Chapter 11: Gee, I Had a Really Nice Time.

a/n: to hopefully make the updates a bit quicker, we'll be writing fewer of the chapters together. So you'll see a credit to the author (goof or nerd). That's also why these chapters will all be subject to editing in the future. It'll never be anything major though. Don't forget that character thoughts will be put in . Anyway this is a Special Long Chapter! Enjoy!
~NeRd~

Late in the afternoon, three boys lounged on the patio of a small coffee shop. Dao Ming Si had bid his friends farewell only a few minutes ago, and the conversation quickly shifted to his engagement with San Chai. Lei breathed in the aroma of his cappuccino and glanced down at his watch periodically.

"I think the best thing to do is take a cruise. They can't escape each other that way, and it'll be a relaxed, comfortable setting." Mei Zuo turned to face Ximen who sipped his coffee slowly and asked "You don't think one of them would try to jump ship huh?"
Ximen spit out a splash of coffee and coughed a bit before being consumed by laughter. Unabashed Mei Zuo busied himself making calls and arrangements, and Lei had tired of the topic. In truth, he still didn't know what to make of the whole mess.
"So your date with San Chai's friend went well?" Lei asked Ximen. Ximen smiled softly and nodded.
"Aw gross, you look like a lovesick puppy. Is she hot or something? Speaking of hot, " Mei Zuo stopped mid-sentence to flash a devastating grin at a couple of girls sitting nearby.
"Like you don't drool every time you see Jing?" Ximen shot back.
"Fine, fine. Tell me what you guys did. Did you get far?" Mei Zuo leered.
"Nope. I took her out window shopping, had dinner, and then we strolled around the lake. I had her home for 11. I think it's a record." Ximen's eyes glazed over as he reminisced about his delightful night with Xiao Yo.
"Well, I think you've lost your mind, but whatever man. It's yours to lose. ANYWAY, the story I reeaallly want to hear is the one about San Chai and Dao Ming Si's date!" Mei Zuo raised an eyebrow and Ximen returned an understanding look of assent. "You'd think after all we did to help he could at least give us some details."
"What date?" Lei chimed placidly.
~*~
"San Chai? Everything okay? You've been really distracted this week. Want to talk?" Xiao Yo bent down to help pick up pieces of the plate San Chai dropped.
"Hm? O yeah I'm fine. I've just got a lot to think about that's all."
"San Chai, I'm going to be offended if you don't start being honest with me. Save the "I'm fine" for someone who hasn't known you for so long okay? Come on let's sit down." Xiao Yo's eyes were wide with concern, and San Chai guiltily started to talk.
"I'm sorry. I just don't know what's with me. Two and a half weeks have gone by since I've been back at school, and everything seems like the same old on the surface yet awkward...Xiao Yo I can't imagine being with Dao Ming Si much less married to him. Getting to like him was hard enough. But he really has been trying hard. I don't understand why he wants this engagement to work out. It's not like there's any chemistry between us. I don't know why I can't just accept something good and stable. Maybe I am drawn to difficulty. Oy I'm hopeless."
"Drawn to difficulty?" Xiao Yo pondered this for a minute, and then she recalled when she had heard San Chai say this before.

::Flashback to earlier that week::
"Doesdinnersoundgood? I'llcomebyaround7. Seeyouthen. ::click::"
"Mmkay I'll see you later then." A breath of relief escaped from San Chai's lips. It was still fairly early, but she had been jolted awake by the incessant ringing of her cell phone. She rolled out of bed and slumped into the shower.

In the corner of a local bakery three attractive young men loudly threw taunts at each other. Their tall, imposing, and dashing forms drew the attention of most of the females in the shop. Most unfortunate for them, the three were in a heated discussion, paying no heed to the surroundings.
"Not bad. Good thing we prepared a script for you."
"Geez, Ah-Si you need to pause between words. E-n-u-n-c-i-a-t-e!"
Dao Ming Si put his cell phone down and reached for the shoulders of his two good friends. Gripping the two of them tightly he snarled, "Know what enough is?" Releasing them, he rose to leave. "Come on. We have to get ready."
"You've got HOURS!" Mei Zuo stressed the last word as he and Ximen were forced from their seats. Unsuspecting girls were roped into being experiment dummies, books were bought, a plan was made, and advice flowed freely. After a tedious day, the playboys had prepped their hopelessly inexperienced friend to the best of their abilities and sent him off in a Porsche, sighing like proud parents.

San Chai stared blankly at the television, her mind reeling as trauma after trauma was envisioned. She imagined numerous scenarios of dinner, all of which ended in disaster. She snapped back to reality when the doorbell chimed.
"Hi."
"Hello Dao Ming Si. Would you like to come in?" She stepped back letting him into the loft for the first time. "Sorry about some of the mess, I'm still unpacking a few things. Thanks for the housewarming gift. The aquarium is beautiful."
He smiled and as the tips that the playboys gave him kicked in, said "You look really nice today." A bit taken aback, San Chai blushed when she found him gazing tenderly at her.

They arrived at the posh Italian bistro right on time. The valet opened Ah-Si's door, and he walked around to open hers. Making a concious effort to utilize all the manners he had been accustomed to ignoring, he took her hand and led her into the restaurant. While she studied the menu items, Dao Ming Si indulged himself several glances at her. With a swoop of her hand, San Chai brushed back her long luscious locks. The weather had turned unexpectedly warm, and she slid her sweater off, revealing fair shoulders and slender arms. Her creamy white skin glowed in the candlelight, and she was absolutely angelic, the faint flush of her face matching her pink dress. Regardless of how Ximen and Mei Zuo teased, he truly found her to be stunning.
"It all looks great. Scusilo gradite suggerire qualche cosa?" San Chai giggled at her rusty Italian. (**Excuse me, would you like to recommend anything?)
"Si. I think I can recommend something for you. Are you testing my Italian?" he said jovially as he scooted closer to her.
Almost in reflex she shifted so that she sat on the farther edge of her chair. San Chai tensed as he leaned over to point dishes out on the menu. She could smell his cologne, and the unique fresh scent that clung to him.
"He is being so weird tonight. I always complain he's a pig, but now that he's not, I don't know what to do!" she thought.
Completely unaware of the vibes he was sending out, the oblivious Dao Ming Si continued describing types of pasta all-knowingly as he would have to anyone. As if on cue, their waiter arrived to inquire about beverages.
Without hesitation, Dao Ming Si ordered a bottle of imported German ice wine. "It's sweet yet light enough to complement the rich pasta sauces," he assured her.
The classy San Chai smiled gracefully, withholding the fact that she was quite familiar with the exquisite wine. Unable to decide on a single order, Dao Ming Si ordered samples of nearly a dozen different appetizers and entrees. In the environment of fabulous food, aromatic wine, mellow music, and warm candlelight the tension between the duo eased significantly. Conversation was casual as they talked of their travel experience, favorite things, and of course their mutual friends. San Chai was baffled by how intellectual Dao Ming Si was beneath the rough exterior. She easily forgave his slip up when they reached the topic of Lei.
"And he's been like that since I've known him. The idiot almost passed out once from hanging on the monkey bars upside down too long." Dao Ming Si scoffed.
"It's just those little quirks about him that make Lei so interesting. Each layer I manage to peel off reveals more of the wonderful person he is."
"Well it figures you'd say that. You seem to be drawn to difficulty. What with your family, your devotion to working, and your fascination with an introvert." Dao Ming Si's words were jumping from his mouth before his mind had processed them. He envied the special bond Lei had with San Chai, and hearing her fondly speaking of Lei made him uneasy--jealous even.
"The best things are those that are earned and fought for. I hope you learn something about the value of hardship soon Dao Ming Si." San Chai kept calm. Whether it was the several glasses of wine she had or her respect for the Dao Ming Si she was getting to meet tonight, San Chai did not lose her temper at his inconsiderate comments.
Dao Ming Si bit his tongue, quickly realizing that if he kept up this line of conversation the night would end very soon. Typical of awkward situations, there was a period of silence as each of them peered into the pasta bowls, mechanically twisting noodles onto their forks. A resounding mandolin was strummed, and soon a whole band churned out a romantic melody. Many of the other diners took to the dance floor, and Dao Ming Si mentally debated how wise it would be to ask for a dance. As she watched the couples twisting and turning she remembered the time she and Dao Ming Si danced at the club. She suddenly burst into a fit of laughter, and she decided tonight was a good opportunity to make a new memory. He was startled when she stood up suddenly but slowly rose like a gentleman is supposed to.

"Remember our last dance together? I think it ended with "pig" insults and sore feet. What do you say we make amends and try again?"
"Huh? I...I was just about to ask." So they walked over to the floor, and San Chai rested one hand gingerly on his shoulder. He clasped the other in his large, warm hand and put his other on the middle of her back. They were a good arm's length away from each other, but the gap slowly closed once they began moving.

San Chai unlocked her door and turned to say, "I had a nice time. Thanks."
"Me too. I um... We should do it again sometime."
"Sure. We should get the whole crew together soon anyway."
"That's not I meant. Actually, I.." Dao Ming Si choked on his words. Why couldn't he just say it? Why couldn't he tell her how much he liked her? How much he wanted the engagement to work out?
"Ah-Si, thanks for not pressuring me about the whole engagement thing. I don't know what the future will bring, but let's just try to have fun. I appreciate how patient you've been." San Chai told him earnestly.
At this, Dao Ming Si realized it wasn't an appropriate time to confess his feelings, not just yet. He gave her a friendly smile and bid her goodnight.
::end flashback::

San Chai buried her face in her hands and sighed deeply. "I'm glad we're friends. I don't think he wants more..I don't think he does..and thank God!."
"San Chai, you're such a smart girl but somehow you keep overlooking the obvious. One: you're already in love with someone. Two: Dao Ming Si is madly in love with you." Xiao Yo pulled San Chai's hands from her face and continued, " Why don't you tell Lei how you feel?"
"How I feel about Dao Ming Si? Wait. Who am I already in love with? And why would you think that big oaf likes me?" San Chai's puzzled expression caused Xiao Yo to giggle.
"Maybe you really are hopeless. Hahah. San Chai, you LOVE Lei, and Dao Ming Si has always been head over heels for you. Anyone could tell, but you of course."
"Lei? Hahaha! Now you're being silly. Lei and I are best friends that's all we ever have been. And Dao Ming Si and I fight all the time."
"Why? Why can't you be something more? San Chai, whenever something happens, good or bad, you think of him first. When you're together, you smile sweeter and longer, and you have this amazing trust in each other. You know each other inside and out. I think it's love. I have for a long time. On the Dao Ming Si note, he bickers with you because he doesn't know how else to communicate with you."
~*~
The evening sky was illuminated with reds and oranges as San Chai walked back to her loft. The air was cool, and she shivered as a breeze kicked up. Xiao Yo's words rang in her ears and replayed in her mind. "Love Lei? Do I?" San Chai drifted slowly down the street in a trance. At the thought of Dao Ming Si's supposed affection for her, she shivered and shook her head. "Why do I have to love either of them? Aren't things FINE the way the are?!" She snapped out of her thoughts when she felt hands on her shoulders and instinctively thrust her elbow back forcefully. She whipped around to see Lei clutching his stomach.
"Oops! I'm sorry!! Lei are you okay? I thought it was..I'm sorry!!" San Chai rushed to his side to help him stand.
Lei's features softened as he smiled. "You could really hurt someone you know? You didn't get me that hard. " He straightened himself and slid his coat off.
Draping it over her he said "It's cold out here. I'll walk you home." Lei started to walk and when he noticed she hadn't moved, offered to take her hand. San Chai peered up at him. The wind teased at his careless brown locks, and she gazed deep into his marble eyes.
"God he's handsome. Haven't I noticed it before?" she thought to herself. Gently placing her hand in his open palm, they headed back to her place. His hand was reassuringly warm, and she could feel the familiar calluses on his palms the violin had left. Familiar. She was so used to the way they interacted, his protective manner, and the way she melted into a helpless child when with him. She shook her head again trying to clear her mind of the mixture of memories and jumbled emotions. Lei patted her head softly, and she let herself lean closer to his warmth. Feeling her head nuzzle against his arm, he decided against asking about the date. He trusted that she'd talk to him in her own time; they had no secrets from each other.
~*~
"I'll make us some tea." San Chai filled a kettle and pulled a couple of cups from the cabinet. Lei leaned back in the sofa and basked in the sun's fading rays.
"Do you remember these cups? I got them when we went to London a couple of years ago." San Chai brought the hot tea over to the living room to find Lei had fallen into light slumber. After setting the tray down, she tucked a blanket over his long form, and settled herself in a seat across from him. She felt wonderfully at peace watching him sleep.