GOLDEN LIGHTS
by SilverLady

***

PART TWENTY SIX

"It didn't work."

"I know."

"I swear he has more live than a cat."

"Agreed. More drastic measures are going to have to be taken."

"You mean?"

"Yes. See to it."

"Of course."

*****

Trowa sat quietly, watching the still figure in the bed. The doctor had been by earlier and had pronounced it safe to let Quatre sleep as long as he wanted. He had recommended that the boy be kept in bed for a few day, though.

Trowa sighed. The vision of Quatre, standing in the middle of those falling rocks, kept flashing through his mind. He knew that the sight would haunt his dreams for a long time to come.

"You know you're going to wind up with a sore ass if you continue to sit in that chair."

Trowa jerked around in surprise. He hadn't even heard the door open. "At least it's just my ass that's getting sore," he retorted.

Heero smirked as he stepped into the room. "Meaning?"

Trowa snorted. "Meaning Duo is not silent. I think everyone in the inn now knows just how good a ..... lover you are."

"Just taking advantage of the down time."

"Sounded like up to me." Trowa turned his attention back to the sleeping boy. "I'm surprised he let you out of the room."

Heero grabbed a chair and set it beside Trowa's. "Even Duo needs to take a break now and then."

"Wore him out?"

"He got hungry. For food."

"And you took advantage of that to escape."

"I have no intention of escaping Duo."

"I suppose he is very talented."

"Jealous."

"Envious. I'm glad you found somebody you can care about. He's good for you. And I don't mean just the sex, either."

Heero smiled slightly. "Thank you."

"And you're good for him as well. I would hate to think of what he would have become without you in his life."

"He would be dead," Heero stated flatly.

Trowa turned to look at him. "You say that like you're sure."

"I am. One way or the other he would be dead by now." Heero's eyes focused on something far away. "He still has nightmares sometimes about the things they did to him. And those are the times when...."

"When?"

"When I still see pieces of the scared, wild child I bought. It's hard to get close to him then. That's why it's special when he..."

"He wants to make love with you."

Heero shook his head. "When he initiates things. He's not the aggressor very often." Heero paused for a moment. "But it's more than that. It's when he just simply lets me hold him. He couldn't stand that at first, even after we started having sex. And I understand why he felt that way. He'd never been touched or held simply for the joy of being close. Everyone he'd ever known
was trying to get something from him. Or take something."

"I'd say you two have a lot more things in common than most people would think."

"Probably." Heero glanced over at the bed. "What about him?"

"I don't know. He's like a kaleidoscope. Just when you see the picture it shifts again. Just when I think I've got it all figured out, something shakes it up again." Trowa sighed. "Now I'm not so sure he was behind the attacks. The only one there was any positive proof of him being involved was Wufei, but that could have very well been just a simple accident that we blew way out of proportion because of all the other things that had been happening."

"So you're going to relax the restrictions?"

"I think so. And see what happens." Trowa sighed. "We took this trip to help him feel better about the situation he has been put in. But at the first sign of any thing amiss, I clapped down on him. I was so angry that someone was trying to hurt my friends I jumped way ahead of myself. I shouldn't have reversed things so much. Just keeping a better eye on him and placing a few restrictions on him would have been much better than practically putting him in chains. And I know I should have never forbidden him to even talk with Duo. I think there is the beginnings of a very strong friendship there and I hope I haven't ruined it. I was just so afraid something else would happen to Duo and I know how much you care for him and how devastated you would be if something were to happen and it would be my fault...."

Heero reached out and placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'd say you have a bit of baggage you haven't dealt with either."

Trowa looked at him. "Is it that obvious?"

"Not to most. I just know you better."

"Am I doing the right thing?"

"That's for you to decide. I can't be making all your decisions for you."

Trowa sighed again. "Welcome to the real world."

"It sucks at time, don't it."

"Yes."

"Besides, look at this way. You might have just found someone that will be good for Wufei."

Trowa smiled. "She sure does get to him, don't she?"

"And she don't take any of his shit. It might be just the things for him."

"He'd kill us if he heard us plotting his love life."

"I know." Heero smirked. "But it's fun."

"Just don't let Duo get involved. There's no telling what might happen then."

"True." Heero rose to his feet. "You need to decided what you're going to do."

"And stick with it."

"Yes."

"I can't let him go."

"No."

"And I won't sell him. I shudder to think of what he might wind up with. That's why I bought him in the first place."

"True."

"So I guess I'm just going to have to live with it. He was doing pretty good before I went ballistic."

"Yes."

Trowa frowned. "Or was he. We were expecting a lot from him."

"Sounds like you still haven't found the middle ground yet."

"No. I haven't. I guess I'll just keep looking." Trowa looked suddenly grim. "But if he pulls another stunt like this I'll beat him black and blue."

Heero snorted. "I'll see you later."

Trowa smiled. "Hoping he's recovered."

"Nah, I feel like a good cuddle. Bye."

Trowa shook his head as Heero left. That was certainly not something he'd ever expect to come out of his friend's mouth.

*****

It was late afternoon before Quatre finally woke up. He lay there for a minute, not wanting to open his eyes. His head hurt something awful and the pounding was making his stomach roll.

He vaguely remembered being awake a couple of time before. Most of the memories were of pain and feeling very sick. In fact he would guess, by the slightly acidic taste in his mouth, that he had been sick a couple of times.

"Quatre."

Quatre scrunched up his face at the sound of that voice. He had been hoping that Trowa would have turned him over to Sal or, even better, some stranger.

"Quatre, please open your eyes."

No. Go away.

"I have some soup. The doctor says you need to eat."

Quatre swallowed hard. The thought of anything in his stomach made him feel even sicker. "Not hungry," he croaked out. "Master," he added, belatedly remembering who he was addressing.

Trowa sighed. "You have to eat."

Quatre slowly opened his eyes. The light hurt, but not too bad. Turning his head slightly, he looked at Trowa. "Is that an order, Master?"

Trowa shifted slightly, careful not to disturb the bed. "No. But you'll only get sicker if you don't get something in you. Especially fluids." He studied the boy for a minute. "If I'm careful do you think you could sit up for a few minutes?"

"Why Master?"

"So that you can drink this soup without spilling it down the front of you."

Quatre closed his eyes again. "My head hurts Master."

"There's some medicine in the soup that will help it stop hurting so bad. The doctor said it would be easier for you to take it this way."

Trowa sat on the edge of the bed and carefully lifted Quatre into a sitting position. After placing several more pillows behind Quatre, Trowa gently eased him back.

Quatre moaned as his body protested the move, but he was able to keep his stomach from rebelling.

He was a little surprised when he felt Trowa slip on arm behind his neck to help support his head as he lifted the mug to Quatre's mouth. "Just a little sip."

After a moment's hesitation, Quatre reluctantly took a sip of the offered soup. Surprisingly, the warm liquid actually felt good as it slid down his throat and settled in his aching belly.

"More?" Trowa asked softly.

Quatre nodded. "Yes. Please."

Trowa smiled as he held the cup back to Quatre's lips. "Take your time. There's no need to rush it."

After what seem like a very long time, Quatre sighed and leaned back against
the pillows.

"Enough?" Trowa asked.

Quatre nodded. So far his stomach didn't seem to mind the warm liquid and Quatre hoped it would stay that way.

Trowa carefully brushed the hair that had fallen into Quatre's eyes out of the way. The doctor had said to check Quatre's pupils now and then to make sure everything was okay. Leaning forward, Trowa brushed a finger across Quatre's closed eyes.

Quatre suddenly opened his eyes, startled to find Trowa leaning in awfully close. "Master?" he whispered, blushing as his attention focused on Trowa's mouth. It was awfully close, so much so they were practically touching. What would it feel like if he actually kissed me? He gasped softly, wondering where that thought had come from.

He saw Trowa's eyes grow soft and unfocused as he leaned in closer. Is he? His body began to tremble slightly. Trowa was so close that their breaths seemed to be mingling. To Quatre's shock, his groin tightened and began to ache.

Trowa suddenly jerked away. What the hell? Trowa could feel Quatre trembling in his arms. He was stunned to realize just how close he had come to kissing Quatre. Am I out of my mind? What just happened? He struggled to bring his body back under control. "I... I need to check your eyes."

Quatre blinked. He couldn't understand why being this close to Trowa made him feel this way. What's wrong with me? He's just checking to make sure I'm okay. I don't why though. It's not as if he really cares. But him being this close makes me feel all hot and funny. Is there something wrong with me?

"Quatre?"

"I'm sorry, Master." Quatre whispered. "I'm just suddenly very tired."

Trowa nodded. "Get some rest. You need it."

"Yes, Master." Quatre's eyes slid closed and soon he was asleep.

Trowa carefully pulled away and laid Quatre back down on the bed. His body was still tight and achy and his mind was in turmoil. He had been so close to actually kissing Quatre. And if he was honest, his body wanted to do a lot more than just kiss. He'd never felt like this about anyone. Why now? Why him? What's going on here? You know what would happen, he'd just let you do it because you are his master and must be obeyed. He's not that kind of person. He's so innocent. I won't destroy that too. Get a grip and don't let it happen again. Oh, god, what was I thinking.

Rising swiftly, he headed out into the other room. Maybe it would be best if I get someone else to take care of him from now on. Besides, even if the situation were better, he'd get one good look at you and run off screaming. Just like..... No, I won't think about that.

Trowa raked a hand through his hair. Things had just gotten even more complicated.

PART TWENTY SEVEN

The next time Quatre woke up he was surprised to find Duo sitting beside his bed.

Duo grinned when he realized that Quatre was awake and watching him. "Hi. How's it going?"

Quatre stared at him without saying a word.

Duo frowned a little. "Are you okay?"

Nothing.

Suddenly Duo smiled. "Oh, yeah. The no-talking-to-Duo thing. Trowa said it was okay for you to talk with me again."

Quatre simply stared at him.

"He did. I don't lie. He said it was fine with him."

Duo swore he could hear crickets chirping.

"You don't believe me do you?"

The only way Duo knew that Quatre wasn't some bizarre statue was the fact that every now and then he blinked.

"Man, you're stubborn. You know I would never get you in trouble." Pause. Sigh. "Okay, fine. Don't talk to me. Heero says I can talk the ear off a dead guy when I want to so I guess we'll find out. You just lie there and do your statue impression. I'll talk."

Duo looked at Quatre for a second. The threat didn't seem to have any effect on him. Duo huffed. "Anyway, since I gotta fill in all this quiet, here goes. Heero and Trowa went out to get supplies or somethin', they didn't exactly say. Wufei is off on some rant about this or that."

Duo grinned as a thought struck him. "You should have seen it yesterday." He laughed. "Sal... You know, I don't really think she's a Sal. More like a Sally. I think that's what I'll call her from now on. I wonder if she'd mind. Not that it would matter to me, anyhow, even if she did, but she seems pretty cool and all.

"Anyway, her and Wufei went back to check out that sight, to find out if the slide had been deliberate or not, which it was. Well, when they got back and Sally started telling Heero about it, Wufei got all pouty. And when Heero said you couldn't have done it 'cause you'd been with us, Wufei said somethin' about you havin' accomplices and Sally got all mad. She said that the only way you coulda had anything to do with it was if you were telepathic, 'cause, and I quote, 'Lord Trowa has had him on such a short leash that he's practically up his ass' end quote. Well, Wufei got all huffy and told her she didn't know what she was talkin' about and she told him she knew enough and he said he didn't have to listen to no stupid woman, or somthin' like that.

"Well, all the sudden he jumps and gets all indignant. Seems Sally had calmly walked up and groped his ass. He didn't know I seen her do it, cause he thought I was asleep and Heero did to. Anyway he started ranting about who he was and started spoutin' off this long title of his and she just calmly laid one on him. Kissed him right good and grabbed his ass again to boot.

"When she pulled back he just stood there with his mouth hangin' open and she told him he looked like the King of Karp to her and she left. He got a mad and stormed after he, but I think he liked it and all. I though it was the funniest thing and I started laughin' and Heero realized I was awake and I had the greatest view of his crotch, which I always enjoy. But Wufei came back and complained about us havin' a room for that stuff so we went to our room and.... I won't give you alll the details, let's just say it was wonderful, like it always is."

Duo sighed. "Do you know how much I love him? I never thought I'd feel this way about anyone. It's great. You should try it out some time. Might do you some good."

He glanced at Quatre. "Or have you and Trowa been enjoying sleeping in the same room." He paused. "Nope, I don't think so. Don't think you could do much without everyone else knowin' about it, 'specially in those tents. But I will say Trowa was actin' kinda jumpy this mornin' and he sure agreed fast with Heero about me stayin' here and watchin' you, which kinda surprised me and all, since I though he was still mad at you, but I guess he ain't, is he?

"I definitely think you got him real confused though. What did you do? Ain't gonna tell, are you? Well, anyway....."

Quatre closed his eyes and listed as Duo continued talking. He really can get going. And his accent get worse the longer he talks.

*****

Heero frowned as he followed Trowa down the street. The small town didn't have a lot, but there were several shops and business around.

Trowa had been acting odd all morning. It was obvious to Heero, whom Duo had often accused of being oblivious, that something was bothering him. "What's wrong?" he finally asked.

Trowa glanced back at Heero for a moment. "Nothing," he finally answered.

Heero snorted. "Tell me another one. I'm not as oblivious as Duo thinks I am. Something is bothering you. A lot. Want to talk about it?"

"No."

"So there is something wrong."

Trowa sighed. "You've been hanging out with Duo too long."

"Funny, I though you said he was good for me."

"No in all cases."

"And you know what?"

"What?"

"I'm as hard to distract as him when he gets something in his head. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing important."

"Does it have anything to do with the fact that I'm with you and Duo is with Quatre?"

"Why would you think that?"

"No reason."

Trowa sighed again. "It's really nothing. Just something I have to sort out for myself."

"Well, I hope you do it soon."

"Why?"

"Because we've passed this store three times and you still haven't gone in."

Trowa stopped in the middle of the road and stared back at Heero. He was about to retort when he heard a shout from his right. He turned to find a driverless wagon heading straight for him.

He could only stare at in shock. It was as if his body had suddenly turned to stone.

Just when he was sure the wagon would run him down, he was violently shoved out of the way. He landed heavily on his side, with a solid weight coming down on top of him.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Heero's angry voice hissed in his ear. "You could have gotten yourself killed, pulling a stunt like that. And you got angry at Quatre. You damn near did the same thing."

Trowa simply lay there, trying to catch his breath. Part of him knew Heero was right, but the rest of him simply wasn't up to processing that information at that moment.

"Are you okay?"

"Man, did you see that? That horse just bolted. Something sure scared it."

"Are you two men all right?"

"That was quite a move you made there, young man. Saved his life you did."

Slowly voiced filtered into Trowa's consciousness. And with the voices came other sensations, pain being the foremost of them. The rocks and dirt he was laying in were starting to dig into his side and he was sure that Heero had bruised a couple of his ribs when he'd hit him. That, coupled with his now pounding head, was sure to reminded him that he was still alive.

"Heero," he managed to say, after catching his breath.

"What?"

"Would you please get off of me? Duo might like it, but you're damn heavy."

With a snort, Heero rolled off Trowa and got to his feet.

Trowa rolled over onto his back and stared up into Heero's angry blue eyes. "Thank you."

Heero nodded. "Anytime."

Both knew that there was a lot more meaning to those simple words than either were willing to admit to.

Slowly Trowa sat up, wincing as each muscle protested the movement. When he was finally sitting up, he reached out with one hand to grab Heero's.

Heero bent forward a little to help Trowa to his feet. As Trowa went to stand, Heero saw all the color drain from his face. He was instant moving forward to take as much of Trowa's weight as Trowa would allow. "What's wrong?"

"My leg," Trowa ground out through gritted teeth. "I hurt my damn leg."

"Again?"

"Don't sound like it's an everyday thing. It hurts."

"Let's get you back to the inn. You can play invalid with the other one."

"Is that anything like playing doctor?" Trowa muttered under his breath.

Heero smirked. "It could be."

"I don't think so." Trowa tried to take a step and almost passed out from the pain in his leg.

Heero held Trowa upright. "I don't think you're going back there under your own power. Let me see if I can get someone to take us back."

"I can..."

"No. No arguing. The last time I listened to you about you leg, you spent three months in bed. It won't be happening again." Heero glanced over at one of the people that had witnessed the 'accident'. "We need to get him back to the inn, but he's not walking there. Could you please get something for us to take him back in?"

The young man nodded. "Sure thing. Just give me a minute."

"And don't make it the damn horse that nearly ran us down."

"No, sir."

Heero sighed. "I don't think Quatre had anything to do with this one either."

"You don't think it was an accident."

"Do you?"

"Not really, no. Not with what's been going on."

"It just makes things more complicated. Now it's damn near impossible to figure out who the target is."

"Unless it's all of us."

"True. And I only know one person who would like to take all of us down."

"Michal."

"Got it in one." Heero sighed. "Which is what Duo has been insisting all along."

"Yes."

Heero glanced at Trowa. "Don't tell him. I'll never hear the end of it."

Trowa smiled but said nothing.

*****

"What the hell happened to you?" Wufei demanded as Trowa was carefully set on the couch. Heero and the young man that had offered his help had carried Trowa up the stairs and into the room.

Heero glanced at the other man. "Could you please go and get the doctor?"

"Sure, no problem." He turned and quickly left the room.

"Is anyone going to answer me?" Wufei demanded.

"I hurt my leg," Trowa answered, carefully leaning back against the arm of the couch.

"How?"

"Dodge ball?"

"Not funny."

"Horseshoes?"

Heero snorted at that one.

Wufei glared. "I think someone has been around a certain long haired slave who has too many privileges as it is."

"I was stupid enough to stop in front of a moving wagon."

"It wasn't moving until after you stopped," Heero pointed out.

Wufei blinked. "You were nearly hit."

"Nearly being the operative word here."

"I'd say someone just upped the ante on this little game," Heero commented.

Wufei nodded. "And it is beginning to look more and more like we jumped to conclusions. But I still would not rule him out completely. He could be working for someone, who simple hired others to do the same job."

"You're never going to forgive him for knocking you on you butt, are you?"

Wufei crossed his arms, wincing as he did so. "I'm the one with the broken arm."

"So you keep telling us."

"Over and over and over and over," Trowa muttered under his breath.

"I heard that."

"Good."

"So I guess we can continue to call this place home for a while."

"No."

Heero glared at Trowa himself. "What?"

"I said no. As soon as the doctor clears Quatre to travel we're moving on. Even if it's just out of town. This is getting serious. Someone other that me or Heero could have gotten hurt today. It's apparent that who ever this is doesn't care about innocent bystanders. There's no telling what he might do next. I won't risk innocent lives."

Heero nodded, hearing the logic in Trowa's words. "Fine. We'll be ready to move as soon as possible."

"I'll tell Sal," Wufei stated, heading for the door.

Heero watched him, a slight smile on his face. I wonder who will wake up first, Wufei or Trowa.

Trowa glanced over at Heero. "I think it might be a good idea if you go get cleaned up. You look like you've been playing in the dirt."

"Rolling in it is more like it." He glanced over at the door. "I wonder how long it took Duo to drive Quatre nuts with his chatter."

Trowa groaned. He'd forgotten how much Duo hated silence and how far he would go to make some kind of noise. And I didn't get a chance to tell Quatre it was all right to talk with Duo again.

Heero sighed. "I'd best go save him."

"Duo or Quatre?"

"Hard to say. You stay there."

"Yes, sir."

"As long as you don't say master."

Trowa winced. "Don't remind me."

Heero gave him an odd look before disappearing into the other room.

"Three, two, one."

"HEERO! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOU?!"

Trowa sighed as he leaned back. I wonder what's next.

PART TWENTY EIGHT

Quatre sighed as he stared out the window. He had been so bored with just laying in bed that he had decided to get up for awhile, an action that he had quickly regretted. He had barely made it to the chair next to the window, his head hurting so badly it made it hard to see. He knew it would be a while before he could make it back to the bed.

He knew that Trowa wouldn't be in to fuss at him though. He had heard about the incident with the wagon when Duo had started in on Heero about the state in which he had returned.

He wasn't really sure how he felt about it. Maybe now they would be convinced that he hadn't had anything to do with the earlier incidents. He was glad that Trowa hadn't been seriously injured and yet... His emotions were in turmoil and he didn't know quite what to do.

The incident earlier had served only to confuse him more. He knew, somehow, that Trowa had been about to kiss him. What confused him though, was the way he felt about it. A part of him wanted it very much but another part of him wasn't as sure. He'd always been taught that it was wrong for a man to lay with another man. That only bad things could come of such an unnatural relationship.

Yet, by watching Heero and Duo together, he was beginning to see that maybe that opinion was unfair. That whoever had come up with the notion had not seen all the sides of the issue. He had seen nothing but gentleness and love between the two, nothing unnatural about that. In fact, their relationship seemed better and more stable than many of the supposedly natural male/female relationships that Quatre knew of.

And now he was beginning to find himself attracted to a man himself. And not just any man, but the man who had bought him and now claimed ownership of him, as if he was nothing more than an animal to be possessed. That made things all the more confusing. How could he be interested in such a person? Someone who callously owned others as if it was nothing. A person who could allow himself to possess other humans as if they were stupid fools incapable of taking care of themselves. And to expect them to obey him blindly, without question.

Was he strange and unnatural himself? Did that explain why he had never responded to Carlia's advances? Why the thought of laying with her, or anyone else for that matter, had left him with a cold feeling in the pit of his stomach?

He moaned softly and leaned his head back. He was so very confused. He didn't know which way to turn or anyone he could talk to. Duo would be no help in this; it was painfully obvious which way his feelings lay.

And what about Trowa himself? Was all of his pondering for nothing? Did Trowa simply think that, as his property, Quatre's body was free for the taking? That he could be used to relieve an itch that hadn't been scratched in a long time?

What would he do if Trowa did actually try and do something more than had already happened? Did he want something more to happen? And for that matter, exactly what was that something more? Angil had described sex to him and he'd seen Duo and Heero doing it, but he himself had never experienced it. Was it anything like the odd dreams that had woken him from time to time since he had reached his thirteenth year? The ones that had found him lying in his bed, hot and trembling, with an ache deep in his groin that took so very long to go away. He had never remembered the exact details of any of those dreams;
they had mostly been vague feelings and blurred images.

Please, Great One, show me the way. Give me a sign. Tell me, what am I supposed to do? Is it wrong in Your eyes to desire, and even to love, another man. Am I going against everything You stand for? Am I dishonoring You and my family with these thoughts? Should I see where this course will lead me or am I deluding myself with feelings that don't really exist?

*****

Trowa winced as he shifted his weight, trying his best to keep his leg as still as possible. The doctor had told him that he had overextended the muscles in his leg and that he would have to stay off of it for at least a few days. He had also informed Trowa that there was no way they could leave for a least a couple of more days. Quatre simply wasn't healed enough to make travel a wise idea, yet.

Trowa frowned as he thought about the blonde haired slave. When it came to Quatre, Trowa found his feelings disturbingly turbulent. One minute he wanted to throttle the infuriating boy and the next he wanted to kiss him silly.

It was the second emotion that bothered him the most, though. What had happened to find him suddenly very interested in wanting to take Quatre to bed and screw him senseless? And was it just runaway hormones or was there something more? Did he want to simply have mind-blowing sex with the boy or was he interested in something deeper and more meaningful?

The only time he'd tried to go beyond friendship with another person had ended in disaster and Trowa had sworn he would never open himself up like that again. Now, one beautiful Southlander was blowing his quietly ordered world to pieces and he didn't even know it.

When he had thought that Quatre had been behind the attacks on the others he had been hurt as much as angered. To think that the person he was becoming interested in was trying to kill his friends had hurt him deeply. Maybe that's why he had responded so badly to the situation. Instead of calmly and rationally thinking things out, he had simply reacted, something he rarely did. No one had ever gotten such a reaction from him before.

The incident the day before had only made already muddy waters even muddier. He had been so close to kissing Quatre. And he knew that it wouldn't have stopped there. That he had been very close to taking Quatre, willing or not. Only his fear of how Quatre would react to the situation, and to Trowa himself, had stopped him from going through with it.

He still cringed about some of the thoughts that had been running through his head in the past two weeks about his blonde slave.  He knew that Quatre was completely innocent in all things sexual and yet he had considered having Quatre taught in the sexual arts. A move that most likely would have destroyed any remaining loyalty that Quatre might still have towards him. Plus pissing off the young man still known as Shinigami, the one person Trowa knew he did not want as an enemy.

But it didn't calm the dreams that were coming much more frequently of late. The ones that starred a very beautiful very gentle young man. The ones that were often hot and steamy and yet were as often gentle and tender.

Could he continue to have Quatre in his possession for the five years that law dictated Quatre must remain a slave and not let something happen? Did he want nothing to happen between them? Or was fate finally giving him something nice? Was Quatre meant to be the soulmate he had always longed to have? The one person that would love him unconditionally, as even his own father had been unable to do. Or was he seeing emotions that weren't really there?

And could he bear to open his heart and find out Quatre wasn't interested? Had Quatre reacted the way he had because he was interested or because he didn't know what was happening and was afraid of what Trowa's reaction might be if he didn't go along?

Trowa sighed as he leaned his head back against the pillows. I don't know what to do. Should I pursue this or should I just forget it? I don't want to pressure Quatre into something he doesn't want. Maybe I should just forget about it. It's probably nothing more than a passing whim, anyhow. The thrill of being in control of someone. Stupid as that sounds. Besides, I doubt if Quatre would appreciate a scarred, bitter cripple for his first lover. And you know what stock those Southerners hold in being pure on their wedding day. You don't want to ruin his future, by stealing something that should be given to the one he loves and marries. Because I know that the moment I can set him free, I will. He should be free, not chained.

Trowa nodded. I'll just pretend nothing happened. It would be for the best.

PART TWENTY NINE

Quatre looked up with a bewildered look in his eyes as Trowa stepped into the room. It was awfully late at night for him to be here. "Master?"

Trowa stood just inside the doorway for a long moment, simply staring at Quatre.

Quatre rose slowly to his feet and started towards Trowa. "Is there something wrong, Master?"

Suddenly Trowa moved, crossing the room to stand in front of Quatre. Reaching out he laid his hand across Quatre's mouth. "Trowa," he whispered softly. "Can you say that? My name is Trowa."

Quatre stared at him, his eyes reflecting the confusion he was feeling.

"Trowa," Trowa said again. "Say it after me. Trowa."

"Trowa," Quatre whispered against Trowa's hand.

Trowa smiled down at Quatre as he pulled his hand away, tracing Quatre's mouth with his fingers. "Very good."

Quatre sighed, his breath floating around Trowa's fingers. "Is there something you need, Ma.... Trowa?"

Trowa trailed a finger across Quatre's cheek. "You," he finally breathed.

"Me?"

"Yes, you. I want you. Underneath me, screaming my name as you come."

"But....."

"I can't fight this anymore. Don't you feel it too?"

Quatre looked down. "Yes."

"Quatre?"

Quatre looked back up. Before he could say anything though, he found his mouth covered by Trowa's. Stiffening slightly, he put his hands up on Trowa's shoulders.

Trowa groaned as he slid his arms around Quatre's waist, running his hands up and down Quatre's back. He felt the bit of resistance from Quatre, but as the kiss deepened Quatre relaxed and molded his body to Trowa's.

With a contented moan, Trowa grabbed Quatre's butt; lifting him up so that their groins ground together, causing both to shudder as electric bolts of pleasure shot through their bodies.

Finally, his head spinning with more than just passion, Trowa moved his head back and let Quatre slid down his body until his feet once again touched the floor. Slowly he slipped one hand up underneath Quatre's shirt, enjoying the feel of soft skin and toned muscles.

Quatre moaned and arched his back, silently begging for Trowa to continue.

But Trowa could see the hint of confusion reflected in Quatre's eyes and with a sigh he withdrew his hand.

Reaching up he gently ran his fingers through Quatre's soft blonde hair. "You are so beautiful, Little One," he whispered. "I want you, but not against your will. You have to want this too. I'm not forcing you. You are free to say no if you want. In this there is no slave nor master, it's just us."

Quatre looked up at Trowa, pressing his body as closely as he could. "Trowa," he finally whispered.

"Yes, Little One?"

Quatre stretched up on tiptoe to reach Trowa's mouth. "You talk too much," he murmured before pressing his lips to Trowa's.

For long minutes the two did nothing but explore each other's mouths, learning every centimeter of the warm moist caverns they explored and what touches made the other moan with pleasure.

Finally, reluctantly, the two drew apart. As Trowa looked down into Quatre's eyes, he slid his hands across his shoulders to the parting of Quatre's shirt. Gently he slid each button free revealing inch by delicious inch of Quatre's chest and stomach.

Quatre moaned and arched his back, unconsciously displaying himself for Trowa's pleasure.

Trowa traced a finger up Quatre's tight stomach, delighting in the delicate shivers the touch invoked. Watching Quatre to insure that he enjoyed each new sensation and to be sure that this was indeed what he wanted, Trowa gently circled each delicate nipple, smiling as they became swollen and red.


"Trowa, what?" Quatre moaned.

"You'll like this even better." Tilting his head, Trowa reached down to run his tongue in a slow circle around Quatre's left nipple. After teasing it for a few minutes, he gently took it in his mouth, sucking and nibbling at the hard nub.

Quatre groaned and buried his hand in Trowa's hair, his knees buckling at the intense feelings that course through him. "Ohhh," he moaned, pressing Trowa's head against his chest. "Don't stop."

Trowa reached out to grab Quatre and hold him upright. Pulling away slightly he looked into the deep blue eyes. "Let's move this to the bed," he whispered. "It will be much better."

Quatre was panting, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to calm his body. "Yes," he finally managed to say.

He gave a startled little squeak when Trowa lifted him up and carried him to the bed. Gently, Trowa laid him down, admiring the slender form. He had never seen such a beautiful site. He traced the lithe body with his eyes, making note of passion fogged eyes, swollen lips, delicate nipples, tight trembling stomach muscles, and the swell of arousal hidden by pants that had grown too tight for comfort.

Trowa reached out to slide a finger under the waistband of Quatre's pants. "You'd be much more comfortable without these clothes."

Quatre nodded as he sat up and slid his shirt the rest of the way off. He reached for the pants, but Trowa stopped him. "Let me."

Quatre blinked, but laid back on the bed and lifted his hips in a silent invitation.  Trowa closed his eyes for a second then slow slid the soft material down Quatre's hips. He bit back an appreciative groan as, inch by inch, Quatre's body was revealed to him.

Finally the pants were thrown across the room and Trowa looked down at the trembling boy on the bed. Reaching out, he slowly ran his hand across Quatre's swollen manhood, admiring each ridge and hollow. "You are so lovely," he whispered, knowing he was repeating himself but not caring. Slowly he leaned over until his mouth hovered above the swollen flesh.

"Trowa?" There was uncertainty in the trembling voice.

"It's all right. Just relax and enjoy. I will make you feel so good."

Quatre cried out and arched his hips as Trowa's mouth enveloped his arousal. Frantic fingers grasped at dark hair as Quatre thrust, driving himself deeper into the moist cavern that surrounded him.

Trowa relaxed his throat, letting Quatre drive his thick shaft into his mouth over and over. He could sense that Quatre was close to exploding and that it would quickly be over. It was happening much faster than he would have liked, but he had the feeling that this was the first time Quatre had ever reached any kind of climax that wasn't dream induced.

With a strangled cry, Quatre exploded deep into Trowa's mouth, his back and hips coming off the bed with the force of his climax. Twisting his head, Quatre sobbed as his body convulsed, feeling as if liquid fire was spilling from him into Trowa's waiting mouth.

Trowa swallowed convulsively, tasting the slightly bitter fluid that was exploding from Quatre. He had never thought anything could taste so good.

When Quatre finally collapsed back onto the bed, he continued to lap at the tip of Quatre's cock, collecting the last drops that oozed out.

After a moment, he slid up Quatre's body to look down into dazed eyes. "Wonderful," he whispered.

"What?" Quatre blinked in confusion. "That was...."

"Intense?"

Quatre nodded.

"That was the first time you've ever come, isn't it?"

Again Quatre nodded.

"Did you enjoy it?"

Quatre blushed, but nodded yet again.

"It gets even better."

Quatre blinked again. "It does?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"Do you want me to show you?"

"Yes."

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes." He paused. "Why?"

"Because what I want to do to you is very..... intimate. I'm going to put my cock inside you."

"How?"

"Like Michal did with his fingers."

A strange look crossed Quatre's face. "It will hurt," he whispered.

Trowa sensed Quatre's rising fear. "No, not if it's done right. Michal didn't care if he hurt you. I do. I wouldn't hurt you for anything. Believe me."

"I...."

"I'll go slow. If it hurts, or if you don't like it, I'll stop. I give you my word."

Quatre looked at Trowa for a minute. "All right." He blushed again.

Trowa smiled as he brushed his hand across Quatre's cheek. "Just enjoy."

Slowly he explored Quatre's body with his hands, careful not to startle the blonde.  When he was finally sure that Quatre was all with what he was doing he slid his hand between Quatre's thighs, gently parting them.

"Trowa?"

"Just relax. I'm going to touch you with my finger. It will hurt for just a moment, but if you relax it will be fine."

Gently he traced the tight opening with his finger, praying that Quatre was thinking of what was happening to him now, not what had happened to him in the garden. He didn't want to scare the boy, but his body ached to possess him. He didn't know what he'd do if Quatre couldn't go through with this.

Quatre groaned as the first finger slid into him. For a moment, his body went still, but then he let out on odd sound and shoved with his hips, forcing the finger deeper.

Trowa lightly stroked Quatre's passage, moving his finger in slow careful circles even as he withdrew and thrust into the tight opening. When he felt the muscles begin to relax, he added a second and then a third finger.

After a few minutes Quatre was moaning and pushing back with his hips. "Please," he whispered.

"What?"

"Inside me."

"Tell me what you want."

"You. Inside me. Take me. Please."

"Are you sure?"

"Yessss," Quatre moaned as Trowa touched something deep within him. "Now."

Trowa rolled over, placing himself between Quatre's wide spread legs. "I don't want to hurt you."

Quatre looked up at him. "Not. Nothing like him. Please. I want you."

Trowa placed his aching erection against Quatre's hidden entrance. "Tell me if it hurts." Slowly he eased himself forward, trying not to rush even though his body screamed for him to just sink himself hard and fast into the boy beneath him.

Quatre moaned as Trowa slowly filled him. "So good," he panted when Trowa was fully inside him.

Trowa stilled himself, resisting the urge to simple start thrusting. Quatre was so tight around him, like a glove made just to fit him. Never had he felt anything so good. He looked down into the glowing blue eyes of his new lover and smiled. "So right," he replied.

Quatre nodded as he wrapped his legs around Trowa's hips. Both moaned at the feelings that raced through them at that moment. "Now. Do it now," Quatre begged, his breath coming in quick little pants.

But Trowa remained still, waiting, not wanting to cause Quatre any pain. Finally he felt Quatre relax as his body adjusted completely to the thick invader. Every so smoothly, Trowa began to pull back, easing himself out of the tight heat until only the tip of his erection remained within.

Quatre cried out as the feeling of emptiness over came him. "No," he cried, pulling hard at Trowa with his hands and legs even as he thrust upward with his hips.

Trowa groaned as he allowed himself to be pulled back into the warm depths. Again and again the two repeated the motion, their thrusts growing harder and faster as they raced toward the peak.

Trowa felt the sweat roll off his body as Quatre dug into his back with his hands. "Oh, god," he moaned, thrusting almost franticly into the body beneath him. "So good. So tight."

Quatre screamed his name as he arched upward one last time. Trowa felt Quatre's inner muscles tighten as completion took him. With a shuddering groan, Trowa buried himself one last time. "Quatre. I....."

*****

With a gasp Trowa sat upright in the bed. His clothes clung to his sweat soaked body, which was trembling violently and his chest heaved as he struggled to regain his breath.

Drawing in a deep, shuddering breath he tried to calm himself. He slowly looked around, almost afraid at what he would find. But there was no one in the room but him.

He sighed in relief when he realized he was alone. A dream. It was all just a dream.

Slowly, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose to his feet. He limped cautiously over to the window and stared into the dark. He knew that there would be no more sleep for him tonight, that he didn't want to risk another dream.

His body throbbed with an almost unbearable ache, letting him know how it felt at being denied.

PART THIRTY

"You're up awfully early," Heero commented as he walked into the room.

Trowa barely glanced up. "I could say the same thing about you." He paused. "Or maybe not, since you're in here and not in there."

"Or in him?"

"Precisely."

Heero shook his head as he moved across the room. "I won't ask who pissed in your porridge."

"You know I hate the damn stuff."

"Then maybe that's the problem. You need some."

Trowa sighed. "I'm not even going to try and figure out this conversation."

"Good. It would hurt." Heero calm scooped a large portion of the still hot porridge into a bowl, then added enough sugar to make Trowa cringe.

"I still can't believe what a sweet tooth you have."

Heero smirked, but said nothing. "So, what's going on?"

"Not much. We're ready to move out as soon as the doctor clears Quatre. Other than that, there isn't much we can do."

"Someone tried to run you down yesterday."

"And if they're smart, they've already left."

"To what do we owe the honor of this early morning visit?" Wufei's voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of sarcasm in it.

Heero glanced over at him. "Exhaustion."

"Not yours, I would think."

"No."

Wufei nodded. "Breakfast is here?"

Trowa pointed to the low table on the other side of the room. "Just delivered."

Wufei moved across the room. "At least this place has decent room service."

Trowa looked at Heero and arched his eyebrow. Heero just shrugged.

"So what is going on?"

"Nothing. We wait. Until Quatre is cleared to travel, we're going to have to stay here."

"With a killer still on the loose?"

"There isn't much we can do here. I don't want to risk anyone needlessly."

"A wise thought."

"So, from now on, no one leaves without someone with them. I've already informed Sal."

"Sally," Heero interrupted.

Trowa looked at him. "What?"

"Duo's started calling her Sally, which she said was fine with her. So I guess I've just started to think of her that way. It's much less.... manly than Sal."

Wufei snorted his opinion. "Trust Duo to change someone else's name."

Heero shrugged. "Be glad he keeps the nicknames he comes up with to himself. Some of them are not repeatable in mixed company."

"They're probably not repeatable, period." Wufei glanced down at his plate. "Why does he have such a perchance for name, anyway?"

"When you don't even know your own, you have a tendency to notice others."

Wufei blinked. "What do you mean by that?"

"Duo Maxwell is not the name he was born with. He doesn't know that name. He was given the name when he was taken by the slave trader when he was around four or five."

Wufei was silent for a moment. "I did not know that."

"It's another one of those things he doesn't talk about."

"Actually, Duo may talk a great deal, but he rarely says anything."

"I believe it more for noise than anything. Duo has a thing about silence. Though, when I first got him, he talked very little. But that was fear more than anything. He didn't know how I would react if he talked, so it was safer to say nothing at all."

Wufei blinked, finding it hard to believe Duo being silent. Even when he was asleep he made noise. "He was that badly treated."

A deep anger suddenly flared in Heero's eyes. "It was just too bad that his previous owner was already dead." The flat way in which the statement was spoken told Wufei that Heero would very much liked to have been the one to kill the man. It would not have been fast or painless, of that he had no doubt.

"You just have to hope there is truly justice in the afterworld."

Trowa smiled to himself. Duo had once commented that he thought Wufei had to say the word 'justice' so many times in the course of the day or something terrible would befall him. Sometimes Trowa wondered if he was right.

Wufei looked at Trowa. "So we are just going to sit here?"

"You might and I might, but I doubt if Heero will."

Heero glared at Trowa, but said nothing.

"That may disturb the other guests more than any attempt to hurt any of us."

"At least they wouldn't be listening to you rant about something," Heero muttered under his breath.

"So what is going to happen once we able to leave this place?"

Trowa looked at him curiously. "Meaning?"

"What about Quatre? What do we do about him?"

"The restrictions have been lifted. I'm now nearly certain that Quatre had nothing to do with any of the attacks."

"He has never been the target."

"Those rocks nearly killed him."

"Bad timing. That slide was meant to take everyone out. If he had not had to dismount at that time he would have easily gotten away. And in the confusion he could have gotten completely away."

Trowa straightened angrily. "He has had many opportunities to escape and hasn't. Besides, who's to say he hasn't been attacked. What about the pond?"

"He got to close and fell. The bank there was slippery."

"No one that scared of the water would have gotten near enough to slip."

"Duo saw no one."

"He wasn't looking. He was a good distance from the bank."

"It could have set up....."

"No more. Unless you find Quatre with a bloody knife in one hand and a body at his feet, I will not hear any more accusations. He is innocent. That is final. I will no longer allow anyone to accuse him of anything without solid, positive proof. Clear?"

Wufei blinked, but nodded slowly. Then he glanced at Heero. "Get out on the wrong side of the bed?"

"Wrong bed."

Wufei nearly choked on his breakfast.

***

Onto Parts Thirty One - Thirty Five