Gray Mornings

By DragonMage

Notes: Okay, I'm depressed-sorta again. Well, at least Heartbreaking Melody ended nicely...

Chang Wufei swallowed his anger and bitterness as he listened to his parents fight again. And they had no decency to fight somewhere private and not in front of him. He stared hard at his breakfast as he swallowed each bite with great reluctance. He hadn't been able to eat very well since his parents started another fight two weeks ago. It was still going and the bitterness and hate between his parents grew each and every day. His father came home later than usual and his mother was always asleep in the afternoons, right into the nights. He could hear her cry sometimes and curse his father. Then she would throw something and go to sleep.

Wufei didn't know what to do. His parents have been fighting for as long as he could remember, it was always a usual thing no matter how much he hated it. They would call each other names, scream, and shout, throw things and slam doors. And Wufei had to watch it all. They never fought when he wasn't around. They always seemed to find the perfect time to argue when he was around.

Finishing up his breakfast, Wufei quickly gathered his books and fled the house. He didn't want to stay in there anymore. It was hell and he just wished his parents would either resolve it all or just stay away from each other. He didn't care if they got a divorce, they hated each other so much that he was surprised they didn't get a divorce earlier. But then, he would remember that Chinese people didn't divorce each other. It was dishonorable. What shit. Both of his parents were miserable but they wouldn't divorce because tradition and culture kept them from it.

Walking quickly with his head bowed, Wufei thought over everything his parents had said to each other. Then he shook his head as he pushed down on the hurt that always welled up inside of him when his parents fought. Didn't they know they were hurting him each time they started screaming at each other? Obviously not because they were always doing it, it wasn't right, and Wufei hated it with all his being. He wanted it all to end. Hell, if he could, he would have moved out a long time ago. But he was a minor and couldn't live on his own and he didn't like his relatives at all. They were as bad as his parents were. It looked like love wasn't something meant for the Chinese. He had seen happy couples before, but they were never Chinese. They were always Americans or some other ethnicity. The Chinese seemed to torture themselves by not marrying happily it seemed.

Of course, there had to be SOME Chinese couples who were happy, right? Of course...It would be crazy if there was none!

Ceasing his thoughts completely, Wufei kept on walking. He wanted to get to class before anyone else and catch up on his reading. He hadn't been able to read his book last night since his parents were arguing so loudly that he couldn't hear himself think or read.

"Hey, Fei-Fei!"

Wufei almost groaned out loud. He turned around and glared at the annoying boy from school. He was utterly BENT on torturing Wufei with stupid nicknames and always teasing him about something! The American just wouldn't leave him alone!

"What do you want, Maxwell?" the irritated Chinese boy bit out.

"Just wanted to walk to school with a good friend of mine," Duo Maxwell said cheerfully as he slung an arm around the Chinese boy and pulled him close.

"I'm not your friend, Maxwell. Leave me alone, you stupid boy," Wufei said, pushing Duo away. But no matter what he said, Duo always came back and kept up his torture. Wufei had no idea WHY the American picked him to be the victim to his harassment and he sure didn't appreciate it.

"Why, I'm hurt, Fei," Duo said in mock pain before he laughed. "You know, you're like a girl on PMS 24/7."

Wufei's eyes widened and he stared at Duo in anger and disbelief. "Go away, Maxwell! I don't want to deal with your stupidity today. I've had enough shit for the morning, thank you!" He then walked a little faster in hopes that Duo would get the clue and leave him alone. He just wanted to be left alone, was that too much to ask for?

Duo raised an eyebrow as he watched a very harassed Wufei stomp off. He was meaner than he was usually. Usually he just said a rude insult and then sulks while Duo talked his head off. But today...Wufei was seriously disturbed.

"Hey! Wait up!" Duo jogged after Wufei. He caught up the Chinese boy and hooked his arm around Wufei's. "What's the matter? You're not...well, okay today."

Wufei turned and looked at Duo. "Of course I'm not okay! Now, will you please leave me alone?"

"No," Duo said, shaking his head. "I'm not gonna leave you alone. What's the matter, Wufei?"

Wufei turned his head away and stared off at nothing. They had both stopped walking and were standing a few yards away from the school entrance.

"It's nothing," he finally managed dully.

"Nothing? Wufei, I know I bug the freakin' hell outta ya but you can trust me. What is it?" Duo was sincerely worried. The only reason he actually devoted his time to bothering Wufei was because he had a very hard crush on the Chinese boy. And he knew Wufei didn't swing that way so the best way to satisfy his desire to be with the boy was bother him and incessantly hang around him. That was the only excuse he could find to touch Wufei.

Wufei stared at Duo. "I can trust you? When you're the sole person who makes school a living hell for me sometimes? Duo, school is the only escape I have these days. Don't ruin it for me."

"What's the matter, Wufei?" Duo asked softly. He reached out and placed his hand on Wufei's shoulder. "I know I bother you, but it's only 'cause I like you. Come on, I'm being a real friend here and from what I've seen you don't have many real friends."

Wufei opened his mouth to protest but then snapped it shut. He knew it as true. He didn't have a single friend except for Heero Yuy and they didn't communicate very much since they were both very silent people.

"I don't need your help, Duo," he finally said as he stepped away from the braided boy and walked up the steps of the school building.

"Like hell!" Duo shot back.

Wufei turned around. "What is your problem? Why don't you just go away?"

"I'm not gonna go away 'cause you're unhappy," Duo said firmly as he followed Wufei.

"What does my happiness have *anything* to do with you?" Wufei demanded.

Duo decided not to justify that question with an answer.

"I wanna help, Fei. Please," Duo pleaded with mega-kawaii chibi eyes.

Staring at the chibi-eyes for too long finally caused Wufei to crumble. He sighed and nodded. "Fine."

"So, what's the matter?" Duo asked.

"I know this is stupid and probably everyone has this problem...It's just that I left the house with my parents screaming and shouting at each other. They were arguing, again," Wufei said softly as he switched his books to the other arm.

Duo nodded. "Yeah, sometimes my parents argue. My dad ends up sleeping on the couch."

"At least they make up," Wufei murmured.

Duo blinked. Then he gestured for Wufei to follow him. They walked into the school and down the hallway. Duo checked the rooms until he found an empty one. Then he picked the lock and pushed Wufe into the room.

"There, we have some privacy," Duo said, smiling.

"But--This is breaking and entering!" Wufei managed to gasp out in his shock.

Duo laughed and pocketed his little picklock. "It's all right, Wufei. We'll just get out and lock the doors before anyone is the wiser." He seated himself on the teacher's desk and began to rifle through it a little.

"Ooh, I found the answers to next Tuesday's test for Mr. Jacob's class," he said, grinning side ways at Wufei.

Wufei rolled his eyes and dumped his backpack on an empty chair and sat down on the table.

"So, ready to spill everything?" Duo asked as he slowly folded the test and slid it into his back pocket. Wufei chose to ignore that. Instead, he took a deep breath and began to tell everything...

~*~

"Why don't you come after school to the basketball game I have against a couple of guys?" Duo suggested at sixth period.

"But I have to get home and do homework," Wufei protested. He had been feeling very good since he told Duo everything. It was like a really heavy weight had finally been lifted from his chest. Sure, he was a little guilty and ashamed that he had told a stranger his family problems, usually family problem stayed within the family in his culture. But he had been feeling so bad and Duo had been so nice. Well, what his parents didn't know wouldn't hurt them.

"Do you really want to do that?" Duo asked with a bored expression.

Wufei sighed. "No, not really."

"Then come on! I don't think you're parents will really miss you," Duo said, grinning.

Wufei smiled. "Sure. Why not?"

"Yea!"

~*~

Wufei sighed tiredly as he pushed open the door to his bedroom. It was late and he knew he was gonna get it in the morning but Duo had been so persuasive. First it was the basketball game, then it was the diner down on Oak St., and then it was the movies with the other guys. It was all actually very fun and he had the time of his life.

Throwing his backpack on to the floor next to his bed Wufei collapsed on it and closed his eyes. He was too tired to undress and almost fell asleep when the door to his bedroom suddenly was thrown open and his father stood there.

"Where have you been?!" Mr. Chang demanded furiously. "Do you know what time it is?"

"I'm sorry, Dad, but I just went out with a couple of friends," Wufei said, standing up.

"Who said you could go out?" Mr. Chang shouted.

"Stop yelling at him!"

Suddenly Wufei's mom appeared.

"You're always taking out your anger on other people! So Wufei wants to have some time with his friends! Don't yell at him for it!" Mrs. Chang exclaimed.

"Shut up! You're always defending him!" Mr. Chang roared at his wife.

"He's my son! Of course I would defend him!"

"I'm his father as well! I can say and do anything with him!" Mr. Chang shouted, stomping his foot.

"Don't think you can scare me! You're just an asshole who takes out his anger and frustration on people who don't deserve it!"

"SHUT UP!"

"I will NOT shut up! All my life I've had to deal with you! Never did I get any kind or peace!" Mrs. Chang shouted angrily as she fought back tears.

Wufei watched in anger and sorrow as his parents fought in front of him. Again. And this time it was his fault. He shouldn't have stayed out so late!

"Stop it!" He finally managed to shout even though doing that scared the hell out of him. He had never really defied his parents before because he respected and loved them, and just a little afraid of them. But he just couldn't take all of this yelling anymore. Talking to Duo had made him braver and he knew that this couldn't continue anymore.

"Don't talk back! You're only a child!" Mr. Chang yelled at Wufei. "Just shut up!"

Wufei stared at his father and closed his mouth. He knew he wasn't suppose to openly defy his father...But by the gods, he just couldn't take it anymore. Looking around the room, Wufei spotted the door to the bathroom. He walked over to it and opened it. Then he slipped in and closed the door firmly behind him, locking it with a sharp twist.

Taking a deep breath, Wufei stared at himself in the mirror. He knew he was a coward, but...His upraising had taught him never to defy his elders, especially his parents. Closing his eyes, Wufei slid down to the ground and cried.

~*~

After that incident, Wufei stayed out more and more, hanging out with Duo and sometimes he even slept over at Duo's house. Duo's parents were wonderful and Wufei loved staying there. It was a lot better than his own home which was getting worse and worse each day. He just couldn't take it anymore. His mother didn't care that he left all the time, in fact, he believed she was actually relieved. His father was another story. He wanted Wufei home where all children belonged. Of course, Wufei didn't listen and no one could stop him so he always went out with Duo or Heero.

"Man, you should live here," Duo laughed as he flopped down on his bed and stared at Wufei who was seated on the floor reading another book they had picked up at the bookstore yesterday.

"I wish I could. But eventually I have to go home," Wufei said dryly as he turned a page. He actually had been literally living in the Maxwell home. Duo's parents didn't mind at all and demanded Wufei stay over more and more since they both were aware of Wufei's current situation with his parents. Wufei loved Duo's parents.

"Yeah, but only to get your clothes or assure your mom you're still alive," Duo snorted as he slid off the bed and dropped down beside Wufei. "How's the book?"

"Very good," Wufei murmured as he continued to read.

"Cool." Duo lay out on his back beside Wufei and watched as Wufei read. He had the most adorable expression on his face as he read intently.

There was a comfortable silence as the two enjoyed each other's company. They always lapsed into this kind of silence and Duo loved it. It just gave him more time to stared at Wufei and enjoy the delicious heat emitted from Wufei's warm body. Oh, he would give anything to touch Wufei in a more intimate way than the usual friendly hugs they gave each other.

"Duo?"

"Hmm?"

"Why don't you kiss me?"

"Hmm--!!" Duo shot up and stared down at Wufei who was staring up at him with the sweetest expression.

Smiling, Wufei sat up and cocked his head at Duo.

"I know you do. I've seen the way you look at me. Why won't you kiss me already?" he asked teasingly.

"But--I thought--"

"That I didn't swing that way?" Wufei finished.

Duo nodded silently.

"What if I told you I did?"

"Then I'd be the happiest guy on earth," Duo said, grinning. Then he leaned in and gave Wufei a slow, lingering kiss. He pushed Wufei down on the carpet and continued to kiss him quite thoroughly.

Wufei sighed happily as he felt Duo's warm hands press against his sides, sending delicious shivers up and down his body. He had fallen in love with Duo sometime along the way and he wanted Duo to touch him so badly. It wasn't until recently did he notice that Duo always stared at him. When he did realize it he had wondered and waited for Duo to make his move. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like it was gonna happen anytime soon so he had to make the first move.

"Mmm...Would it be really stupid if I told you I love you?" Duo murmured against Wufei's warm lips.

Wufei laughed and shook his head. "No. Would it be if I told you I love you?"

"No."

"I love you," they both said together. Then they collapsed in laughter.

~*~

RIIING!!

"Wufei, love? Can ya get that?" Duo asked distractedly as he tried to work on a particularly heinous math problem.

"Sure," Wufei said as he reached over and picked up the phone on Duo's desk. "Hello?"

"Wufei? Honey?" came Mrs. Chang's broken voice.

"Mom!"

"Oh, Wufei! Come home quickly!"

Wufei felt something lodge in his throat and his heart clench. Something bad had happened and he hadn't been home when it happened. Gods, he shouldn't have been a coward and stayed away. His mother needed his help right now.

"All right, Mom. I'll be there." Wufei slammed the phone down and turned to Duo who was standing beside him to give him any support he needed. "My mom was on the phone. I need to go home." He kissed Duo quickly on the lips before grabbing his stuff and heading for the door.

"Is there anything I can do?" Duo asked as he followed his boyfriend.

"No, it's all right." But Wufei's voice was shaky. He gave Duo a hug. "Just pray it's nothing bad." Then he gave another kiss before running down the street and towards home.

~*~

Duo sat up late in the living room, worrying about Wufei. When his boyfriend had ran off Duo could see that Wufei had been really scared. He just hoped nothing really bad happened. He would die if Wufei were hurt in anyway.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. Duo leapt to his feet and ran for the door. He flung it open and gathered Wufei quickly into his arms. The Chinese boy collapsed in Duo's arms and allowed himself to be lead to the couch where he sat down and buried himself in Duo's wonderful hold.

"Wufei? Wufei, babe, what happened?" Duo asked softly as he held Wufei tightly and kissed him on the top of the head.

"My dad didn't come home yesterday," Wufei whispered. "Mom didn't care at first. Then she got worried. She called his cell phone but he didn't answer. Then, this afternoon he called her and told her that he was staying in a hotel outside of town and that the divorce papers was gonna come in a week."

Duo took a deep breath and squeezed Wufei against him. "I'm so sorry."

"Why? I'm not. It's only a little shock," Wufei whispered. He wrapped his arms around Duo and held his boyfriend tightly. "Tell me you love me."

"I love you, Wufei. Always, I love you," Duo whispered as he wondered what had brought that on.

Wufei wanted to stay in Duo's arms forever. He loved Duo more than anything in the world but...

"My mom is going to leave for China after the divorce. I'm going with her," he choked out.

Duo felt a cold slice of fear go through him.

"You're kidding, right?" He whispered hoarsely.

"My mom says I have to go," Wufei murmured. "I love you, Duo. I don't to want to go to China...But I'm a minor and I can't say anything against it."

"But--You can live with me! My parents love you!" Duo said urgently. "Stay, Wufei! Gods, we've only been together for a couple of weeks. That isn't enough!"

Wufei nodded as he tried to get a hold on his emotions. "I'm sorry, Duo. But I can't. Mom won't let me. I've already argued with her about it...She won't give in. She wants me to go to China with her."

Duo roughly pulled Wufei and held him close, knowing that these might be the last moments they were ever going to have together in a long time. Maybe forever... "No, I don't want to lose you."

"I don't want to go, Duo. I don't want to go," Wufei whispered over and over as he clung to Duo.

"I love you," Duo whispered. "I love you forever."

Wufei closed his eyes and held Duo tighter. "Forever. I love you, Duo. Wo ai ni. Forever."

~*~

A month later...

Duo watched painfully as the plane finally took off and disappeared into the night sky. He stood there for a long time, staring off at nothing. /I've lost him forever. He's an ocean away from me.../ He closed his eyes and pressed his head against the cold glass.

"I love you, Wufei. I hope we'll see each other again someday," he whispered hoarsely as he prayed and wished with all his heart that it was true.

~*~

"We'll make a whole new life in China, Wufei! I'm so happy we're gonna go back to my homeland! You'll love it..." Mrs. Chang went on and on as she described everything that was gonna happen in their life from now on. She was so happy and relieved to have finally left that horrible marriage she had been trapped in for over 15 years. Now, finally, she was going back home and her wonderful son was coming with her. She knew that Wufei would miss his friend Duo but then, Wufei could always make more friends! Her son was so wonderful and smart, anyone would want to be his friend. And, Wufei can meet a good girl in China, none of those American-Chinese girls in those short skirts. Wufei will finally meet a REAL Chinese girl.

Wufei didn't hear anything his mother said as he stared out of the window, his heart breaking and shattering over and over as he thought about Duo. They hadn't been able to have a final kiss in front of his mother but they had hugged. Oh, but it wasn't enough! He wanted to hold and kiss Duo forever...

Blinking, Wufei watched as the sun slowly rose in the sky through the plane window. But it wasn't as bright as he thought it would be. In fact, it was a little gray.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The End!

12-01-00