Title: Stripped of Glory Part 4
Author: Cloudy Daze
Rating: NC-17
Category: AU, Angst, Sap, yaoi, NCS, OOC (well of course since it's an AU)
Pairing: 3x4 and 2x1
Spoilers: Well it's AU so I don't think that's possible.
Feedback:Sure, if you like it tell me. It makes my muses happy and that's always good because then they'll write more. Don't care for getting a flame though. But if you feel inclined I'll have to show it to Lady Nagisa and we'll get a big kick out of insulting it.
Disclaimer: Do I have to say this? Bla bla bla. I don't own Gundam Wing. Writing fanfiction keeps me from being bored during my classes. I'm a college student so you know I don't have any money. If you really want to sue me you can get my college bill. ^_^.
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“And this will be your room. If you need anything feel free to ask Duo or me,” Trowa stated, as he led the blonde boy through the doorway.

Quatre’s gaze swept the area in wonder. There were several oak antic dressers against the far wall, and two maple nightstands on either side of the big canopy bed. There was a huge walk-in closet on the right and beside it was the doorway to the bathroom. Several famous artworks depicting landscape views of the Kingdom graced the walls. He slowly made his way around the room, glancing through the window at the splendid image of the town below.

“Are you sure I should stay here? I mean this seems like way too much for me,” the ex-slave remarked.

Trowa’s eyes took in the golden hair, fair skin, and soft blue eyes. He smiled faintly at the comment as he stepped toward the boy.

“Of course you deserve it. No one should be in the position that Heero and you were in. I take it that the room meets with your approval,” the brunette exclaimed.

“It’s just… I mean this place is amazing. I wouldn’t even know where to start,” Quatre said.

“Well you can take a shower or bath if you want. Or you can get changed for bed. I know today was a long day and you might be tired. I think Heero already went to sleep, well Duo took him to his new room any ways,” Trowa suggested.

The blonde nodded in agreement at the comment. Trowa wasn’t kidding when he first told him that the day would be long. First the trip back to the palace itself had taken awhile, mostly because they stopped half way to go shopping for a few outfits for them sense most of their clothes were worn from work or age. It had been a lot of fun however. Both Princes were nice to be around and kept both the ex-slaves thoroughly entertained. Even though Heero had been pretty quiet the whole way back.

They were then taken to the throne and introduced to Trowa and Duo’s parents. Truth be told, Quatre was a bit nervous at first but both men were polite to them, even though they were on the bottom of the social ladder when compared to the royal family. The blonde had first believed the acts were because of his hair color, which caused quite a few people to behave properly in front of him. However sense they acted the same way to Heero as well, even though he still wouldn’t talk, he realized that they were actually being nice to them. Both boys then met Wufei and the other advisors before being taken on a long tour of the palace.

“Well I’m not really that tired but I’m getting a bit chilly so, I think I’ll change into some pajamas. Where are the new clothes that you bought me?” the blonde inquired.

“They’re already in the dresser. I also put several of my older clothes in there. My new ones would be too long on you,” Trowa announced.

“Thanks,” Quatre remarked, as he walked up to the antic and pulled open the top drawer. He slowly shifted through the clothes until he came across a pair of little, blue, silk pajama bottoms and a white tank top.

“I’ll be right back.”

The blonde then made his way into the bathroom and shut the door.

“Wow, Trowa this place is huge! I’ve never seen a tub this big. The mirror is so beautiful. How old is it?” Quatre asked.

Trowa chuckled faintly at the boy’s enthusiasm. He’s pretty beautiful himself. I can’t seem to get him out of my head. He’s just so… perfect.

“That mirror was my great-great-great grandmothers. It’s about 150 years old,” the brunette answered.

“It’s simply exquisite. In fact this whole palace is.”

The door swung opened and the blond returned to the room. He ran his fingers lightly over the silk pants and smiled. “They feel so nice. You’re probably used to stuff like this but to me this is all so new,” Quatre commented.

Trowa nodded in understanding. He glanced around the room and his gaze landed on the bed. “Do you want to sit down?” he questioned.

“Sure,” The blonde stated. He went over to the bed and frowned as he realized it was too high up for him to simply sit on. The smaller boy’s line of vision went from the ground to the bed as he tried to decide the best way to get onto the mattress.

The brunette actually laughed when he finally figured out what the blond was thinking.

“Here let me help you,” Trowa exclaimed as he wrapped his arms around Quatre’s legs and pushed him up onto the bed. The boy squealed in surprise before grinning as the brunette got on as well.

“I can’t believe how big this bed is. I mean, the bed I shared with Heero was just a double so there wasn’t a lot of room. This bed, however,” The blonde’s eyes sparkled as he crawled to the other side and stretched out on the comforter, laying on his back.

Trowa’s lips turned upward as he remembered when he used to do the very same thing with Duo when they were younger. The brunette’s emerald eyes lit up as he recalled another thing they used to do. Should I though? He’s gaze landed on the blonde boy and his question was answered.

“I used to do that when I was younger. I also used to do something else with Duo as well. Want to try it?” Trowa asked.

The blonde glanced at him, a puzzled look on his face. He slowly nodded. The brunette then stood on the bed and indicated for the other to follow his example. Quatre then realized what Trowa was trying to get him to do and he laughed.

“Oh I used to do this on the small twin bed I had when I was little. Although I always got yelled at for it from my father,” the smaller boy informed.

“Well don’t worry. I won’t tell if you don’t tell.”

Quatre then took the prince’s hands and started pumping his legs, which cause his body to spring into the air. He giggled at the look on Trowa’s face.

“Come on you’re the one that wanted to do this. Jump with me Trowa!” Quatre exclaimed.

What you do to me little one. Trowa mused to himself. It’s like all my inhibitions are gone. He’s like some drug that I can’t get enough of. The brunette finally joined in on the fun, laughing along with the other boy.

They both continued to bounce on the mattress, slowly starting to spin in a circle while holding hands. Trowa couldn’t help but smile at the happy look that graced the blonde’s face. He was positively radiant in his joy.

The two boys were having so much fun that they didn’t even notice Zechs standing in the doorway. The older man smirked at the scene in front of him. He was grateful that someone had come along who could get Trowa to come out of his shell. The older boy wasn’t like Duo; he had a hard time finding people who would stay long enough to realize how fun the brunette could be if they gave him a chance. Trowa was just too shy at first and most would leave him to talk to Duo, who was always willing to offer instant conversations.

Zechs glanced at them both one more time before heading back to his bedroom. Treize was already there waiting for him. Even though his lover didn’t ask, he usually didn’t rest easy until both boys had been checked on. The longhaired man smiled as he entered his quarters and found Treize already in bed.

“I know you’re awake. Both boys are fine,” Zechs announced. He grinned as he stripped down to his boxers and crawled under the covers. The ginger haired man opened his arms invitingly and Zechs quickly pulled himself up against the other’s chest.

“In fact, if you ask me Trowa, is more then fine,” the blonde murmured.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Treize questioned.

“Well I do believe our oldest son is in love.”

Treize glanced down at the man in his arms, a look of surprise in his eyes.

“You really couldn’t tell? I mean just from meeting them the first time I could see the affection on Trowa’s face,” Zechs remarked.

“Well, love you are better at reading people then I am. Duo’s the same way. I think it must be all that hair you both have,” Treize smirked as he ran his fingers through the long blonde locks.

“You know you would hate it if I got it cut,” The other added back. He then yawned softly and settled back down in his lover’s arms.

“I hope Quatre feels the same way. Trowa’s not very good at relationships. He needs someone who cares about him,” The ginger haired man whispered.

“I’m sure he does. And if my gut instinct is right you may have two sons in happy relationships in a few months,” Zechs murmured, as he let his eyelids fall shut.

“Duo as well? With who?” Treize questioned.

The longhaired man smiled faintly but said nothing.

“You’re not going to answer are you?” His lover asked again.

“You’ll just have to wait and find out now won’t you?” Zechs exclaimed.

Treize sighed as he draped a leg over his lover's. He then closed his eyes before muttering,“Sometimes I wonder who’s really the King of this palace?”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Ok, it’s official. I’ve been lying here for an hour and I cannot fall asleep. I am totally bored out of my mind and counting the stars in the sky outside the window can only be so entertaining,” Duo announced.

The brunette glanced around the darkened room, the only visible light, fluttering through the glass window. He sighed as his gaze landed on the bookshelf in the room. He carefully pulled the covers down and stepped out of his bed. He then crept over to the bookshelf and gently touched the only stuffed animal that was in his room. It was a sitting up kitten, all black except where it had faded with rough use.

Duo smiled faintly as he pulled the toy into his grasp and hugged it tightly to his chest. It was very special to him because it was one of the few things he still had that he got from his mother. Granted he didn’t really appreciate the stuffed animal when he was younger because he never understood the concept of a mother and father. He had both Treize and Zechs so he didn’t ever miss having a mother. When he got older however he realized that neither man could replace her and anything from her was precious.

He leaped on his bed with the animal still held against him. The Prince then turned to again look out the window. He glanced at the stars that twinkled brightly in the sky and gazed down at the stuffed cat. He gently stroked the toy’s back before again returning his eyes to the outside.

“Hi mom. I’ve got a little problem here. Feel up to listening to it?” He laughed softly at the comment.

“I’m sure you have plenty of time up there. Well here’s the deal. Trowa and I just saved two slaves from some horse ranch. The one blonde, Quatre, is pretty sweet. Trowa is totally smitten by him. It’s a good thing though cause Quatre’s really nice to him and everything. The other slave is named Heero. He’s… I can’t even put into words how attractive this guy is. It’s weird though. I mean it’s not like he’s anything like me. He never talks, he’s kind of shy and withdrawn. Yet I can’t get him out of my mind. I don’t know what to do!” Duo exclaimed.

He sighed as he ran his fingertips down the cat’s face, grazing the eyes and nose.

“I would love to get together with him, however there’s a slight problem. He’s been abused all his life. His last owner did a lot of awful stuff to him. I’m not sure the full extent but Quatre said that it was pretty bad and Heero felt horrible afterwards so… well you can figure out what I think it was. How do I go about trying to reach and convince a rape victim that I won’t hurt him?”

The longhaired boy took one last look at the dark void outside before leaving his bed to place the small cat back on the bookshelf.

“I’ll give it my all, mom. I’m not a quitter and I’m going to keep trying to befriend Heero. No matter what it takes,” Duo promised. He then glanced at the bed before frowning faintly.

“Ok, I still can’t sleep here. I guess I’ll check on Heero. At least that’s something to do even though he’s probably asleep right now.”

The brunette then pulled a T-Shirt out of his dresser and put it on before walking out of his room. He slowly made his way down the hallway, pausing to step on his tiptoes across his parent’s doorway. He then passed several more doors before reaching the room that Heero was staying in.

Duo’s gaze landed on the bed and he frowned. It’s still made. Where the heck did Heero go? He scanned the perimeter and froze when he discovered the ex-slave curled up against the corner wall. Why is he over there?

“Heero? Are you awake?”

When the longhaired boy didn’t receive an answer he carefully walked over to the motionless figure. He couldn’t figure out why Heero was on the ground but shrugged the thought away as he gently lifted the lean body up and carried him to the mattress.

The ex-slave murmured faintly in his sleep before his eyes shot opened and he struggled to get out of Duo’s grasp.

“Heero, it’s ok. It’s just me,” Duo exclaimed as he tried to calm the frightened brunette.

Duo? What’s he doing here? It’s just Duo. Breathe. Heero stopped fighting with those thoughts. Duo’s nice. He saved you from being a slave. He’s not going to hurt you.

“What are you doing here?” Heero asked.

“Well, I couldn’t sleep so I thought I would take a walk around and I noticed you weren’t in your bed so I figured I would come in and see why,” Duo announced.

Ok, so it’s not the total truth but I’m not ready to tell him that I like him yet. If I told him now I would be coming on way too strong, Duo told himself.

The Prince waited for an answer that never came.

“So, you going to tell me why you weren’t sleeping on the bed?” The brunette repeated.

“I just… It doesn’t matter,” Heero murmured.

“Fine, then you can sleep on the bed.”

Duo pulled the covers down and set the boy onto the bed. Heero tried to climb out but the longhaired Prince held him to the mattress.

“I don’t want to sleep on the bed. I don’t deserve it!” The ex-slave exclaimed, as he continued to try and struggle out of the other’s grasp.

“Well, I think you do deserve to sleep on the bed and I plan to stay here all night to make sure that you do,” Duo said firmly as he settled down beside Heero, his arms still wrapped around him.

“Why are you doing this? Why give all these things to someone like me? I’m just a dirty slave. I’m not worthy of anything,” Heero said softly.

“It isn’t your fault that you were a slave. It isn’t Quatre’s fault that he was a slave. You both deserve a chance to see that life can be fun and wonderful. My brother and I want to help show you this,” Duo stated.

“Really?”

Duo smiled as he pulled the cover over the other boy. “Really. Now you go to sleep understand? I’m going to stay and make sure that you stay here as well.”

Heero nodded slowly. I know I’m not good enough for a bed like this but as long as Duo is here I’ll stay. He helped Quatre and I. He won’t hurt me. The brunette repeated this several times before finally falling asleep.
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TBC…