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"Honor Betrayed"Written By: Yanagi Disclaimer: I do not own or hold any rights to
[Gundam Wing]. Those rights belong to Bandai, Sunrise, and the Sotsu
Agency. These fan fictions were written for fun, not profit. However,
this story does belong to me. Please don’t snitch it. Warnings: the usual Pairings: 1x2 But it's Wufei centric [very] Beta note: I think the days in the trip to Shanghai
are messed up. They fly east so they'd arrive in late
afternoon/early evening and Yet another note: There are a lot of FAQ at the
end of the epilogue.
"Honor Betrayed " Chapter 7 He woke at the station in Brussels. “You wake him.”, a deep voice said. “Not me.” Tenor voice. Wufei realized that he didn't recognize either one of them A third voice snapped, “Just shake him awake so we can get on with this.” “Me? I'm not shaking him. He's a gundam pilot. It's more than my life is worth to surprise him like that.” Deep voice added, “You want him up, you shake him.” Wufei sat up, blinking a bit to focus. “I'm up. And it's a good thing you didn't shake me. I'd probably have attacked you. In future, throw something soft at a veteran. Rolled up socks work well. Excuse me.” And with that he shouldered his backpack, eased passed the two stewards and the supervisor and left the train. He caught a taxi home, paid and went in. He stopped to look around, he had a beautiful, spacious home. He had a shop that was everything he'd ever wanted. He had a job, a life, friends, what the hell was he doing? He didn't know anymore. He sighed wearily and went to take a bath. As he'd slept so much on the train, Wufei couldn't get back to sleep. It wasn't that late so he decided to slip in an extra workout. He'd lifted weights in prison and worked out on various machines so he knew what he was doing. He worked from one machine to the next on automatic. He didn't even have to count his reps. As he worked out, Wufei dropped into a blank meditative state in which his consciousness was 'on hold' while his sub-conscious worked overtime. He finished his workout with unresolved issues but a feeling that things were going to get better, somehow. He glanced at the clock and realized that his trip had taken 36 hours, he was due at the dojo in less than six. He wasn't really tired but he knew he needed to take a nap or he would be tired later. He just flopped down on a couch in his living room and slipped into a light doze. When he woke it was time to leave for the dojo. He looked at himself in a mirror and sighed, he looked a bit haggard. He realized that this was to his benefit as he'd claimed sickness so he picked up his gym bag and left for work. At the dojo he taught his class with an intensity that made them all thank their lucky stars that the class was only two hours long. Wufei dismissed his first class with a slight bow and an soft voiced, “Well done.” They left the dojo moaning and grumbling but satisfied that they were being taught by a true master, no matter how young he was. The next class was a class of visiting experts that Yang-Shigung had invited from Preventers HQ in an effort to gain a few more high class students. Wufei was a bit surprised to see both Heero and Duo in the class. But he bowed to the class and began his lecture. He spoke about the responsibilities of a master and the philosophy of martial arts. The class was receptive and stood quietly listening intently. He was pleased to see Duo nodding his head in agreement. Then he announced that he was pairing all the students up in random order so that they wouldn't be fighting with a partner who's moves they knew. Heero chuckled a bit at that, as Wufei had given him a speaking look. Duo just snickered. He knew what was coming even if Wufei didn't. Heero paired with any other opponent was invincible. Wufei just smirked at Duo and raised an eyebrow. Duo suddenly had great interest in the 'hat'. Wufei had them number off, one, two, one, two. Then he had all the one people form a line facing the line the two numbered people made. Heero faced someone named Conner. He shrugged while the other man groaned softly. Wufei had all the students bow to their partner then had them space themselves so that there was room between each pair. This gave them room to maneuver and him room to walk around and watch them. He glanced at Heero and his partner and sighed, Conner was already out of it. He was sitting on the mats, holding his ribs. Wufei knew that Heero hadn't damaged his partner much, just knocked the wind out of him. He nodded to Heero and walked on. Duo was patting his opponent/partner on the back. The heavy set woman was wheezing softly. Wufei checked to see what was wrong. Duo just nodded to him, he'd poked her in the solar plexus and she was just recovering from the poke. He checked the other six couples and sighed. Heero and Duo were miles ahead of the rest of the class. The others were competent, more than actually, but they were going to need a lot of training to reach a first dan, never mind a tenth. He called a halt to the combat after ten minutes. None of the other students had managed to get the upper hand over their opponent. “Stop! Enough!” No one listened at first so Wufei whistled shrilly, everyone turned to look at him. “The next time I call 'stop' and you don't stop at once, I will suspend you from class for one month. Is that understood?” There was a lot of nodding and a few sullen looks. Wufei glared at the sullen one's until they all looked away. Except for one man who glowered back. Wufei looked at him calmly for a moment then asked, “Is there a problem?” “Yeah, how come you're our teacher? I thought Yang was going to do it. You're too damn young.” Wufei eyed the man up and down then just sighed. “I'm a great deal older than I look. Yang-Shigung decides, on merit, who he teaches. You've, none of you, had a chance to build merit. Therefore, I teach you. Believe me, you're not adding to your merit by this.” He took the time to read the name stenciled on the breast of the man's gi. “Mr Beckley.” Beckley seemed determined to take exception to everything. “And why do you call me Mr. Other guys call me sifu.” “Because I'm your superior and teacher. Although I'm younger than you, I'm still entitled to the honorific sifu.” He turned to scan the rest of the room with cold eyes. “You will all address me as Chang-Sifu. I am an elder teacher to you all. You will also call the other two senior students sensi. Do you understand?” Heero led the rest of the class in shouting, “Sir, yes sir!” Wufei winced a bit, shouting in the dojo wasn't encouraged but he understood Heero and Duo's intent. He nodded to the rest of the class. “We will now commence training.” He demonstrated the beginning of a kata and watched as everyone imitated him. He gently touched one woman to reposition her arm, then nodded. “Good, good.” He turned to eye Duo. “Don't hold your hand like that. You'll break a wrist.” He guided Duo's hand into the proper angle. “Yes, better.” He walked to the back of the room, helped another student then froze as he heard Beckley mutter, “Queer.” Wufei just looked at him for a moment then said, “I'm not but language like that is offensive and you will not speak in that derogatory tone about anyone.” “Yeah, well I saw it with my own eyes. That tape was hot as hell and ...” He was suddenly very quiet as Heero had him by the throat. “What tape?” Duo interjected, “Lighten up a bit, Heero. He can't talk if he can't breathe.” Heero loosened his grip, face grim. The rest of the class wasn't much happier. Everyone knew that something bad had happened to Chang in Alcatraz-2, Une's fit had destroyed her office and reception area. Beckley gulped and answered, “Well, it was in evidenced and me and a buddy took a look. It wasn't long, only about a minute but someone was fucking the hell out of him,” He jerked his thumb at Wufei. “And he was drugged up to the gills. I wasn't going to say anything but, little shit's got an arrogant attitude. Just thought I'd hint and take him down a peg. But since you want to make a big deal of it. Serves you right.” He sneered at Wufei, who sneered right back and did it better. Wufei bowed to the class and announced, “If you believe him, you may leave the class without repercussions.” He turned to Heero. “I'd like appropriate measures to be taken at once.” Heero nodded, looked at Duo then arrested Beckley. “You're under arrest for tampering with evidence, viewing sealed vid files, dereliction of duty and ... general stupidity. I'll translated that into more charges later. And ... I want your buddy's name. Also any other name that you know of who have viewed that vid. Idiot!” He accepted cuffs from Duo, who'd hurried into the locker room to retrieve his cuffs and phone. Duo dialed, spoke for a moment then turned to Wufei. He bowed and said softly, “Chang-Sifu, I apologize for sullying your mats with this garbage. He's gone. I'll take him out to the car myself. Heero, orders are, 'Class is to continue as if nothing happened.' Une's orders. Anyone who wants to leave the class, can; but it'll be a mark for prejudice in their jacket.” Wufei felt himself stagger a bit. He felt off balance and a bit ill. “This class is dismissed. Go.” But no one did. A woman fetched a blanket from somewhere and wrapped it around Wufei's shoulders. Two of the male students took Beckley off Heero's hands, telling him to stay with Wufei. Duo disappeared into the back of the dojo. While he was gone someone gathered the rest of the students and started them working on the part of the kata that they'd already learned. Wufei fought himself to calmness and looked up to see that Duo had come back with a cup of hot green tea. “Here, and drink it all. It's got honey in it. Yang-Shigung wanted to know if you needed him. I promised to come back to him. You need him to take over the class?” Wufei drank the tea, thanked Duo and said that he'd finish the class if it killed him. He wasn't letting 'them' ruin his life. Duo patted him on the shoulder then went to his place, followed by Heero. They started working on the kata in silence. Wufei dragged his attention to the group and went back to correcting stances and positions as if nothing had happened. When the class was over, Wufei dismissed his students and went into the locker room reserved for the sensi, or in his case, sifu. He took off his gi, noting that it was sweat stained and smelled like ... fear. He wrinkled his nose in disgust and decided to get out his black pajama like tai chi uniform. He had been awarded the right to wear them by his uncle when he was only 12. The youngest master of the Chang clan in years. He striped off his underwear and headed for the shower. In his upset over the incident in his class he forgot to check to see if anyone else was in the shower. The sound of gagging was his first realization that Kane-Sensi was in the shower. Kane knew that Wufei was going to be furious with him but he couldn't help it. The sight of the scars that criss-crossed Wufei's torso made him ill. Wufei had been burned, cut and, it looked like whipped, until his entire chest and back were littered with scars. Some were white, others were still reddish. Wufei turned and looked at him once then calmly rinsed off and left. He saw Duo and called to him, “Duo, Kane-sensi is ill, would you please see to him? I'm going home. Please do not follow me ... I need some time to myself. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, if you'd be so kind.” Then he snatched up his dojo bag and nearly ran out the door. Duo looked at Heero then went into the showers to tend to Kane. Duo took his time soothing and questioning Kane and what he heard made him grit his teeth in fury. He told Kane to keep what he'd seen to himself and the sensi agreed that Wufei wouldn't appreciated him spreading what he'd seen around the dojo. “Well, now we know that Alcatraz-2 is hiding things. What else are they hiding? Makes me wonder, ya know?” Heero nodded. “I'm going to talk to Une. Go check on Wufei.” Duo shook his head. “He asked us not to follow him. He wants us to come by tomorrow afternoon.” Heero bowed his head. “Ok. Tomorrow. Let's go. I want words with Une in the worst way.” Duo just looked grim and nodded. . Une wasn't commander of Preventers for nothing and she wasn't letting anyone forget it. Right now she was ready to skin this idiot alive. She'd sent her best people to Yang Dojo for training, hoping that Wufei would be their teacher. She'd hoped that it would boost his confidence and self-esteem. It seemed that fate was against her. Instead of the boost she'd hoped to give Wufei, she was afraid that Berkley had given it another blow. How was she supposed to know that the man would live up to the first syllable of his name? She looked up when the door opened and Heero marched in, followed by Duo. “Yes? I understand that the class didn't go as expected. Unfortunate.” Heero just sneered. “Unfortunate is an understatement. Now, I want to know what a hardened sensi might have seen that would make him ill. Something Wufei would not want seen?” Une just typed something into her terminal then turned her monitor around. Duo and Heero both sighed. There was a simulated torso, rotating slowly, on the monitor. “Where'd you get that?” “Simulation compiled from the data on that chip and medical records we managed to ... acquire. And some data from that damn vid. We're still working on identifying all the participants but we're bringing in the first ones now. They'll identify others and so on. You know the drill.” Heero nodded. “I'll participate in the questioning, should they prove to be difficult.” Une nodded then looked up, the look in her eye reminded Heero of why she'd been called The Hit Bitch. “I get to be bad cop.” Heero just shrugged. “And Duo can be crazy cop.” Une looked at Heero for a moment. “What about you?” Duo snickered. “Quatre is better at interrogation than Heero is.” Une looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Duo explained, “He glowers at them and they get so scared they can't talk.” Une just snorted. “I'll call when we have someone.” . Wufei returned home feeling strangely hollow. He checked his computer out of habit and found that he had another hit. This time it was one of the two men who'd enjoyed torturing him the most. They never fucked him, just cut, burned and beat him. He hated them with a cold passion that had nothing to do with justice. He just called the dojo, told Yang-Lao Shi that something had come up. She told him she understood, that Yang-Shigung had told her what had happened and she'd already made arrangements. He thanked her and hung up. Then he called Duo but got his service. He told Duo that he had business to see to and wouldn't be available until the day after tomorrow. He knew that Duo would probably either run to Une or try to track him himself. Neither action bothered him very much. He wasn't as good at stealth as Duo nor as good at hacking as Heero but he was more than adequate, even with three years of inactivity to catch up on. The last two months in prison he'd been given some classes to bring him up to what he was told were 'employable levels' in computer programming. He'd taken advantage of the free computer time to start really catching up, polishing his skills as best he could. It had helped immeasurably. Stealth hadn't needed any practice, he'd used those skills in prison to make a name for himself as someone you didn't want to fool with. After the drugs had rumbled their way out of his system in painful cramps, nausea, sweating and shaking; he'd managed to get his hands on some of the lesser of his tormenters. When the others had found out, they'd all managed to get transferred, at least to a different pod. He thought he'd done rather well, getting his justice so far. Now, he had acquired another target. This one was special and he had a special 'treatment' for him. The first of the three men he intended to leave alive. He had intended to kill that guard, but he was going to suffer much more alive. He smirked to himself, justice didn't always include execution. He went into the forge and picked out a piece of narrow bar stock and a rod about the size of his index finger. It only took him about an hour to forge a branding iron bearing the kanji for monster. The iron was small, about an inch square, with a seven inch long metal rod protruding from the middle of it capped with a handle of wood. He would heat it with a blow torch. He repacked his war bag with weapons, the iron, a torch and some money. He was going to ride his motor to his target as it was only about 200k away. This would take him about an hour, at least at the speed he intended to drive. He also knew that no one would pay any attention to him as the high speed lanes were open and the speed limit in those was 100 kph. If he could average 130 kph, he'd make it there and back in under two hours. Since he was riding his motor, he'd brought a sword with him. It was one of the cheap ninja swords he'd stolen. It was good steel, but the wrapping of the tsuka was nylon and slick. It was also coming unwrapped already. He made a mental note to fix it. He used a remote to open the roll up door, wheeled the motor out and shut the door behind him. He kicked the motor into growling life and eased down the street. He'd known that he was the only occupant of the street but hadn't really understood the significance of that until now. There was no one to notice what he was doing. The only other door that let into his street was the one that led into the office part of a large warehouse. He'd found that the single story building wasn't to his taste the second he'd seen it. It was decrepit and echoed like a hanger. He wondered if anyone would ever rent it. He hoped not. He ran with the wind, enjoying the feel of it against his face. He was wearing his helmet, he wouldn't dare ride without it. That would attract more attention than he needed. But he had opened the face plate, letting the cool afternoon air blow in. He knew from his data that he had about two hours before his target would be available. He used that time to find a place near his dwelling to take him to. Some place where he could scream and not be heard. Wufei allowed himself to feel cold satisfaction, he was near his objective, things were going well. He found a small barn out in the country, near his target's home, but far enough out that no one would hear. It was near a train track that had almost constant traffic. He thought about how he was going to get his target to the barn and realized that he was going to have to have a car. He mentally kicked himself for not thinking of that. He pulled his map out of his pocket and studied it. He could walk it. It was only about four miles so he started out at a hard jog. He would have to walk as soon as he hit pavement or people would wonder. However, his fast walk was very fast so he had no doubts of his ability to make it in time. Wufei wondered if his target would resist being car jacked and decided that it didn't make any difference. The target was going to come with him, one way or another. . This one Wufei knew a name for but he'd never use it, he'd always thought of him as the monster and had called him that to his face. Once the drugs were out of his system, Wufei had gotten to him once, slicing off part of his ear. That had led to the monster being transferred out of Alcatraz-2 and Wufei spending 30 days in solitary. It had been a relief. Now he walked up behind him and said, “Either come with me or die in the gutter.” The Monster whimpered, “I have money. It's in my wallet in my left hip pocket.” Wufei snickered in his ear. “I don't want your money. I want you.” “Why? What'd I ever do to you?” Wufei pushed him toward the car that yelped when he pushed the unlock button on the remote. “You'll find out. Get in the car!” The Monster got in on the drivers side, per Wufei's directions, and slid to the passenger side. Wufei got in, put the key in the ignition, started the car and drove away. It took him five minutes to get to the barn, he got out, told the Monster not to move and slid the door open. He drove the car into the barn and shut the door. When he'd found the barn, he'd taken time to set things up. Now he dragged the Monster out of his car and hauled him, unresisting, to the dangling rope. When he saw the rope, he exploded into action. He tried to punch Wufei but wound up on his belly on the dirt floor, wondering what had happened. Wufei tied the Monsters wrists together then used a convenient hand winch to drag him to his feet, suspending him so that his toes barely touched the ground. While he was doing this the Monster yelled, threatened and begged. Wufei took out a tanto and started cutting off his clothing. This made him start whimpering. “What are you doing? Why are you doing this?” Wufei finished stripping the man and turned on a small spot light. He stood in the beam and took off his shirt. “I know you won't recognize my face, but you'll
recognize your handiwork. Won't you?” “Yes, yes. But I don't know you. I swear, I don't.” Wufei gave him a feral smirk. “What happened to your ear?” “Oh, my god, it's ... you're...” Wufei shook his head. “You don't know my name? I assure you that that is not to your benefit. But never mind. You'll remember what I do to you.” Wufei put his shirt back on and heated his iron. As his victim screamed and pleaded, he branded the soles of both feet and both buttocks. Then he slashed shallow cuts across his back and stomach. Then he used the man's belt to whip him until he passed out. Wufei dropped the Monster onto the floor by simply flipping the lock on the winch and letting it idle out. He untied him, tossed the rope aside and walked away. He mounted his motor and roared away into the early evening. He found that vengeance was not sweet, it was a foul, bitter potion and didn't sit well in his stomach. He rode home with a short detour at a grocery store. He had seen it on his way out. It was Chinese so he was hoping to find some spices and things he liked and couldn't find in a standard grocery store. He found everything he wanted, paid, visited a bit with the checker and went the rest of the way home. He pulled back into his garage and carried his groceries inside. He went up in the elevator and put things away. After putting the kettle on to boil, he opened the refrigerator and tried to find something to eat. He found himself sitting at the kitchen table, shaking and sweating. He pulled himself together, made his tea and sat staring at it. He was falling apart and didn't know what to do. He started as the elevator banged. Heero walked in, followed by Duo. Wufei stood up. He wasn't going back to prison even if he had to fight his friends. Duo darted around Heero and grabbed Wufei. “No! You don't get to do that.” Heero joined Duo, wrapping his arms around both of them. Wufei found that he couldn't put himself back together one more time and he shattered. He put his cheek on Duo's shoulder and whispered in despair, “What the hell am I doing? What's wrong with me?” He wept on Duo's shoulder with Heero behind him until his knees gave away. Heero just picked him up and carried him to bed. Duo peeled Wufei out of his clothing and helped him into pajamas. Wufei just let him, tears still streaming down his cheeks. “I'm going crazy. Heero?” Wufei laid back when Heero pressed his shoulder. “Are you arresting me?” Heero just gave him a bland look. “What for? No one's reported you at the scene of any crime.” Wufei's breath hitched. “I ... I'm just so very tired.” Duo handed Wufei a pill and a glass of water. “Then rest.” Wufei just took the pill, wiped his face on the handkerchief Heero handed him and settled back in bed. Duo crawled in on one side of him and Heero on the other. Ordinarily he would have rejected this with every evidence of distain but he found this somehow very comforting. And, right now, he needed all the comfort he could get. Heero grasped Duo's hand and held it as they held Wufei while he slept. They both knew American Sign Language and had used it once in a while on missions. Now, Duo spelled out what he wanted to say to Heero. Heero read the letters by touch. It was a good way to talk without waking Wufei . “He's really messed up.” “He is. Duo, we have to help him.” “Ok. We screwed the pooch before, now we help.” “How?” “No idea, we just do.” “Ok. Sleep?” “Yeah.” And they went to sleep too. . Wufei woke with scratchy eyes and a sore throat. He was also thirsty and had to pee, an oxymoron in his opinion. He got up to take care of business then ambled down the hall into his kitchen. Duo was at the stove, frying bacon. Heero was at the small butcher block table that added counter room to the kitchen, not that it really needed it. He was cracking eggs. “Omelets? I love omelets. I have some shitaki.” Duo laughed. “Yeah, they're here. I'm going to saute them in some bacon grease. There's also some really nice mild cheese. Onion? Green pepper?” Wufei rejected both with a shake of his head. Heero put a cup of tea in front of him with a small smile. “We thought we'd just take it easy today. Tomorrow we've got a combined mission and we'll be gone for at least three days.” Wufei just nodded. “And you're telling me this because?” “We got an email from Une. She knows what you've been doing. Um ... we all ... Heero and I and Une, know. But she said that this last little trick attracted too much attention from all the wrong people. What the hell? Were you trying to get caught?” Duo eyed Wufei with more than a bit of disgust mixed with curiosity. Wufei sighed. “I don't know. I don't know what I was thinking. So, Une mailed you and said I'm on the verge of getting caught. That still doesn't explain why you're telling me you're leaving town.” “Oh, sidetrack city. She wants one of us to ... keep an eye on you for a while. But we've both got to go on this mission. So, promise us you'll stay either here or at the dojo, until we can get back. Une had to ... make some promises and a deal ... or three. To keep the investigation from ... well, being investigated at all. Now. Here's the deal. You'll be under supervision by me or Heero for the next six months. During which you will get psychiatric help. I know the doc, nice guy. Helped me. And Heero. Don't get your panties in a wad either. It's this or ... I'm not sure what. Une didn't say.” Wufei sipped at his tea then put the cup down, standing he bowed. “Thank you. I know it's going to be a great inconvenience. However, I'm inordinately grateful. I also need to call Une.” Duo just handed him the phone. Wufei called Une, thanked her and asked if he was to wear an ankle monitor. Une scoffed and told him the heaviest chain she could put on him was his word. He agreed and gave his word that he'd co-operate. When she told him a schedule of visits would be sent to him, he made a face, but agreed to see the psychiatrist. Heero handed him his omelet when he hung up. Wufei eyed it mournfully, his apatite was gone. “Don't look like that. It's not that bad. I like the man. And I don't, according to Duo, like anyone much. Now, eat that and we'll go to the grocery. You'll have to stock up a bit, we ate you out of house and home, so to speak.” Wufei found himself strangely numb. He kept swinging from one emotion to another in an uncontrolled fashion that confused him. He felt like he had a concussion, or a fever. Duo shook his head. “Looks like you're having a crash. When's the last time you really ate properly. And don't sit there staring at that ... eat it.” Wufei thought about Duo's question. “Lunch yesterday ... I think.” He cut a hunk off the omelet and shoved it into his mouth just as his stomach gave an angry grumble. Duo laughed, grabbed the toast that popped up just then and slathered it with butter. He handed one piece to Wufei and the other to Heero. He stuck more bread into the toaster and started his omelet. Wufei ate while he tried to decide how he felt. He was confused as to why he wasn't angrier about this. But he felt relieved, as if a heavy weight had been removed from his shoulders. He didn't have to hunt anymore. He could turn that burden over to someone else now, and not worry about whether or not they'd do the job right. It was out of his hands. “'Fei? You ok?” Wufei looked at Duo for a moment. “No, I'm not. But ... I feel ... light. I'll be better someday. Just not right now. Do you understand?” Duo nodded wisely. “Sure do. In fucked-upness, I think I had you all beat. Until now. But ... well, we'll be here for you. We'll have to do something about a place for one of us to sleep when we're here. You can't move in with us. Our apartment is Preventers issue and it's a postage stamp. So one of us has to be here at all times for six months. God, this is going to be such a hassle.” Wufei thought Duo was being particularly obtuse and told him so. Heero just smirked happily. Wufei turned to him and said, “And you ... you just covet my dojo.” Heero nodded without shame. “So, how long will it take you two to move in?” Duo moved to sit beside Wufei. “Chang Wufei, are you sure?” Wufei just sighed then said, “Have you really looked at the size of this place? I've realized over the past few hours that I'm in real trouble. If I don't get major help, quick, I'm going to be a danger to people who don't deserve it. There's a guest bedroom, with furniture, you're welcome to bring yours in. I can store this.” He grinned a bit. “It's not like I don't have room in the basement for it.” Duo looked at Wufei, wide-eyed. “You're kidding! Really?” Wufei didn't bother to fake not understanding. “I'm not kidding. You ... settle me. Give me balance that I can't find for myself. I'm tired of shattering, dragging myself together and trying to pretend that I'm normal.” He licked his lips. Duo blinked but Heero exploded. “What the hell? Chang Wufei, what were you thinking? That operation is dangerous enough in sanitary conditions.” Wufei stuck out his tongue for a moment then pulled it back into his mouth to say, “Do you really think I would mutilate myself like this?” Heero's eyes widened and Duo draped an arm over Wufei's shoulders. “It was done while I was drugged out. I'm not even sure who did it, but I have suspicions. I had him on my six list.” Duo looked blank but Heero asked, “Six list?” “The six men I most wanted to kill. Because they were the worst. But now ... now I find that justice is hollow, bitter. I don't understand.” Duo sighed softly, he looked at Heero who just said, “That's because you were exacting vengeance instead of justice. There's a difference. And don't think that, because of who you are, you can't get justice. We'll see; Une, Duo and I, that you have true justice.” Wufei just drank more tea. He had a lot to think about, he'd been thinking all along, about many things. He finished his tea then remarked, “I feel ... strangely relieved. Thank you. You'll move in as soon as you get back?” Heero just glanced at Duo, who nodded. “Good. I'll take the furniture out of the bedroom to make room for your things. If you have a favorite chair or something, we'll rearrange when you get back.” Duo chuckled, sounding a bit embarrassed. “We don't have any furniture, just some odd stuff for the kitchen. The housing is furnished. So ... um ... we'll just pack today, if that's ok.” Wufei nodded, “That's fine, it's just that...” He glanced at his watch. “I'm due at the dojo in half an hour. Unless you've called me in?” Heero shook his head. “Why don't you let us drop you off. We'll go pack up what stuff we have and pick you back up. Ok?” “Yes, that would be good. Does Yang-Shigung know?” Duo looked unhappy when he nodded. “Une's been in touch with him. Um .. 'Fei? Don't worry, he's on your side. She said all he said was he knew something had disturbed your balance and he was glad to know what it was. He'll help all he can, he promised.” Wufei just nodded, sighing slightly in relief. “That's good. Makes everything so much easier. I'll go get ready.” Wufei joined his friends at their Preventer issue Hummer and got into the back drivers side. Heero drove while Duo chattered on about the neighborhood. Wufei got out at the dojo and went in. He was met by Yang-Lao Shi who just motioned him to follow her. She led him to the meditation room and left, smiling at him gently. Yang-Shigung was waiting for him there. He settled on a zafu and waited. “Tea?” The traditional offer eased Wufei's mind considerably. If the Shigung was truly disappointed with him tea would not have been offered. “Yes, please.” Wufei accepted the cup and waited for what his teacher would say. “You will come here two days a week for guided meditation. It has been arranged with Lady Une and Dr. Havram.” Wufei gave him a slightly puzzled look. “Your ... I believe the vernacular is, shrink ... has advised it.” Wufei just bowed from a seated position and sipped his tea. Yang-Shigung didn't seem inclined to say much more. He asked about Wufei taking the swords with him today. Wufei said that he would. Then he was given another cup of tea, which they drank in silence. Wufei was dismissed with the simple directive to call on either Yang if he needed anything. He went to teach his class which was remarkable only in its total unremarkableness. After he'd dismissed the students, he took a shower, dressed and started for the front door. He was stopped by Yang-Lao Shi, who handed him a long box which she said contained all the blades that needed work. He bowed and left thinking that he had to get his head on straight. He should have been working on the blades for the last month or more. He fingered the box as he waited for his friends to return to get him. He'd gone from an aimless, angry man to a mad killer to ... what was he now? He wasn't sure, but he knew that he liked this him best. The Hummer with Heero behind the wheel, pulled in and the back door popped open. Wufei eyed it with some trepidation, he'd heard about Duo's new invention and was a bit hesitant to trust it. “It's ok, Wufei. I got most of the bugs worked out. It won't eat you ... I hope.” Wufei didn't miss that last bit but got in anyway. He placed the box at his feet, the only place he felt comfortable putting it. “What's in the box, Wufei? Anything interesting?” Duo eyed the box with interest and curiosity. “Yes, about 700,000 euros worth of antique swords.” Duo frankly goggled at him. “What the fuck? And what are you doing with them?” “They're the swords I told you about. I've been ... neglecting my duties. I told the master over a month ago that I'd have one ready in six weeks. I can't get it done in less. I let myself be distracted by ... my obsession. Now, I need to get my head on straight and get them done. Want to help?” Duo glowed with happiness, like the sun coming out on a cloudy day. “Sure. I'd love to.” “And you too, Heero, I need your help too.” “Of course. What do you need us to do?” Wufei gave them both sightly abashed glances. “Be my apprentices, or aides if you prefer.” Duo looked blank but Heero grinned in a way Wufei had never seen. He bowed his head and said, “I would be honored indeed. Thank you.” Duo tried to bow and managed one that made Wufei smile. “I'd be happy to help you.” “Thank you both. Get moved in and we'll see what there is to see.” They chatted aimlessly on the way home, nothing of interest except to three young men on their own. They pulled into the garage, after asking Wufei if it was alright and started unloading the Hummer. Wufei was dismayed to see how little Heero and Duo actually owned. They started moving things in and, when Wufei asked if they needed to make another trip, admitted that all their worldly possessions fit into the Hummer. It was admittedly full, but still. Wufei noticed that Heero had a large packing crate full of books and said that he could put them on bookcases in the main lounge. Heero thanked him and just paused the elevator on that floor and pushed the crate off to the side of the door, out of the way. Duo shamefacedly shoved a crate of his own out and put it on top of Heero's. Wufei just smiled. “I get to borrow your books.” Duo just nodded. “I'll take good care of them and would appreciate you doing the same with mine.” Duo laughed softly and replied. “I'll take better care of them than I do my own. I know how you are about your books. Don't worry. I won't write in your babies.” Wufei just swatted him in the back of the head. Duo yelped and rubbed at the 'hurt'. Heero just snorted. “We need bookcases. I think we should have one apiece. That way we'll each know where our books are. If we combine our individual libraries, it could get really confusing.” They all agreed to that and Wufei said that he'd order them from Ikea and get them delivered. Heero nodded his agreement then asked, “How are we going to pay for them?” Wufei shrugged, “I'll pay for them, give each of you a copy of the invoice and you can pay me back when you get back from your mission.” “Rent?” Duo bit his lip. He'd bought some computer parts and was a bit broke until payday. “Building is paid for. I'd appreciate help with the utilities and food. Don't need rent as much as I just need ... friends.” “You got it.” Duo cheerfully patted Wufei on the shoulder and started taking his clothing out of one of the plastic packing crates and stuffing them into a dresser. Wufei winced at the thought of the wrinkles but didn't protest. Duo didn't need a mother. Heero put a laundry hamper between the dresser and the door. “We're going to need another dresser and I need to do some laundry. Wufei, where's the washer and dryer?” Wufei added another dresser to the bookcases he needed to get then shook his head. “Don't have them. I've been using the laundromat down the street. There's a lady there that will do you laundry for five euro a load plus the cost of the machine and soap. But I really should get them. I'll see what I can come up with while you're gone.” He smirked at Duo. “You can hook them up, right?” “Sure thing. And save you about 100 euro into the bargain. And just get us flat pack furniture. I can put it together.” “Ok. That's good. I saw some stuff at a store that I really like but I hate putting that stuff together.” Wufei shrugged. “What about food? Who likes what?” Heero snorted and didn't bother to reply, he liked just about anything, including ration packs. Duo was just about as picky, the only thing he didn't like was brussels sprouts, and blackberries. Wufei rolled his eyes. “Ok, I'll do most of the cooking and you two can clean up the kitchen.” Heero nodded. “Ok, I'll take over maintenance of the firing range and gun smithy.” Duo chipped in with, “I'll take care of the lounges, both the main one and the one up here. We can each be responsible for our bed and bathrooms. What about the dojo/gym complex.” Wufei thought about that for a moment. “Heero and I will be responsible for the dojo part and you can provide maintenance for the machines. We'll all three keep the rest of the area clean. Maybe set up an assignment sheet and rotate duties, check marks to be made so that no one doubles up or misses anything?” Duo and Heero agreed easily. Duo just said, “Since it's your home, why don't you make up the list of chores and divide them up. Print out and post a list in each area, or maybe write it on a white board. That way we can change dates and erase check marks as needed.” “Sounds good to me. When do you two have to leave?” Duo glanced at his watch. “Fairly soon. We'll finish this when we get back. If you want, you can unload these crates, stick stuff where ever and that will get the tubs out of your way.” “I wouldn't presume.” Duo blinked at Heero for a moment, then snorted. “Presume, my ass. It'd be a big help. If we don't like where you put stuff, we'll just move it. But, whatever.” Wufei thought about that for a moment. “I'll just stack them in this corner. That'll put them out of the way but you will be able to find what you want when you get back. Now, I need groceries. I'm allowed to go there, right?” Heero patted Wufei on the shoulder remarking, “You can go anywhere you want to. You're not on a leash. But Une wants us to keep an eye on you. She didn't say not to go out at all, just that you're not to go too far from home without one of us. I think that's just to keep you from going off on a ... hunt. Anything you need to do or want to do ... I think that would be fine. Go to the store.” Wufei nodded and got his truck keys. He went to the
store and bought enough staples to feed them for about two weeks,
as well as enough fresh vegetables and meat for himself for three
days. He'd come back to buy more when Heero and Duo came back from
their mission. ~ * ~ tbc... |
