A/N: (Giggles madly) Remember, folks, this story is rated M for Mature!
Joining the Circus
Harry sat bolt upright, a scream strangled in his throat. Wild green eyes darted around the unfamiliar room, looking for the looming shape of his uncle. Sweat blinded his eyes as his heart beat machine-gun-fast in his chest, and he quickly wiped it away. Blue walls… pillows… bookshelf… Uncle, where?... His hand touched something soft and he recoiled. Squinting in the dark, he looked down to see a stuffed rabbit… Sage!
Hazy memories trickled into his sleep disorientated mind; images of brothers and food and warmth. He wasn't with Uncle. He was at a circus far away from there. As the panic and adrenaline drained away, he huddled on his pillows, muffling his sobs with Sage's body.
Slowly, a soft sound reached his ears. His head jerked up to see the shadow of someone sitting outside his door. The sound became a song. Harry sighed, tears slowing. Wufei; he was singing. The song faded the nightmare scenes of terror and pain. His eyes grew heavy and he heaved a small sigh, calm once more as he fell into dreamless sleep.
xXxXxXx
Quatre sighed as the sharp terror faded from his senses. He became aware of a tickling sensation ghosting over his face, and opened his eyes to see Trowa staring down at him in concern.
"Are you okay?" the brunet whispered.
"Yes. We both are." Quatre smiled and gently hooked the long bangs behind Trowa's ear. It exposed the rather remarkably beautiful face of his lover, and he felt heat spark through his body. "Who did you wake?"
Trowa's eyes warmed in amusement though his expression didn't change. "Wufei."
They'd been at the circus for a week now, and this was the second time Quatre had woken from Harry's night terrors. He refused to call them nightmares because they were much stronger than that. The first time, they'd been surprised when Wufei had volunteered to comfort the boy, but they'd all let him try.
Quatre hadn't thought anything could help, but his friend had done remarkably well. Just like tonight, Harry had calmed within fifteen minutes and was even able to go back to sleep. He wondered what Wufei's secret was, but the teen had requested privacy and Quatre wasn't about to pry. Whatever he did, it worked wonders.
Feather light touches continued across his lips, down his throat, and circled his nipples. Propped up on one arm among the pillows and soft sheets that made up their bed, Trowa's long tan fingers moved over Quatre's pale, damp skin in teasing caresses. Quatre went from feeling warm pleasure to starving in the space of seconds. It had been almost two months since they'd been intimate. He rolled, pinning his tall lover on his back and plunged his tongue into the open, willing mouth.
He licked and sucked until Trowa arched against him, a moan beginning in his chest. Flashing a dangerous little smile, Quatre moved down Trowa's lean chest, dragging his tongue down the flat stomach, and practically yanked Trowa's pants down. A spark of apprehension from his lover made Quatre slow. He took a deep breath and carefully took Trowa's length into his mouth. He shivered in anticipation as a deep, resonant moan escaped his love.
He sucked and licked, enjoying the feel of Trowa's lean thighs flexing around him. He looked up through his golden bangs to see Trowa's exposed face flushed and damp with sweat. His kiss-swollen mouth was parted as he panted and gasped, his eyes tightly shut. Those long fingers Quatre loved so much grasped and pulled at the sheets in pleasure. Impatient, Quatre shoved his hand up, pressing at those red lips.
Trowa's lust-dark eyes opened halfway as he obediently sucked them into his hot, wet mouth. He had to curl forward to get the whole finger inside, which thrust his hips up, pushing his member deeper into Quatre's mouth. Quatre swallowed around the rigid flesh, thrusting helplessly against the pillows beneath him as Trowa keened in the back of his throat.
Sucking with a steady pressure, Quatre removed his wet digits and reached back to slip them into his own body. Trowa's eyes watched avidly as he pushed them in, ignoring the burn in his hurry to prepare himself. Lube would be better, but they didn't have any with them and Quatre was not waiting any longer to have his lover.
Trowa reached down to run his fingers through Quatre's sweat-dampened hair. His breath came in quickened pants, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Quatre groaned around Trowa's length as he slipped a third finger inside. Trowa whimpered, his head thrown back as he arched gracefully off the pillows. Quatre pulled his mouth away with a pop and slid sensually up Trowa's body. Nearly growling, he grasped Trowa's length and slammed back on it. Pain arched through his body, and he gave a quiet cry, only to shiver in ecstasy as pleasure rolled in after.
"Quatre…" Trowa rasped, voice deep and husky. His eyes were wide, his hands bruising Quatre where they held on.
"Sorry," Quatre lied, but he obediently lifted in a slow, smooth glide before falling in an equally deliberate motion.
"Quatre…" This time his moan was one of approval and pleasure.
Quatre shivered again at the sexed out voice. It took all his control not to slam back and ride Trowa hard. "So good," he groaned as he was stretched and filled in waves. He pressed a hand flat to Trowa's chest for leverage, the other reaching out to entwine their fingers on his hip. They moved in perfect coordination, Trowa surging up as he went down. In and out and again.
"Oh yes, yes, there, just like that," he babbled helplessly.
Trowa groaned deep and long, making Quatre gasp and his hips snap back sharply. Trowa's hands tightened, keeping him steady and the rhythm slow. Quatre keened softly, about to go out of his head with need. Soon they were drenched in sweat, hung suspended on a slowly thinning thread as the pleasure built. Quatre's thighs trembled. He whimpered and moaned, wordlessly begging for the end. He wanted… he wanted…
"Oh god! Almost… Yes!"
Stars exploded around, within. He came hard, arching and throwing his head back with a little cry. Trowa sat up abruptly, curling around Quatre's rigid body, mouth biting into a slender shoulder as he filled his lover in a searing hot burst. Quatre moaned, his pleasure spiking at the sensation. He clawed onto Trowa's shoulders, desperate for something to hang on to as his vision went white then red then black.
Body throbbing, languid and satisfied, Quatre lifted his head from where he was sprawled across Trowa's chest. He pressed a wet kiss over Trowa's heart and closed his eyes to sleep, lulled by the contentment coming off his partner in waves.
xXxXxXx
Harry woke slowly, the echo of lullabies floating through his mind. He immediately looked toward his doorway. Wufei still sat there, legs crossed with his feet propped up on his knees. His back was perfectly straight and his hands rested loosely in his lap. Harry could hardly believe it hadn't been a dream. Nightmares were so much more believable than having a brother willing to sing to him when he woke up afraid and alone. Overwhelmed with love and a feeling of unworthiness, he began to cry.
"Hush, little brother," Wufei admonished without opening his eyes. "I want to be here. It feels good to meditate and relax. You are far from a burden."
Wufei had told him that last time, too, and Harry weakly rubbed his face against Sage's fur, trying to suppress the tears. Crying never got him anything. It was pointless. Getting a hold on himself, he crawled from his nest of pillows to signal he was ready to start the day.
Wufei's slanted eyes opened. Without further words, his brother uncurled and strode off to the bedroom he shared with Duo and Heero. Trowa and Quatre had their own room, and Harry had the last. He felt bad he was taking so much space, but he broke out in a cold sweat at the thought of sleeping within reach of anyone else.
Shoving the fear away, Harry hurried to the neatly folded piles of clothes along one wall. Duo and Heero had given them to him the day after they had arrived here, and every morning he still ran his hands over the gifts in awe. Aware that time was slipping past, he shimmied into jeans and a long-sleeved shirt with a sleeping tiger on it.
He padded silently over to his doorway, Sage clutched tightly in his arms. He made sure the coast was clear before hurrying to the kitchen. It was one of his tasks and it was something he knew he was relatively good at since he'd done it at the Dursleys all the time. He was allowed to assist his brothers with making their meals! Harry smiled happily, desperately glad to have something to contribute to his new family.
Wufei was sitting at the low table in the sitting room with an open book in his hand. He waved shyly at his teacher/brother as he slipped into the kitchen. Wufei was the most petite of his new brothers and loved to study. Quatre had even told him that Wufei was a professional teacher. It still amazed him that anyone would think Harry could be taught, but he was grateful. He still got a thrill whenever Wufei told him he'd gotten an answer right.
After Harry set Sage securely on the counter, he looked in all the pantries and decided on rice porridge today. Getting out the necessary pans, he filled one with water and another with milk. Rice went into the water and was covered with a lid. Humming, Harry grabbed six bowls, spoons, napkins, and a large jar of honey. He carried everything but the bowls into the sitting room and put them on the table. Wufei began to set them out in the right positions, leaving Harry to hurry back to the kitchen to wait for Heero. He wasn't allowed to turn the stove on without one of his brothers with him, and today was Heero's turn to help with breakfast.
"Morning, Wu-man!" Harry heard Duo call.
"Very astute. I applaud your ability to read a clock," Wufei drawled with a sneer, making Duo laugh.
Harry bit his lip, casting a look at Sage. It still confused him how Wufei could be so nice and yet scary at the same time. Duo sure was brave. He only ever laughed at Wufei's temper. Footsteps alerted him to someone's approach, and he reflexively pressed his back to the counters. Heero walked in and gave a nod.
"Good morning, Harry."
His shoulders relaxed and he offered his brother a smile as he quickly turned the stove on to get breakfast heated. While Heero busied himself making coffee, Harry moved to set out six glasses for Heero to pour juice into. Unlike the small milk container, the juice came in a heavy jug that he wasn't allowed to pour alone in case he spilled it.
Soon enough they were all seated around the table with their porridge and juice. Trowa and Quatre came out later than usual. Duo laughed at them, though Harry didn't know why. Trowa blushed and didn't look up once during the meal. Quatre, on the other hand, was even more cheerful than normal. He flashed Duo a wide grin and talked excitedly about a banquet his family was throwing for him next month for his seventeenth birthday.
Duo groaned. "You're gonna make me wear a suit, aren't you?"
"You look good in a suit, Duo," Quatre reassured him, bright eyes twinkling.
"Heeeerooooo," Duo whined.
"Baka," Heero stated and otherwise ignored the playful argument. Harry guessed that meant 'stupid'; he was too afraid to ask. Although, Duo had told him 'chan' was something you said after someone's name when they were younger than you and you cared about them. Harry now blushed whenever Duo added it to his name.
"Of course we will come," Wufei interrupted. He gave a little bow from his seated position. "Thank you for the invitation."
"You're welcome, Wufei," Quatre answered with a big smile. He turned toward Harry. "You're invited as well, little brother."
Harry paled, stomach dropping in panic. There was no way he wanted to go to brother Quatre's party. He'd mess it up for sure! He was always doing bad and ruining things for others.
Quatre's whole expression softened. "You're not obligated. We'll have our own small little ceremony of cake and ice cream here."
Harry ducked behind Sage for safety. "Sorry."
"Don't be sorry. I understand. It took me a long time to be comfortable at these types of things." Quatre reached over and ruffled his hair. Harry tensed, but he managed not to flinch this time.
"What are your plans for the day?" Wufei asked politely.
"I'm going to my office. I have business to see to regarding the company," Quatre answered with a little sigh.
"Well, I'm going shopping! Does anyone need anything?" Duo asked, looking at everyone around the table.
The familiar ebb and flow of conversation continued around him, and Harry frowned pensively, thinking about what he secretly wanted to do. Trowa juggled for him sometimes, and at night, he could hear the excited cheers from the crowds. He was beginning to daydream about what it would be like to watch a show with all the other performers in sparkly gowns and exciting animals.
"Brother Trowa…"
"Yes, little one?"
He peeked out around Sage. "I… If I do really good on my lessons, can… may I…"
He couldn't do it. Breathing fast and shallow, he buried his face against his rabbit. He couldn't believe he was actually asking for something when his brothers already did so much. He was such a greedy little bastard! Tears of shame burned his eyes. He wanted to run away, but he was too afraid to move.
"Don't be afraid," Heero murmured. "Tell us what you want."
Harry cringed. He had to obey now. He had no choice but to finish what he'd started. "If it's not trouble," he whispered, nearly inaudible. "I… Can I see… brother Trowa's… show?"
He closed his eyes tight, body held rigid as he waited for a blow. He flinched violently as someone touched his head, but it didn't hurt. He opened wide eyes as gentle fingers carded through his hair.
"I would love that," Trowa told him with a small, warm smile.
Harry smiled back, surprise striking through the dark fear. He reached an arm forward and was pulled carefully against Trowa's side. His brother rubbed his back slowly as Harry struggled to catch his breath, overwhelmed. Tears streaked his face, but he was so impossibly happy he couldn't stop smiling. He pressed his cheek hard into Trowa's chest, whispering, "Thank you."
Trowa carded his fingers through his hair again. "My first show is tomorrow night. You can sit with the others."
He nodded and squeezed Sage in a tight embrace.
"I'm off," Duo called cheerfully. "I'll pick a good movie for us to watch after lunch, okay?"
Quatre ruffled Harry's hair before he also stood. "Have fun, you guys."
"Bye," Harry called, waving shyly.
Trowa stood, running his fingers through Harry's dark hair one last time. "I have to practice and take care of the animals. See you at dinner."
Heero began to clear the table and Harry scrambled to help. Once the dishes were done and the table was clean, Harry settled back down across from Wufei. His brother passed him a math book. Harry took it, determined to prove his worth and earn his place.
xXxXxXx
Heero rubbed at his forehead with a sigh. He'd been working on the copied hard drive for days. Most of the files were encrypted so heavily that he'd had no success with breaking into them. The few files that weren't coded were worthless.
"Having a tough time?"
He looked up to see Duo standing behind the chair opposite his. The braided pilot had his arms folded over the back and had his chin resting on his forearms. Heero glared at him in frustration.
Duo sighed and straightened. He came around the chair to stand in front of him, hands on hips. "Wufei said you didn't eat lunch with them today, and now it's dinner time, so put your laptop away and come eat. You can work on it again tomorrow."
"I'm going to HQ," Heero answered in a monotone. "I'll be back tomorrow for the show."
"Have dinner with us, at least." Duo's eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms. "Harry is high risk for an eating disorder. It's important we show him how vital good eating habits are."
Heero growled in frustration. He needed to be sure the terrorists would never come after Harry again. He wanted this group neutralized once and for all. He shoved past Duo without a word as he slipped his laptop bag over his shoulder, but Duo grabbed his arm in a vice-grip. Heero faced him, expression dangerous.
"You promised you'd listen to me. You promised you wouldn't take off and leave me to take care of Harry alone," Duo hissed furiously.
"You aren't alone," Heero pointed out.
"Heero!"
Heero took a sharp step forward, putting his face inches from his partners. "This mission is vital for Harry's safety. It's been a week and the data I acquired has yet to be cracked. I need to take care of this. Now." With calculated force, he broke Duo's grip and moved toward the door.
"At least tell him goodbye," Duo spoke coldly from behind him.
Heero didn't slow, but he did detour toward the kitchen. Harry and Quatre were checking something in the oven. Trowa was taking down plates and Wufei was pouring drinks. Harry was laughing. It was the first he'd heard from the little boy that wasn't a muffled giggle.
"Pink!" the little boy cried as he caught his breath.
"Relena," Wufei drawled.
Quatre burst into laughter and even Trowa grinned.
"Who?" Harry asked, smiling gamely.
"Perhaps you'll meet her sometime," Quatre answered, ruffling Harry's hair. The boy flinched minutely, but he was getting much better.
"Peace," Trowa took his turn.
"Puzzle," Quatre said and placed a pan of meatloaf on the counter.
"Book," Harry voiced, handing the blonde a knife.
"Booooriiiing!" Duo singsonged as he strolled in, pushing past Heero without a glance.
Harry giggled as Wufei threw a roll at his head. "Heathen," the Chinese pilot accused, his thin lips pulling down into a sharp frown, causing Harry to start edging away.
"Ah uh!" Duo waved a finger in Wufei's face, taking a happy bite of the warm bread. "It wasn't your turn."
"Let's sit down. We can play again later," Quatre ordered, shooing them toward the door. "Come on. Before it gets cold."
Harry's sparkling green eyes found him. The boy's cheeks were slightly flushed and only a slight tremble resided in his hands from nerves. "I made the rolls," he said shyly, ducking his head and looking through his bangs.
"They smell delicious," Heero praised, internally sighing. An hour wouldn't make or break the mission. He offered the boy his hand. Harry took it willingly and Heero squeezed gently. He ignored Duo's triumphant smirk as he lead Harry to the table, slipping his laptop bag off his shoulder and leaning it against the wall.
xXxXxXx
Une rubbed at her tired eyes. She'd pulled another all-nighter and still she saw no way to close this case. They had yet to capture a Terrestrial core member. Their hired subcontractors always had little to no information, Dursley was dead, and the body of the redheaded woman had revealed little. She had no records in the colony database, and there were no matches found in Earth records.
Earth had always been notoriously unregulated. There were always people who slipped through the cracks. This woman could be one of those, or she'd had her past thoroughly cleansed when she got involved with the Terrestrials. Une was hoping it was the first option because the reach of the terrorist group was already disturbing.
For a moment, she considered moving to the HQ on Earth. The Preventers had a main base of operations in every continent on Earth as well as every colony. She'd spent most time here on L4, but that was mostly because of Heero. Her top agent tended to return to L4 as did the other Gundam pilots whenever they had free time. However, Heero and the others were now on L3 and she had a dangerous threat active on Earth. It might be time for a move.
Her intercom beeped, indicating she had a call coming in. The area code signified L3. She quickly hit the open call button, hoping for a very specific agent. Her hope was fulfilled as Heero's stoic face stared back at her. "Agent Wing," she greeted stiffly. "Report."
"I've yet to decode the computer files I recovered."
Une closed her eyes in defeat. "The woman has no records with the colonies or Earth. We're running her DNA through both databases, but so far there is no familial match."
Heero absorbed this information with a sharp frown. "Winner suggested last night that we attack from a different angle. The woman insisted they weren't terrorists, that they haven't harmed or attacked anything. Possibly they use this to convince others to their cause. We should broadcast Dursley's death and that an agent was kidnapped and tortured. It might undermine their position or at least reduce their chances of recruiting."
"I'll get on that right away," Une promised him. This was why she wanted all the Gundam pilots on her payroll. They made incredible agents. "As of yesterday, everyone is on full alert. Hopefully we will uncover another of their operations." She paused, wondering about the charge he'd adopted almost two months ago. "How's the boy?"
"He is showing signs of recovery," Heero answered. "Has anyone else been looking for him?"
"Not that we've discovered," Une reassured him. "I'm certain your ruse worked. He should be safe now."
Clearly Heero was not found of 'should's. He glared at her. "I'm using the computers here at HQ to work on the files. I'll report back when I have them decoded."
Une nodded. "Good luck, Agent Wing."
The call disconnected and leaned back. Exhaustion weighed her limbs. She'd need coffee and a big breakfast soon or she'd likely pass out in chair.
xXxXxXx
After Heero came back from work and they ate dinner, the six of them got ready for their big adventure outside. Harry held tight to Quatre's hand as they left the tent. Duo and Wufei walked ahead of them, bickering, while Heero walked close to Harry's other side. He could hear the shrieks of excited children and, as they rounded the bend in the path leading to the main tent, he saw a clown on stilts blowing fire out of his mouth.
His eyes went wide. Dozens of people clapped and yelled encouragement. Further to the left two teens in body paint were performing an acrobatic dance. They were in the air more than they stayed on the ground! A girl wearing feathers stood by a popcorn machine, and she did ballerina poses as she sold the delicious snack.
"Would you like some?" Quatre asked, smiling down at him.
Harry hugged Sage tightly to his chest. "I'm fine," he whispered, knowing better than to ask for more. Just being here was a gift beyond anything he deserved.
Duo must not have heard him. His brother bounced forward and asked for three bags. Harry giggled as Duo copied the girl and lifted his leg high behind him, bending forward slightly at the waist as he handed her his money. People behind them laughed and clapped, making Harry duck his head nervously.
Duo grinned, clearly pleased with the attention. He brought his extended leg forward and snapped it around his body, making him spin in place, earning even more applause. Even the ballerina was clapping. Harry's face burned in giddy embarrassment as Duo bounded back over to them and handed Harry one of the popcorn bags.
Harry immediately turned and tried to give the bag to one of the others, thinking Duo wanted him to pass it along.
"I do not require any," Heero told him, not accepting it.
"I do not prefer popcorn," Wufei agreed with Heero.
"I have my own bag." Quatre had released Harry's hand with a smile so he could eat it.
"You don't want it?" Duo pouted, making his violet eyes wide.
"I do!" Harry assured him hurriedly. "Thank you so much, brother Duo!"
He scrunched Sage and the popcorn bag into the crook of one arm so he could eat some of the delicious treat as well, but now that he didn't have a hold of Quatre's hand, he felt a bit nervous that he could get lost or left behind. Before the fear could take hold, Heero moved even closer, so they were almost touching. He relaxed a bit and just enjoyed his popcorn.
As they walked on, Harry pointed excitedly to the next group of performers. There were two muscular men in striped spandex. Each had a pole. A thin line connected them, and a thin girl was tight-rope walking on top. She did front and back walkovers and small flips.
"Wow!"
"Trowa can do that," Quatre told him. "He's rather good at it."
"Really?" Harry stared in awe up at his brother. "Can I see?"
"Of course." Quatre ruffled Harry's hair. "I'm not sure if he's doing the tight-rope tonight, but I'm sure we can talk him into giving us a private performance."
Harry's eyes darted around excitedly as they passed more interesting displays. There were clowns doing balloon animals, sword jugglers, magicians, and many more. Harry's heart pounded in his chest and his cheeks were sore from smiling. It was all so amazing that he hardly even noticed the press of the crowd anymore.
Duo was just as excited as him. He ran here and there, getting Harry to laugh by doing silly things. By the time they returned to the center tent for the main event, Duo wore a blue balloon pirate hat and had greasy fingers from funnel cakes, sugared almonds, and popcorn. Harry held a balloon sword and possessed equally greasy fingers.
"Ohhhh! We have to do that!" Duo cried loudly and ran forward.
At the entrance flap of the tent, a couple in gauzy fairy gowns stood with a table of paints. They were offering to paint guest's faces. Duo plonked down on a stool. The woman smiled and got to work using both hands. Harry leaned around Heero's legs to see as Duo turned around. His mouth fell open in astonishment. There were butterfly wings around Duo's eyes in blues and purples, only emphasizing Duo's amazing eye color.
"Wow. So pretty," Harry breathed.
"Your turn, Harry-chan!"
Harry squeezed his balloon and Sage tightly, his face paling. He stared at the woman nervously. He didn't want to. A hand fell on his shoulder and he let out a little scream, flinging himself backward into Heero's legs. Heero immediately bent down and lifted him in his arms. Harry tensed but slowly relaxed in his strong hold.
"Sorry," he said softly, tearing up.
"It's okay," Quatre reassured him, taking his hand back. "You don't have to get your face painted."
"Ow!"
Harry looked over to see that Wufei had hit Duo on the back of his head.
"Geez, Wu-man. All you had to do was say you wanted to go first. Come on. You can go next," Duo told him with a sweet smile.
Harry pressed his face into Heero's neck. He was distressed that Duo was getting in trouble because of him. Wufei should hit him, not Duo!
"Duo could apply some paint to your face, if you would like it," Heero offered seriously.
Harry's lips trembled with tears. "Sorry."
"Don't be. If you'd rather not, that's acceptable."
Harry didn't want anyone mad at him. "You… You're not mad at me?"
"No." Heero shrugged as if nothing could ever get him mad, like nothing could faze him.
"Will you get paint, too?" Harry asked in a whisper, his fingers playing nervously with Heero's hair.
Heero stared at him for a moment before slowly nodding. "I will."
"Okay," Harry agreed.
"Oh man, Harry. You are the best! Hee-chan would never get face paint for me! You guys are going to look so cool!"
Quatre grinned excitedly, rubbing his hands together. "I'll do Heero. You can do Harry."
Harry smiled tentatively back at him.
Soon Duo and Quatre were before them, armed with paint brushes and paint. Harry giggled as the wet brush tickled his cheeks. It was over faster than he'd expected. He opened his eyes as Duo said, "Done!", and Heero carried him over to the mirror set outside the tent.
Harry gasped in surprise. Duo had painted him a tiger face! His green eyes blinked and he gave a playful little growl.
Duo laughed. "Now we have two kitty cats around here!"
Quatre elbowed him. "Better watch out. Cat's like to eat butterflies."
Harry grinned as Duo pouted. His eyes shifted to Heero's face next to his own reflection. Heero had red and blue checkers down one half of his face. Harry squeezed Heero's neck in a hug. "Pretty!"
Heero's lips curled in a smile. "So are you."
"Come on! The show's starting!" Duo grabbed hold of Heero's arm and pulled them forward.
Harry stared in awe at the rows of benches lifting high into the air. They were nearly all full. In the center of the ring, a man in a red coat and black pants was giving a speech of welcome and describing some of the performances they would see. Heero carried him to the front where there was a reserved sign hanging. Wufei took it down and gestured them inside. Harry was placed on the bench and he smiled as Heero sat on one side, Wufei on the other. Quatre and Duo sat on the end.
Harry clapped and grinned like mad as the show progressed. He saw acrobats and a funny clown skit. Then came Trowa. Harry held his breath as his brother came out and stood center stage. He wore green baggy clown pants with orange stars. His lean, muscled chest was bare except for the blue suspenders that held the pants up. On his hands he wore white gloves and half his face was covered in a sad clown mask. Trowa caught sight of them and bowed deeply in their direction, one green eye winking.
Harry blushed in embarrassment even as he waved back.
A lion without collar or leash began to stalk toward the center of the arena. The crowd gasped and cried out as that huge head looked this way and that, the golden eyes sliding across the spectators. Harry stared into gold and felt almost like the huge cat could see into him. The lion was wild and strong, something Harry wished with all his heart he could be. The cat seemed to stare back and then turned its attention to Trowa.
Without warning, the cat lunged, huge clawed paws swiping forward. Trowa did a graceful back flip out of reach, the crowd giving little screams. The lion opened his mouth and roared. Its sharp white teeth flashed in the spot light. Harry clung to Heero's arm as Trowa continued to avoid the lion's attacks with acrobatic maneuvers. Then, suddenly, Trowa stood from a crouch and began to walk toward the animal. His stride was fearless. He walked right up to the crouched cat and stared it down. The lion rolled over, exposing his belly. Trowa rubbed it as the crowd cheered loudly.
"Wow." Harry's eyes locked on his brother. Something was happening inside him. The performance spoke to him in a way he barely understood. All he knew was that his brother was incredible, and he suddenly began to believe Trowa really would never hurt him. The cat had attacked, and Trowa had stood up to it, made it submit, but instead of hurting it, he'd petted the big cat's vulnerable belly and made it purr.
"He's great, isn't he?" Duo asked, bending forward to look past Quatre and Wufei to see him.
Harry turned eyes full of tears to his brother and nodded. He had no words to say how he felt. Duo seemed to understand. He smiled softly and winked. His mouth formed words soundlessly. Harry jerked in surprise. Surely Duo hadn't said what he thought he had. He couldn't have said, 'I love you', could he? No way!
Before he could think about it anymore, the manager drew his attention. He stood dramatically center stage, arms raised over his head. "And now a performance you will never forget! Our great Catherine Bloom, Mistress of the Knives, will prove her mastery once more."
Harry's head whipped around to see Trowa standing next to Cathy. The redheaded woman gave a graceful bow, smiling for the crowd. Trowa bowed shallower, hand over his heart. He turned without a word and walked over to a vertical wooden circle that two other clowns had pushed forward. The clowns strapped Trowa's wrists and ankles down in an X shape.
Harry's eyes widened in anxiety. He grabbed Heero's arm. "What are they doing?" he asked faintly, eyes never leaving his brother out on the stage.
"He will be fine. They practiced a long time for this," Wufei reassured him.
The woman had a knife in her hand. She flung an apple in the air and lashed out. The apple fell in two perfect pieces. The knife was sharp! Harry felt his belly drop. Bile rose up in his throat, all the sweet things suddenly felt like lead in his stomach. "She's gonna cut him!" His hand immediately went to his side where scars decorated his skin.
Then Duo was there, kneeling in front of him, blocking his view. "You don't have to watch, Harry," he said with unusual seriousness. "But I promise you. Trowa's going to be fine. This is just a show, remember? Cathy would never hurt Trowa. We wouldn't let her do this if we didn't trust her. Trowa's a part of our family. We'd never let him get hurt. Just like we wouldn't let you get hurt."
Harry gasped, clutching Duo's hands as he heard a knife thunk into wood. The crowd gave a cheer. Harry bit his lip so hard he tasted blood as the sound of a second knife buried itself in wood. Again the crowd gave a roar. He whimpered, legs curling up to his chest. Trowa! Why wasn't anyone saving Trowa? Hands grabbed Harry's shoulders, but he jerked away. He didn't want anyone touching him. People screamed. Harry cringed, hunkering down to make a smaller target of himself.
"It's over now," Heero's calm voice rumbled beside him.
"Trowa's just fine," Duo said cheerfully. "Come on, little brother. Open those eyes. Look."
Harry reluctantly obeyed, feeling cold and small. He sighed in deep relief as the clowns began to untie his brother. Trowa stepped away unhurt and gave another bow. Harry was so relieved. He uncurled a bit and buried his face against Heero's side, shivering and shaking. Duo rubbed his back and murmured comfortingly that Trowa was fine. It was just a show. Harry twitched and jerked at every touch, but he didn't push Duo away.
The grand finale came next. Women in beautiful costumes came dancing out with sheer veils. Above them, tightrope walkers flipped and twirled on the thin ropes. An elephant came out with a ballerina twirling and posing on its back. Clowns juggled and shot fire into the air. Music thrummed and pounded as the performers worked at a fever pitch. Then Trowa, riding the lion like it was a horse, took center stage again. The lion reared back and roared, Trowa waving from his back.
By this point, Harry felt calmer and actually smiled. He loved Trowa so much. He looked up at Heero and stared in surprise at the warm smile he got in return. He turned to Wufei and flinched back as the teen reached for him. He closed his eyes, but the hand only brushed his hair back from his scarred forehead. He opened them again to see Duo leaning forward. The braided teen flashed him a thumbs up and Quatre blew him a kiss. Harry blushed.
xXxXxXx
Trowa smiled as Harry came running toward him. He caught the little boy and lifted him onto a hip, careful not to dislodge Sage or the sword balloon in the boy's arms.
"You were so great! The lion was so amazing!" Harry babbled breathlessly, then the happy expression filled with deep anxiety. "Did the knife hurt you? I so sorry, brother Trowa."
"I am well," Trowa assured him before shooting a questioning glance at the others. It had been a while since Harry's speech had regressed like that, and it worried him.
"It overwhelmed him a bit," Duo told him, shaking his head with shadows in his eyes.
Trowa frowned and looked back at Harry. "I wouldn't let her hurt me. I could have gotten down at any time."
"Promise?" Harry stared with wide, unblinking eyes.
"I promise," Trowa answered easily.
Harry hugged his neck.
Trowa searched for something to bring back his little brother's smile. "Did you enjoy the circus besides the knife act?"
"Yes! I ate popcorn and nuts and cake and cotton candy! And we saw so many things! Duo painted my face! See, I'm like a cat!"
"I see. You are very cute." His eyes darted to his stoic comrade and his smile widened at seeing the checkered paint accenting a dark blue eye. Heero lifted an eyebrow as if challenging him to remark on it. Instead, Trowa looked to Duo. The teen looked rather exotic with the face paint, his fey features could be mistaken for that of a pretty girl with his large eyes accented like that. He certainly had the full pouty lips and long hair to play the part. He noticed Quatre and Wufei were without and had an idea. "Why don't you help me paint the rest of our group, Harry?"
Harry's eyes brightened. "Really?" He turned hopefully to the two with bare faces, and Trowa smirked when Wufei's refusal died before ever escaping his lips.
Harry squirmed until Trowa set him down. "Can I paint you, big brother Wufei?"
"You may," Wufei teen allowed.
Trowa went to a table and grabbed paints. He kept red and orange for himself and handed the rest to the excited boy. He turned to see Duo crouched next to Harry, whispering loudly in his ear about what Harry should paint on Wufei.
"Don't even think about it, Maxwell," Wufei growled, arms crossed. "This is Harry's task."
"I'm just going to help. Don't get your panties in a twist," Duo scolded in return.
"Baka," Heero's voice snapped. He tugged on Duo's braid, making him stand.
Duo squawked in surprise, and Harry shifted his feet back and forth, biting his lip.
Wufei uncrossed his arms and knelt before the boy. "Better be quick," he advised.
"Are… Are you sure? I don't… Don't want to mess up…" Harry's voice was soft and worried as his dark head of messy hair ducked down, hiding his face.
"It will wash off," Trowa promised, hoping to reassure him. He'd thought this activity would make Harry happy, not more distressed.
"I do not mind," Wufei added, expression solemn.
Green eyes peeked out from behind the sheltering bangs. "What… What do you want me to paint?"
"I like circles and spirals," Wufei answered.
Trowa nodded to himself. Wufei hadn't lied to the boy. Those were often symbols the teen would mediate on, but he'd also picked shapes that were easy to replicate.
"Okay," Harry replied, more confident now.
Trowa turned to his lover. Quatre smiled a sly little smile that made his nerves tingle pleasantly.
"What will it be?" the blonde asked.
"It's a secret." He raised the brush and slid it smoothly over Quatre's perfect skin. "Close your eyes."
Quatre obeyed, lifting his face so Trowa could paint it more easily.
"Am I beautiful?" Quatre asked as Trowa finished.
Two light blue eyes opened, and Trowa's lips twitched. "You are… vibrant."
Quatre turned to the mirror and saw two red and orange sunflowers surrounding his eyes. Single petals decorated his cheeks. The billionaire turned back to him and winked. "Perfect."
"Wow, brother Quatre! You look nice!"
"Very you, Q-ball," Duo agreed. He flung an arm around Trowa's shoulders. "I always thought Quatre was a closet hippy, too."
Trowa nodded as the blonde rolled his eyes. He looked to see Wufei with blue and white circles painted on his left cheek. Green and black spirals decorated the right. It was actually pretty interesting. The circular shapes contrasted with his sharp angular features and slanted eyes. "Good job," he praised the little boy.
Harry smiled back at him, clearly nervous. "Do you like it, big brother Wufei?" he asked timidly.
Wufei turned away from the mirror and nodded solemnly. "It is very well balanced."
"Hey, you guys! Smile!"
Trowa looked to see Cathy standing with a camera. He took Quatre's hand and walked closer to the others. Harry was in Heero's arms, clearly uncomfortable with Cathy's presence. Trowa sighed, hoping they hadn't damaged Harry's opinion of the woman permanently. Duo flung his arms around Harry and Heero, grinning at the camera like a loon. Wufei stood a bit to the side until Quatre hooked an arm through his, pulling him closer.
"Say cheese!"
There was a flash of light as Duo yelled, "Cheese!" at the top of his lungs. Harry's quieter voice echoed him. Trowa squeezed his lover's hand, feeling happier than he had in a long time.
"Harry, do you want to meet Simba?" he offered.
The little boy turned to him with wide eyes. "Can I really?"
"Of course. Come, little brother." Trowa offered his hand.
Harry ran to take it as soon as Heero set him on his feet. "Thank you thank you thank you, brother Trowa!"
The others held back, leaving Trowa and the boy to explore the animal tent alone. Harry's mouth fell open as the lion blinked sleepily, head resting on his paws. It was sedate after performing that night and eating a big dinner. Harry bravely wrapped his little hands around the bars of the cage, green eyes wide and adoring as they stared at the large cat.
Harry loved all the animals. Simba was clearly his favorite, even though he enjoyed visiting the elephant and two horses. The little boy didn't want to leave even though he was yawning widely by the time the tour came to its end. Trowa smiled and swept his brother into his arms. The boy tensed but just as quickly cuddled into his embrace.
When Harry caught sight of the others outside the tent, he smiled and allowed his eyes to close trustingly. Trowa shook his head with a smile and lifted an eyebrow at the serious expression adorning Heero's face. The brunet didn't respond, which he took to mean Heero would explain later.
Once back at their pavilion, Trowa carefully put the sleeping child in his nest of pillows. Harry stirred, but he didn't fully wake.
In the sitting room, he found Wufei sitting on the couch, one ankle propped up on his knee. Heero stood leaning against the opposite arm of the sofa. Duo was pacing while Quatre sat at the low table, frowning into a hot mug of tea. Trowa kept his face blank, bracing for bad news, and took a seat on the couch next to Heero.
"Harry did well tonight," Duo began, voice quiet so the boy couldn't hear him.
"Then what is wrong?" Wufei snapped, just as quietly.
Duo spun to face him, the long braid swinging out behind him. "A mistake now could put his recovery back years. It could set him back worse than he was when we first got him."
Quatre's pale fingers twisted his bangs in frustration. "How is that even possible?"
"Because he trusts us." Duo sighed and sat next to the blonde. "Do you think he trusted that bastard Dursley? He endured torture for years, but it wasn't a betrayal because he expected it. We are telling him the complete opposite, that we'll take care of him. He's beginning to believe us, even if only a little, so if we hurt him, he will find it near impossible to ever trust again."
Trowa frowned, ducking his head so his bangs obscured his expression. His arms automatically crossed in front of his chest defensively, distressed with the prospect of hurting the little boy worse than Dursley had managed to. They all wanted to help Harry. They all loved him so much already. It would be unbearable if they hurt the child, even accidently.
"Why are you worried about this now?" Wufei hissed. His dark eyes narrowed dangerously on the braided pilot. "Is this because of his reaction to the knife act?"
Duo nodded and slipped an arm around Quatre's shoulders. "We have to be careful. Harry doesn't know his limits because everything is equally scary for him. He won't know if he's trying to attempt something he isn't ready for. We almost pushed him too far tonight. Likely he experienced a mini-flashback. His trust was bent a bit because in his eyes we allowed someone to threaten and abuse Trowa without protecting him."
"We'd never!" Quatre exclaimed. Only Duo's arm kept him from jumping to his feet.
"I'm sure Dursley played sick games with Harry. He likely threatened to hurt him, even showed him the tools he'd do it with," Duo explained so lowly Trowa almost couldn't hear him. "That knife show would feel like that to Harry. A threat that if Trowa doesn't do what he's told then the next knife won't miss."
"I wish that bastard wasn't dead," Quatre growled, eyes nearly glowing with righteous fury. "Poison was too merciful for him."
"I agree." Wufei's voice was so tight and strained that Trowa was amazed he could speak at all.
"What should be done?" Heero asked, practical and monotone as always, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes that revealed he was just as affected as the rest of them.
"No more knife acts for Trowa. Get some other clown to pose for Cathy," Duo answered, sighing and rubbing at his face tiredly.
Trowa cast him a worried glance. As stressful as dealing with Harry was, Duo had it worse than all of them. It was up to Duo to plan out Harry's recovery as if it were a mission. The fear of messing up had to be nearly paralyzing.
Quatre must have sensed it, too, because he clasped Duo's hands in his own. "Thank you, Duo. I don't know what we'd do without you to guide us. Harry is doing so much better, and it's because of you."
Instead of brushing the acknowledgement off with a joke or a grin, Duo actually leaned his shoulder into Quatre's, allowing the blonde to take some of his weight. "I just want to make sure he keeps getting better."
After a moment, Wufei cleared his throat. "What can we do to help?"
"If Harry is feeling better about leaving his room and the tent, we should encourage that. But like I said, we need to take it slow. Harry won't know when or how to protest if he's being overwhelmed. It's up to us to pace him. I think taking him out when there's no tourists around would be good. Trowa, you can take him to help take care of the animals. He really enjoyed that. Maybe we can even teach him tumbling or juggling. He needs physical exercise to build up his strength. And of course we need to continue his academic lessons."
"What if he asks to see another show?" Trowa asked quietly.
Duo shook his head firmly. "No. He shouldn't be allowed to go more than once a month at most. We can even hold it in reserve as a reward or punishment."
"Punishment?" Quatre gasped, shocked.
Duo nodded, unusually serious. "When Harry feels more confident and secure, he's going to push the boundaries. He's going to test us."
Heero frowned and crossed his arms. "How?"
"He's going to purposely try to get us mad and act out. It serves two purposes. He'll be testing to see if we mean it when we say we'll be his brothers no matter what he does, and secondly he'll want to see if we'll stay true to our promise not to hurt him if we get angry. He won't really be able to fully believe either until he tests it."
Quatre frowned. "I can't imagine Harry doing something bad."
"It won't be an easy time for any of us. Harry won't know what he's doing consciously. He'll be horrified by his own behavior. He'll be confused about why he's acting out, but he won't be able to control it." Duo ducked his head, hiding from the others. "When I was taken in by the church, I did some pretty awful things. In the end, Father Maxwell and Sister Helen proved they weren't going to get rid of me. After that were the happiest times of my childhood until the soldiers attacked."
"Oh, Duo." Quatre clasped the braided teen's shoulder. "We'll prove to Harry he can trust us, and we'll make sure no one takes us away from him."
Trowa nodded, while Heero agreed with a firm, "Affirmative."
"We are family," Wufei added, tone absolute. They all knew how the Chinese pilot felt about family. It bound them in unbreakable chains of honor and duty.
"Awww, thanks, guys." Duo smiled, bright and playful once more. "We should put that on a card!"
Chapter end. Please review!
A/N: Here's a question for all of you out there who are familiar with troublemakers. What types of things can you see Harry doing to test the boundaries?