not during a 'party'!" Duo shouted back, still half hiding behind the safety of Heero.
"He has a point," Heero pointed out softly, his lips twitching ever so slightly.
The aquamarine glare shot a look in his direction, the effect causing those lips to twitch more noticeably.
*I had your love. I had it all.*
"Don't you start." Quatre returned as he began to shake the excess water off of his arms.
"I mean, c'mon Quatre. You have 'how' many sisters and not 'one' of them is capable of covering for you for one little day?"
Duo peeked around Heero's shoulder, as the Japanese youth was now a good six inches taller than him.
"What accounts?" Trowa asked as he stepped away from the grill he was maintaining. He wiped his hands on his apron. "Anything interesting?"
There was an indignant shout from Duo's direction again and he glared at Trowa.
"Don't get him going again!"
Quatre ignored Duo completely and glanced at Trowa's. "No, not really. These were 'private' accounts."
At the word private, Quatre glared again at Duo, who had apparently decided it was safe enough to step out from behind the protection of Heero.
The American shrugged and stood his ground. "You wanted this, Quatre." He said. "You should at least enjoy it."
"Maxwell has a point."
Duo turned to see WuFei and Sally approaching them at an easy stroll. He placed his fists on his hips.
"Well, if it isn't the slackers." He said.
The Chinese looked faintly amused. "You've had more than adequate help, Maxwell."
Duo's eyebrows shot up, not knowing what to make of his companions jovial mood. But WuFei was right. They had not been lacking in aid.
Noin and Zechs, their daughter, Kaylen.
Heero, Trowa, Quatre, Duo.
Une and Mariemaia.
Hilde, Relena, and Dorothy... Who had taken over WuFei's kitchen, incidentally.
People who had all, at one time or another, been enemies.
*I'm grateful for each day you gave me.*
"Hn." Heero beside him said.
Duo rolled his eyes.
"Hey guys! What's the hold up?!" Hilde called, walking to the table and snatching a carrot stick on the way. "We've got all the tables set up and the kids are helping. All we need is the rest of the food."
"Right." Added Relena, slapping Hilde's hand away from another carrot stick.
Noin smiled. "I think this stuff is all set to go. How are the burgers and dogs?"
"All set." Heero replied, moving away from Duo to the grills.
Trowa followed him. "Chicken's almost done, too." He added.
"Great." Duo took off again. "Lets get all this stuff onto the tables and eat! I'm starving!"
WuFei walked over to help. "You're always starving." He stated flatly.
Duo passed him with his arms full of food. "Of course! Where do you think I get all this irrepressible, irresistible energy that you love so much!?"
"Hormones." WuFei and Heero said in unison.
Duo halted in his tracks...
He turned then with a wounded expression on his face. He held it for a moment, until he was unable not do so anymore.
It transformed into a tempting grin and braided youth favored the pair with a saucy wink, before disappearing to the picnic tables.
WuFei just continued to look mildly amused while Heero rolled his eyes.
*Maybe I don't know that much...*
Sally closed the door with a sigh. It was surprising the Une and Mariemaia were the last leave. She would have expected it from Duo, not them.
The lady seemed strangely apprehensive. And her 'daughter' did not want to go at all. Sally could not really be shocked at that. Mariemaia and WuFei seemed to have developed a bond after the war. The child was becoming very close to him. Similarly she had also grown closer to Trowa, her adopted family.
Sally shook her head as she walked past the kitchen. The only way to get Mariemaia out willingly was to promise another visit soon, and for WuFei to disappear for a while. He had not even seen all the guests off. But Sally could not really blame him, he was not exactly the kind to tell them to come back again soon....
But now, Sally could not find WuFei either.
A glance into the lounge. Nothing.
The spare bedroom, the gym. Nothing.
Finally she reached his bedroom, Sally had never seen inside it.
A part of her hoped that he was not in there, but another part was praying that he would be.
He was not.
The dimly lit room was empty as she gazed around it. The large bed, comfortable chair sitting near the window. The shelf of books within arms reach from that chair. She idly wondered if he sat there, reading.
Reclining gracefully, completely engrossed in his precious books... Sally could imagine those glasses perched on his proud nose, sliding down occasionally only to be pushed back up again in an absentminded gesture as he never turned his eyes from those words...
But WuFei was not there, and Sally was bereft. She did not want to go.
At least not without saying goodbye....
Scratch that. Sally did not want to go at all.
But with no sign of her partner anywhere, it seemed she would have to.
*But I know this much is true...*
A sigh and she turned.
To find herself face to face with Chang WuFei.
Dark eyes glittered with restrained amusement and something far more powerful as she started in surprise.
She was suddenly, overwhelmingly, unbearably aware of his closeness; the warmth that radiated from his body; the spicy tang that always clung to his bronze skin. Her eyes locked with his, his stare as intense as his touch had been. Sally took a step back at the passion hidden in those obsidian depths.
WuFei moved forward gracefully crossing the threshold of the room.
His lips curved upward in a smile that was dangerously captivating and almost... feral.
"Going somewhere, Sally Po? ........ I believe we have some unfinished business...."
*I was blessed because I was, Loved by you...*
*You were always there for me.
The tender wind that carried me.
Light in the dark.
Shining your love,
Into my life.
You've been my inspiration.
Through the lies,
you were the truth.
My world is a better place.
Because of you.*
To Be Continued.... In, Playing With Fire...
Okay... that was waaaay OCC....
*Sniff* I'm so crappy at writing a tempered WuFei. (Even though it's been three years since Endless Waltz.)
But a gentler WuFei is hard to get across. I was trying to do it without it appearing too sappy. I don't think I pulled it off. Keeping that calm nobility he has outside of Nataku is bloody near impossible!.
WuFei does not shout a lot, only when he's in the cockpit.
And I doubt that he'd ever shout at Duo unless he was really, really pissed off. I'd imagine he'd get a deadly, restrained rage. Kinda like Duo would give you this evil smile... before he took you apart.
And every time I put Duo into one of my stories there's always humor. Why is that?
Heh.... And who though it was WuFei screaming at Duo there?
I was going to have him throw a temper tantrum at the braided bishonen. But then I thought.... It's been done so many times. And Quatre never gets to blow off any steam soooo...
And is my interaction between Sally and WuFei okay? Tell me if you don't like it.
Another Celine Dion song there. 'Because You Loved me.' From the album 'Falling Into You'.
I love her songs, both French, Spanish (yes she has Spanish songs too) and English. She has an amazing voice! I mean, who doesn't love 'My Heart Will Go On'?
Almost finished...
Orin.