To Live and Learn
Part One: Red for Anger

20-07-21 -> 20-08-07
Author’s Note: Here is story five, part one, of the five mini-stories that I'm writing. The characters are derived from the Gundam Wing Anime (meaning they aren't mine) except for Rebecca and the gangs. So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as the other stories!

Mist surround Wufei's lower limbs as he frantically runs for his life. He heard tires screeching and deafening blasts, from guns, behind him. He ran faster, forcing his feet to have wings. Droplets of rain fell down, slowly at first then it became faster... Pouring.

Why was he so stupid that he fell for the trap that scoundrel Stone placed any way!? He should've known better! Damn!

Wufei's hand went inside his trench coat and clutched at that tiny package he felt, as if for protection... 'I won't let them get this,' he promised to himself. He nearly laughed as he remembered his favorite line when he was a kid, still dreaming to be an agent, "I'll die first." Well, now he had been a gundam pilot, and an agent, but that phrase seems insignificant now. He needs to live... He wants to…

Bang!

Wufei fell down flat on his face and felt excruciating pain on his leg. He tried to get up, but he can't. He knew he went beyond his limit.

He heard footsteps coming towards him.

"No use fighting Gregor, you're hit and surrounded. Just give us that package and we'll let you live."

With an inflexible courage, Wufei answered, "In your dreams asshole! Besides, how can you be so sure that I have it?"

A click... A gun getting ready to be fired... Then… sirens.

Wufei smiled sourly, "The cavalry is here." he whispered, even though he hates the police. But right now, they are his friends. He heard Stone curse, his gang shuffling around, disoriented,

"Get out of here! I don't want the police on our tail!" Stone ordered.

"What about him?" one of his henchmen asked.

Sloan looked at the fallen Wufei then looked around, "He'll die soon, and we'll get the disk when he gets to the mortuary…"

"I...am… not… going… to die… yet… fools…!" Wufei said brokenly.

He felt a blow to his stomach and Wufei doubled in pain.

"Leave him. The police will be looking for a body after those gun fires you assholes shot." Stone said. Wufei heard their footsteps then their car screeching away.

Wufei closed his eyes and groped through his coat for the package...

"No one will get to you…" then darkness engulfed his vision.

Rebecca heard the tires screech away, and hoped that the person she saw fall down is all right. She knew that she's taking a risk, but try as she might to dissuade herself, she found herself following her instinct, and walking outside with her umbrella, hurrying to get to the man before the police.

She reached the body lying on the sidewalk, left to die and checked for a pulse. She found one. "Still strong…" she muttered. Carefully, she got the man to stand up with her. Then, she started to walk back to her store, and home, half dragging the man...

Once inside, she took off the man's wet coat and held it near the fire to dry. Turning on the light, she went to check on the man she helped.

She gasped as she saw an angelic Chinese face. "Of all the..." she started to say, but she shook her head.

'How could anyone this innocent looking be in such a fix…?' she asked herself then sighed, "Well… never judge a book by it's cover…"

She went into the bathroom and emerged with a bowl of cold water. Sitting by the bed, she dipped her hands into the water and started to massage his forehead, trying to wake him up.

~*~

Cold, wet fingers massaged Wufei temple as he slowly regained consciousness. He opened his eyes and saw a blurry figure in front of him.

He blinked a couple of times more before he could see clearly... of all the people who could save him…a woman- damn!

"Oh good! You're awake!" she exclaimed and she bounced out from Wufei's bed.

His vision fogged for a moment and he groaned. 'A stupid one, by the looks of things!' Wufei thought, trying to stop himself from being sick.

"Sorry about that!" the woman said, "Any way, let me help you get up from that bed and..."

"Who are you?" Wufei cut in. He saw the woman's right brow shoot up. He knew that he should be grateful, but he doesn't care. "And I don't need your help in getting up."

"I should've known! A jingoist of all people!" the woman muttered.

"A what?!" Wufei asked, outraged, thinking that he was just insulted.

The woman smiled sweetly, trying to feign off her annoyance, then she said, "A much known term is a chauvinist."

Wufei's eyes hardened, "So what if I am."

Rebecca shook her head, 'He might look like an angel, but he's got a devil's attitude!' thought Rebecca. Then, she smiled at Wufei once again, 'Do not let him intimidate you…' she reminded herself.

"Anyway, my name is Rebecca Neill. Nice to meet you...?"

Still exhausted, Wufei forgot to give an alias, instead, he gave his real name, "Wufei.", he muttered as he struggled to stay in a sitting position. He became dizzy but remained his ground.

"Wufei...? No last names whatsoever?", Rebecca teased, trying to lighten up the mood.

"Just Wufei.", he replied with impatience.

Rebecca shrugged. "Fine. Wufei it is then."

She went around the bed to the side he sat, bringing a bowl full of water, ready to wipe his back.

"Take off your shirt." Rebecca ordered in a soft voice.

Taken aback as the woman raised the wet sponge to his back, Wufei shouted, "What the heck do you think you're doing woman?!" and clambered off to the other side of the bed.

Rebecca slapped down the wet towel to the bowl and stood up.

"I am trying to take care of you, you misanthropic little brat! Don't worry. There is no insidious trap behind all these. (Rebecca noted Wufei's determined expression) Now, if you don't mind-" Rebecca stopped what she was saying as she saw Wufei sway.

Wufei saw the walls around him spin… 'No… I can't faint… I never fainted in front of a woman… before… I shouldn't…' Once again, blackness surrounded Wufei's vision and he felt his body buckled forward.

Rebecca quickly went in front of Wufei to stop his fall, and almost stumbled herself. "Oh gosh!" Rebecca grunted as she put Wufei back on her bed.

She sat on one side of the bed, leaned over Wufei and started opening the buttons of his shirt.

"Sorry about this…" she said to the sleeping Wufei, "…but I need to see where you're hurt…" she finished with the buttons then tried to take off the shirt. But, trying to take off the shirt on this sleeping man is harder than she thought.

She sighed, "Weell… Let's see how I'll do this…" after much deliberation, she slid her right hand under Wufei's neck and pulled him to her.

Gingerly, she took off his shirt, but then, she lost her hold on his shoulders and his face slumped heavily onto her chest!

Rebecca colored as she felt his breath on her chest…"All right, Becky… He's asleep… no need to get embarrassed…" She held her breath as she timidly placed both hands to frame Wufei's face, and slowly laid his head on the pillow.

He didn't stir…

"Whew!" Rebecca sighed as she leaned back on her hand glancing down at Wufei's lean but muscular, body. She noticed the bruises Wufei has all over his arm and winced at the pictures that flashed through her mind.

Then, she frowned as her fingers felt wet sheets…

She turned her head and her eyes opened wide as she saw blood seeping into the sheets!

"Oh my God…" She quickly stood up and leaned over Wufei's left leg. His pants is torn at mid thigh…

She remembered hearing a gunshot and she bit her lip in worry. Once again, she looked at Wufei's sleeping form,

"Sorry about this… I know you wouldn't like it, but… it's needed…"

Her hands went to the top button of his jeans… Rebecca hesitated and glanced once again at Wufei's face.

Licking her dried lips then biting it, she gathered her courage and opened the button then the zipper, averting her eyes from the sight she might see.

"Oh please have boxers on…" she muttered as she took off his shoes.

Her detail-oriented eyes noticed that the shoe Wufei's wearing is expensive Italian leather…

But, having a goal in mind at the moment, she didn't let her mind drift… Instead, she grabbed hold of the pants-end and pulled.

After much grunting, she finally got his pants off. Slowly, and unwillingly, her curious eyes wandered up and she sighed in relief as she saw white boxer shorts.

"Thank God…"

Walking towards the bathroom, she started listing off the medical supplies she has in her cabinet that she might need for Wufei.

A few minutes later, she's back at her room, placing the supplies, an empty bowl and a bowl of hot water with sponge on the floor.

She looked at the wound again and shivered as she saw clots of blood. The wound is starting to look black and might get infected if not treated soon…

She lifted his leg and placed the empty bowl underneath then took the bowl of hot water.

She looked at Wufei, "If you wake up while I'm doing this… scream as much as you like but don't kick me…"

Carefully, she sponged the wound while glancing at Wufei's face for any sign of pain. But there wasn't any.

The five days of being in hiding, not eating nor sleeping right has taken a toll on him, putting him in a deep slumber…

Even dabbing the wound with the stingy medicines (and she knows they're stingy!) didn't wake him up!

Finally, she started dressing the wound, placing a bandage and the tape over it.

She looked at Wufei, and involuntarily combed a lock of hair away from his face, "Be happy it was just a graze… A bad graze but still just a graze…" she murmured, feeling unusually soft towards this person lying so haplessly on her bed.

She glanced at her watch… 3:00 am… Yawning, she took a blanket from her closet and went to her couch, getting ready to sleep…

But the excitement of the events that evening kept her more awake than asleep… She turned around so she can face the silhouette of a body sleeping on her bed and shook her head, "Becky, what have you done…? You've taken in a bullet-wounded man who is definitely trouble!" she whispered to herself…

"I know I've been longing for the life of adventure like all those adventure books I've read from downstairs… but this is going out of hand! Maybe… I should just call the police…" Rebecca remembered that she heard the wails of siren just after the last shot was fired… No… Her uncle always did say that she has a sixth sense about people… and she doesn't at all feel that this man could have done anything so dangerously illegal… could he? She has a feeling that she shouldn't turn him in…

And who were those men running after him…? She couldn't sleep… She stood up and went to her desk, tip-toeing. Slowly, she opened a drawer and took out a 45 paged sketchbook… her diary…

She went back to her couch and opened it to the page she knew well enough has a sketch of her brother… "Des, would you have done the same thing?" she asked as her finger followed the lines of his face…

"Uhmm… No… Nataku..."

Rebecca looked up in surprise and saw him turn on his other side, his eyes pressed shut as if he's dreaming of something horrible… "Nataku..? Who is Nataku…?"

Wufei groaned once again, "Merian… no..." he started talking in a different language… Chinese most probably, then Rebecca heard the name "Sally…" and he finally stilled.

She frowned in confusion, "Who are those people he's calling for…? A wife? His kids?"

Well… she can't do anything about that right now… She doesn't know who those people are, nor does she know who this man is! What she does know is if he has a family… they're probably worried sick about him…

Tucking the sketchbook that's opened to her brother's face in her arms, she slid back into the blankets and tried to catch a few winks…

~*~

Wufei groaned as he tried to sit up from the bed… His whole body ached and creaked as if he hasn't used it for days! Then, he frowned as he felt the covers around his body…

He doesn't have any clothes on except his boxers!!! His hands pulled up the blanket and saw that he's correct… WHAT???!!!

He slumped back into the pillows, 'Well… I'm alive… but, who saved me…?' he remembered a blurry figure of a woman in his mind, then he remembered the disk.

Wufei bolted out from the bed and nearly blacked out as he only took three steps forward… He didn't even hear the door open.

"Oh good! You're finally awake! I was getting worried…" Rebecca said in a light voice. She took a chance of seeing if Wufei is awake, knowing that he hasn't eaten for three days, she was prepared to splash him cold water- if needed- to wake him up and make him eat the food she's carrying at the moment.

Wufei looked up groggily towards the voice of the woman and his vision slowly cleared as he saw a pony-tailed red-headed woman with the most ridiculous looking eye glasses is place a tray on the desk beside the bed…

"Rebecca Neill…" Wufei remembered her saying her name… He's also quite sure that this girl saved his life… although he doesn't know why…

Wufei's eyes slanted as he stared at her, doubting her kindness, "Why did you rescue me?" Then… more importantly, he remembered the disk! "Where are my clothes!" he shouted as he turned around to look for it. He felt groggy at his sudden actions and he sat on the bed to get his vision cleared.

"I don't know why I rescued you… all I knew was I saw someone who needed help and I felt that I shouldn't let the police take you… And your clothes are now washed and neatly folded on the chair at the left side of the bed while your coat is hanging dry behind the door." Rebecca answered patiently, trying not to get frightened of this man… After all, it has been three days since he was last conscious and at that time… he was as weak as a new born baby… But now, she could see that he's quite strong and she's still not sure if he is a good guy or a bad guy- even though her sixth sense is telling her that he is the former...

At the mention of his 'coat' he stood up and walked, though he swayed a little bit, to the door. His hands groped the secret pocket with in it and he drew out the disk that he has gambled his life for… He checked for the mark he's placed on it, to make sure that it's the right one and he sighed in relief as he found it…

"So… that's the source of all your trouble…" Rebecca said curiously as she saw the disk from where she's standing.

Rebecca got a death glare from Wufei which made her feel afraid - almost…

"You didn't see anything… You're already in too much trouble just helping me and letting me stay in your house for…" Wufei frowned… he doesn't know what day it is…

"For three days." Rebecca promptly added.

Wufei stared at her in shock, "What?! I've been out for three days?! Dammit! Chikuso!" the barrage of expletives in different languages tumbled out of Wufei's mouth in a rush…

"My… now I know that you can say bad words in eight different languages…" Rebecca observed, trying to act coolly, though her heart is hammering against her chest at the anger she felt from this person, but she doesn't want him to know that…

Wufei glared at Rebecca once again and he was about to say something when he smelled a whiff of the soup on the tray she carried with her… Before he could stop his body's reaction, a loud growl from his stomach betrayed his hunger.

He saw her smile happily and stand up from where she was sitting, "You've been asleep for three days, it's no wonder that you're hungry… So I took a chance to see if you're awake, if not, I would have poured cold water over your face." She announced cheerfully.

Wufei looked at her, 'She wouldn't dare…' But he saw an iron will determination in her eyes and remembered that she has just saved a perfect stranger being followed by men with guns… 'Yeah… she would…'

He looked at the food then at Rebecca, he hates being indebted to women…

It seemed like she read his mind, "Go ahead. It's your food… And don't worry, I don't expect any payment for what I'm doing for you…" she knew that this chauvinist would hate it if he- in any way possible- feels in debt to the female species… That's how most chauvinists think, after all! So, she decided to tell him off before he said something…

Against his will… but knowing that she deserves it, Wufei grudgingly went to desk and said, "Thank you." in a low voice, not really wanting her to hear it.

Rebecca smiled, "Why, you're welcome! You do have manners…" she added teasingly. She will not let this… this arrogant chauvinist boss her around! She'll fight fire with fire if need be!

Wufei snarled and didn't look at Rebecca as he ate the food his stomach is hammering for. He eyed the red haired girl as she went to the window, checked her watch then peeked through the drawn curtains.

'What the hell is she doing?!' Wufei thought as he observed her- Rebecca's- curious actions.

He saw her smile and nod her head as if confirming something and left the window to look at Wufei's back while leaning against the wall.

"While you're eating, I want to tell you that the police had knocked on each house around the block to ask if anything happened the night you were shot. The day after, I noticed a black car that seem to pass by every thirty minutes, not to mention that there has been a couple of guys in suits hanging around the café in front of my bookstore for the past three days. At night, there is a different couple who stands around or acts as if they are taking a stroll… I just checked to see if they are still doing their rounds, and to see if the guys are still there, and it's a yes on both counts…"

Wufei stopped eating his food at the precise observation from this woman…Is she actually correct? How could she know?

"Another thing…"

Wufei turned around to look at her, in jeans and plain shirt, "There were also guys who came inside my store who looks suspicious… I'm not sure if they're a part of the group that is after you or not."

Wufei shook his head, "There is only one group…Stone's…" he muttered.

Rebecca nodded, "Well, I have to go down and man my bookstore. Eat to your fill and if you can, could you change the bandage on your left leg? I'd like to do that, but then, it I'd have to extend my lunch hours and I think that the guys outside will notice the change." Rebecca walked towards the door.

"If you want to be sure of my observations, look outside at precisely…" she looked at her watch, "fifteen minutes from now and you will see a black car with heavily tinted windows. The guys who hangs out at the cafe occupies the second to the left of the first row of tables. Bye for now."

Wufei stared at the door in wonder… How…? He sighed, 'Never mind.' He checked the clock beside the bed and noted the time. Finishing the food quickly, he positioned himself under the window… At exactly 15 minutes later, he peeked through the door and noticed the black car Rebecca have described.

"Shit! They know I'm around here somewhere…" he muttered. His gaze quickly went to the café and he saw two of Stone's henchmen- Robert and Edgar- the stupid idiots. He's sure that it was either of them who kicked him in the stomach when he fell that night…

The two were dressed to fit in with the crowd… so how had Rebecca notice them?

He sat below the window and his eyes caught sight of the white bandage, neatly in place on his left leg… He could feel the stinging pain, but he doesn't want to think about it…

Going to the table where the medicines were located, he tore off the bandage, cleaned his wound once again and bandaged it… He noticed that the wound is healing quite nicely… 'I guess she's also good with first aid…' Wufei thought with a growing sense of admiration and distaste for that woman called Rebecca.

~*~

That night:

"I said that I can walk!" Wufei snarled angrily at Rebecca who has her arms crossed over her chest.

"And I say that you're not fit enough to go out there and be killed just yet!" she retorted in an impatient voice.

"What do you care anyway?!" Wufei's eyes glittered angrily.

Heat rose to Rebecca's cheeks as she looked at Wufei who's now wearing her brother's sweats. "I don't know! I just know that I can't let a person whom I know is going to fight out there with a weakness!!!" He's right… what does she care..? But… against her will… her instincts are telling her that she should…

"Then you are an idiot! Women! Who ever said I have a weakness?!" Wufei growled out.

Rebecca stamped her foot. She's had it with this… this inconsiderate man! He's only been awake less than a day and he's already driving her patience to the limit! "What about Women? That they are better? Why thank you! And I have you know that while you are staying in my house you better shut up with that arrogant bastard mode of yours!!!"

Wufei's jaw almost dropped at what she said… For the first time - in a very long time, someone shouted back at him with no fear! Somehow… he likes it that she had answered him with her green eyes blazing with anger… that she has spunk.

But Wufei could never resist a good verbal combat, "So, it's true about red heads… They are very temperamental…"

Rebecca's hands turned to fists and she forced herself to calm down, "And I suppose it's true about Chinese…" deliberately not finishing her phrase…Let him think what she means! Humph! Take that!

Wufei did. He rose to the bait, "What in the seven damnable hells do you mean?!"

Rebecca shrugged one shoulder as she turned away from Wufei, "Take it however you want… I don't care… But you are not going to go out from this house in the condition you're in right now!" she said with a voice that left no room for argument.

"You can't keep me in here!" Wufei shouted at her back… He doesn't know why this woman gets his blood boiling so much! Besides… he could easily slip out here without her knowing… couldn't he?

Rebecca turned around and raised an eyebrow. "Oh I can't, can't I?" she asked. She walked straight up at him and Wufei slanted his eyes as he stood his ground.

She's holding a pencil that she usually keeps in her hair, and now, she dropped it in front of Wufei. "Oh! Excuse me… My pencil dropped…" she exclaimed in an oh-so-innocent voice.

Wufei's eyes hardened as she stooped down to pick her pencil, then she brought her hand up and pushed the wound on his left leg.

Pain shot through Wufei and he forced his knees not to buckle.

Rebecca stood up, noticing Wufei's discomfort and pain, "That is why I think you're not well enough to go out yet." And with that, she picked up her towel from the couch she had been sleeping on for the past three nights, got some clothes and went straight to the bathroom.

When she finally closed the door, Wufei sat down on the bed and massaged the sides of his legs to ease the pain, "Damn woman… Shagua…" He doesn't want to accept it, but she's right… He's not in any condition to travel as of yet… If he dies in the middle of the road, Stone will find him and get the disk… and everything he risked will be for nothing…

He stayed there sitting on the bed and waited for her to finish. She came out of the bathroom, her wide glasses on her nose and wearing flannel pajamas with her red hair, as usual, tied in a ponytail…

Rebecca saw him sitting still on the bed and smiled, "Good. You have some sense to stay put. I'll sleep on the couch, you stay on the bed." She didn't want to gloat… She could see that he's already mad as it is…

Wufei's eyes slanted, 'What is this? Does she think him a softie that he needs to sleep on a bed?!'

"No! I'll sleep on the couch and you go on the bed." Wufei retaliated.

Rebecca's eyebrow went up again, in the short span of time that he's spent time with her, Wufei learned that this means she's starting to get annoyed. Heh! Good! Let her get annoyed for all I care!

Rebecca shook her head and pointed at Wufei's leg, "You need space for that leg of yours. The couch won't provide the comfort or space… It may even damage the healing process of your wound."

Wufei could almost hear Duo laugh gleefully and say the word 'Defeated!' He hates to admit it… but this woman has twice- in less than a day- made him eat his words…

Wufei grumbled as he shook the covers out of the bed and started to lay down.

"Ah-hem…" Rebecca tried to get his attention.

Wufei scowled at her noticing that she's taken off her ridiculous looking glasses, "What!"

Rebecca pointed at the lamp and smiled, "Could you please turn off the light? Unless of course if you're afraid of the dark…?" she teased.

Rebecca laughed softly as she heard that frustrated growl once again right before the lights went out… Humph… Serves him right. But, dear lord… Why is she acting so much unlike herself? She's been snarling and shouting- something she doesn't do very often… until now… Rebecca glanced at Wufei, he makes her sooo mad that she's lost control of her patience more times today than she's ever had before.

Wufei's gaze darted from left to right as he gazed outside through the bedroom window… He's stayed in the house for three more days… But each day, he kept out a sharp eye for Stone's men… They haven't acted yet, but he's pretty sure, by the way they're starting to have that irritated look on their faces that they're itching to get their hands on him… and the disk…

He can't stay here for long… he'll be a danger… especially to Rebecca… Wufei frowned… What does he care about that woman anyway?!

They've clashed swords probably as many times as he'd blown up a mobile suit and doll… But, he can't help but admire the way she answers back at him… and her courage in helping a complete stranger…

Of course he's seen that she's got a swiss knife tucked under the cushion she's using as a pillow, but he doesn't blame her… After all, he is a complete stranger who can be dangerous…

All right, so he does owe her… So, the best thing for him to do is to get out of her life before her life becomes a living hell like his.

Wufei glanced at his watch… It's only half past seven but the streets are already deserted and the whole sky looks dangerously dark… 'Okay… at 9, when she's asleep… I'll sneak out… She always sleeps before 9 anyway…' Wufei thought.

At that moment, Rebecca opened the door to the room. "The whole place is locked and there's food in the oven…" she started in her most friendly voice, the dinner a peace offering…

They'd attacked each other verbally once again almost an hour ago… She just wants to stop… she's not used to fighting with people… she's more used to hiding behind the counter, wearing her owl rimmed glasses, and just hoping for a taste of adventure in her life… And now that she's got it… with Wufei in the center… she felt so much alive that she doesn't want to let go of this adventure…

Wufei noted the tone of her voice… He himself is getting weary at fighting with her… He's going to miss their verbal spats when he leaves… So, maybe tonight, before he leaves her, they could be on friendly ground…

He nodded and saw Rebecca smile back at him, turn around and go to the other room- the kitchen… Wufei can't put his finger on it, but why isn't she afraid of him?

They ate in silence, relishing the tranquility in the room for the first time since he's woken up. Moments later, Wufei noted that she's starting to finish her food… He suddenly felt that she should thank this woman before he left…

Wufei sighed inwardly but knew that he should… after all, she's given him food, shelter and medicine for six days and seven nights…

He saw the last spoonful of food on her plate… 'Well, it's now or never, Wufei…' He looked up and caught her eye, seeing, for the first time, how green they were…

Wufei gulped and braced himself. "Rebecca, thank you for your services."

Rebecca blinked a few times, then tilted her head, accepting his gratitude… He said it in a hard voice… but she could feel the underlying appreciation and knew at that instant that Wufei doesn't give 'Thank you's' often.

"You're welcome, Wufei…" she replied softly.

Wufei nodded… He suddenly felt sad… heh! Yeah right! Why should I be?

Rebecca smiled softly… "You know… this is the first time that you've ever said my name in the whole week that you've been here…"

Wufei glanced up, across the table to her… He frowned… It is? He hasn't noticed at all… He's been here a week and he's never said this woman's name? A soft smile touched Wufei's lips but he only huffed.

Rebecca shook her head… Just as she feels that everything will finally be all right, he goes to that 'huffing' attitude of his… Oh well… she's not going to let it bother her…

She stood up, picked the dishes and went to the sink. Wufei looked at her as she started to work, sensing a funny feeling of wanting to help her with the chores… For the past days that he's been here, they've been at each other like cats and dogs, so Rebecca is usually the one doing the dishes because Wufei will just leave for the bedroom in a huff… But tonight… since they didn't fight during dinner… and the atmosphere is friendly…

Wufei looked around him and spotted the dishrags. The chair scraped as he stood up, catching Rebecca's attention and she looked as the usually tempered Wufei reached for the rag and started cleaning the table. She turned around before he could catch her looking at him and smiled softly…

'Hmmm… Maybe he really isn't so bad…' she mused.

~*~

Wufei glanced at the watch beside the table and noted the time… 9:30… It's time… He sneaked a glance at Rebecca and was about to slide off the bed when she turned around on the couch.

Wufei stilled… Why he's sneaking out, not wanting her to know is completely unexplainable to him… He observed her for a couple more minutes. When she didn't stir, he moved his left leg to touch the floor.

Rebecca groaned in her sleep.

Wufei stopped and slanted his eyes to her direction and ground his teeth as he saw her sit up. 'Dammit! Now I have to wait until she gets back!'

~*~

Rebecca sat up on the couch… She couldn't sleep and she doesn't know why…

'Maybe I need to drink some warm cocoa… It'll help…' Rebecca thought and stood up to go to the kitchen.

She felt her way out of the room and towards the kitchen. She felt the cold night air through her pajamas and shivered…

'Wait a minute…' Rebecca frowned. 'I know I closed that window before I went to sleep… Hmmm… Maybe I just forgot…'

She groped for the light switch on the wall and flicked it open. Turning around, she gasped as she saw a sneering man with a gun.

Before she could yell, he had her pinned against the wall, his hand on her mouth, and his arm across her neck, nearly suffocating her.

Fear gripped Rebecca's heart as she stared into a pair of gray eyes… She felt the tip of the gun burrow its way to her side and she winced. 'Oh my God…! I'm going to die…!'

"Tsk! Tsk! This is going to be a loss… I'm going to have to kill a pretty lady…" hissed the man.

Her hands turned to ice, 'Wufei!' her mind cried out, 'Oh please Wufei! Wake up!!!'

~*~

Wufei frowned at the thud he heard in the kitchen… His heightened sense for danger rang alarm bells in his head. Silently, he stood from the bed and crept towards the lighted kitchen, the hair at the back of his neck prickling as he felt something terribly wrong…

~*~

Rebecca's mind finally started to work… If this man is after Wufei… and he most definitely is… then he's working for that Stone-guy… And from the looks of things… he is unquestionably not a good guy…

Through the haze of fear, she finally felt that even if her shoulders and arms are pinned, her legs aren't… She acted quickly and brought her knees up to his groin…

~*~

Wufei's eyes burned with hatred as he saw Jim's muscular arm across Rebecca's neck, pinning her shoulders and clasping her mouth, and at the same time, holding a gun to her side…

Wufei's anger flared in him as he saw how pale Rebecca is. His hands curled into hard fists as he ran to Jim, gaining momentum and punched him at the side of his face.

~*~

Jim doubled over as pain shot through him from his groin and from the side of his head. He let go of the girl and the gun slipped, forgotten, as he cursed.

"Shit!"

He grimaced in pain, but years of training made him only unable to act for a few seconds before he got his bearings, saw Gregor's skinny frame and lunged for him,

"You'll pay for that, Gregor!"

~*~

Rebecca fell down on her knees as she tried to gasp for air. Her throat aches from the pressure applied by that man's arm…

She looked up and saw the bulky man go after Wufei who is in a fighting stance, his concentration centered on the man.

Rebecca's eyes went wide and the only thing she could think of is Wufei's safety… He cannot fight well with that wound!

The man punched towards Wufei and Rebecca saw Wufei block it, giving the bulky man a kick at the same time with his right foot.

Rebecca felt like cheering until she saw a fleeting look of pain on Wufei's face and knew that putting weight on his left leg is too much on his wound.

The man went to Wufei once again, punching and kicking and finally landing a blow on Wufei's chest. Wufei stumbled back but remained standing up.

She looked around her kitchen and saw the best weapon she could get. She ran towards it, reached for it and turned around to face the two men fighting each other, both seemingly oblivious to her presence.

The man started to attack once again and Wufei readied to block, but before the blow could land-

CLANG!

Wufei saw Jim's eyes roll backwards and then he fell face flat on the floor. He looked up at Rebecca holding a frying pan in one hand, looking all white and very scared… but pride got the better of Wufei.

"What did you do that for?! I could have clobbered him!" Wufei snarled.

Rebecca's jaw fell as she looked at Wufei in disbelief… No words of comfort? No thank you's for saving his life?! Her anger flared up in her and she sputtered. "Wh-wh- what do you mean?! You had a big disadvantage with that wound of yours and I saw it!"

Wufei's face contorted in frustration, "Bullshit! I did not! Besides, why did you use a stupid pan when the gun was right in front of you?!!" he retorted pointing at the floor.

Rebecca's gaze followed the direction of his hand and she saw the black silencer. She suddenly felt very sheepish…

"You could have used that and no one would have heard anything!"

Rebecca's gaze swiveled back at Wufei… She… she couldn't shoot a man…! The very thought of her shooting a man is…

Wufei saw her look and knew at that instant that she wouldn't… couldn't have used it! He turned away from her in disgust… 'Weak! All of them are weak!!!!'

"Dammit!" snarled Wufei as he started to walk to the bedroom.

Rebecca's anger took hold once again as she followed Wufei into the room, "Did it ever occur to you that I don't know how to use a gun?! That I could have missed my aim and shot you instead?!"

Wufei took off the sweatshirt he's wearing in rage, "I was thinking that you might have enough sense to point the gun at him when I am out of range!"

Rebecca bit her lip and looked at the wall as she saw Wufei start pulling his sweatpants down. "Wh- what are you doing?" she asked tremulously as she stared at the wall.

Wufei snorted and Rebecca heard the zipping sounds a minute later.

"I am trying to put on my clothes and I am going to leave this house!" Wufei pulled his polo shirt on and then tucked it inside the pants.

Rebecca stared at Wufei… Minutes passed as he tried to get his clothes straightened. When he faced Rebecca again, some of his anger had already left and reason presided.

"You need to get away from here too… They will harass you if you stay here… Do you have a relative somewhere far away? Someone you can turn to?"

Wufei's words sink into Rebecca and she stared at him uncomprehendingly… Her? Have relatives? They're all… She looked away from Wufei.

"None… Wufei… I don't have any relatives… I don't have someone to turn to…" she whispered in an answer…

Wufei stopped arranging his clothes as he looked at Rebecca and guilt pierced through him… It's because of him that she's in this trouble… But dammit! If she didn't help, she wouldn't have been in it! On the other hand… if she didn't, who could say that he'd still be alive?

Wufei frustratingly brushed his hand through his hair, a quick and jerky motion that shows he is about to do something stupid…

"Pack up some stuff and you're going with me if you don't mind." Wufei ordered at Rebecca.

Her head went up at the invitation… He's telling her that she'll go with him? Still be a part of his adventure? Hope flared in her eyes and she started to smile.

Wufei turned away from her and took his coat, not noticing her smile, "But what I say goes! Understand!" he said with a final note.

"Yes, of course…" She's finally going to be living an adventure! Something she's only dreamt of… "I'm just going to get some stuff…" she announced as she bounded to her closet to get her camping gear.

"Be quick about it!" Wufei muttered as he left the room to check on Jim.

~*~

Thirty minutes later, Wufei glared up from the newspaper he's holding… 'Where is that girl?! I told her to be quick!!!'

He heard a grunt then her footsteps.

"Alright! I'm ready!" Rebecca announced as she came inside the kitchen with a load twice her size on her back.

Wufei stared at her with a frown, "Did you bring everything with you but the kitchen sink?! We are not going on a leisurely camp!!!" Wufei burst out.

Rebecca bit her lip as she looked at Wufei who already has his shoulder length hair pulled back… She just know that they're going to need what she brought with her… After all, she has read a lot of stories to help her… and if she hadn't, she wouldn't have noticed the black car or the couple at the café outside her store…

"I'm going to take this with me and that's final!"

Wufei clutched at his forehead as he tried to relieve the strain 'Women!'

"Fine! But don't expect me to carry that load!"

Rebecca shrugged as she felt her anger rise, 'What? He thinks that she can't carry this? I'll prove to him that I'm strong!'

"Fine!" she retorted.

Wufei stood up from the chair and checked one last time at Jim.

"Wufei…?"

"Yeah?"

"Aren't you going to tie him up or something?"

Wufei frowned, "No… leave him like that… he didn't get me, so he's a failure in Stone's eyes and will either get punished or die."

Rebecca shivered at the nonchalance of his voice… Didn't he care that people died just for the small matter of not pleasing their boss?

She looked at Wufei who's checking the area outside through the kitchen window.

"Everything is fine. We're going to use the backdoor." He started moving towards the door, "Let's go! Hurry!"

Rebecca tried to walk as fast as she could with the luggage on her back. She was panting by the time she got down on the stairs and reached the back door… She's starting to feel that Wufei might be right in not having to bring the stuff, but she's not about to tell him and let him gloat! No way!

Rebecca opened the door at Wufei's signal and Wufei checked outside once again then motioned for her to walk out. They were only a few steps away when they heard tires screeching.

Wufei's acute hearing let him hear something- like a tin can- drop and roll.

"Shit!" he grabbed Rebecca's hand and pulled her to a run.

"What is it?! What's happening?!" Rebecca asked, confused.

Wufei didn't answer, trying to concentrate. '5…6… 7… 8…'

"Duck!" Wufei cried out as he pushed Rebecca to the asphalt and dropped on the ground himself. '…10…'

A loud explosion shattered through the peaceful night and the ground shuddered.

Rebecca felt extreme heat through her clothes and her whole body became numb with fear… Slowly, she felt Wufei getting up, and she herself turned and looked behind her.

A soft cry of surprise escaped her lips as she stared at her burning two-story building…

"Oh my God!"

Reality sunk in Rebecca's head… Twice in one night, she could have died… What is she thinking going along with Wufei to the heat of the battle with a hundred percent chance of dying!? This isn't a book where everything will turn out all right! This is reality! There are people like herself who might die!

Wufei saw the shock in Rebecca's eyes as she stared at her burning home… He suddenly felt very protective of her… He touched her shoulder lightly.

"Rebecca…" Wufei whispered with concern…

Rebecca stared into the fire… Death… But… there is no one out there who will cry for her… no relatives… no one…

"Rebecca…" Wufei tried once again, now more urgent as he heard sirens from afar.

Rebecca blinked as she heard Wufei's voice… 'There is no turning back now…' She looked up at him with her wide shock eyes and he held out his hand to her to help her up. She reached up to him, reaching a decision to at the same time- to stay by Wufei…

"Let's go… the police and firemen will be here shortly." Wufei said as Rebecca got to her feet.

Then, she remembered something, "Oh my God! The man! He's still in there!" she cried out as she turned around to the fire.

Wufei started to drag her away… They're wasting valuable time and there's a chance that people will see them!

"Forget about him… He's probably burnt beyond recognition and they'll think it's you…"

Rebecca's hand went to her mouth. 'So… she's dead…?' Forcing herself to help instead of being a burden she looked ahead to Wufei and tried to match his strides.

"Where are we going?" she asked as she saw the outskirts of the small town of Feltax surrounded by scenic forest.

"I'm going to grab a car and drive us to the next city."

Rebecca's mind worked furiously trying to remember the stories she'd read. "No… We can't do that."

Wufei stopped and stared at her then resumed walking, "I told you before that what I say goes!"

Rebecca nodded, "Yes, that's true. But, think! If you steal a car now, the police will be looking for the car thief and so will Stone because he'll know you've escaped! One of his men disappears… A burnt beyond recognition body turns up after an arson… But they knew, somehow, that you're in there with me, so, there is supposed to be three people, but only one showed up!" she gasped as she finished.

Wufei frowned… 'Well… she's right…' the idea seem preposterous… but her logic is true… "What do you propose?" he asked through clenched teeth, he hates it that she's right again.

Rebecca smiled cheerfully, knowing that she has just won a small battle. "I propose that we camp out at the woods and wait until three or four days later. Stone will be frantically searching every airport and transportation around this area, he wouldn't dream of looking for us in the woods! And when he does, he's too late because we would be in another town and he wouldn't know where to look for us since he'll think we've had three or four days to catch a bus or something."

The idea is sound… But, he couldn't just sit still… "I like the idea, but we need to get moving… How far away is the next town? And does it have a telecommunications tower?"

Rebecca frowned, "By car it's about a day away- the nearest town that has a tower, I mean… by foot… I don't really know…"

Wufei nodded, "Well hike through the woods to get there. Where is it located?"

Rebecca frowned some more in confusion, trying to concentrate on some facts that she'd read on a brochure before… "It's North East of Feltax, my town." She finally said.

Wufei nodded once again and they reached the forest.

"Let's go then…" he said without so much as a backward glance.

Rebecca felt as if she heard, 'Onward!' instead of 'let's go then…' from Wufei, but she kept her thoughts to herself as she followed the man in front of her to the middle of the forest…

~*~

Rebecca stared into the small campfire that Wufei made, the episodes of what just happened flashing back in her mind… God! She could have died if she'd stayed… But, she could still die…

She glanced at Wufei… There is no doubt that the men after him are not law abiding… So, is Wufei for the government or is he acting for someone else who is just as bad?

Her mind drifted to the little kids she'd seen playing outside her store who lives on the buildings on either side of her own two story… A sense of dread filled her.

'I hope those firefighters got there in time…' a tear escaped Rebecca's eyes, 'I don't want those kids hurt…'

Wufei noticed her tears and huffed. 'Figures! Of course she'll cry! She is a woman after all!' But, somehow… he wished that she'd shown much more backbone than that… But, he couldn't stop himself as he snarled out,

"Why the heck are you crying?! We got out of there alive!"

Rebecca looked at him in disbelief. Doesn't he have any heart? Is he so narrow minded that he doesn't care about all those other innocent people? Maybe… she would have been better off dead!

All these wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for him!!! Anger flared in her… Why? Why should her life turn inside out because of this unfeeling man?!

"I am crying because I'm worried for the tenants and children who lives on each side of my building!" she quickly answered back, angered. She turned away from him, opened her bag and jerked out her sketchbook and pencil case, then stood up and walked away from him.

Wufei didn't move from his spot as he stared at her in disbelief… Worrying and crying because of fear for one's safety is different from worrying and crying for others… More often than not, women do the former- afraid for their security and life… but, Rebecca is more afraid for the other people…?!

He stared into the trees where she walked to… Yes, she doesn't worry about her own safety… She's completely contrary to how he thinks women are…

He stayed a moment longer, telling himself that he doesn't care if she gets lost out there but guilt ate its way through Wufei. She's right… there might have been children that got hurt during the arson…

Wufei sighed sadly as he remembered Merian while staring into the fire… 'She always did loved children… She wouldn't want anything happening to them…'

He stood up and started to walk where Rebecca disappeared, not really knowing what he wants to do…

~*~

Rebecca opened her sketchbook to a new page and took a pencil from her case. She didn't really move far away from the campfire, she could still see the light from it. She just doesn't want to see Wufei's face…

Fine flowing lines appeared quickly on the page as her hand moved thoroughly on it.

'That inconsiderate man!'

Her hands moved faster as she started to shade some parts, seeing red.

'He doesn't deserve to have lived!'

She let go of the pencil and took a different one from the case, letting her anger through her work.

Wufei found her immediately after he went into the direction she took off. He saw her frowning in concentration at the page she's drawing upon, a book he's so often seen her hold every now and then, and hug during the nights… He didn't know how else to make her look up at him… throw a twig at her? Step on one and make it crack? Nah…

"Ah-hem."

Rebecca jerked her head up as she heard Wufei clearing his throat. She glared at him defiantly.

Wufei didn't know how to say it… and he doesn't like the way she's looking at him… 'Well, Wufei… honesty is the best policy…'

Wufei tilted his head up in pride.

"You are right to be concerned for the children… and other tenants." He noted the quick look of surprise that passed her expressive green eyes and he continued, "Don't worry. When all of this is over, if there were anyone harmed, they will be compensated."

Wufei remembered how most of the people he's seen living on the buildings seemingly poor or middle class… "Even if they are poor, they deserve to be given justice, even if it is in the form of compensations…" with that said, Wufei turned away from Rebecca and headed to the camp.

"I'm going to sleep."

Rebecca stared at Wufei… she's not sure… but was that an apology intricately woven through a prideful speech? And, what compensations does he mean? Is he rich that he was able to promise this? Or was he pulling her leg?

For some unknown reason… Rebecca's anger ebbed and she believed him… Looking back at the page she was drawing on, she saw how she drew her burning building and the two silhouettes running away from the fire…

Taking a charcoal pencil, she wrote, 'The Start of my Adventures…' and signed in the date.

Rebecca closed the book and leaned against the tree… 'No turning back now, Becky…' she could hear her brother Des say… Wufei had reached out for her after the fire and she accepted it, accepting her fate to be with him… What's going to happen next?

~*~

Rebecca silently opened her bag and took out the thin thermal blanket she packed with her… 'Good thing I bought this when I saw it…' she thought sleepily… Her shock from seeing her house bombed has ebbed and is now replaced by exhaustion… It's past midnight already… They've walked more than an hour in a fast pace.

Laying on side flat on the ground so that she won't get dirty, she sandwich herself inside the cocoon of warmth…

She shivered a little bit as she felt a cold breeze through the blanket and tucked it tighter around her body…

'Such a cold night…'

Wufei…!

She glanced at Wufei's sleeping form from across the campfire, with both hands behind his head, creating a cradle…

'He's going to freeze.' Rebecca thought… She looked down at her blanket that can be good for two if used the right way and made her decision.

Rebecca stood up, took her blanket with her and walked towards Wufei.

~*~

Wufei felt a presence drawing near him and he quickly opened his eyes.

He saw Rebecca right beside him holding a red blanket, looking down at him. Wufei frowned in confusion.

Rebecca falteringly smiled, "I… er…" she looked down at her blanket, feeling suddenly embarrassed but forced herself to speak up. "Here. We can share. It's a chilly night and you might get a cold and fever if you're not warm…"

His confusion deepened… 'Huh..? What does she mean..?'

Wufei could only stare as Rebecca quickly kneeled beside him and covered his body with one side of the blanket, then she laid on top of the blanket and covered herself with the remaining sheet.

"See. The blanket is good for two. You can sleep underneath, I'll sleep on top." Rebecca turned away from him, placed both hands under her cheek while curling up and fell asleep immediately.

'She's too close…' Wufei thought as he looked down on her sleeping form… He could feel her whole back against his own body… 'Dammit! How did this happen?! I could have easily had said that I don't mind the cold, that I've been trained to endure cold weathers… but nooo! I just stared at her…'

She smelled of smoke and… something else… something faint… Wufei frowned as he tried to remember his limited knowledge of flowers… 'Lilies… Easter lilies…'

His hands went around his neck to rub it and ease his stress, then to his temple… 'Well… I can't do anything about this now… tomorrow I'll tell her…'

Wufei finally lay back down and enjoyed the comfort of not having to remind his body to not think of the cold… His mind sadly wandered to Merian… 'She used to smell of jasmines…' He remembered how she has rows of jasmines in her garden and how she would spend almost her entire day with it, the scent seeping into her…

Wufei sighed and closed his eyes tightly as he felt the usual anger rise up in him… 'And then she had to die…'

He forced himself to sleep, to empty his mind of everything…

~*~

Wufei woke up to the popping sounds of something frying… Then the smell of sausages…

'Sausages?!'

He quickly sat up and stared at the fire where a small tin camper's pan has some small sausages frying in it…

'What the…!'

A movement to his northeast caught his attention and he looked at it. He stared as if mesmerized as Rebecca combed her nearly waist length wavy red hair… The morning sunlight lighting some strands to shine…

She seemed oblivious to him as she did her task… as if in someplace else… then, she quickly bundled her hair in one hand and tied it behind her in the usual style.

'She has such nice hair and she just confines it in a band…' Wufei frowned… 'What the hell is he thinking?!'

Then, he saw her pick up her glasses, rub it clean and place it on her nose.

Rebecca turned and saw Wufei sitting up - awake - and she smiled at him cheerfully.

"Good morning!" she stood up and walked to the fire, "Breakfast will be finished soon."

Wufei's head tilted to one side, not used to being greeted so cheerfully in the morning since his wife died… or when he stayed over at Quatre's that one time. He couldn't help but be sarcastic.

"Well. You're awfully cheerful this morning for someone whose house burned down."

He saw the quick look of sadness that passed her eyes and Wufei wanted to kick himself for saying it…

She turned away from him and focused on turning the food. "My brother always said to greet the morning happily so the day will also end happily… I know that it's silly but it is better to be happy than sulky since I can't really bring back time and stop my house from burning…" she replied softly.

Wufei stood up, feeling a little embarrassed… Just for something to do, he took the blanket that was still on top of him, waved it against the air until all the dirt and leaves were out, and folded it.

"Where do you want this?" Wufei asked in a softer voice…

Rebecca looked at him and stood up. "I'll pack it. Thank you for folding it…" She took the blanket from Wufei and went to her pack.

Wufei stared at her back as he felt that familiar guilt go through him… 'This is stupid! Why should I feel guilty? She's nothing to me… Just someone who's life got messed up because I showed up.' He turned to the sizzling sausages and tended to it.

Then, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned his head around to look at Rebecca who smiled slightly.

"I was wondering if we could change the bandages on your wound and apply the ointments…"

His guilt grew and he couldn't do anything but nod… "I'll just take this off the fire since it's cooked already." Wufei muttered and Rebecca turned to her pack. Using only his bare hands, he took the hot pan out of the fire and placed it on the grass beside him, then walked to Rebecca.

He sat beside her and pulled the pant leg up. He watched as Rebecca carefully took the bandage off then looked at the wound.

"It's nearly healed… and looking good." She exclaimed. Wufei didn't say anything…He just looked down at her while she tended to his nearly-healed wound… Questions nagging his mind…

"Rebecca, tell me… how were you able to observe and know who were Stone's men? They were dressed to fit in with the crowd and I noticed that they changed the men regularly so as not to attract attention… so, how did you know?"

She was still looking at his wound when she answered, "That's funny… that you just asked me that question now…"

Wufei felt a blush creep on his face…He didn't ask before because… alright… because he didn't like it that she was right… Because of pride… but… what changed? She has gone through a lot because of him… Rebecca started to speak again.

"Anyway… I knew about the car even if there are tons of cars passing by because I always stare outside my bookstore's window… You get to notice a lot of things when you are bored, not doing anything… The slightest change can be noticed… Just like a black car passing every half an hour… The men at the café, I noticed because nobody takes that table. The sun is bearing down on them but they still stuck to their posts…"

Wufei nodded, 'Sounds logical enough…'

Rebecca placed the last tape, "There. Finished." She was about to stand when Wufei placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. She tilted her head to look at him.

"You said last night that you have no one… but you keep on talking about your brother… Where is he?" Wufei asked in the softest tone he's ever used on a girl.

Rebecca looked away as she remembered her past with sadness… "Someone said… I mean… We were notified that he died… I was only 15 then, and he was just 25… But we were very close since after I was born, my mom died, then, months later, my father in a car accident…"

"My uncle took us in. He was the original owner of the bookshop, until he died when I was 18. Since then, I've been looking after the store…" Rebecca then looked at Wufei in the eyes, as if she expects him to be appalled by what she's going to say next.

"My brother died fighting for something he believed in… He was a rebel to the tyrant government and I am proud to say so… It's because of people like him that we have a safe and peaceful world right now."

Now it is Wufei's turn to look away… 'A safe and peaceful world unless the disk falls into the wrong hands… then everything might turn ugly again…'

He stood up. "I commend your brother then… He is a part of the people who helped with the change…. The sausages will be cold if we don't eat it soon… And we still have a long walk to go. We better start heading out as soon as possible."

Rebecca nodded as she took something from her pack, "Yes… of course…" She walked to Wufei, "Here's some water that I brought…"

Wufei glanced at the liter of water she's carrying… 'Where is she getting all these things?!' He glanced back at the camper's backpack and shook his head in disbelief, 'What else is in that bag…?!'

He felt the growing guilt in him as he remembered how he implied that he won't help her carry the bag… But so far, everything in it is helping them and not a hinder…Maybe he should offer to carry the bag instead of her…'

He saw her bring out some toothpicks from the tissue papers that was placed beside the campfire and handed one to him.

"Let's eat then… We don't want to dally around, do we?" Rebecca said as she stabbed a sausage, brought it to her lips and started eating…