Title: I Hate You.
Author: Shadow Sorceress aka Zalia Chimera
Pairings: 5x2, 13x2, 5+S and finally 13xS. Possibly sprinklings of other couples later on but I'm not disclosing those.
Archiving: Sure, just tell me please.
Warnings: Angst. Errrm, does nice Treize need a warning? Language.
Introduction: Sally finds out what happened between Wufei and Duo and she and Treize decide to team up and plot.
Sally rubbed her temples in frustration over the situation. He's so bloody stubborn! I know I can be bad sometimes, but at least I accept help when it's freely given. He just clams up and mopes for days.
As soon as they had arrived at their chambers, Wufei had practically collapsed, ignoring all of Sally's attempts to find out what was wrong with her soon to be husband. At the moment she was trying to decide whether to just ignore him and pray that he solved whatever problem was upsetting him, or whether to go over there and drag it out of him, by force if necessary.
Another mournful sigh from Wufei's direction decided it for her. If I have to listen to him do that once more I'll go crazy and have to be locked up. She stood and quickly went over to where Wufei lay on the bed, face pressed into the pillows. Gently she shook him, then, when he growled something unintelligible at her, she grabbed his shoulders none too gently and dragged him around to face her.
By the Gods, he's been crying! Her expression softened at the lost look on his face and she pulled a handkerchief from one of the hidden pockets in her ridiculous dress. He took it with a tiny grateful smile.
While she waited for him to compose himself, she pondered exactly how she felt for him. I thought he was handsome at first, then that he was a complete bastard. She smiled at the thought of one of the blazing fights that they had had near the beginning of their acquaintance. Once we got over his haughty, woman-hating demeanour, we actually got along quite well. So how do I feel about him? I'm meant to love him unconditionally as my husband. But I just can't think of him romantically. He's Wufei, not My Husband'. So, if not a husband , what? A friend? More than that. A brother then.
Sally? Are you all right? Wufei said from beside her and she realised she had been staring into space.
Hmmm, sorry Wufei. Just thinking.
Well, thank you for the handkerchief. He began to stand but she grabbed his arm and dragged him back down, smiling ferally. Not a chance. I want to know what is wrong with you and I won't take no for an answer.
He closed his eyes for a moment, lowered his head and then opened them, speaking softly. It was all my fault. I made him hate me.
~~******~~
Duo smiled as he walked into Wufei's chambers and saw his lover at the window; all traces of weariness slipping from him. The day had been tiring. At least Treize wasn't as bad as his other suitors -- the women who fawned over him or the men who acted as if he were a child and would break if not treated as a delicate flower --but he just wasn't Wufei.
Crossing the room, he slipped his arms around Wufei's waist, leaning his head against the other boy's shoulder. Wufei stiffened beneath his touch and after a moment pushed him away. Duo looked at him in confusion for a moment before speaking. 'Fei, what's wrong?
Wufei sighed and turned to face him, his eyes wide and shocked. Duo I... my parents sent for me. I have to go home.
Duo grinned happily, his eyes sparkling. Wufei had told him wonderful stories about his homeland and he desperately wanted to see it. That's wonderful! When do we leave Wufei?
His smile faded when Wufei shook his head. You aren't coming Duo.
Duo mock pouted. Why not? I want to see your home and meet your family. Please? If you're worried about bandits then you needn't worry, I can take care of myself you know.
I know you can Duo. That isn't the reason.
Duo sighed. Stop talking in circles Fei and get to the point!
Wufei blanched at the tone of his voice and then steeled himself, schooling his expression into an uncaring mask. I'm leaving for home and I won't be coming back.
Duo sat down hard on the bed finding it impossible to process what his lover had just told him.
Wufei nearly broke down at the look of anguish Duo was staring at him with, but forced himself to continue. I have to do this. I don't have a choice. I have to do this.
I have to go. My parents have chosen a bride for me so I may continue the line of my Clan.
The hurt on Duo's face changed to anger. So what... you're just leaving me? he spat, glaring savagely at Wufei. You're just bending to your family's will and not even going to fight? Was all this just a game to you? Make me fall in love with you, sleep with me and then fuck off home when you get bored? Is that all I mean to you?
Involuntarily Wufei found himself taking a step backwards in the face of Duo's rage. The honour of my Clan must be upheld. I must marry the woman my family choose. Tradition must be upheld!
Duo laughed mirthlessly and then continued in a quiet but deadly tone. Oh yes. Your wonderful honour and tradition. Well, I've defied tradition for you! I should have married by now. I've endangered my family's honour because I loved you and now I find I was just a toy for you. Well not any more. Don't bother to say good-bye Prince Chang. The next time we meet I'll belong to someone else.
With that final speech he left, running from Wufei to hide his own tears.
When his footsteps died away, Wufei sank onto his bed, face pale and drawn. Well, you handled that well Chang. I'm so fucking weak! Couldn't even stand up for what I love most.
Hysterical laughter overcame him, quickly turning into sobs of despair.
*****
I accept your proposal Prince Khushrenada. I would be honoured to marry you.
From the balcony of the Throne Room, Wufei could just see the flash of cruel triumph in the look Duo sent him as he took Treize's hand.
Swallowing a painful lump in his throat he turned away from the scene and went to begin the long ride home.
~~*****~~
The ballroom was a dazzle of bright colours, each passing quickly as Treize whirled Sally around the floor. It has been a long time since we did this last hasn't it Sally, he said, smiling at his old friend.
She grinned back. It has indeed. Here we both are, betrothed. Didn't we both once promise never to get married?
He shrugged genteelly. We did. I'm surprised you remembered. We were thirteen at the time.
She shoved his shoulder playfully. Just what are you implying? I'll have you remember that you are older than me!
As they danced past their respective soon to be husbands, both of whom were studiously ignoring each other, their faces fell. Treize spoke, and Sally was surprised to hear her own sentiments echoed in his voice. I hate to cast any bad feelings upon your upcoming marriage, but I think that Duo is still in love with Wufei. He hides it well, pretending to hate him, but I can tell.
Sally's steps faltered for a moment before regaining her rhythm. Wufei told me what happened between them. He's hurting badly. I don't think he'll ever be happy without Duo. Not really.
They were both silent then but as the dance slowed to a halt, Treize pulled her close and whispered to her. Why don't we do something about it?