Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ A Home in Common ❯ Chapter Two ( Chapter 2 )

I make no claim to any of the Gundam Wing characters. This story is written for my, and hopefully others' enjoyment and not for monetary profit. A huge thanks to Diane for the beta.

A Home in Common
by Michalyn

Chapter Two of Five

Warnings: 13x5, 2+4
Rating: MA

 

Mr. Khushrenada took Wufei's hand in his firm grip. "A pleasure. Please call me Treize."

"Well, Treize, thank you for your help just now. I am not sure I could have handled it with such aplomb." Treize's lips had curved into a contemplative smile and Wufei gave a short laugh, acutely aware of the other man's presence. "In truth, I am not fooling anyone; I was not handling the situation well at all." Wufei retreated a little, putting some distance between them. "You seemed quite at home, however. How old is your daughter?"

Treize's eyes softened. "Marie? As you can tell, she is ten going on twenty-one."

Careful not to offend, Wufei made a noncommittal sound. He was not sure how to respond to the observation, and despite Treize's off-handed comment, he did not know whether this father would take kindly to his agreeing that his daughter seemed precocious.

Treize must have seen his uncertainty, for he winked. "It's all right. I know what a handful she can be. She is her father's daughter, after all."

Wufei laughed with genuine pleasure before he caught himself. He was becoming far too familiar with this man. Common sense was enough to tell him that any attraction on his part could go nowhere. A weighted silence settled between them and eager to break the tension, Wufei nodded towards the fitting rooms. He was also loath to admit his own anxiety. The saleswoman seemed competent enough, but Yi Jie was in a rather vulnerable emotional condition today, and Wufei worried that she would suffer.

"When do you think they'll be out?"

"Oh, any time now I suppose." Treize's eyes fell on him. "And your little one, how old is she?"

"Just nine." Wufei shook his head. "Yi Jie's just nine. I can't believe we're ready for these..." he flushed, "these items already."

"Unsettling isn't it?"

A band of heat settled beneath Wufei's collar as he found himself fastened under Treize's warm gaze. He met it, swallowing against a suddenly parched throat. Those eyes seemed to hold a certain ... quality ... that Wufei found impossible to credit. Was he mistaken? Could it be that Treize...

"Ah, here they come."

Treize eased off the counter and whatever spark Wufei thought he had seen in the other man's eyes, he was quickly dissuaded of it as Treize moved forward to greet his daughter. Treize's expression could not be anymore fatherly and Wufei ducked his head in chagrin. Even after all his promises to not become entangled in the hope of any kind of romantic relationship, he had blithely gone ahead and done precisely that. As Treize bent to deposit an affectionate kiss on Marie's cheek, Wufei felt his face heat up in embarrassment. He really was despicable.

"Baba."

"All set?" Wufei turned to Yi Jie who gifted him with a brave smile. She nodded, holding her choices protectively to her chest. On the other side of him, Marie was handing her own selections to Treize for purchase. Seeing Yi Jie's renewed confidence, Wufei felt warmth blossom in his chest. She had picked only two brassieres and he knelt now to ruffle her hair. "Shall we pick a few more?" He inquired. "This is your special day, after all."

She nodded again shyly, but this time she approached the rack with no trepidation, quickly selecting her favorites before moving with Wufei to the cash register. Wufei nodded to Treize who waited while the cashier churned out his receipt.

"Well, thanks again."

"Ah, no need, no need, Mr. Chang. We boys have to look out for each other, don't we?" He smiled.

"I suppose so," Wufei replied a little breathlessly. "Still, if there's anything...." He trailed off. And if there were anything? Wufei shook his head. What on earth had gotten into him? He needed to pull himself together and stop foolishly contriving opportunities to meet this man again.

"Oh I have no doubt we will run into each other again." Signing the receipt, Treize tucked the copy the cashier returned to him in his shopping bag. "Marie goes to Sunville Elementary."

"Ah."

Their town was not a bustling metropolis by any stretch of the imagination. The other nearest elementary school was half an hour away -- more, if one had to depend on the local bus. It was only natural for Treize to assume that Yi Jie attended Sunville as well which, in point of fact, she did. Thinking back now, Wufei thought Treize and Marie themselves seemed a little familiar. They probably passed each other at the school on occasion, but at the time, he had had no reason to take note of it. Wufei fished out his wallet.

"We'll probably run into each other again at Monday's PTA meeting. Perhaps then you'll allow me to treat you and Marie to dinner to properly thank you for your kindness."

This time, Wufei's offer had nothing to do with the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. He was genuinely grateful that Yi Jie was happy and had emerged from her first brassiere shopping experience unscathed. Attraction or no that alone deserved some expression of appreciation.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but, " Treize glanced at Wufei from beneath his lashes, "you're ... you're not ... married are you, Mr. Chang?" he asked softly.

"No, not now." Wufei's lips quirked. "Once, in another lifetime."

"I see." Treize ran a hand through his hair. "Then who knows? Perhaps Marie and I will take you up on that offer for dinner."

Wufei's eyes widened.

Treize inclined his head. "Until next time, Mr. Chang."

"Sir," the cashier smiled brightly at Wufei over the register, "can I help you?"

"Of ... of course." Wufei stumbled towards the counter. "Yes. Yes, we'd like to buy these."

o-o-o

 

 

Wufei cradled the small velvet case as he mounted the stairs. He stopped at Yi Jie's door, knocking softly to be let in.

"Yi Jie?"

"Yup."

Wufei heard the rustling of shopping bags before his daughter admitted him and sure enough on entering he spotted the bag with the department store logo scrunched beneath her pillow. No doubt she had been reviewing her purchases. Wufei pretended not to notice as he sat beside her on the bed.

"I have something for you."

"For me?" Yi Jie leaned eagerly over Wufei to examine the small box. Her eyes widened. "Come on, Baba, what's in there?"

That eagerness, more precious now that Wufei was acutely aware of its transience, comforted him. Yi Jie had not lost her childish enthusiasm yet. It reminded him that as rapid as change was, it was not immediate. While it was foolish to hold on to the the past, there was equally no need to thrust himself into a premature future. This moment, this present with Yi Jie was all that mattered and what must be lived well.

A life extant--yes, Wufei nodded as he opened the jewelry case, revealing the soft glow of jade, that was what he wanted. Not mere instantaneousness, but a life lived in all its present fullness, even as it maintained its continuity with the past. Wufei's world with Yi Jie was changing, and it scared him, but he realized he had been so focused on what he did not know that he had forgotten the things he did know. In one sense, everything he knew needed to be rethought, yet there were also kernels of constancy to this experience. He did not have to learn to be a father all over again, but he did have to become more supple, more agile to meet the challenges ahead. Even the oldest tree could send out new blossoms, Wufei thought with a smile. Yi Jie was not the only one budding from within.

He transferred the jewelry case to his daughter's waiting hands. "This was your mother's."

"Mom's?" Yi Jie fingered the luminous beads with awe. She held the drop earrings with their silver filigree up to the light.

"This set has been handed down from mother to daughter for as long as her family remembers. She wanted you to have it and I think you're old enough now."

"Oh, Baba," Yi Jie clung to him sniffling. "It doesn't make a lot of sense, 'cause I don't even remember her, but I miss Mom so much sometimes."

"I know how you feel," Wufei murmured. "I miss your mother very much, as well." He stared off into the distance. Just beyond Yi Jie's window, two sparrows were repairing their nest. In its beak, one of the winged parents was brandishing a vibrant scrap of cloth like a festival streamer. It hopped into the nest and the offspring within, young and blind, stretched their necks out piteously. Wufei stroked Yi Jie's hair.

"I am sorry," he broke off. "I am sorry," Wufei repeated, because he did not know what else to say.

"It's not your fault, Baba," Yi Jie's voice was muffled, "though I do miss her awfully." After a moment she took a deep breath and said:

"Does this mean I can get my ears pierced?"

Wufei drew back, startled. "What inspired that?"

Yi Jie pointed to the wired earrings with a shrug; her expression was conspiratorial. "How else can I wear them?" I think it makes a lot of sense, and you just said I'm old enough to have them. So...." she let Wufei come to his own conclusion.

Wufei frowned, "I am not sure about this, Yi Jie. It is true that I want you to have the set, but that does not necessarily mean I think it is appropriate for you to have your ears pierced just yet."

"But you just said," she pressed.

"I will think about it," Wufei was deliberately grave. "I do not see any harm in waiting a few years. Perhaps when you are thirty-two." He hid his smile.

"Thirty-two!" Yi Jie's eyes were as round as saucers. "No way! By then I'll be so old and wrinkly I won't even need earrings anymore."

Wufei shook his head. "If that is the case, then your poor father must be ancient."

"Okay, so maybe not old and wrinkly, but that's still pretty old."

"Twenty-five, then."

Yi Jie huffed. "That's not much better!"

"Twenty?"

"Uh uh."

"Eighteen?"

"Baba!" Yi Jie's voice thinned to a wail.

"All right." Wufei inclined his head. "Can we promise to revist this when you're thirteen?"

"But that's..."

"That's my final offer." Wufei said lightly, rising.

Yi Jie offered a few last grumbles before subsiding. Wufei knew the argument was hardly decided, for she could be notoriously persistent when she set her heart on something, but for now, at least, it was settled.

"I'm going down to start dinner. Do you want to help?"

Yi Jie nodded and slipped off the bed to follow him. "Baba, thanks for taking me shopping today. I was really scared at first but after a while I realized it wasn't so bad."

"Oh?" Wufei began unpacking the ingredients from first the cupboard and then the refrigerator: cilantro leaves, coconut milk, curry paste and jumbo shrimp. The day was not over yet, and he had planned a special meal to celebrate this first milestone together. Curry shrimp was Yi Jie's favorite. Wufei smiled as he handed her the tomatoes to be washed.

"I am very happy," he murmured, turning away to hide the stinging in his eyes, "very happy I could help."

o-o-o

"Finally, we don't think we need to remind you, parents, how important it is to check your sons' and daughters' homework every night. Do not be fooled by answers of "I don't have any". Here at Sunville, we pride ourselves on the fact that though there may be no written assignments, there is *always* work to do. Remember, homework is not only what the teacher assigns. There is always review of the day's work, reading an educational novel, even...." The principal droned on and Wufei shifted irritably in his seat. He checked his watch again. How they managed to make these meetings more and more protracted without saying anything new was beyond him.

After they were treated to a few more cautionary tales spanning school lunches, inappropriate barrettes and a little boy who had fractured his arm due to improper use of a basketball, the families shuffled to meet individual teachers seated at designated points throughout the auditorium. Each peered out from behind a desk, on which identifying placards painstakingly written by the best penmanship student of the class in question were taped. The midterm meeting was the only one staff insisted parents and students attend together so that families could get firsthand accounts of their children's progress. Wufei received the usual report of Yi Jie's politeness, good grades and quick mind, blemished only (Mrs. Stone reported with a grimace) by a tendency towards over-gregariousness.

Wufei thanked her as politely as he could, made a vague promise to inspire in his daughter a greater sense of moderation and herded Yi Jie over to the snack table.

"Here you go." Wufei poured her a cup of Kool-Aid. He sighed, nibbling on one of the bland salmon sandwiches provided as refreshment.

"Now that's a sigh weighted with the troubles of the world."

"Mr. Khushrenada," Wufei turned. He would have known that voice anywhere. Behind his palm, he surreptitiously checked his teeth for stray sprigs of lettuce. "I trust you are well?"

Treize made a gallant gesture. "Did I not say we would meet again?"

Wufei inclined his head, more calmly than he felt. "Indeed you did."

Whatever awkwardness he and Treize might be experiencing, between the previous week and this one, the girls had clearly established a rapport. Marie gravitated to Yi Jie's side and the two immediately became engaged in animated chatter. Though she and Marie were one year apart, Yi Jie had qualified for advanced placement and it meant they now found themselves in the same grade together. From what Wufei could gather, it seemed their classrooms were only a few doors down from each other.

"I think I've had my fill of this." Treize looked around the room. "What are your plans for the rest of the evening?"

"Well," Wufei hesitated; feeling reckless, he tumbled ahead. "I do owe you dinner."

Treize's eyes widened with pleasure. "And a more timely offer I could not imagine, Mr. Chang." He glanced with disdain at the snack table.

"Wufei," Wufei said automatically. 'Mr. Chang' conjured up images of his sixty year old father hobbling about the living room, and he discovered he was feeling quite young, and quite daring at the moment. Probably foolishly so, Wufei grimaced, ducking his head.

"Ah, then we would love to join you and Yi Jie for dinner ... Wufei." Treize lingered over his name, ostensibly testing the foreign syllables, but his name, broken over Treize's modulated tones had an effect on Wufei akin to a caress. Warmth blossomed under his skin and Wufei cursed himself roundly. He knew he was blushing, knew Treize could see that he was blushing and the knowledge of both, caused him to flush even deeper. Wufei cleared his throat.

"There is a nice place not far from here. They have burgers and fries for the girls, as well as more adult fare," Wufei added wryly. "The owners are also good friends."

"Sounds like a plan. Could you wait while I dash off to grab our coats? We can walk out together."

"Of course."

Treize's lips spread in a slow grin. "Then I shall be back presently. I seemed to have developed a prodigious appetite." Giving a short nod, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Wufei raised a hand to his forehead as he followed Treize's exit.

Damn it--he was flustered again.

o-o-o

 

Despite its cheesy name, The Love Boat was a well furnished establishment, expertly managed by Duo and Quatre. The fare was excellent, the prices reasonable and with a scenic position overlooking the bay, it was a favorite among couples and families alike. Wufei's friends had settled for vintage, fifties-style decor, complete with leather booths, old championship trophies and tasteful black and white photographs on the walls. Rollicking tunes exploded from the jukebox in the corner and an elderly couple, still sweethearts, took to the floor as Wufei and Treize entered.

Spotting them, a waitress began to approach, but Quatre waved her away to welcome them instead.

"Wufei! What a nice surprise. Yi Jie, my dear, how are you doing?" Quatre bent and caught Wufei's daughter up in a hug. "My, how you've grown." His gaze slid over to Treize and Marie. "Table for four?" He beamed at Wufei.

Wonderful. Wufei could just imagine the conversation that would follow this. Trust Quatre to pick up on his flickering interest. Duo would never have been so perceptive, and for that reason alone Wufei had hoped the taller man would be the one to greet them. In any case, the cat was now out of the bag. His friends were perpetually trying to thrust him into the arms of love, and now Wufei feared he had given them months worth of ammunition for their campaign. He suppressed a sigh. The gleam in Quatre's eye did not bode well for him.

"Quatre, this is Treize Khushrenada and his daughter Marie. Marie and Yi Jie are in the same grade. We just came from the mid-semester meeting."

"Is that so?" Quatre's look was sympathetic. "It's a pleasure to meet you Treize," he bowed, "and you, Ms. Marie."

Quatre was always charming and his easy manner coaxed an amiable grin from Treize and a fit of shy giggling from Marie. "Will you follow me?" He gathered the menus under his arm, leading them to an empty booth with a fabulous view of the water. It was easily the best seat in the house -- and the most romantic. Wufei gulped his water, palms sweating.

"All right, what will we have? An evening like yours definitely calls for drinks on the house." Quatre looked from Wufei to Treize. "Gentlemen?"

Wufei looked up. "Just a beer, thanks."

"Okay. And you, Mr. Khushrenada?"

"I'll have the same."

Quatre smiled at Yi Jie and Marie. "Ladies, might I recommend our fruit smoothies? Today we have banana-berry, apricot-pineapple-strawberry and our newest, pina colada."

After a great deal of conferring, Marie settled for the apricot-pineapple, and Yi Jie, the pina colada. As Quatre promised to return, they grinned, each agreeing to allow the other to sample her choice. Wufei leaned forward, tracing the condensation on his glass.

"So Treize, do you work in this area?"

Yes and no," Treize splayed his hands on the table and Wufei found himself checking for any sign of a ring. He was even more annoyed to find himself relieved when he spotted none. "I run a campaign consultation firm based out of the capitol, but the pace of life suits me better here, so I do most of my work out of the local office." Treize informed him. "Been in the business about ten years now, but within the last two years I've begun slowly phasing myself out to spend more time with Marie. I'm still needed, but most of the responsibilities now devolve upon the new CEO and COO. It's a change," Treize smiled, "but definitely a welcome one. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, so losing time with Marie just to run behind another dollar did not seem right. It's made me re-evaluate a lot of things but I've never regretted my decison. And, you?" The other man queried, his eyes warm.

"Well," Wufei lowered his voice, somewhat self-concious now that Treize had revealed his own much more illustrious past, "I sell life insurance." He looked up almost defiantly.

"Is that so?" Treize cocked his head, not mocking or disdainful as Wufei had expected. Instead, he asked thoughtfully, "Do you enjoy it?"

Wufei made a face. "Perhaps some do." He shrugged. "It's a necessary service however, and someone has to provide it."

"Hmm, I see...." Treize twirled his water, the ice clinking softly against the glass. He studied Wufei's features. "And is that how you prefer things -- necessity over pleasure?"

Wufei started, unsure whether he should be shocked or offended. He began to tell Treize exactly what he thought of his highborn presumption (not everyone had the luxury of choosing their livelihoods), but the waitress returned with the drinks and to take their orders. By the time everyone was decided and the food settled before them, it hardly seemed appropriate to pursue the line of thought. It remained with Wufei throughout the evening though, and he brooded over the pasta he had ordered, his attention only half on the pleasantries he exchanged with Treize.

It was well past Yi Jie's bed time when they finally emerged from The Love Boat and Wufei's daughter stumbled groggily along beside him.

"Thank you for joining us but I think we should probably be returning." Turning to Treize, Wufei indicated Yi Jie. "As you can see, it's way past our bedtime. Again, it was a lovely evening." Wufei extended his palm.

Treize shook his hand and held onto it. "It has been a pleasure, Wufei."

Wufei swallowed as Treize's fingers brushed the inside of his wrist. "Likewise."

"About my earlier comment," Treize hesitated, "I was out of line. If I offended..."

"Oh no." Wufei forced a smile. He fished about his pockets for his keys, glad of an excuse to escape the other man's touch and his eyes. "None taken. We're all just a little bit tired. Nothing a good night's sleep won't cure."

Treize seemed about to say something else but he nodded. "Well ... well ... I will see you around then."

"Certainly."

Wufei took Yi Jie's hand and together they headed towards the parking lot. He did not look back until they were many miles from the restaurant, and when he did, only Yi Jie's peaceful, sleeping face greeted him in the rear-view mirror, reminding him of the bond between father and daughter and the proper, wholesome shape of a family -- even if that father were a widower. Wufei sighed and Treize's image faded with it into the night air. Their lives were worlds apart. Thank goodness he came to his senses before he had done anything foolish.

Wufei checked the mirror one last time. Stepping on the gas, he sped into the darkness, eager to return to the comfort, the safe familiarity of home.