BACK TO SCHOOL !
Author's Notes
Note that I don't own ANY of the characters throughout the fanfic. * sob *
Don't flame me for any pairings and there's no yaoi for you people out there ! 0_0'
***
Wufei idly twiddled with his pen as his Chinese teacher continued rambling on to his class. He had to attend Chinese Language class with a few handful of the other Chinese students in the College but he was in no mood to concentrate today. It was a fine Thursday afternoon and he was feeling sleepier every minute.
" So we will have a small quiz next week and this will be assessed into your total grades at the end of the year. "
The usual groans and moans started rising from the bored students and Wufei took it as a que to start packing up. As he hurriedly stuffed his belongings haphazardly, a student approached him slowly from his seat.
" Wufei ? "
" Yeah ? "
Wufei looked up and saw that it was Wong Zhiyuan, one of the brightest students in their Chinese Language class and a brilliant scholar in his own rights. He was holding a newsletter in his hand and was extending it to Wufei.
" Here, this is the monthly newsletter to the Chinese Martial Arts Association. We hope you'll join us if you're interested. "
" Chinese Martial Arts Association ? "
" Yes. "
" Oh .. okay .. thanks a lot. "
" Wufei, have you guys been in trouble with Michael ? "
" Why do you ask ? "
" Well, the little riot sometime ago back at the ClubHouse was a little too hard to miss. "
Wufei raised an eyebrow and smiled almost incredulously.
" YOU actually went to the ClubHouse ? "
" Yeah, why not ? My family was too strict and I really wanted to unwind … you know … stuffs … "
" Ah. "
" How are your family like ? "
Wufei's expression remained neutral as he pondered for the best answer to give.
" They're dead. "
[ I suppose being straightforward is the best way ]
" O … oh … I'm … I'M SO SORRY … I … "
" It was a long time ago. "
Wufei opened his schoolcase again to put in the newsletter.
" But Wufei, who is supporting you now ? "
" Some organisation. Well, you can actually say it's something like a bond. "
Wufei wondered how Sally would react if she heard this.
" Wow, you're strong. "
[ You don't know the tribunals of hell I've been through, scholar-boy ]
" Well Zhiyuan, if you'll excuse me … "
" Ah yes, I've taken up too much of your time … I'm sorry … "
" Don't worry about it. "
Wufei strolled out from the classroom into the stinging afternoon rays.
[ Family ]
Wufei pondered to himself who his family was now.
[ The guys ? Sally ? The staff at Preventers' HQ ? Or was it just me all the time ? ]
For the last few years after the war, his time spent with Sally at the Preventers' HQ had truly brought his mind out of anything depressing or discouraging. He felt needed and loved at the same time, something he had always cherished when he used to be with Meiran. She was always there, supportive of his ideas when he told her about them, ready to help him when he was at his wit's end. Then she was gone, like the fleeting wind.
[ How people fade away so soon … ]
Wufei stared into the cloudless sky and wondered whether she was there looking at him right now.
[ Did you lead Sally to me ? Meiran .. will you drop me a sign ? ]
To be honest, Wufei hated being alone. When all was quiet around him, such thoughts would invade his mind once again and caused him to question everything. Sally had always there to occupy his mind, regardless of whether they were childish or silly matters. She had tons of things to do always, from shopping to even scouting for the best restaurants. As Wufei realised gradually, she was doing these to steer Wufei away from such gloomy thoughts. He wanted to thank her from the bottom of his heart but felt it queer and strange to do so. He didn't know how to get around it so he let things be the way they were and he was truly contented. Then Professor J had asked him to leave his job and come to College for a change.
[ Not that I was looking forward to it ]
Wufei stopped by a water cooler dispenser and quenched his thirst as he gulped down the sparkling cold water from the tap. Wiping droplets away from his mouth, he continued his way through the huge school and forgot his idle thoughts as he watched two bluebirds flew by.
RING !
Wufei almost jumped by the sudden sound coming from his schoolcase. With swift moves, he fished out the gleaming silver handphone in a small compartment and flipped open the receiver, all the while walking quickly to another place where no one could see him. It was one of the school's rules that handphones and pagers were barred in the school's grounds at all times. However, Sally made him promise to bring it along with him at all times so she could contact him easily.
[ Thank goodness it didn't ring during Mr Wong's class just now ]
" Hello ? "
" Wufei !! "
" Yes Sally ? "
" You don't seem to sound excited that it's me … "
" I just attended a really boring class. "
" So ? "
" So .. I can't gather up much excitement within me when half of my brain cells had died. "
Sally groaned as Wufei couldn't help but chuckle quietly at her reaction.
" What's up anyway ? "
" Oh, I just wanted to hear your voice. It's been a long time since we talked. "
" Hmm, exactly about 2 weeks. "
" YOU remember ? I thought you usually wouldn't take such matters into consideration. "
" Stop teasing me already. "
" Okay okay … so have you fully adjusted to your lifestyle ? It's been a few months already. "
" Make that half a year. "
" Ohhhh kkkaaayyy … "
" Well, I've been settling in fine. It's not as difficult as being in a battlefield, that's for sure. "
" That's good. Anything bad happened ? "
" No, just some affairs that had to be settled amongst Yuy and Peacecraft. "
[ Actually, I was just thinking of you … of me … of us … ]
" What happened ? "
" I'll let you know via email. You know you're getting me into trouble by calling me during school hours ? "
" What school hours ?! I didn't know you still had class ! "
" Well, I had Chinese class. "
" See ? I thought yours ended the same time as the other 4. "
" All right … you win. "
Wufei could almost hear Sally grin widely as she remained quiet for a while.
" So, holidays are approaching isn't it ? "
" In a few weeks' time. "
" Shall I come down and visit all of you ? "
" If you wish .. but Quatre mentioned something about us going out to some fancy resort and spending a few days there. "
" You guys ? "
" No .. I meant EVERYONE .. or whoever could afford the time of course. "
" OH ! I must contact Quatre then … this is great ! "
" How's your new partner ? "
" Jequés ? He's good ! Once he was warmed up to the ropes, he got on everything just fine. He has amazing memory power and he's very keen on learning more so it was … "
Wufei subconsciously clenched the handphone a little tighter as he listened on with rising anger. He blinked a few times as he slowly breathed in huge intakes of air to calm himself down. Having mastered Taichi eons ago, he wanted to battle this bad-tempered demon within him.
" … Wufei ? Wufei ? Are you still there ? … "
" Yeah .. "
" You suddenly seemed to drift off .. "
[ She knows me too well ]
" I'm still here. "
" Wufei. "
He stopped walking, surprised by the sudden firm and commanding tone in her voice.
" What's bothering you ? "
" N … nothing … you're thinking way too much as usual. "
" Look who's talking now. "
" Hey ! You don't have to keep poking your nose into MY business. "
" Your business ? Don't think you're all 18 and grown-up ! You're still really childish at heart you know. "
" Oh yeah ? "
" Do you want me to list out all the things you did during the Annual Fair held at Colony … "
" OKAY OKAY !! You don't have to keep remembering THAT one !! "
" Hah … gotcha … "
Wufei grumbled under his breath as he remembered the stupidest things he was forced to do back then at the Fair. He was so unlucky to have Sally there to witness everything.
" Wufei ? I'm sorry .. but I really want to know what's happening .. to YOU .. "
" Sally .. "
Wufei swallowed a sudden lump that appeared in his throat as he felt the sudden urge to see her face one more time.
[ I will go crazy if something happens to her ]
Wufei realised that he couldn't bear the thought of her leaving him … ever …
[ How can I let you know my exact feelings ? ]
" Sally … I … I have something to tell you … "
" Yes Wu .. "
BEEEEEP !!
Wufei had the receiver safely away from his ears as the sudden interruption brought the atmosphere down. Sally was heard cursing loudly at " some administration " and had to bade a hasty farewell, promising sternly that she will call back ASAP.
[ I was about to tell you that I … ]
Wufei did not know how to continue his lingering thoughts as he flipped the receiver back up.
Duo hummed a cheerful tune as he busied himself with tossing a salad together before dinner time. As he expertly sliced and diced through the green vegetables, he glanced up to see that Wufei had just strolled into the kitchen, looking rather confused.
" Yo Wufei ! "
" Yo. "
Wufei placed his belongings down onto the couch as he walked over to see what Duo was preparing. Casually swiping a lone piece of lettuce away to munch on, Duo continued surveying Wufei's expression.
[ Yup, definitely confused but not angry nor gloomy nor bad-tempered. Yosh ! I can speak to him then ]
" Wufei, is something bothering you ? "
The expression on Wufei's face was considered priceless to Duo, who had to pinch himself to prevent from laughing outloud. Wufei looked as though Duo just said that he stole his underwear or something … the look of something really private and personal now in the hands of someone else.
" How do YOU know ?! "
" Well, it's kinda obvious. "
Duo pretended that it was ' nothing really ' as he continued preparing his salad dish. Wufei continued eyeing Duo almost suspiciously but gave up after some time. He really couldn't bear to think that the jovial American would have anything up his sleeve now. He had way too much stuffs to trash out with himself.
" Are you gonna talk about it ? Keeping it to yourself isn't healthy. "
Duo continued to lay out his vegetables on the dish as he tried to coax Wufei into spilling the beans.
[ Wufei merely looked unsure now but he seemed quite relaxed with the idea of sharing with me ]
" Well, I just talked to Sally on the phone. "
" Oh, how's she ? "
" She's fine .. erm .. but she has a new partner in my place .. "
" It's normal that you wouldn't like this arrangement. "
" WHAT ?! "
Duo looked up in fright as Wufei suddenly exploded.
" Erm .. I mean .. erm .. how the hell did you KNOW ? "
" Huh ? "
Duo looked genuinely confused as Wufei stuttered incohesively.
[ This guy is amazing .. he could tell .. ]
" Ah .. Wufei .. you mean why I knew you wouldn't like the idea ? Come on, we're all guys and I know how possessive you can be. I mean, if Hilde was asked to patch up with some other guy while I'm away, I don't think I'll like it too much either. But I think I'm more OK with it rather than you. You'd flare up and kill the guy if he makes one wrong move huh. "
" Maxwell, I think you're exaggerating matters. "
" YOU think about it and let me know what you'll do if the new partner starts to woo Sally with flowers and chocolates. "
" How the hell would I know what I'd do ?! "
" Tell you what, your first reaction to that scenario would be anger. But now, your feelings are simply known as ' jealousy ' … which is perfectly normal. "
" Wait a minute, how would you know I'd feel so uptight about this towards Sally ? "
" Well, you looked so forlorn the minute you stepped into the kitchen. You seemed to have lost something really important. You didn't even bother arguing with me or make some snide remarks … which is really un-you … THEN you started off by saying you were on the phone with Sally … so I pieced the jigsaw puzzle together ! "
Wufei looked at Duo with bulging eyes in disbelief.
[ I wouldn't even have a single clue if I were you ]
" Ah .. don't look at me as though I'm Mr-Know-It-All now .. it's really simple. Take Heero for example, he's the perfect ruse of a I'd-Rather-Drag-My-Time-Away-Then-Say-I-Love-Her person and you're the I'd-Rather-Kill-Myself-Then-Say-I-Love-A-Woman isn't it ? "
" I'm not THAT extreme .. "
" Otherwise you wouldn't be in such a state. You would have told Sally that you liked her and she would say something back. If she feels the same thing for you, then you'll be feeling more secure now because you know Sally likes you too and she wouldn't be caught in any compromising situations with her new partner. Come on, we all know Sally well. She's very logical and sensible. "
Wufei started to think through Duo's words as the latter continued cutting the carrots and washing the cucumbers. It was then that Wufei caught sight of Duo's bracelet with the initials branded on it.
[ He looks so full of vigour .. could that be the cause ? ]
Duo did not seem to be continuing his speeches anymore so Wufei muttered his thanks softly before returning to his room.
" Ah, he didn't even say thank you to me loudly enough .. but that's suffcient for me. Imagine Wu-man and I having such a conversation. No one would ever believe it. He must be really confused. "
Duo smiled as he wiped his brow with his sleeve. Hilde had once taught Duo how to prepare his meals before he had left for College. He didn't want to leave her side, but Hilde had persuaded him by saying that it was for his own good. He remembered those times when Hilde used to be busy whipping up delicious meals everyday when he came home from work. The few years were the best times he had ever spent with her. They had continued living together under the same roof but for decency purposes, Duo slept in the room on the first floor while she slept in another room on the second floor. Life had been fairly simple and happy for the pair as they went out on dates on weekends and did what an average couple would do. His own favourite moments were when they were snuggling against each other on the sofa they bought together, watching television or having one of their soulful conversations and just enjoying each other's presence.
[ Hilde would scold me again if she caught me daydreaming like this ]
Duo mused to himself as he realised that he had stopped in what he was doing for a while. Expertly wielding a small knife, he carefully split open the vegetable stalk into two and laid down out nicely on the dish.
" Duo, promise me that you'll take care of yourself over there. "
" I will .. you too Hilde .. anything happens at all .. "
" .. I'll call you .. I got that in my mind already. "
They embraced fiercely at the train station which was about to whisk Duo away into his new life. He remembered Hilde's last expression as he waved goodbye from his seat window.
[ Happiness ]
Duo had never experienced such an emotion before, although he wore a happy mask all the while. Basically, he was contented with what he had before he met Hilde. Accepting missions, carrying them out and piloting Deathscythe were stuffs that he thought would be enough until hs dying day. Then he met her and she taught him other important elements. Things like love .. patience .. compassion .. self-sacrifice .. repentence .. He had thought he was lost because he had sinned too much. He thought that he was not worthy to be saved because he had killed too many people. He decided to don the black cloak of Death and continued to sink further into the blackness.
[ Hilde, I can't wait to see you again ]
The many conflicts that he used to have when he was in battle had almost worn off during the times he spent with Hilde. She made him believe in himself again and that he was truly a useful person besides piloting Deathscythe.
[ Oh well, guess I'd better eat these up before the rest starts to prepare dinner .. ]
Duo hurriedly brought the dish into his room and started munching on the vegetables. He stared at the telephone and started to feel his fingers inch towards the touchpad.
[ Oh all right ! ]
Duo placed his dish down and pressed the number which he also called ' his home '. After 3 rings, a feminine voice answered it. It caused Duo to lose his voice for a while, basking in the familiarity of it.
" Is that you Duo ?! "
" Hey Hilde, how dya guess ?? "
" Oh well, I just know .. so how come you could call today ? No schoolwork to do ? "
" Ah, I have those but well .. you come first .. "
Hilde laughed lightly and Duo could imagine her sitting on the blue chair she favoured and twirling with the receiver line which was her habit.
" So how are the kids ? Are they driving you nuts yet ? "
" You sound as though WE have kids .. "
Both of them laughed again and Duo had a sudden thought of them having kids in the future.
[ NAH ~ That's too early to think about ! ]
" Well, they're really angelic when they're clueless as to what's happening. They're beautiful .. but they could be so annoying that I swear I'll strangle myself one day if I can't stand it anymore. "
" Hmm, that's not good news at all. I don't like it when some kids forced my Hilde to terminate her life for such reasons. "
" Ahhh … someone is being possessive huh … MY Hilde ? "
" No, the one being possessive is Wufei, not me. "
" Wu .. ? "
" It's a long story .. I'll let you know some other time. Anyway, Quatre asked whether we should ALL get together and go crash out at some beach resort when the holidays arrive. "
" Great ! I've been dying to have a vacation ! The kids' parents will be bringing them elsewhere so the school will be closed as well. I should be ok for it. "
" Woo hoo ! Fantastic ! I can't wait to see you .. my Hilde .. "
" Don't get all mushy on me .. it doesn't work when you're so far away .. "
" Oho .. the more you make me wait to see you .. the more crazier I'll become when we do meet you know .. "
" You sound like a raving lunatic !! All right now, I got to prepare dinner. Keep me posted on the vacation details ok ? "
" Definitely .. I'll see you soon .. bye Hilde-dear .. "
" Bye Duo-dear .. "
Duo couldn't wipe off the broad smile which had formed over his face. Things are looking good !
[ But first, there are the exams to battle against .. urgh .. I wish I could use Deathscythe .. ]
Author's Ramblings :
I hope I'm coming out with the chapters at a nice pace. Anyway, I thought I was a little wishy washy with Duo's part. Don't be offended ! I'll be working on the vacation thingy now so if you have any comments you want to make on this idea, do feel free to write it down in your reviews ! I'll definitely take them into consideration !!
Thank you minna-san for your kind reviews so far !
Domo arigato ..
