Chapter 8

"This is your room."

Rashid stood aside, revealing a room to the left of the front door. It was small, but still bigger than what Quatre was used to. It contained a bed with a comfortable looking quilt on it, a desk with a lamp and computer terminal, and an oak set of dressers. It was bare but homely, and that was all he really needed.

After lunch he had indeed taken that second shower, soaking up the warmth into his taxed muscles. Once he'd dried, he'd gone back into the living room to find Abdule sprawled out on the couch watching some science fiction show on the vid.

With nothing else to do, he'd sat in the chair he had earlier and watched with his silent companion. Abdule had been friendly during lunch and had even managed to get him to smile. He knew the smile was a disappointment to the jokes that Abdule was telling but the man took it all in stride and continued to take his smiles for what they were worth.

Somewhere in the second episode of the show, Rashid had returned and Abdule had questioned him about things Quatre didn't understand. Finally, Rashid had decided to show Quatre the rest of the apartment, leaving his room for last.

"Thank you."

"No need. Everyone needs space of their own. I have arranged for the shop computer to link to yours later tonight. Abdule will show you how to use it and you can order as much as you like." Quatre wasn't sure what a shop computer was but it sounded very strange.

Abdule piped up over Rashid's shoulder.

"Yeah! We'll buy you some clothes--clothes that fit--and some things to play with! I think our encyclopedia is like ten years old, at least that's the last copy Rashid ordered when I got here. So we'll need another one of those so you have something to study with. Oh, and some new upgrades for that terminal, I can't believe how old that computer system is. When was the last time we upgraded that stupid thing?"

Rashid shrugged. "Probably the last time you whined incessantly for it."

Abdule scoffed. "More like the last time I told you to cook yourself dinner."

Rashid laughed.

Taking a hesitant step forward, Quatre moved soundlessly across the room. Everything was clean but looked as if no one had touched anything in a long time. His hand ghosted over furniture, noting the wood was real and not synthetic as most wood products were now. As he made his way to the computer terminal, he was surprised by what he'd heard Abdule say. To everything Quatre knew, this terminal was state of the art. He wondered just how hard it would be for him to begin again in this strange new world.

Rashid spoke behind him and Quatre turned to see that he had taken Abdule under his arm, their casual manner about touching immediately making him envious.

"This used to be Abdule's room when I first took him as Recruit. I thought it was important that he have a space to call his own. But just like you, he slept with me, and while you have a bed in here, it is only if absolutely necessary."

Abdule cut in. "Or, if you decide to have a sleep over!" Quatre looked at him with absolute confusion; so did Rashid. "You never know, Quatre, you might actually have one, it's not unheard of."

Rashid rolled his eyes but Quatre continued to look confused until his curiosity got the better of him. "What is that?"

Now it was Abdule's turn to look confused. "What's what?

"A…sleep over?"

Again, that sad expression stole into Abdule's eyes, and Quatre again regretted his ignorance.

"It's when you have people come over and spend the night. Usually it's a party with snacks, junk food, and bad Before Colony movies. They're a lot of fun. You'll have to have one when you get more comfortable."

Quatre nodded absently, trying to understand this strange new concept.

Suddenly, a beeping sounded and Abdule looked across Rashid to the watch that sat on his wrist wrapped about Rashid's waist.

"Oh, Quatre, it's time for another shake. Getting tired of them yet?"

He was, but at the same time he was full, something that didn't happen very often. He said nothing but walked with the men out of the room.

Fifteen minutes later he'd managed to choke down yet another shake, this one with something called cinnamon in it. He liked the nutmeg better.

"So, Quatre, what did you think of your room? We can decorate it however you'd like. I'm not sure of what you do like but we'll find something on the shop computer."

He understood the concept of decorating, he remembered vividly the layout of his childhood home; but as to how to decorate, he had no clue. Deciding it was better to spread his stupidity around than concentrate it all in one sitting, he just nodded his agreement.

Rashid had called up some music and they were happily listening to some unknown orchestra play an old piece by Mozart. Rashid asked him quietly. "Did you ever learn to play an instrument, Quatre?"

He looked at Rashid for a long moment before answering. "I play the violin."

"Still?" Abdule looked slightly surprised.

He nodded. "My father used to bring me strings if—" Quickly he snapped his mouth shut, an audible click of his teeth the finish of his sentence.

Rashid wasn't prepared to allow that. His voice was gentle but commanding. "If what, Quatre?"

He didn't want to answer. He was trying so hard to put the past behind him, so very hard. Closing his eyes he drew his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms about his legs, holding them close to his body. For a long time he said nothing, hoping Rashid would grow tired of waiting or Abdule would change the subject. But neither one happened, and nearly five minutes later still had both men calmly waiting for a response.

Taking a deep breath, he bent.

"If…I could trade…something else for strings or resin. It was worth the trade."

"What kind of trade, Quatre?" He closed his eyes again. He knew Rashid would not like the answer. He'd been kind to him so far and Quatre knew that if he said anything Rashid would get that sad expression in his eyes, and that Abdule would offer him that sad smile. He didn't need or want their pity, that's not what he wanted at all. He just didn't know what he did want.

"Usually food or vitamins, sometimes water. It was worth it…to be able to play. I don't think so much when I play." And he didn't, losing himself in the music he created in his mind. He'd been taught to read notes as a child but over the years the knowledge had abandoned him. He hadn't needed it really, enjoying the way his fingers caressed the strings on their own. He didn't know if it could be called music but he liked it, losing himself in it, and that was really all that mattered. He forgot to be hungry when he played. Sometimes he even imagined that he heard someone else playing with him, a strange duet that calmed his soul upon hearing it. It always made him feel less lonely when the strange sensation of another player pressed upon him. But that sensation usually came towards the end of the month when he was living off scraps of rations and a cup of water a day, he usually attributed it to his delirium.

He was surprised by the words that followed his confession.

"I have never learned an instrument myself. Perhaps you could show me how to play?"

Quatre looked startled at Rashid. He'd expected the sorrowful eyes but instead Rashid had asked him to teach him how to play. He paled as he realized his inadequacies.

"I-I don't know how to read music. I couldn't show you."

But Rashid was undaunted.

"Perhaps the basics then?"

He looked up at that. Here was a way for him to show Rashid his thanks. The man had already given him so much, Quatre felt such elation at being able to return the favor, if hardly in kind. He nodded enthusiastically and smiled softly back at Rashid's smile.

Then he thought of something.

"Abdule?" It was the first time he'd spoken the man's name towards him. Surprised, Abdule nodded. "I-I could show you to…if you wanted." His voice died quickly, not knowing enough to tell if he'd just insulted the man.

But Abdule's smiled brightened and he nodded excitedly. "Great! I was wondering how I was going to con Rashid into showing me after you'd taught him." There was a note of truth in his voice and Quatre felt some pang in his heart at its sound. Rashid heard it as well.

"Abdule," the young man looked at his Teacher. "You are not expected to tip toe around subjects, do you understand?" It was as much an apology as it was a reprimand and Abdule seemed to understand that.

"Yeah, I get it. I just don't want to horn in on your guy's bonding time. It's just a little weird to draw the line, that's all."

Feeling terrible, Quatre's first reaction was to apologize. "I-I'm sorry, Abdule."

"No, Quatre don't—"

"Both of you stop!"

At Rashid's harsh words Quatre jumped, a great gasp of air as he stiffened to attention, his only sound. Abdule too sat up straight, obviously not used to hearing Rashid speak so harshly.

The man took a deep breath before addressing them both equally.

"I do not pretend this is an easy thing for either of you. Quatre, you have no idea what to expect from either myself, Abdule, or anything else around you. And Abdule, I cannot even imagine how hard this must be for you to allow my time to be divided like this. But I will not allow either of you to ghost around each other in the hopes of not bumping into one another. You are both like brothers, and there are bound to be fights between you two, as much as tender moments. Neither one of you, from this point forward, is to try to self-sacrifice for the other, is that understood? That means Abdule, you will speak up if you want to do something; and Quatre, you will stop thinking you are some kind of burden. These things will be hard for both of you but it is now what I expect, is that understood?"

Eyes downcast at the gentle reprimand, both nodded before looking up and at each other. Abdule was the first to respond.

"I guess it's gonna be a lot harder than I thought. But I'm glad you're with us, Quatre. It'll…be nice to have a little brother." Quatre offered a weak return smile before looking timidly at Rashid.

"Good. I am glad we have settled that. Now." Without effort Rashid stood and moved across the coffee table to tower over Quatre in the other chair. "It is time for Abdule and I to find out exactly where we stand with you, Quatre."

Foreboding overwhelmed him and Quatre was hard pressed not to curl harder into himself. He didn't like the way that sounded at all.

"Quatre?" He looked up but found that Rashid was now kneeling by the chair. "Do you remember this morning when I told you that it was my job to push you?" Hesitantly, he nodded. "And do you also remember when I said it was important for you to learn that you could trust Abdule and myself?" Again he nodded. "Good. It is important for us to build trust, Quatre. You need to understand that you can come to either Abdule or myself if you need anything, anytime or anywhere. Trust is not something that just comes, it has to be earned, and the three of us are going to have to force it just a little."

Quatre drew in a shaky breath at the word 'force'. He still wasn't certain about their customs and his brow crinkled in worry as Rashid stood and offered him his hand as he'd done earlier that morning. Quatre looked at it blankly.

"Take my hand, Quatre." Another command, but he wasn't as worried about following this one, he knew Rashid wouldn't touch him for long. Slowly he reached for the giant hand and again ghosted it as he sat up himself to stand next to his Teacher. Then Rashid turned to Abdule. "Follow us." Quatre noted that Abdule nodded and rose without protest as they both followed Rashid towards the bedroom.

He tried not to let panic overwhelm him but it was hard, so very hard. Again his lack of knowledge of their customs frightened him and he felt his body tense in indecision.

The door's closing sounded so final to Quatre that he swung around and nearly collided with Abdule.

"Hey there, it's alright. No one's going to hurt you, Quatre. Come on, Rad's waiting."

He nodded without feeling it, turning around to find Rashid standing by the bed, his hand indicating that Quatre should climb onto it.

He was getting so blasted tired of this but his muscles quaked again. Wishing he could just learn to control his body, Quatre sat on the edge of the bed, looking away from both men, instead staring at the wall across from him.

"Scoot back, Quatre; to the middle."

He tried, he really did. His mind compelled his limbs to move, to comply with Rashid's command but he couldn't, his arms and legs just wouldn't work. Instead they continued to shake, and against every principle he'd ever lived by, tears of frustration collected in his eyes. He wanted so much to please his Teacher. Rashid had been so kind to him, compassion something Quatre desired so badly he was willing to do anything to get it. But his arms refused to hold him up and his legs were still as stone. He thought about the safe word, Rashid's proclamation that it was alright to say when he was frozen in place, but he didn't want to, didn't want to admit defeat yet--and didn't want to test the word and find Rashid's promises false.

After a moment, Rashid knelt down next to him and started at the tears that had fallen from his lashes to slide gracefully down his cheeks.

"Oh, Quatre."

"I-I'm s-sorry…n-nothing works." Helplessly he shook his arms, indication that they didn't want to function.

"Do not be sorry, Quatre. Do you remember our safe word?" Abdule came to kneel next to him as well, as he nodded his head. At least his neck worked. "You can say it if you have to."

Bravely he shook his head, he was going to do this, if for no other reason that he was not going to show this much weakness on only the third day.

Taking deep breaths, Quatre closed his eyes, gathering his strength into his arms. In one desperate push he flexed his arms to take the weight of his body and push it back on the bed. They gave out under his weight, buckling under the stress of an indecisive mind.

On instinct he wrapped his arms around himself, lowing his head to his chest as he tried not to sob in frustration. Why was this so hard? Didn't all people do this? He wanted to be normal, he wanted to be a good Recruit, he wanted to please Rashid, which was all he really wanted.

In despair he spoke in a whisper.

"I can't."

"It's alright, Quatre. Shhhhh, don't worry." Abdule's fingers brushed his hair from his face and he was too exhausted to flinch away from the contact. "It's not your fault, Quatre. None of this is your fault and you shouldn't be sorry about it. There isn't anything in the world harder to get than trust, believe me I know." Quatre sensed understanding from Abdule and he looked up with red rimmed eyes. "Oh Little Quatre, don't cry. You're not alone, and I understand, really I do. Maybe not all of it, but I understand this, not wanting anyone near you at all. Afraid that the next person that touches you is going to hurt you worst than the last."

Startled that Abdule's words so precisely matched his emotions, Quatre gave the briefest hint of a nod; Abdule continued, Rashid just listened.

"When I first got here, I was a wreck! Literally. I'd been a troublemaker for my Master and he'd decided to see if he could get some coin for my hid by selling me to the Maguanacs as a slave. That's all I was before, a slave. But when he brought me before the leader, he found that nothing he said would convince them that I was worthy to be taken in. He got so angry. At that age I was obstinate, cruel, and dangerously close to giving up. My Master told the leader that I was good for two things, sex and mining. But the leader pointed out that the Maguanacs didn't do any mining, and that they couldn't use either of my skills. Then, just like you, he asked me if I wanted to become a Maguanac. I told him to go to Hell, and that I'd rather die than move from one Master to another like a dog. Yep, I think those were my exact words." He paused, and Quatre saw Rashid slide his arm around his oldest Recruit. "Rashid was with the leader when my Master brought me in. He was so angry; but at the time I thought it was because of me, I later realized that it was because of what my Master was saying."

Rashid spoke quietly, trying not to break the mood but comforting Abdule as best he could. "He's not your Master anymore, no one is."

Abdule was quiet for a moment before he turned to look Rashid directly in the eye. "You are. I don't know how to be without a Master; I've never quite figured it out. You might not say you are in word or action but that's how I think of you. I know you'd never abuse me, I know that with my soul, but you are Rashid. I know you don't like it, but that's the only way I know how to make it all make sense."

Quatre could feel the dislike from Rashid but the giant said nothing as he nodded and waited for Abdule to continue.

After a deep breath he did. "Well, of course my Master told the leader that I posses the 'Homo' gene and that I liked it up the ass as good as the next freak." Quatre shivered at Abdule's cruel and vulgar words, the emotions filling his heart ones of pain and suffering. "Anyway, the leader handed Rashid a bag of silver and Rad threw it at my Master. The next thing I knew I was a Maguanac and Rashid was my Teacher. That didn't go over real well." Abdule smiled at Rashid and the two shared a private moment. "Actually, it was terrible. I didn't trust Rashid and after learning about Aisha's chapter and how Allah had granted us the ability to freely know each other, I was flipping out. Then Rad sprang that whole, Teacher and Recruit relationship thing to me and I went nuts. You know what I'm talking about?" He did and nodded. "Did it freak you out too?" He dropped his eyes to his folded arms before thinking better of it and meeting dark sunglasses. He nodded.

"I was scared…I…still am."

Abdule offered an understanding smile. "I was scared for a long time too. It was hard because Rashid insisted that we share the same bed from the very beginning and the only time I'd ever shared a bed was when I was…" His sentence trailed off and it took only a gentle tug before he was wrapped securely in Rashid's arms, the giant's hands stroking fine brown hair.

He felt as if he were intruding on a very private moment and immediately felt uncomfortable. Rashid caught his eye and very lightly shook his head. Rashid's words from earlier came back to him and he tried his best to—if nothing else—be there for his…brother.

After a moment, Abdule pulled away, a shuttering breath escaping him. "Uh, sorry, Quatre."

This, Quatre knew how to answer. "Don't be. I…feel your pain…I…understand."

Both men looked at him, odd expressions that he couldn't decipher.

"I wish you didn't have to." Abdule's voice was so sad.

Quatre shrugged. "It's what I do."

It was true. This was his curse and his blessing. He could feel the emotions of others but didn't know how to control it, didn't know how to stop it once it had begun. He felt Abdule's sadness at his comment but concentrated on bring up shields to block the emotions from coming through. They belonged to Abdule and Quatre would not steal them to fill his own void.

Fingers danced over his bangs again and this time it was Rashid.

Abdule continued. "I didn't want Rashid to touch me, not at all. I used to move into the other room when he came in or hide out in my room. He used to try to sit on the couch with me, only I'd scoot to the other end until I could get up and move to a chair. I could tell I was frustrating him to no end, but what could I do? After a while, when I'd realized that he was kind and caring, that he didn't intend to hurt me, I just didn't know how to reach out to him. There were days I wanted him to hold me but I left the room rather than ask. It was frustrating for both of us, and then finally, one day I just snapped.

"We were in the living room together. I was about seventeen and only about three or four months into my time here. I don't even remember what it was Rashid said, nothing relevant, but I went off like a cannon. I started hitting—hard—punches and kicks that landed where they were supposed to. Through it all he blocked, even tried to avoid me, but never—not one time—did he hit back, not once. I was crying, screaming at him that I hated him, that I hated this colony and that I'd never wanted to be a Maguanac in the first place.

"I'm still not sure exactly what happened, but I somehow manage to land a punch that sent Rashid to the floor. Boy, was I scared. But when I looked down, he was just laying on his back, a deep sadness in his eyes. I fell apart, sinking to my knees and sobbing like there was no tomorrow. I didn't think about it when it happened just did it, and the next thing I knew, I'd crawled into Rashid's arms and he was rocking me softly, telling me everything was going to be ok. And the funny thing was, I believed him.

"From that moment on, I just went to him. Sitting on the couch, I'd crawl into his lap. In the kitchen I'd plant my butt on whatever counter was closest to where he was cooking. I hardly used my room after that, and for a while I didn't even want to go to lessons, I just wanted to be around him. See, he was safe, I could trust him. Rad's like that; once you get to know him, he just doesn't seem threatening anymore. Now I'm not going to say we didn't have our moments when all I wanted to do was get him out of my sight; and for the first year I went from periods of wanting him next to me all the time to hiding out in the camps to avoid him.

"But after a while it gets easier, Quatre. It's hard at first, but it does get easier. Don't worry if it takes you longer, and don't try to rush it, it'll come. One second you'll be avoiding us like the plague, the next you'll want to cuddle and do each others make-up." He smiled at his joke and Quatre followed in kind. "You're not a freak, Quatre. No one's been through exactly what you have but we all understand the pain you're going through. If you can't do something now, you'll be able to do it later. Trust Rashid to do what's best for you, and trust me if you need someone to talk to. I'll do everything I can to earn your trust, I promise."

Again, he was overcome with a sense of peace at Abdule's words. The man had shared a very intimate secret about himself and Quatre was grateful to hear that he wasn't alone in his fears. Abdule just had this way of making him feel less alone. Wanted, yes, that was what it was. When Abdule spoke to him, he felt wanted. He liked the feeling immensely.

Without words, Quatre drew in a deep breath and then unhooked his arms from about his body. Pushing into the mattress he slid his frame back along the bed until he was horizontal to its length. He was now in the middle and deemed that far enough for one day.

"Quatre?" He looked down tiredly at Abdule who'd stood to sit on the bed. "I know that we're not really brothers, and that I'm over a decade older than you are, but I'll be here if you need me. Working with Rashid is going to be hard, especially in the beginning. You can come to me about anything, no matter how silly or crazy. We're going to get through this together, because that's what it means to be family. Rashid taught me that, and he'll teach you, but I'm going to help damnit, if you like it or not!" The last was spoken with humor and Quatre offered a weak and tired smile in return.

Rashid, who was also sitting on the bed, moved himself until he was sitting next to Quatre. For some reason, Quatre didn't flinch away. Next Abdule moved up as well, and then Quatre was blocked in on two sides by two equally imposing men. He took deep breaths to calm his nerves, tried to calm the shivers that raced under his skin.

His Teacher's voice was patient as he spoke.

"Lie on your back, Quatre. You can put your arms wherever you want, but Abdule and I are going to place one finger against your shoulders, just one. We are going to leave them there until you tell us you have had enough. Try to stay lying down as long as you can. Understand?"

This was going to be impossible! The invasion of his space he could understand, even a slight touch if he was ready for it. But this, to be boxed in, to have two people touching him at the same time and letting it happen, it was so hard for him to even consider.

But with Abdule's words still ringing in his ears, Quatre made a slow decent to lay on his back, arms crossed defensively over his chest, eyes closed against the inevitable.

He felt the bed shift as both Abdule and Rashid lay on their sides next to him. He drew in a shaky breath.

"Alright, Quatre, Abdule and I are now going to place one finger each onto your shoulders. Tell us when to stop." He didn't nod, he didn't have to.

The touches were light, barely there, but Quatre felt them like hot pokers. He tried not to, but a half sob and whimper escaped him. His muscles tensed yet again and he felt the ache of them all throughout his body. His breath flowed in and out in choppy bursts that left him feeling dizzy and weak, while his body quaked at the contact; all he wanted to do was sit straight up and bolt across the room.

For what felt like eternity he lay there, surrounded by muscle and warm flesh, shaking as if he were still on the satellite. Two times he made to dart up, but kept to his place, praying it would be over soon, but prolonging his suffering because he so wanted to please them.

They talked to him, Abdule offering quiet comments about this or that, while Rashid spoke about the beauty of the places he had yet seen, and how he was looking forward to Quatre showing him the violin. Abdule talked about how much fun it was going to be buying Quatre everything he wanted--and definitely deserved to have--off the shop computer. But for the most part he couldn't hear their words, vague sounds that seemed to pass through Gundanium to reach his ears.

When it finally happened, it took him by complete surprise, it was not a command from his conscious mind.

"NO MORE!!!" He bolted up right, scrambling across the bed to run for the door. Quickly he ran though it, not realizing in his haste that neither Rashid nor Abdule had called for him to stop. In the living room he swung wildly around looking for an exit. He didn't know why he did it, but his feet just carried him to the prayer room. Pressing the release key, he stepped quickly inside, shutting the door and moving into a corner of the room closest to the door so that he would see the entering person before they saw him.

He never knew how long he stayed in there. But finally, on once again stable legs, he rose and opened the door. Rashid and Abdule were on the couch, sitting closely talking quietly.

Rashid turned to him with a wide smile on his face and Quatre quickly realized that Abdule had done the same.

His Teacher's words startled him. "Nearly four minutes, Quatre. That was very, very good." His deep voice was filled with sincerity and Quatre felt an immense sense of relief. He hadn't given much thought to Rashid's anger at him for running out, but now that the danger had passed and Rashid was even happy with him, he sagged at the relief.

"Oh, Quatre, one more thing." He looked up at Abdule's smiling face. "It's shake time."

He didn't have the energy to groan.

* * *

Later that night found him sitting in front of his new computer, Abdule behind him on the bed. He was carefully examining each piece the computer displayed for practicality and durability. Abdule was well and good frustrated with him.

"For the love of Allah, Quatre, just pick some things you like. It doesn't have to have eight hidden functions or be able to open a tin can and unlock a Gundanium safe. How about a lamp, not one that has three different settings and is mobile, just a lamp that you like. Come on, work with me here!"

Quatre turned and blessed his fellow Recruit with a rare smile before turning back to the machine.

"Oh, Quatre, you're going to be the death of me yet!"

For some odd reason, at ease with Abdule in the safety of his room, Quatre turned and asked. "What do you think of this?"

Curious at being asked his opinion, Abdule stood and moved to stand beside him. He shifted away from the advancing figure but didn't flinch.

It was a stuffed camel. One of those large ones that Quatre had seen on the vid.'s perfect families. He didn't expect the reaction he got.

"That is so cute! He can sit right on the end of the bed! The perfect room guard. He'll be perfect!"

Quatre's face faulted. "I-I was joking."

Abdule offered him a cheeky smile. "Hey, give a guy some credit, I got your cruel joke, now here's mine." With a swift movement of his hand, Abdule selected the stuffed animal to be imported on the next supply convoy, which happened to be in three days.

Quatre was stunned. "You just—"

"Yep! Aren't I bad?"

Aghast at the frivolousness of it all, he turned incredibly wide eyes on his so-called brother. "It's a waste. Rashid shouldn't have to—"

"Rad told you to get whatever you wanted. He meant it, Quatre. Whatever you want! That means that you get some practical things and some just plain kick ass stuff! Trust me, Rashid's budget can handle it, the man lives like a monk half the time."

"But…I don't want to—"

"Oh you! Listen, if he says anything we'll just tell him I pushed the button, deal?"

Still stunned by Abdule's carelessness with credits, he nodded hesitantly.

Just then, the chimes to his room rang out. No one said anything for a moment, until Abdule looked pointedly at him.

"Quatre, Rashid won't come in unless you tell him to. This is your space and he respects that."

Nodding his understanding, Quatre called for Rashid to enter.

The door slid open and the man walked through.

"It is late. You can continue your shopping in the morning. Let us go to bed."

"Good, I was getting tired of arguing with Quatre anyway. Rad, did you know he can be such a brat when you're not looking!" Horrified, Quatre was about to shake his head when Abdule turned around and winked at him, a large smile on his face. "You know, Quatre, the time will come when you'll actually chase me around the apartment screaming you're going to kill me. Until then, I'll let you save it all up for the first real fight we get into. Who knows, you might actually land a punch on me." His smile was bright and friendly, and though Quatre didn't know quite how to take the threat, he nodded in return.

"Quatre, let us go." Rashid stood by the door and with a deep breath, Quatre followed.

In the bedroom the two men stripped, but Rashid told Quatre he could sleep with his pants on if he wished. "Until you're more comfortable."

Nodding, he shakily removed his shirt and quickly dove under the covers to hid beneath them. Rashid slid in first, stretching his arm across the pillows.

"I know you are nervous, Quatre. We are going to play against your empathic abilities tonight. You do not know much about them but I have been taught some things. Lay on your back and close your eyes, when you open them it will be morning. Understand?"

Ignoring everything but Rashid's words, Quatre nodded hard before squeezing his eyes closed. There was a moment of nothing and then he felt Rashid's warm hand against the middle of his chest. Then he felt no more.

"That is the most amazing thing I've ever seen." Abdule said as he slid in behind Quatre.

Rashid smiled as he gently maneuvered Quatre onto his side until his head was pillowed in the crook of his shoulder, the small waif-ish arm now cushioned against his chest.

"His abilities are untrained, so he latches onto the first set of emotions that he experiences. I concentrate on feeling extremely tired and his already exhausted body just passes out from the force of it. I do not like doing it this way, but until he becomes more comfortable, this will be the least stressful for him."

Abdule nodded as he scooted up to spoon in behind Quatre. After a moment of quiet silence he spoke. "I'm glad he's with us, for his sake as much as ours. I know it's strange, but he already feels like family to me."

Rashid nodded as he curled his fingers to massage lightly against Abdule's neck. "Go to sleep. I'll keep watch until after you've drifted off."

"Rad?"

"Yes."

"Thank you for loving me."

A sad sweet smile crossed the giant's lips. "I love you too, now go to sleep."

In moments two sets of deep breathing filled the room and Rashid closed his eyes to make it three.