Disclaimers; I don't own Gundam Wing or Sally of WuFei or even Duo...But the kids in this fic are mine (Not literally!!)
Okay... This is it, the last chapter.
I'd like to thank all who reviewed this fic.
Especially, lizzy b, may, marle, and cashew, who have been there since the beginning. Thanks for the encouragement. Your words have helped me to keep it going to the end.
Thank You!!!!!
And to The Smiley Bandit as well. ^__^
And especially to Lara Winner and Jen. Your fics are my inspiration. Don't ever stop writing.
SINS OF SILENCE.
Epilogue.
Eternal Flame.
*I do swear, that I'll always be there.
I'd give anything and everything, and I will always care
Through weakness and strength. Happiness and sorrow,
For better, for worse.
I will love you.... With every beat of my heart.*
Preventer HQ loomed up in front of her, forbidding and dark as she pulled her car into the parking lot.
It had never appeared so sinister to Sally before. Not in all the time she had worked there. There had been times when she wished that she could just pack up and leave. Her job was a difficult one. Seeing the volatile and hostile side to humanity constantly would leave its effects on anyone. But she knew that she made a difference here. And Sally also understood that there would be good days and bad days. You had them everywhere.
This was not necessarily a bad day though..... it had the possibility of turning into one of the happiest in her life.....
Her car came to a halt, she moved it into neutral and turned it off. But beyond that, Sally didn't move.
She had found it difficult enough to form ample coherent thought to stumble to her car, earlier that morning. She was aware that she was late. But honestly, that was the furthest thing from her mind.
Her mind was thinking of everything except that she was late. It had gone from a dazed cationic state to a whirling jumble from the time she had sat into her vehicle to when she had set eyes on the Preventer building.
'He' was in that building...
'Him'. The man who had turned her life upside down without a single word.
*From this moment, life has begun........ From this moment, you are the one.*
Cerulean eyes turned to fix themselves on the soft glint of gold on her finger. She had not taken it off. She could not even bring herself to touch it. It was too overwhelming. The reality was repeating itself over and over in her head. What he had proposed with the simple gesture of placing it on her finger.
Proposed....
Sally buried her head in her hands, braced on the steering wheel.
That was it. A proposal. One of the most unusual proposals she had ever considered. But it was not out of place, not on him.
It was remarkable, just like the man who had performed it.
Chang WuFei....
Sally sat straight and gripped the wheel tightly. Addressing the thoughts that had run rampant in her head since he had left her there, on the bed. In his house....
She loved him.
She loved everything about him. From his dry humor to the way his eyes would light with fire when he grew angry. She loved the way he would block out all distractions when he was thinking. Sally loved the way WuFei mouth would curve in the barest hint of a smile when he was amused. To her, that smile was more brilliant than Duo Maxwell's largest grin.
Right beside you, is where I belong........ From this moment on.*
But she was hesitant..... Sally knew of Wufei's deeply rooted sense of honor. He had never told her he loved her. She did not know if he even felt that way. WuFei had married once, and there had been no love. Sally could not let him make the same mistake twice. Even if his integrity demanded it.
She could not allow the dragon to fall again.
She took a deep breath and opened the door, getting out quickly. Locking the door, Sally headed for the building and a certain office in particular.....
*From this moment, I have been blessed...... I live only, for your happiness.*
Sally did not knock at the door, but rather just kept on walking. Familiarity allowed her to do this.
Preventer Sky was exactly where she expected him to be. He had stood as soon as he had seen her. His expression was calm, but his eyes showed Sally the anxiety he was holding back.
She gazed at him steadily. The same word echoing through her mind as had been since he'd left her on the bed, in his room, in his house.
"Why?" she whispered.
WuFei remained silent as he studied the desk then the window. She knew he was searching for words. WuFei needed the correct words of expression. She waited for his answer. It would his answer that would permit Sally to decide.
The moment drew out for an eternity as WuFei gazed everywhere but her. When he replied at last, his voice was soft.
"I ...care for you, Sally Po.... I don't know if it's love."
She drew a deep breath. She had been right after all. Integrity. WuFei believed that he would have to honor his actions of last night....
Then he was doing this because he felt obliged to. Well, Sally would show him differently. She would not be considered a burden to Chang WuFei. She had spent too much of her life trying to gain her independence. If she broke away now, then he would owe her nothing.... He would never be happy in a loveless marriage. Not another one.
With WuFei it was all, or nothing.
*And for your love... I'd give my last breath..... From this moment on.*
But WuFei was not finished.
"I do not think love feels... like this.... I don't think it can be this.... strong."
She started and her eyes widened as she stared at him uncomprehendingly. The words registered in her dazed mind, but Sally refused to believe them.
WuFei turned and gazed out the window, reaching a hand to trace the glass for a moment before returning it to his side.
"You are essential to me.
Just as breathing and drinking are......To who I am now... I don't know when you became so..... important..... necessary.... But I 'do' know, that I cannot imagine my life without you.... Not now.
I have no desire to live life without you...... I want to know you, Sally. And I want to spent the rest of my life learning to know you, trying to understand you."
There were tears in Sally's eyes long before WuFei finished. Tears of pure joy for this incredible man who loved her.
WuFei loved HER!
Her heart hammering in her chest, it seemed it would burst, with relief and gratitude and love. Her mouth moved, but Sally could find no words to voice the pure exultation that was surging through her. She could not voice her delight.
When she did not answer WuFei, he slumped almost unnoticeably. The weight around his heart increasing with every beat as her silence spoke her refusal.
Then WuFei felt a pair of arms encircle him from behind. And he felt a head press against his back and he heard a soft whispered word. A single word.
*I give my hand to you with all my heart.*
"Yes."
And it lifted the weight from his heart.
He turned in Sally's arms and lifted her chin so that he could see her face. The tears in her eyes, that gentle, trembling smile. Then he crushed her in a hug once more.
Sally returned the embrace with just as much ardor, holding onto him for all she was worth.
And when Sally felt WuFei's tears against her skin she did not comment on them.
Still holding her close, WuFei drew back. Still close. Close enough for Sally to be acutely aware of him. Close enough for her to feel as if she would drown in the glistening depths of his eyes. To see the quiet elation shining through them.
Close enough to touch those lips... To trace the tear streaks down his face....
All of a sudden, WuFei became aware of a stillness in the general area outside. Lifting his gaze, he looked through the glass.
"It appears we've been caught." He observed dryly. His voice did nothing to betray the euphoria he was feeling inside. He felt strangely light.
As she followed his gaze, Sally's cheeks flushed without her willing them to.
Everyone from head Preventer Une, to the communication's technician, to the secretary was watching them.
"Oh..." she whispered.
"Hmm.... Maybe we should face the music and... perform."
Her gaze flitted back to him, noting the unusual mischievous glint added to the joy in his eyes.
"Which means...?"
"This." WuFei answered, and his mouth covered Sally's, in a kiss which began soft and tender, but ended up disturbingly passionate.
Applause rang out from all around the office outside. There were cheers and whistles and shouts of 'You go girl'.
When WuFei drew away and Sally looked beyond him, she saw that every person was on their feet, clapping and smiling broadly. The color in her cheeks deepened, as she returned their smiles with one of her own.
*Can't wait to spend my life with you. Can't wait to start.*
"So much for a working relationship." Sally remarked, a little shakily.
WuFei smiled suddenly. "We're partners now, Sally. In every sense of the word. Perhaps we should announce our engagement?"
She stared at him, unable to grasp the lighter side she had rarely witnessed, and never seen to it's full. She shook her head wonderingly. WuFei thought it was a refusal to his question and grinned.
"Then how about taking a bow?" he asked, and took hold of Sally's hand. She continued to look dazed at his happy attitude. But she was loving the sudden brightness to his voice and the laughter in his eyes. Sally allowed herself to be turned to face the main office.
Together, they bowed to their audience.
As partners and as equals.
The applause grew louder. There were more whistles, catcalls and cheers.
"Encore!" someone called, but WuFei shook his head, his expression returning to the more normal sterner version. He opened his door.
"Show's over," he called in a business-like tone, "Get back to work." It was ruined by the fact that he was trying to restrain from smiling.
He turned and Sally slung her arms around his shoulders and whispered.
"Partners, Preventer Sky.... In every sense of the word."
*You and I will never be apart.... My dreams came true.... Because of you.*
The sun was blazing, the midsummer heat shining down on him from above. All around him there was a buzz of activity. And he was reveling in it's center. The children screaming in delight and happiness echoing around the playground. Some louder than others.
Suddenly one in particular ran behind him screeching in delight.
"Ahhh....Cassy's after me!! Hide me! Hide me!"
WuFei merely choose to raise an eyebrow at the frantic child.
"You like when Cassy chases after you." he stated mildly.
"She has a water gun! Hide meee!" Blue eyes were widened impossibly.
The Chinese stood and pushed her away gently, if Cassy was chasing after her with a water gun, then he did not want to be near her when she was discovered.
"Behind the slide... There" he pointed, " Cassy won't see you."
The little girl gave a squeal of delight and took off in the direction of the said object. WuFei watched he go and fought the urge to smile, he sighed, shaking his head slightly and settled back down again. No sooner had he done so, when Cassandra Chase appeared beside him.
"Mr. Chang.... Did Jian come this way?" she asked politely.
Cassandra was always polite to WuFei. She admired her patient neighbor, especially since he was the only adult who seemed to listen to her seriously. WuFei, for his part, eyed the dripping water gun warily, and after a moment of though, pointed her in the direction of the slide. She smiled and with a 'Thank you' was gone again.
WuFei shook his head and lay back down, stretching out and closing his eyes..
But it seemed he was not to get any peace as another figure seated itself next to him.
"Lose him so soon?" he asked quietly.
"He's a little demon." Came the reply. "Just like his father."
"Hn... More like his mother."
A playful shove. "Better not let Sally hear you say that."
"That is one point on which the woman agrees with me."
A chuckle and WuFei opened one eye to give his companion a look. The teenager sitting next to him was smiling and eyeing him appraisingly.
Cornflower blue eyes and startling red hair pulled back in a long neat ponytail, Mariemaia Kushrenada-Une was growing up to be a beautiful woman.
"What is it?"
"You look like a lazy panther lying in the sun, all stretched out like that."
"Hmm." He said, and closed his eye once more.
"Where's JianYing....?"
"Over near the slide... getting soaked by Cass."
Indeed that was the exact scene, the little Chinese girl was being thoroughly drenched by her older friend. Mairemaia shook her head and tsked.
"Her mother sent me to look for her.... and you. Lunch is ready."
"Hn... You get Kian, and I'll retrieve Jian."
"Oh... Send me after the little demi-dragon....." she grinned, "What about the other kid?"
"I'll fetch him as well." WuFei stated easily.
"Right."
*From this moment, as long as I live.*
WuFei watched her go for an instant before getting to his feet and casting an eyes over his surroundings. When the brief search yielded nothing he performed the next option.
He listened.
It proved to be a success, it always worked. To his left, far beyond the slides and swings.
WuFei began to walk in the direction of the sound.
As he drew closer obsidian eyes discovered the source of it, then lit with amusement. On the ground ahead of him, the children were playing on the park facilities, screaming shouting, laughing.... Being children.
And in the midst of all those children was a big twenty-five year old child-at-heart.
Duo Maxwell.
The ex-pilot had a squealing six-year old in his arms, dark curls bouncing, ice blue eyes shining brightly, little lips spread in a large grin. Duo lifted her up high, twirling her around like a little angel soaring through the heavens, then lowered her only to jump back up again with his prized possession. The little girl was loving every second of it.
He was a natural with children. Seeing him with Kaylen proved that instantly.
But there was food waiting and he was certain that Duo would be hungry, he had been running after children all that day.
He was about to call out, when the American looked over and caught his eye. WuFei remained silent and mouthed 'Food' instead.
Duo put the little girl down and crouched for a few moments speaking softly to her. She grinned and nodded. He tousled her hair one more time before getting up and walking over to join WuFei, who had turned in the process and was walking too.
She'll be five minutes," Duo explained. The Chinese nodded as his comrade strolled beside him.
WuFei couldn't help but notice that the laughter diminished a little with Duo's departure....
But his thoughts were cut off when he felt an insistent tugging at his leg.
*I will love you, I promise you this........ There is nothing I wouldn't give*
Looking down, WuFei regarded the source for a moment, then lifted it into his arms. The child settled himself comfortably, not a sound out of him. A glance to his right at Duo showed the braided American to be in similar predicament. However his bundle was a little more vocal, demanding that Duo move faster.
Mariemaia was grinning at his left. Her arms were empty.
*From this moment on.*
The slide came back into view, and with it a pair of giggling girls, both which were dripping wet. A soft chuckle emanated from next to WuFei, and violet eyes brightened with amusement. The Chinese gave a long suffering sigh and shook his head again. Then he drew to a halt and called, "Jian! Lunch is ready. Come here!"
Blue eyes flickered in his direction then the little girl stood and tilted her head in a manner that reminded Duo of WuFei for an instant.
"But Faaather!!"
"Come in now and you can go back out right after." WuFei promised evenly. He had been expecting an argument.
The little girl brightened at the idea and a calculating gleam that WuFei knew well came into her eyes. He prepared himself for what was coming next.
"Can Cassy come too."
It wasn't as bad as he though.... He enjoyed having Cassandra around. She was a lovely child. Much more polite than his own trio. He nodded.
"If she wants to."
Jian grinned and grabbed a smiling Cassandra's hand. Breaking into a run, she took off for the house, dragging her hapless friend behind her.
"C'mon Cass!.... Lets go!"
*You're the reason I believe in love.*
However, his diplomacy landed him in another problem..... In Duo's arms Kian was frowning. The boy was almost a miniature image of WuFei, down to the long pony-tail he wore. Except for his startling blue eyes, which two of his children had inherited from their mother.
Still scowling slightly, he said, "Father, you're not letting her bring Cass!?"
Over the dark head, Duo raised an eyebrow and grinned at WuFei, clearly enjoying the entire scene.
WuFei's eyes switched to Jian's brother and he nodded shortly, patently ignoring the grinning American with practiced ease.
"If you have a friend to bring... I suggest you get him now."
The notion obviously appealed to the little Chinese, but he thought it over a moment anyway, then nodded. Then he squirmed in Duo's arms until the surprised American was forced to drop him, and with a grin the dark haired boy disappeared.
It was easier to just make even the odds, rather than to argue with the duo. WuFei had learned this from experience, and he truly didn't mind anyway.
Duo was still grinning next to him. "Can't win with them... Can ya?" he asked lightly.
WuFei cast him a glance and answered.
"No, Duo. You cannot..... Don't ever even try."
The American laughed, then broke forward sweeping the smiling Mariemaia up and breaking into a run towards the house, the teenager screaming, "Put me down, Duo Maxwell!!" over his shoulder, but enjoying every moment.
WuFei had to catch himself before he laughed at the sight.
The boy in his arms was staring at them as well, a smile on his face.
This little boy truly was WuFei's image. In manner as well as appearence.
Even to the same dark intense eyes.
*And you're the answer to my prayers, from up above.*
He was the quietest of the triplets. Preferring to remain absorbed in his books rather than to be playing with his more boisterous siblings.
WuFei felt the tension in the little body. Drawing his head back a little, he looked closely at his son. The child turned his head, and WuFei saw his own eyes looking back at him.
"Do you want to go on ahead, Sian?"
The smile widened as he nodded once and WuFei obliged him by putting him back on the ground.
The boy bowed once, before running away toward the house after the older figures.
WuFei stared after him....
So alike.
The house came into view and he stopped, his mind growing more sober as he gazed at the place he and his wife had called home for the last five years. Bustling with activity as friends and neighbors moved about talking and laughing.
A glimpse of Duo as he dropped Mariemaia and ran laughing, out of sight.
Quatre appeared in an animated conversation with... Heero!
Trowa walking beside them, looking highly amused.
They had found their answers.... In each other.
And WuFei....
He could not find it alone as he believed he could. Someone had shown it to him. With her help he had reached out and he grasped the truth he had been searching for.
A decade had passed since Treize had told him that WuFei understood him. At that moment, as he stood looking at his family and his home and his children, WuFei heard his voice once more.
"Let there be meaning in our actions. Let there be a purpose to our limited time on stage."
Meaning and purpose......
Truth.
Searching for all of them. It was absurdly human to seek a grand design, and God -WuFei was not sure if he existed- but if he did, then God could teach all of them their last lesson in humility for anyone who had the sight or the will to see, It was in the existence of every lifeform, noble and lowly - beautiful and loathsome.
It was the ultimate lesson; Not to scorn, but to accept. Then to work for what you could, not an ultimate answer that would end all debate, but the willingness to continue that debate everyday.
His comrades had shown him these things once before.
Sally Po had shown him these thing simply by being.
*My dreams came true, because of you...*
Love had been all around him, in all it's forms. But in his pain, WuFei could not see it.
All of life was a paradox. When looking for the truth - for Justice- The only answer one could ever find was the one you sought. There was no impartial truth. If it is capable of perception, then it is capable of change.
WuFei knew then, that as long as he was seeking, looking for meaning, in Justice, and in his own life, that he would create the meaning he found.
Nothing could have ever broken this....
Except the illogic of love.
And WuFei was content then. As he had once told Sally. He was content with his life and his friends and his partner.
With himself.
WuFei had taken the mantle of the injurious once, under Mariemaia. And he no longer ran from that incident, He knew that it had served him, in it's own way. It had been a role that only he could play. And he had played it.
Knowing then that it made him who he was.
Made him stronger.
To see the light you had to understand the dark- balance and counterbalance- That was who WuFei was.
That was his truth.
*From this moment, as long as I live........ I will love you, I promise you this.*
"You're brooding again, Chang WuFei."
"Hm, I haven't brooded in years, woman. I don't have time to."
Arms encircled his waist and a head leaned against his shoulder.
"What were you thinking." She asked softly.
Dark eyes closed as WuFei answered her.
"That maybe... I understand you now.... A little better."
Sally turned him to her and she tilted her head slightly. Studying him. She looked curious still so he raised his eyebrow in question.
She smiled and her eyes danced with mirth. Then Sally questioned him softly.
"Only a little?"
"Hm....." WuFei drew her arms around him again and pulled her closer.
"I'm taking it slowly. " he said, "I have my entire life to understand you..... I fully intend on using that time in a productive manner."
Her smile widened as she leaned closer to him. "Your entire life...." She agreed.
"Our entire lives, Sally." WuFei corrected, before he pressed his lips to hers.
To understand each other.
*There is nothing I wouldn't give...... From this moment on.*
~Fini~
Yaaaay!!!! Finished finally!! This is the first chaptered fanfiction I've fully finished, and I'm pretty happy with the result.
If you'd like to read more Sally/WuFei stories by me, tell me in your review (Or any other pairings you like).... Heck, leave me a review anyway.....Please?! ^__^;;;
And yes, his children are triplets... I don't think that's been done before....
JianYing is the girl. KianWei and SianYen are the boys, they're identical, except for their eyes. Kian's are blue, like his mother. While Sian is literally a miniature WuFei ^_^
Even their temperament is the same.
It mini me!! (Sorry..... Just popped in there.)
(I have a painting of them, if anyone want to see it drop me a line and I'll e-mail it to you. And a nice one of Sally and WuFei in their wedding outfits too)
The song was called 'From This Moment On', by Shania Twain. (I love her songs ^_^)
WuFei in the first part.....Occ... yes. But he was very, very happy. I'd even go so far as to say that he was ecstatic.
And beware a euphoric WuFei... He's more dangerous than a bored Duo!!!
And I just realized something... there's 4 years between WuFei and sally... Not 2!!
Why didn't anybody tell me!?!
Well there goes the entire story.... *Grumbles intelligibly.*
Anyway......
WuFei is my favorite Gundam Wing Character. (If you hadn't noticed. ^_^)
He's definitely the sexiest of the G-Boyz (At least in my mind.) Heero is delicious, Duo is adorable, Trowa is luscious, Quatre has an entire blend of angel and devil that'll send shivers down your spine (Think zero system there) But they don't compare with WuFei for me. Nope.
And then there's the angst!! Wonderful, palatable emotional angst!!
The angst alone is positively orgasmic, isn't it? ^_^
It amazes me sometimes that some people 'don't' seem to like WuFei. He's a pretty boy with some of the coolest moves in the series.
One shout of 'Onna' and I was won forever.
He is seriously misunderstood by a lot of people. (But then, a lot of the characters are)
Many people seem to be utterly blind to the true meanings hidden behind his actions in the series, and in the movie. And then some will just dislike him because they've decided that they have resolved to dislike his character. Regardless of his actions.
But, despite what others think. WuFei has strong sense of right and wrong, good and evil. Part of his pain is that WuFei -for all his ranting- doesn't understand justice.
Confused? Let me explain.
WuFei does not even believe in Justice.... Until the death of Meiran, his wife. So WuFei is not fighting for something he was born believing in, he is fighting for a memory, and he is fighting for a belief his wife upheld with all her being... With her very life.
One can only imagine how difficult it must have been for the warrior to don the shades of gray that justice demands, when the world of the scholar is entirely in black and white.
So this fic is dedicated to The Scholar Boy and all the misunderstandings that go with him.
Ja ne!
Orin.
Oh, and you'd never guess that this fic was inspired by one of WuFei's theme songs, 'Grasp the Truth'.... But it was. ^_^
Okay... This is it, the last chapter.
I'd like to thank all who reviewed this fic.
Especially, lizzy b, may, marle, and cashew, who have been there since the beginning. Thanks for the encouragement. Your words have helped me to keep it going to the end.
Thank You!!!!!
And to The Smiley Bandit as well. ^__^
And especially to Lara Winner and Jen. Your fics are my inspiration. Don't ever stop writing.
SINS OF SILENCE.
Epilogue.
Eternal Flame.
*I do swear, that I'll always be there.
I'd give anything and everything, and I will always care
Through weakness and strength. Happiness and sorrow,
For better, for worse.
I will love you.... With every beat of my heart.*
Preventer HQ loomed up in front of her, forbidding and dark as she pulled her car into the parking lot.
It had never appeared so sinister to Sally before. Not in all the time she had worked there. There had been times when she wished that she could just pack up and leave. Her job was a difficult one. Seeing the volatile and hostile side to humanity constantly would leave its effects on anyone. But she knew that she made a difference here. And Sally also understood that there would be good days and bad days. You had them everywhere.
This was not necessarily a bad day though..... it had the possibility of turning into one of the happiest in her life.....
Her car came to a halt, she moved it into neutral and turned it off. But beyond that, Sally didn't move.
She had found it difficult enough to form ample coherent thought to stumble to her car, earlier that morning. She was aware that she was late. But honestly, that was the furthest thing from her mind.
Her mind was thinking of everything except that she was late. It had gone from a dazed cationic state to a whirling jumble from the time she had sat into her vehicle to when she had set eyes on the Preventer building.
'He' was in that building...
'Him'. The man who had turned her life upside down without a single word.
*From this moment, life has begun........ From this moment, you are the one.*
Cerulean eyes turned to fix themselves on the soft glint of gold on her finger. She had not taken it off. She could not even bring herself to touch it. It was too overwhelming. The reality was repeating itself over and over in her head. What he had proposed with the simple gesture of placing it on her finger.
Proposed....
Sally buried her head in her hands, braced on the steering wheel.
That was it. A proposal. One of the most unusual proposals she had ever considered. But it was not out of place, not on him.
It was remarkable, just like the man who had performed it.
Chang WuFei....
Sally sat straight and gripped the wheel tightly. Addressing the thoughts that had run rampant in her head since he had left her there, on the bed. In his house....
She loved him.
She loved everything about him. From his dry humor to the way his eyes would light with fire when he grew angry. She loved the way he would block out all distractions when he was thinking. Sally loved the way WuFei mouth would curve in the barest hint of a smile when he was amused. To her, that smile was more brilliant than Duo Maxwell's largest grin.
Right beside you, is where I belong........ From this moment on.*
But she was hesitant..... Sally knew of Wufei's deeply rooted sense of honor. He had never told her he loved her. She did not know if he even felt that way. WuFei had married once, and there had been no love. Sally could not let him make the same mistake twice. Even if his integrity demanded it.
She could not allow the dragon to fall again.
She took a deep breath and opened the door, getting out quickly. Locking the door, Sally headed for the building and a certain office in particular.....
*From this moment, I have been blessed...... I live only, for your happiness.*
Sally did not knock at the door, but rather just kept on walking. Familiarity allowed her to do this.
Preventer Sky was exactly where she expected him to be. He had stood as soon as he had seen her. His expression was calm, but his eyes showed Sally the anxiety he was holding back.
She gazed at him steadily. The same word echoing through her mind as had been since he'd left her on the bed, in his room, in his house.
"Why?" she whispered.
WuFei remained silent as he studied the desk then the window. She knew he was searching for words. WuFei needed the correct words of expression. She waited for his answer. It would his answer that would permit Sally to decide.
The moment drew out for an eternity as WuFei gazed everywhere but her. When he replied at last, his voice was soft.
"I ...care for you, Sally Po.... I don't know if it's love."
She drew a deep breath. She had been right after all. Integrity. WuFei believed that he would have to honor his actions of last night....
Then he was doing this because he felt obliged to. Well, Sally would show him differently. She would not be considered a burden to Chang WuFei. She had spent too much of her life trying to gain her independence. If she broke away now, then he would owe her nothing.... He would never be happy in a loveless marriage. Not another one.
With WuFei it was all, or nothing.
*And for your love... I'd give my last breath..... From this moment on.*
But WuFei was not finished.
"I do not think love feels... like this.... I don't think it can be this.... strong."
She started and her eyes widened as she stared at him uncomprehendingly. The words registered in her dazed mind, but Sally refused to believe them.
WuFei turned and gazed out the window, reaching a hand to trace the glass for a moment before returning it to his side.
"You are essential to me.
Just as breathing and drinking are......To who I am now... I don't know when you became so..... important..... necessary.... But I 'do' know, that I cannot imagine my life without you.... Not now.
I have no desire to live life without you...... I want to know you, Sally. And I want to spent the rest of my life learning to know you, trying to understand you."
There were tears in Sally's eyes long before WuFei finished. Tears of pure joy for this incredible man who loved her.
WuFei loved HER!
Her heart hammering in her chest, it seemed it would burst, with relief and gratitude and love. Her mouth moved, but Sally could find no words to voice the pure exultation that was surging through her. She could not voice her delight.
When she did not answer WuFei, he slumped almost unnoticeably. The weight around his heart increasing with every beat as her silence spoke her refusal.
Then WuFei felt a pair of arms encircle him from behind. And he felt a head press against his back and he heard a soft whispered word. A single word.
*I give my hand to you with all my heart.*
"Yes."
And it lifted the weight from his heart.
He turned in Sally's arms and lifted her chin so that he could see her face. The tears in her eyes, that gentle, trembling smile. Then he crushed her in a hug once more.
Sally returned the embrace with just as much ardor, holding onto him for all she was worth.
And when Sally felt WuFei's tears against her skin she did not comment on them.
Still holding her close, WuFei drew back. Still close. Close enough for Sally to be acutely aware of him. Close enough for her to feel as if she would drown in the glistening depths of his eyes. To see the quiet elation shining through them.
Close enough to touch those lips... To trace the tear streaks down his face....
All of a sudden, WuFei became aware of a stillness in the general area outside. Lifting his gaze, he looked through the glass.
"It appears we've been caught." He observed dryly. His voice did nothing to betray the euphoria he was feeling inside. He felt strangely light.
As she followed his gaze, Sally's cheeks flushed without her willing them to.
Everyone from head Preventer Une, to the communication's technician, to the secretary was watching them.
"Oh..." she whispered.
"Hmm.... Maybe we should face the music and... perform."
Her gaze flitted back to him, noting the unusual mischievous glint added to the joy in his eyes.
"Which means...?"
"This." WuFei answered, and his mouth covered Sally's, in a kiss which began soft and tender, but ended up disturbingly passionate.
Applause rang out from all around the office outside. There were cheers and whistles and shouts of 'You go girl'.
When WuFei drew away and Sally looked beyond him, she saw that every person was on their feet, clapping and smiling broadly. The color in her cheeks deepened, as she returned their smiles with one of her own.
*Can't wait to spend my life with you. Can't wait to start.*
"So much for a working relationship." Sally remarked, a little shakily.
WuFei smiled suddenly. "We're partners now, Sally. In every sense of the word. Perhaps we should announce our engagement?"
She stared at him, unable to grasp the lighter side she had rarely witnessed, and never seen to it's full. She shook her head wonderingly. WuFei thought it was a refusal to his question and grinned.
"Then how about taking a bow?" he asked, and took hold of Sally's hand. She continued to look dazed at his happy attitude. But she was loving the sudden brightness to his voice and the laughter in his eyes. Sally allowed herself to be turned to face the main office.
Together, they bowed to their audience.
As partners and as equals.
The applause grew louder. There were more whistles, catcalls and cheers.
"Encore!" someone called, but WuFei shook his head, his expression returning to the more normal sterner version. He opened his door.
"Show's over," he called in a business-like tone, "Get back to work." It was ruined by the fact that he was trying to restrain from smiling.
He turned and Sally slung her arms around his shoulders and whispered.
"Partners, Preventer Sky.... In every sense of the word."
*You and I will never be apart.... My dreams came true.... Because of you.*
The sun was blazing, the midsummer heat shining down on him from above. All around him there was a buzz of activity. And he was reveling in it's center. The children screaming in delight and happiness echoing around the playground. Some louder than others.
Suddenly one in particular ran behind him screeching in delight.
"Ahhh....Cassy's after me!! Hide me! Hide me!"
WuFei merely choose to raise an eyebrow at the frantic child.
"You like when Cassy chases after you." he stated mildly.
"She has a water gun! Hide meee!" Blue eyes were widened impossibly.
The Chinese stood and pushed her away gently, if Cassy was chasing after her with a water gun, then he did not want to be near her when she was discovered.
"Behind the slide... There" he pointed, " Cassy won't see you."
The little girl gave a squeal of delight and took off in the direction of the said object. WuFei watched he go and fought the urge to smile, he sighed, shaking his head slightly and settled back down again. No sooner had he done so, when Cassandra Chase appeared beside him.
"Mr. Chang.... Did Jian come this way?" she asked politely.
Cassandra was always polite to WuFei. She admired her patient neighbor, especially since he was the only adult who seemed to listen to her seriously. WuFei, for his part, eyed the dripping water gun warily, and after a moment of though, pointed her in the direction of the slide. She smiled and with a 'Thank you' was gone again.
WuFei shook his head and lay back down, stretching out and closing his eyes..
But it seemed he was not to get any peace as another figure seated itself next to him.
"Lose him so soon?" he asked quietly.
"He's a little demon." Came the reply. "Just like his father."
"Hn... More like his mother."
A playful shove. "Better not let Sally hear you say that."
"That is one point on which the woman agrees with me."
A chuckle and WuFei opened one eye to give his companion a look. The teenager sitting next to him was smiling and eyeing him appraisingly.
Cornflower blue eyes and startling red hair pulled back in a long neat ponytail, Mariemaia Kushrenada-Une was growing up to be a beautiful woman.
"What is it?"
"You look like a lazy panther lying in the sun, all stretched out like that."
"Hmm." He said, and closed his eye once more.
"Where's JianYing....?"
"Over near the slide... getting soaked by Cass."
Indeed that was the exact scene, the little Chinese girl was being thoroughly drenched by her older friend. Mairemaia shook her head and tsked.
"Her mother sent me to look for her.... and you. Lunch is ready."
"Hn... You get Kian, and I'll retrieve Jian."
"Oh... Send me after the little demi-dragon....." she grinned, "What about the other kid?"
"I'll fetch him as well." WuFei stated easily.
"Right."
*From this moment, as long as I live.*
WuFei watched her go for an instant before getting to his feet and casting an eyes over his surroundings. When the brief search yielded nothing he performed the next option.
He listened.
It proved to be a success, it always worked. To his left, far beyond the slides and swings.
WuFei began to walk in the direction of the sound.
As he drew closer obsidian eyes discovered the source of it, then lit with amusement. On the ground ahead of him, the children were playing on the park facilities, screaming shouting, laughing.... Being children.
And in the midst of all those children was a big twenty-five year old child-at-heart.
Duo Maxwell.
The ex-pilot had a squealing six-year old in his arms, dark curls bouncing, ice blue eyes shining brightly, little lips spread in a large grin. Duo lifted her up high, twirling her around like a little angel soaring through the heavens, then lowered her only to jump back up again with his prized possession. The little girl was loving every second of it.
He was a natural with children. Seeing him with Kaylen proved that instantly.
But there was food waiting and he was certain that Duo would be hungry, he had been running after children all that day.
He was about to call out, when the American looked over and caught his eye. WuFei remained silent and mouthed 'Food' instead.
Duo put the little girl down and crouched for a few moments speaking softly to her. She grinned and nodded. He tousled her hair one more time before getting up and walking over to join WuFei, who had turned in the process and was walking too.
She'll be five minutes," Duo explained. The Chinese nodded as his comrade strolled beside him.
WuFei couldn't help but notice that the laughter diminished a little with Duo's departure....
But his thoughts were cut off when he felt an insistent tugging at his leg.
*I will love you, I promise you this........ There is nothing I wouldn't give*
Looking down, WuFei regarded the source for a moment, then lifted it into his arms. The child settled himself comfortably, not a sound out of him. A glance to his right at Duo showed the braided American to be in similar predicament. However his bundle was a little more vocal, demanding that Duo move faster.
Mariemaia was grinning at his left. Her arms were empty.
*From this moment on.*
The slide came back into view, and with it a pair of giggling girls, both which were dripping wet. A soft chuckle emanated from next to WuFei, and violet eyes brightened with amusement. The Chinese gave a long suffering sigh and shook his head again. Then he drew to a halt and called, "Jian! Lunch is ready. Come here!"
Blue eyes flickered in his direction then the little girl stood and tilted her head in a manner that reminded Duo of WuFei for an instant.
"But Faaather!!"
"Come in now and you can go back out right after." WuFei promised evenly. He had been expecting an argument.
The little girl brightened at the idea and a calculating gleam that WuFei knew well came into her eyes. He prepared himself for what was coming next.
"Can Cassy come too."
It wasn't as bad as he though.... He enjoyed having Cassandra around. She was a lovely child. Much more polite than his own trio. He nodded.
"If she wants to."
Jian grinned and grabbed a smiling Cassandra's hand. Breaking into a run, she took off for the house, dragging her hapless friend behind her.
"C'mon Cass!.... Lets go!"
*You're the reason I believe in love.*
However, his diplomacy landed him in another problem..... In Duo's arms Kian was frowning. The boy was almost a miniature image of WuFei, down to the long pony-tail he wore. Except for his startling blue eyes, which two of his children had inherited from their mother.
Still scowling slightly, he said, "Father, you're not letting her bring Cass!?"
Over the dark head, Duo raised an eyebrow and grinned at WuFei, clearly enjoying the entire scene.
WuFei's eyes switched to Jian's brother and he nodded shortly, patently ignoring the grinning American with practiced ease.
"If you have a friend to bring... I suggest you get him now."
The notion obviously appealed to the little Chinese, but he thought it over a moment anyway, then nodded. Then he squirmed in Duo's arms until the surprised American was forced to drop him, and with a grin the dark haired boy disappeared.
It was easier to just make even the odds, rather than to argue with the duo. WuFei had learned this from experience, and he truly didn't mind anyway.
Duo was still grinning next to him. "Can't win with them... Can ya?" he asked lightly.
WuFei cast him a glance and answered.
"No, Duo. You cannot..... Don't ever even try."
The American laughed, then broke forward sweeping the smiling Mariemaia up and breaking into a run towards the house, the teenager screaming, "Put me down, Duo Maxwell!!" over his shoulder, but enjoying every moment.
WuFei had to catch himself before he laughed at the sight.
The boy in his arms was staring at them as well, a smile on his face.
This little boy truly was WuFei's image. In manner as well as appearence.
Even to the same dark intense eyes.
*And you're the answer to my prayers, from up above.*
He was the quietest of the triplets. Preferring to remain absorbed in his books rather than to be playing with his more boisterous siblings.
WuFei felt the tension in the little body. Drawing his head back a little, he looked closely at his son. The child turned his head, and WuFei saw his own eyes looking back at him.
"Do you want to go on ahead, Sian?"
The smile widened as he nodded once and WuFei obliged him by putting him back on the ground.
The boy bowed once, before running away toward the house after the older figures.
WuFei stared after him....
So alike.
The house came into view and he stopped, his mind growing more sober as he gazed at the place he and his wife had called home for the last five years. Bustling with activity as friends and neighbors moved about talking and laughing.
A glimpse of Duo as he dropped Mariemaia and ran laughing, out of sight.
Quatre appeared in an animated conversation with... Heero!
Trowa walking beside them, looking highly amused.
They had found their answers.... In each other.
And WuFei....
He could not find it alone as he believed he could. Someone had shown it to him. With her help he had reached out and he grasped the truth he had been searching for.
A decade had passed since Treize had told him that WuFei understood him. At that moment, as he stood looking at his family and his home and his children, WuFei heard his voice once more.
"Let there be meaning in our actions. Let there be a purpose to our limited time on stage."
Meaning and purpose......
Truth.
Searching for all of them. It was absurdly human to seek a grand design, and God -WuFei was not sure if he existed- but if he did, then God could teach all of them their last lesson in humility for anyone who had the sight or the will to see, It was in the existence of every lifeform, noble and lowly - beautiful and loathsome.
It was the ultimate lesson; Not to scorn, but to accept. Then to work for what you could, not an ultimate answer that would end all debate, but the willingness to continue that debate everyday.
His comrades had shown him these things once before.
Sally Po had shown him these thing simply by being.
*My dreams came true, because of you...*
Love had been all around him, in all it's forms. But in his pain, WuFei could not see it.
All of life was a paradox. When looking for the truth - for Justice- The only answer one could ever find was the one you sought. There was no impartial truth. If it is capable of perception, then it is capable of change.
WuFei knew then, that as long as he was seeking, looking for meaning, in Justice, and in his own life, that he would create the meaning he found.
Nothing could have ever broken this....
Except the illogic of love.
And WuFei was content then. As he had once told Sally. He was content with his life and his friends and his partner.
With himself.
WuFei had taken the mantle of the injurious once, under Mariemaia. And he no longer ran from that incident, He knew that it had served him, in it's own way. It had been a role that only he could play. And he had played it.
Knowing then that it made him who he was.
Made him stronger.
To see the light you had to understand the dark- balance and counterbalance- That was who WuFei was.
That was his truth.
*From this moment, as long as I live........ I will love you, I promise you this.*
"You're brooding again, Chang WuFei."
"Hm, I haven't brooded in years, woman. I don't have time to."
Arms encircled his waist and a head leaned against his shoulder.
"What were you thinking." She asked softly.
Dark eyes closed as WuFei answered her.
"That maybe... I understand you now.... A little better."
Sally turned him to her and she tilted her head slightly. Studying him. She looked curious still so he raised his eyebrow in question.
She smiled and her eyes danced with mirth. Then Sally questioned him softly.
"Only a little?"
"Hm....." WuFei drew her arms around him again and pulled her closer.
"I'm taking it slowly. " he said, "I have my entire life to understand you..... I fully intend on using that time in a productive manner."
Her smile widened as she leaned closer to him. "Your entire life...." She agreed.
"Our entire lives, Sally." WuFei corrected, before he pressed his lips to hers.
To understand each other.
*There is nothing I wouldn't give...... From this moment on.*
~Fini~
Yaaaay!!!! Finished finally!! This is the first chaptered fanfiction I've fully finished, and I'm pretty happy with the result.
If you'd like to read more Sally/WuFei stories by me, tell me in your review (Or any other pairings you like).... Heck, leave me a review anyway.....Please?! ^__^;;;
And yes, his children are triplets... I don't think that's been done before....
JianYing is the girl. KianWei and SianYen are the boys, they're identical, except for their eyes. Kian's are blue, like his mother. While Sian is literally a miniature WuFei ^_^
Even their temperament is the same.
It mini me!! (Sorry..... Just popped in there.)
(I have a painting of them, if anyone want to see it drop me a line and I'll e-mail it to you. And a nice one of Sally and WuFei in their wedding outfits too)
The song was called 'From This Moment On', by Shania Twain. (I love her songs ^_^)
WuFei in the first part.....Occ... yes. But he was very, very happy. I'd even go so far as to say that he was ecstatic.
And beware a euphoric WuFei... He's more dangerous than a bored Duo!!!
And I just realized something... there's 4 years between WuFei and sally... Not 2!!
Why didn't anybody tell me!?!
Well there goes the entire story.... *Grumbles intelligibly.*
Anyway......
WuFei is my favorite Gundam Wing Character. (If you hadn't noticed. ^_^)
He's definitely the sexiest of the G-Boyz (At least in my mind.) Heero is delicious, Duo is adorable, Trowa is luscious, Quatre has an entire blend of angel and devil that'll send shivers down your spine (Think zero system there) But they don't compare with WuFei for me. Nope.
And then there's the angst!! Wonderful, palatable emotional angst!!
The angst alone is positively orgasmic, isn't it? ^_^
It amazes me sometimes that some people 'don't' seem to like WuFei. He's a pretty boy with some of the coolest moves in the series.
One shout of 'Onna' and I was won forever.
He is seriously misunderstood by a lot of people. (But then, a lot of the characters are)
Many people seem to be utterly blind to the true meanings hidden behind his actions in the series, and in the movie. And then some will just dislike him because they've decided that they have resolved to dislike his character. Regardless of his actions.
But, despite what others think. WuFei has strong sense of right and wrong, good and evil. Part of his pain is that WuFei -for all his ranting- doesn't understand justice.
Confused? Let me explain.
WuFei does not even believe in Justice.... Until the death of Meiran, his wife. So WuFei is not fighting for something he was born believing in, he is fighting for a memory, and he is fighting for a belief his wife upheld with all her being... With her very life.
One can only imagine how difficult it must have been for the warrior to don the shades of gray that justice demands, when the world of the scholar is entirely in black and white.
So this fic is dedicated to The Scholar Boy and all the misunderstandings that go with him.
Ja ne!
Orin.
Oh, and you'd never guess that this fic was inspired by one of WuFei's theme songs, 'Grasp the Truth'.... But it was. ^_^