Spoot: Well, look who's here!

Quatre: *Waves*

Spoot: To what do we owe?

Quatre: I had an idea. May I?

Spoot: *Gestures*

Young Fool

The dynasty the young man looked upon was large. Something he had never seen, but only heard of. There was no way he would ever come to live in such a mansion without being what the rich call, The Help. And that's just what he was. The Help. Born into poverty had most of its advantages, but left the poor feeling low, doing without. When a nobleman would cross their paths they would lower their heads, but not him. No, he felt they needed to see his eyes, see how he suffered, how his family fell, leaving him to spend the rest of his days sitting by a pile of garbage looking for something to comfort his ever empty soul.

He looked into the green eyes of a young blond boy standing in the threshold of the mansion. He was smiling sweetly, holding hands with his father. The young Help scowled and gnashed his teeth at them. The little blond tugged on his father's hand. "I like him!" He sang out. The older man looked down with a smile. "Anything for my little Quatre." He said, "Anything." The little blond squealed with excitement. "My new friend! You can come inside, no need for you to stand out there any longer!" He called out. The little Help scowled, but stepped farther.

"Like this." The young master said, holding up a fork, and showing the Help how to eat with a utensil. The little one looked down at his plate filled with assorted foods, and his mouth watered. He cared not for using a fork! He scooped up some food with his hand, and shoved it into his mouth. "NO! Not like that!" The Young Master yelled, striking the Help across the face. The little one gasped and looked away. "Now now, Quatre, we must treat our toys much nicer than that." Father said. Quatre looked up at the older man. "You're right Father, I'm sorry." He looked over at the other boy, and frowned. "You will learn."

"Can I name him?" Father looked up from his paper, and laughed a bit. The little boy looked over from cleaning the floors. He hated these two people, most in the world. If only they knew how he felt, if only they could see how much they were truly hurting him. He had to bury it away though. Quatre walked over to the other boy, with a smile. "What else is it that you need from me?" He asked. Quatre looked pleased. "Father, he's learning to speak so properly!" Father nodded. Quatre looked back at the other boy. "Are you finished with your chore?" He asked, and the Help nodded. "Good. Two things, one, I want to play, and the second, I want to name you!"

The Help scowled, he already had a name, but that was stripped of him when he came to work on this ghastly estate. He stuffed down the urge to lash out, and calmly asked, "What shall you like to call me, I will answer to it." Quatre smiled. I shall ask that you call me Master from now on." He said. "And the name I shall be given?" The Help asked. Quatre took a harsh tone, "Don't be so hasty! I'm getting to that!" The help cowered, afraid of the lashing he may receive. "I think...I shall call you…" The blond thought for a moment, then smiled. "Duo."

Many years had passed. Duo and Quatre were now in their teen years. Quatre's father had fallen ill a few years ago, and that was what had claimed him. Now the young blond was orphaned, but sitting pretty on his father's large estate and business ventures. Duo was ever the slave. Doing everything, everything his foolish Master demanded. He hated it so, even more than the looks he got when the two walked into town. The poor folks glared at him. How he wish he could just explain everything to them, and let them know he was still one of them at heart.

"It's Sunday." Quatre said. Duo looked up from polishing something. "So it is Master. Shall I get your Tea ready?" Quatre stepped into the room. With a sigh he spoke, "No, I grow tired of tea. I shall take a cup of coffee in my drawing room." Duo set the cloth down and stood up, then took a light bow. "Right away young Master." He said, then stood up and smiled. His eyes were empty though. Quatre smiled back, and then promptly struck Duo in the face. The boy welcomed the pain. "You haven't finished your chores! How dare you!" He bellowed. Duo lowered his head. "I'm sorry Master; I was only trying to do as you asked. Nothing more." He was struck again. He grit his teeth, but said nothing, and accepted his punishment.

Duo poured the cup, silent as he worked. Quatre sat at his desk, looking over some papers. "I still can't believe the East India Trading Company is pulling out!" He sighed. Duo looked up, staying quiet, knowing better than to speak up, and interfere with his Master's affairs. Quatre let out another sigh, and threw the papers on the desk. "Thank you Duo, you may leave me." He said, taking up his cup. "Master." Duo said, with a little bow. He took this time to start backing out of the room, but stopped when Quatre spoke.

"No, wait. I have a question to ask you." Duo looked up and stood still. "Come, sit." Duo did as he was told, sitting across from his master. "Do you find me attractive?" He asked. This was sure to be a challenge. Duo was unsure of how to answer. To say yes, meant revealing to his master that he was a homosexual, to say no, was to get lashed. To say nothing, was an even worse idea. Duo looked up, unable to speak. Quatre smiled. "I'm sorry, that was a bit improper. You see, there's this young man I'm interested in, but he seems to be avoiding me. Any ideas?" Duo stayed quiet, having learned something new about his master.

"It's ok, you can tell me, you're free to say whatever you want for the moment, and I won't pass judgment."

"You won't?"

"Not at the moment, and I won't hold it over your head later. Take it as a free pass." Quatre smiled.

"Well…Ok. How do you treat this man that you have an eye for?"

Quatre sat back in his chair and put his hands on his chin. "Hmm. Well, I suppose I treat him well, I give him whatever he wants. That's good right?" Duo smiled, but knew the answer that was about to come would upset the young fool. "Sometimes that's not enough. He may need to know you care, personally, not just with material objects. People need to feel loved." Quatre sat up. "You are so right. Wise beyond your years aren't you." Duo nodded. "Yes, it is the way you taught me, after all." Quatre smiled, then let out a light giggle. "Yes, very wise indeed. You may go now. I shall take your advice. Thank you." Duo stood up, and bowed, then left the room. Quatre sat back in his chair, and smiled. "Yes, I shall take your advice…"

Duo had stepped into the main dining hall to a surprise. The long table was set and gleaming, so it seemed. Quatre stepped into view. "Do you like it?" He asked. "Who did all this, it is my job! Someone took that from me!"

"Are you upset?" Quatre asked, taking a seat. "I am! This was my job! Someone has taken it from me, now what do I have!" Duo yelled. Unaware that he was indeed, expected to hold his tongue in front of his young master. Quatre looked puzzled. "Whatever do you mean? Please try and calm yourself, this is all for you." Duo's mouth dropped open, making Quatre giggle. "I did this!" He giggled, "I know how, I'm not completely helpless. Though, I can't tie my shoes, I leave that to you." Duo backed up a bit. "I don't understand…what are you saying?"

Quatre smiled wide. "I took your advice, and am now showing the young man I have my eye on, how I feel."

"And this is your way of thanking me, is it?" Duo asked.

"Silly boy, you are the man I have my eye on."

Duo's heart stopped.

Spoot: Very nice!

Quatre: I'm not done, I have more up here. *taps head*

Spoot: But you want a response?

Quatre: YUP! You know what to do!