Don't Kill Me!
I'm sorry I've been so dead. I meant to get this chapter done for awhile now, but I've had about a million things happen at once. Most of it was me being sick. Even after I was better, I was still getting up to 100%, which took some time. I am now in the "all better" category, which is good for me.
Then I went apartment hunting. I have now been approved for the apartment, so all the paperwork was good! I have a couple of small things to iron out, but looks like I'll have my own place, soon! Yay for me! I'm so excited!
Then I sent in my computer. I actually sent it off yesterday, but I got this slick little mini-computer, which is awesome. Not something I want to type on all the time, but at least I can try to stay up on everything. I bought it mostly for work, but it's mine so i can use it however the hell I want. Yay for me!
I also have good news. I did finish chapter 18, and it is extra long as an apology for me being so flaky for the past. . . well, forever I think. ^_^ I hope you like it. It may be a little choppy because of all the time that's passed, so if you see anything out of place, let me know. I tried to make sure I re-read it before working on it (which is part of what took me so long, because I pretty much had to re-read it every time I wrote anything new), so keep an eye open for me. Oh, and sorry for any spelling errors in the last part, or typos. I'm still getting used to the tiny keyboard.
Other than all my excuses, please enjoy!
Title: Flight of the Bumblebee Part Eighteen
Rating: T/PG-13
Fandom: Harry Potter Gundam Wing crossover
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, my fairy godmother is on vacation and I lost my genie, so I still don't own either series. Would be nice, though.
Warnings: (1x2, 3x4, 5x6) As for other warnings, I'm sure there should be some, but I've no earthly idea what.
Summary: Trowa Barton discovers that he actually has family thanks to mandatory government testing. Since Trowa isn't eighteen yet, he's the lucky sap that gets to go live with them for awhile, to the annoyance of the rest of the pilots and Preventors.
Flight of the Bumblebee
Part Eighteen
Breaking
Everyone knew something was wrong when Ali's father didn't return when he said he would. Ali didn't say anything, just grew a little quieter with each passing hour, and Harry refused to be moved from his friend's side. They both looked small and sad, though for very different ways. Duo had failed miserably when he tried to cheer them both up, and had chosen to sit with them instead, rubbing their small backs and just holding them quietly.
"Something needs done," Quatre murmured, crossing his arms. "I refused to leave them this way."
"We need to find Ali's dad," Zechs frowned.
"Hiiro's already on that. It's not like he could hide from us for long." Quatre smirked, looking slightly deranged. "What kind of father would just abandon his child like this?"
"Ali's, apparently." Trowa shook his head quietly. "But you know what will happen when we find him, right?"
"You and I will have to go talk to him." Quatre scowled, crossing his arms. "I'm not sure how well Harry will take it."
"We can't tell them we're going to go find Ali's father," Trowa glanced down the hall at the boys, then back to his lover and Zechs. "That would break their hearts."
"You could tell them it's a business trip," Zechs pointed out. "And they'll both be fine with us. You know that. In fact, it will give Harry some time to bond with us. He's very dependent on you, Trowa, and I want to make sure he realizes that we will be here for him even when you are not. Because you won't be able to be here all the time."
"You right. I just. . . worry about him. You didn't see what the Dursleys did to him first hand, Zechs, and I don't ever want him to think he'll have to go back."
"That's why he needs to trust all of us, not just you. We do dangerous work, Trowa. What if something happens to you? He needs to be prepared for a possibility, and he needs to know that even if it does happen. . . we would gladly take him in. That he would never have to go back." Zechs frowned. "I also think it's something we need to talk to Dr. Reece about. Maybe she'll have some ideas. And we can't keep skipping appointments. It's not good for Harry."
"I know, I know. I'm just. . . worried." Trowa sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "It's not like I've ever raised a kid before."
"You do the best you can," Zechs grinned, hugging him. "That's what my mother always said, anyway."
"I'm sort of surprised you remember her." Quatre broke in. "You were pretty young when she died."
"I was seven, thank you." Zechs chuckled softly. "But it surprises a lot of people. I remember more than people expect, I think. I remember what she and dad looked like, what they smelled like, sometimes things they said. I know Relena forgot, but I'm older than she is. Plus, Treize knew my parents and we'd talk about them sometimes, just so I didn't forget. Did you know he found a family picture for me when I was twelve? It was the nicest thing anyone had ever done. I'd thought they'd all been destroyed in the fire. You wouldn't have guessed, but Treize was really nice."
"Before he became a dictator," Quatre sniped, and Zechs shook his head, laughing softly.
"Well, that puts a damper on things," Zechs chuckled. "But he was still a nice guy."
"We've argued about this for ages," Quatre rolled his eyes. "And we always have to agree to have a disagreement. You just knew him longer than us, and in very, very different circumstances."
"I know, I know. But whatever the case, I still think we need to make sure Harry knows we are all here for him. He thinks we're here as an extension of you, Trowa, not by our own accord. It's not good for him."
"I'll keep that in mind," Trowa agreed, brow furrowing in thought. The trio was inturrupted, however, when Hiiro entered.
"I've found him." Hiiro waved the print out. "Likes to travel in comfort. You two will need to leave immediately if you want to catch him before he leaves the current colony he's on."
"Damn it," Trowa hissed as Quatre took off up the stairs to go pack. "Looks like this will have to come to fruition faster than I thought."
"We'll handle Harry, Trowa. Just go." Hiiro ordered. "You need to hurry and pack so you can say good-bye properly."
"Quatre's got it," Trowa waved a hand.
"Then I will help him. Go talk to Harry." Zechs darted up the steps as well, and Trowa moved down the hallway to displace Duo. Duo raised an eyebrow, and Trowa jerked his head toward Hiiro, who held up the paper.
"When?"
"Now."
"Ah, I see. Take over, then." Duo gave a cheerful grin and waved, then moved to see the paper in Hiiro's hand, heading toward the back of the house to share it with Wu Fei.
"Trowa?" Harry looked up at his cousin, green eyes confused.
"Hey, green eyes," Trowa sat in the middle of the two boys, legs stretched out. "Quatre and I got an emergency e-mail. We need to head to one of the colonies and straighten something out."
"Y--you're leaving me?" Harry choked out, and Trowa shook his head.
"Just for a couple of days. It's a business trip, Harry, and you can be certain Quatre and I will be back soon."
"But. . . can't one of the others go?" Harry actually looked nervous, which surprised Trowa. What would make Harry nervous about a business trip? Well, even if it wasn't really a business trip, but a trip to bring back Ali's dad.
"No, this really has to be Quatre and me, Harry, I'm sorry. But the others will take good care of you. You know that, right? They're really excited that they'll be able to hog you for a couple of days."
"Do what?" Harry looked terrified.
"Have you all to themselves and spoil you rotten while I'm away," Trowa rolled his eyes. "Wasn't Duo just complaing how he never got to have you all to himself because I was always hanging around?"
"But--But--" Harry sputtered, then burst out, "But I want you around!"
"I know, but Duo's jealous," Trowa winked. "He wants to spoil you rotten without me watching so he doesn't get in trouble."
"But you promise you'll be back, right?" Harry wrung his hands.
"Absolutely. Nothing could keep me away once this ends."
"Swear?"
"Cross my heart," Trowa drew the required "X" on his chest for the promise, and hugged Harry tightly. "I'll only be gone a couple of days. You won't even notice."
"Can--" Harry cut himself off, looking uncertain.
"Can I what?"
"You can. . . you can call, right?" Harry chewed his lip. He knew Uncle Vernon had to go on business trips sometimes, and Dudley always talked to him right before bed, but Harry wasn't sure Trowa would agree to call him. It was only for a couple of days, but Harry would miss him and he wanted to make sure Trowa really would come back.
"You want me to call at a particuar time?" Trowa raised an eyebrow, and Harry felt relief creeping through his body. Trowa didn't mind calling!
"B--Before I go to bed!" Harry gave in a rush. "So you can tell me good night! And. . . and Quatre, too!"
"Then Quatre and I will call you before you go to bed every night. Nine o'clock, right? And we'll help tuck you in over the phone." Trowa wrapped an arm around his young charge. "Does that sound good?"
"Uh-huh!" Harry nodded desciviely. "I'll miss you, lots and lots."
"I'll miss you, too. But now Quatre and I need to get ready to leave. Do you want to help?"
"Yeah!" Harry jumped to his feet, and Ali followed quietly behind, the look on his face a cross between sadness, jealousy, and longing. The two boys sprawled on Quatre and Trowa's bed as the two packed, sometimes offering suggestions about a tie or shirt to go with the suits the two were putting in. Even if it wasn't a business meeting, they had to pack like it was. Trowa was glad to find most of their preparations complete thanks to Zechs and Quatre, and closed his small bag with a sigh.
"I packed so light during the war," Trowa mourned, hefting the bag.
"You didn't have to accompany a big time business man," Quatre reminded him, pecking him on the cheek. Trowa smiled at the kiss, but rolled his eyes at the comment, making the boys laugh.
"We have to go, our flight leaves in less than an hour. As it is, I'll probably have to make them hold it long enough for us to get on board."
"Coming, coming," Trowa followed Quatre obediently down the steps, surprised when Quatre paused at the door to pick up Harry and hug him tightly. Trowa hugged his cousin as well, somewhat uncertain. Was this normal behavior when someone left? None of the mercenaries ever had, but Zechs was nodding approval.
"Love you, green eyes. We'll be back soon, all right?" Quatre ruffled the boy's hair.
"Okay, Quatre." Harry waved, so Trowa hugged him as well, telling Harry he loved him before heading to the car where Wu Fei was waiting to take them to the airport.
"Is that normal?" Trowa asked, once the boys couldn't hear them anymore.
"What?"
"Telling them good-bye like that."
"My father always did," Quatre shrugged. "And I liked it, so I thought it would be good for Harry, too."
"Did yours do that, too, Wu Fei?" Quatre asked, leaning forward.
"When he left for extended peroids, though never so. . . sappily." Wu Fei gave a small smirk. "But he always told us good bye, and to honor our family while he was away."
"So it's normal?" Trowa wrinkled his nose, trying to remember if the mercenaries had ever done such a thing. Some of them had families, after all, but he'd never been invited to be part of them. Nothing came to mind, so Trowa finally shrugged. "Did you like it?"
"It was his way of showing he cared," Wu Fei gave a tiny smile. "And telling us he would come back. Like a promise. So yes, I liked it."
"I'll have to remember, then," Trowa nodded. If it made Harry feel better, then he wouldn't forget to hug him and promise to return.
Wu Fei and Quatre both exchanged small smiles and Quatre rested his head on Trowa's shoulder, trying not to laugh. Trowa might have thought that all he was doing was taking Harry away from people that hated him, but Harry was really just as good for Trowa as Trowa was for Harry. It made Quatre happy to know that something as simple--and as complicated--as a child could change all of the pilots so drastically.
He was also a little afraid to think just how much like his father he was acting. Maybe it was true. . . when one becomes a parent, they discover just how much like their own parents they really are.
<>*<>
The trip to the colony was uneventful since Duo had found a sweeper ship hopping to L1-X43794. From there Trowa and Quatre rented a car to head toward Oliver Septum's hotel, to demand why he had simply abandoned Ali with them, expecially since the boy wanted nothing more than to be near his father. Even if his father was related to a giant prick and probably was one himself.
"I just don't understand why anyone would want to be near someone that clearly cannot stand them," Trowa commented on the way to the hotel. Quatre blinked, then gave a soft smile. Ali's predicament was certainly a learning experience for Trowa. "I mean, why would Ali want his father back when his father wants nothing to do with him?"
"They're family, Trowa. Sort of like us. Even when we're mad at each other, we're always after each other's approval, right?" Quatre patted Trowa's arm, looking around the crowded, mid-day streets on the colony. The L1 cluster was generally pretty warm--hardly tropical, but it never reflected the harsh winters currently beseiging England, either.
"Yes, but why would Ali want to stay near someone that hates him?"
"Maybe his father doesn't?" Quatre shrugged. "Children always seek their parents' approval. Seek to know they're loved. I'm not sure anyone can really explain it, but that's all they really want. To spend time with their parents, and to have that bond with them."
"You and your father were like that, hm?"
"As bratty as I was as a child, yes. And before I was such an asshat all I ever wanted was to be near him, even when he was in boring meetings and doing boring things. There really wasn't any reasoning, except he was my father and I wanted to spend time with him. I suspect Wu Fei and Zechs would give you similar answers, if you asked." Quatre shrugged. "And I can't imagine Harry being any different with you. He wants your approval and to spend time with you as well."
"It's so strange, to know that." Trowa mused, frowning slightly as he thought. "It just. . . who wants to be anything like me?"
"He does," Quatre chuckled. "He wants to be like all of us. He tries so hard to be everything he thinks we want him to, so we'll keep him and love him because the Dursleys certainly didn't. Sometimes I think he forgets he needs to be himself, not a minature copy of one of us. Mostly you, but sometimes one of the others."
"He should be more like you than me," Trowa commented. "You're a better choice."
"Depends on who you ask," Quatre patted his hair. "Now, the hotel should be just around the corner. . . one I own, no less. No wonder he was so easy to find."
"I'm not going to complain," Trowa snorted, driving to the front and giving the keys to the man at the parking booth. Quatre nodded to him as he got out, then both headed into the hotel, straightening their clothing. They'd taken the time to change from their travel clothing into their suits, and both men looked sharp. Trowa was acting as Quatre's "body guard" that day, even though the blond really had more weapons on him than Trowa.
"Sixth floor," Quatre murmured, heading toward the lift. No one even gave them a second glance as they went in and Trowa casually glanced around, taking in the decently decorated lobby. The hotel clearly wasn't expensive, but it was nice enough. "And then we'll find out why, exactly, Mr. Septum has taken off and left us his son."
"Mr. Oliver Septum?" Quatre banged on the door, listening intently for the shuffling footsteps to reach the door. The lock clicked as the door was pulled open, revealing Septum in all his greasy-haired, squinty-eyed glory. Quatre forced back a growl.
"How may I help you?" His voice was just as oily, but it was obvious he didn't recognize Quatre as one of the men that had taken in his son.
"I wish to speak with you about a few business ventures," Quatre offered his card, smirking when the man's eyes lit up in greedy delight, and he told the two to wait for just a moment while he pulled on his shoes. When he returned five minutes later, he'd clearly rushed to change, though his faded suit was hardly an article of clothing to be proud of. Quatre said nothing, choosing to simply raise an eyebrow as the man closed the door.
"I know a nice restaurant near-by," Septum offered, his oily voice grating Trowa's nerves.
"I have other plans in mind," Quatre offered, face flat of all emotion.
"Walk with us," Trowa ordered, the knife to Septum's back ensuring that Septum knew he was serious. Not that he would actually hurt Ali's father, but that was need-to-know information, and Septum certainly did not need to know. Septum blanched, obediently following Quatre down the hall, trying not to look uncomfortable with Trowa--and the knife--so near him. It was a thankfully short walk to one of WEI's buildings, and when only when they reached the roof did Trowa release Septum, tucking the knife away.
Quatre nodded, leaning against the chain-link fence that ran around the roof to deter would-be suicides from their goal of open air. "I find it hard to believe you do not recognize us," Quatre began, watching Septum closely. "Especially considering the circumstances of our last meeting."
Septum frowned, confused. "I'm sorry?"
"When we offered to take in your son while you were on your. . . business trip. . . so he would not need to remain in the hospital until you returned." Quatre turned to lean his hands on the stone wall that ran around the roof about waist height, just below the fence. The roof was actually more of a terrace, to give the workers some greenspace on the colony, and Quatre was glad the surroundings were very private. They'd swept the roof, of course, but Quatre would rather no one over heard this particular conversation.
"I--" Septum stopped. "That was you?"
"You regularily forget things where your son is concerned?" Trowa raised an eyebrow. "I find it regretable you hate him that much."
Septum froze, his dark eyes widening. They were such piggy eyes, Quatre reflected, that it was surprising they could go that wide. "I do not hate my son," Septum finally roared.
"Since you said you'd return last week and didn't, it's hard to believe anything else," Trowa made sure he was between Septum and the door as Quatre moved towards the man. "And after you pushed him down the steps and cracked several ribs. You're quite lucky he didn't die."
"I would never push Alistar down the stars," Septum snarled, taking a swing at Quatre. Quatre dodged it effortlessly, but chose not to swing back. Yet.
"Then why don't you enlighten me on why Ali has cracked ribs and a father that refused to pick him up?" Quatre demanded, leaning close.
Septum seemed to sag, rubbing his face with his hand. He looked incredibly tired in that moment, with his greasy, receeding hair and the heavy lines around his eyes and mouth. "What do you want me to tell you?" He sighed softly. "But I don't hate my son. I could no more hate him than his mother."
"Then why do you act like it?" Trowa raised an eyebrow.
"How would you feel, looking at your son and seeing your dead wife?" Septum snarled. "The most beautiful, gentle person you ever beheld, and then your son, who looks exactly like her? It was his fault, after all!"
"She didn't die in childbirth--"
"There was a complication," Septum clentched his fists, leaning on the concrete wall. "She was never the same after that. But she loved Alistar. You could see it in her face. And how could anyone not love Alistar? He's just like her, you know. Kind and gentle and loving. I could never raise my hand to him. Not even for something so simple as discipline. I'm very lucky he's such a good boy."
"What happened to him on the stairs? This is not the first time he's had bruises, and Harry said he's seen you grab him hard enough to bruise."
Septum winced. "I had not realize I'd grabbed him so hard. I hadn't been able to find him. . . I thought something had happened to him. That he'd been hurt. . . I was. . . scared."
"And that's an excuse?"
"You think I didn't feel terrible?" Septum snarled. "I apologized to him, and I've made sure to be more careful. As for the stairs. . . it's a little more complicated. I didn't even know, and Alistar wouldn't tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"The butler pushed him down the stairs," Septum shook his head. "I was so wrapped up in my problems, not even being able to look at my son, and for the past three years that man--that creature--has been abusing my son! He pulled the railing off the wall, never got it fixed even after I trusted him too--I am a failure as a father!"
"Because you're never home!" Quatre finally yelled, and Septum stared. "You can't see anything if you're never home!"
"I can't even bare to look at him!" Septum snapped, punching the wall and bloodying his knuckles. "And you want me to stay near him?"
"He is your son!"
Septum didn't seem to have an answer for that. "I know."
"He's not your wife, no matter how much he may look like her. He is a lonely little boy who wants his father's love and approval, and even now he thinks you'll come back!"
"I wasn't going to leave him," Septum sighed. "In case you haven't noticed, our. . . situation is less than ideal. My father and elder brother thought we were made from money. While we are old money, we are not made from it. They squandered our funds, and left me nothing but a broken down castle. Why do you think I never questioned the stair rail not being fixed? I needed the money somewhere else. Like Ali's hospital bill!"
"You called him Ali." Trowa glanced at the man.
"What?"
"You've been calling him Alistar, but now you've called him Ali. Why are you pretending not to like him?" Quatre crossed his arms.
"It's safer that way." Septum shrugged. "To try to keep him. . . happy, I've been dealing with things I probably shouldn't. But I can't allow anyone to know about my son, or that I do care for him. It. . . It's not good for him, because I'll have to push him away when someone is coming and yell at him. He's so confused about what's happening, but there are times he acts like it's normal. Normal for a father to shove his son away." Septum snorted in derision.
"Then maybe you shouldn't be in those ventures." Trowa raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, and then I can leave us homeless and let Ali starve," Septum sneered. "As it is, I can barely get the money for his schooling, but I refuse to let his education suffer because my father and brother were useless."
Quatre eyed the man. Wasn't it interesting how people acted just to keep their children safe, happy and healthy. "And the lack of toys?"
Septum shook his head. "I left it to that damn butler. . . I didn't know he didn't have any. I should have paid more attention. Doesn't matter, it's too late now. Ali probably hates me, and I don't have the heart to subject him to that."
Quatre swollowed. He had a feeling he was about to make a bad descision, but it was for Ali. Harry's friend didn't deserve his circumstances, even if his father probaby did. Although the man really was good at business. He had a level head, and Quatre had seen several companies he'd been hired into scraping the red before he arrived and were now doing incrediby well. "How about a proposition, then?" Quatre crossed his arms. "For Ali's sake."
Septum set his jaw, but nodded. "I'm listening."
"WEI has a small janitorial company in Maidstone. I am planning on moving the manager to the branch in London and he needs replaced. If it is agreeable, then I will allow you to take it over. You will work fairly independently, though I will ensure that you are not doing anything. . . detrimental to the company. I may be giving you this job, Septum, but you must keep it of your own accord. In return I will make sure Ali's tuition is covered. You will, of course get the benefits of the company there, including medical and retirement." Quatre looked like he should be in a board meeting, despite standing on a roof.
Relief was the first thing Trowa noted on the man's features, and blinked when Quatre touched his chest lightly. Apparently his relief was so overwhelming that it was getting through Quatre's shields. That was somewhat surprising. "You must also go pick up Ali within the next forty eight hours," Trowa added, raising an eyebrow. "Unless, of course, you'd rather be stuck in this life, and believe me when I say nothing will spare your son from it if you choose to continue on this path." Septum paled at the thought.
It wasn't fair to threaten Septum with Ali, and Trowa knew it, but Trowa was also well aware that even if the pilots did get custody of Ali, and even if he was taken away from his father, there would be no doubt he'd still get mixed up in everything. First, Ali was leverage no matter how much Septum pretended to hate him. Children were usually easy to kidnap, and if Ali was taken then Septum's pretend coldness couldn't stand up to the threat of losing his son. Quatre gave Trowa a sharp glance, but already knew Trowa wasn't speaking about putting Ali directly into harm's way. If Septum chose not to take this deal, he wouldn't be taking his son, either.
"No, I'll get him," Septum hurridly broke in, using a handkerchief to wipe sweat from his forehead. "I'll get the next flight back!"
"You had better," Quatre told him coldly. "I will have paperwork ready for you to sign when you pick him up."
"Yes, sir!" Septum was obviously raised in a military family, and Quatre forced back a snicker. For all this man was as slimy and his father and brother, at least he cared enough for his son to get on the right track. Trowa almost would have thought he wasn't all bad, but something about him still made their skin creep. Even so, his record was good, he hadn't stolen from the companies he worked with, and it was all for Ali's sake anyway.
Watching Septum exit the roof, Trowa caught Quatre in a warm embrace. "You think we're doing the right thing?"
"I hope so," Quatre sighed. "But if I discover anything--absolutely anything--that man will wish he had never been born."
Trowa chuckled. "But we can't wish that, unfortunately," he pointed out, and Quatre raised a questioning brow. "Ali's been good for Harry, even if his father is an asshole."
Quatre huffed, knowing Trowa was right. He couldn't wish ill on the man knowing how sweet Ali was.
Damn it all, anyway!
<>*<>
Harry spent the day Trowa and Quatre left quietly, refusing to talk to anyone, even Ali. Ali, though he was sad that his father hadn't come back yet, did his best to cheer up Harry and it almost broke the hearts of the other pilots to watch Ali pretend to be so cheerful. "Trowa will definately come back for you," Ali finally offered. "I mean, you're better than me, and my dad always comes back, too."
Harry blinked up at his best friend. "Your dad?"
"Yeah. You're a good kid, and I'm not, and Dad always comes back when he leaves, so Trowa will want to come back to." Ali grinned. "So you don't need to be sad."
"But what if he doesn't come back?" Zechs was relieved that Harry didn't tell Ali he was no good. Apparently his confidence was recovering, at least somewhat.
"He will," Ali smiled. "He has to. And it'll feel faster if we play while we're waiting for them to come back."
"You're sure?" Harry looked uncertain.
"He's quite right," Wu Fei smiled at Harry, startling both boys when he soundslessly approached. "Trowa wouldn't want you to be sad while you wait, and we're here for you, too, so you're still free to ask us for anything."
Harry bit his lip, blinking up at Wu Fei. "So. . . so you'll still let me keep my room and eat with you, and everything, even when Trowa isn't here?"
"Of course. There will be times that he will have to go on trips, and there will be times the rest of us do. But you are part of this family, Harry. Nothing that happens will change that. We all see you as a younger brother, in many respects. Just because Trowa is on a trip doesn't mean we'll treat you differently."
Harry almost said something, but stopped at the last moment, then decided he wanted to ask anyway. "Even if. . . even if he doesn't come back?"
"Trowa wouldn't abandon you," Wu Fei reminded him.
"Not like that," Harry protested. "I meant even if he. . . if he dies. Like my parents."
"Not even that would change anything. We would still fight to keep you." Wu Fei ruffled his hair. "Now, then, we should get some lunch. Hiiro said he could hear your belly all the way out here."
Harry giggled, but took the offered hand, reaching out for Ali, too. "I am hungry," Harry offered.
Ali grinned. "Me too. Hey, Harry, can we play Gundams after lunch?"
"You really like to play with those toys," Wu Fei commented as Harry nodded vigerously.
"Gundams are cool," Ali explained, blushing. "And they're superheros! They were like, woosh! And then zoom! And they'd save everyone, even kids like me. And they never left anyone behind! I wish I could be one, someday. Then I could save everyone too, and my dad would love me."
"The gundam pilots aren't superheros," Wu Fei told Ali, sadly. "They were just regular people. I bet they'd want you to be the best person you could, not a superhero."
"But. . . " Ali trailed off and bit his lip. "But the one that piloted Sandrock was so nice. I want to be like him. And then people wouldn't make fun of me for being nice."
"That wouldn't help," Duo smirked. "I bet 04 still gets made fun of for being nice. But he does it anyway, so people feel awful for teasing him. I bet you could be like that."
"You think?" Ali grinned.
"Yeah, Quatre's nice to everyone," Harry agreed, then covered his mouth at the slip. Ali didn't seem to catch the mistake, and Zechs was forced to hide a chuckle. They might have to let Harry tell Ali and Lance about them before Harry told them accidently. If that happened, he'd feel just terrible, and Wu Fei had no double that Lance and Ali would be stay quiet about their identities. Harry just gave a sigh of relief for the moment, and Wu Fei was relieved that he didn't have a meltdown right there in the kitchen. Not two weeks ago if that had happened, Harry would have been terrified of being sent back to the Dursleys. Now, however, he just glanced anxiously toward the pilots to gauge their reactions, and kept talking with Ali when they didn't seem upset at him.
Though with the way Duo was grinning it was hard to see how Harry could have even imagined they would be upset, though it wouldn't have stopped him in the past. "All right," Duo announced, carrying a pot to the table. "Tomato soup and grilled cheese!"
Harry raised an eyebrow as he eyed he sandwich and looked so much like Trowa for a moment that Wu Fei laughed outright. Sometimes it was hard to see the relation between them, but right then, Harry looked exactly like Trowa.
Harry gave him a funny look, then stared outright when Duo dunked his sandwich in his tomato soup and started munching. Hiiro snickered at his lover, but let it go, already used to Duo's oddness. Zechs did the same thing, anyway. Harry tenitively tried it, then tucked in with gusto, much like Ali was doing. They were all hungry, growing boys, after all.
Hiiro gave a quiet sigh of relief at the end of the day when Harry grinned while recounting his day to Trowa and let Duo and Hiiro tuck him in that night with no fuss. Hopefully Harry finally understood that no matter what happened, he was there to stay.
<>*<>
Ali was overjoyed to see his father the next morning, and Septum gave the pilots nervous glances as Ali raced upstairs to get his bag. Harry stared at the man for a moment. "Don't hurt Ali anymore," Harry ordered, his green eyes almost seeming to be lit from the inside. "Or I'll hurt you."
Septum gulped and stepped back, his eyes growing wide in fear even through Harry wasn't even half his size. There was just something about him that was frightening. "I won't," Septum finally assured the boy. "Not anymore."
"Good." Harry smiled. "He always missed you when he was gone."
"I know," Septum smiled when Ali appeared and Ali barrelled into him for a hug, surprised when Septum didn't push him away. "I missed you, Ali," Septum murmured, pressing a kiss to the boy's hair. "Let's go home."
"I missed you too, Daddy," Ali whispered, hugging him back. When Septum didn't let go, Ali seemed to cling tighter, and almost refused to move away until Septum offered the child his hand.
"Time to go," Septum reminded him, and Zechs gave a small smile as they left. Septum might have screwed up badly where Ali was concerned, but it looked like he was more than willing to fix it and that Ali was more than willing to give him a chance. He sighed. If only the rest of the world was so forgiving. Maybe then there would be no such thing as war.
Harry was a little more subdued after Ali left, at least until Duo took him out to play and got him so riled he was almost impossible to call in to eat and do his chores. Not only that, he seemed to know that Trowa would be home soon, and when Trowa and Quatre did get home just before Harry's bed time, Harry tackled his cousin with enough force to nearly topple him, chattering a million miles a minute about everything they'd done in the two days Trowa and Quatre were gone. Trowa, more than willing to listen, finally had to force him into bed and even then it took close to two hours to get him asleep.
"He is going to be cranky tomorrow," Duo commented, smirking. "Haven't seen him cranky, yet. He's such a calm boy."
"I have a feeling you're expecting something huge," Quatre commented. "And I now fear for the house."
"He's reached his safe zone," Duo explained. "He knows what he can and can't do. And, if I was any indication, he's going to start trying his damn hardest to push buttons. And odds are good he's good at it."
Trowa nearly groaned.
He'd forgotten about that part completely.
Shit.
<>*<>
Then I went apartment hunting. I have now been approved for the apartment, so all the paperwork was good! I have a couple of small things to iron out, but looks like I'll have my own place, soon! Yay for me! I'm so excited!
Then I sent in my computer. I actually sent it off yesterday, but I got this slick little mini-computer, which is awesome. Not something I want to type on all the time, but at least I can try to stay up on everything. I bought it mostly for work, but it's mine so i can use it however the hell I want. Yay for me!
I also have good news. I did finish chapter 18, and it is extra long as an apology for me being so flaky for the past. . . well, forever I think. ^_^ I hope you like it. It may be a little choppy because of all the time that's passed, so if you see anything out of place, let me know. I tried to make sure I re-read it before working on it (which is part of what took me so long, because I pretty much had to re-read it every time I wrote anything new), so keep an eye open for me. Oh, and sorry for any spelling errors in the last part, or typos. I'm still getting used to the tiny keyboard.
Other than all my excuses, please enjoy!
Title: Flight of the Bumblebee Part Eighteen
Rating: T/PG-13
Fandom: Harry Potter Gundam Wing crossover
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, my fairy godmother is on vacation and I lost my genie, so I still don't own either series. Would be nice, though.
Warnings: (1x2, 3x4, 5x6) As for other warnings, I'm sure there should be some, but I've no earthly idea what.
Summary: Trowa Barton discovers that he actually has family thanks to mandatory government testing. Since Trowa isn't eighteen yet, he's the lucky sap that gets to go live with them for awhile, to the annoyance of the rest of the pilots and Preventors.
Flight of the Bumblebee
Part Eighteen
Breaking
Everyone knew something was wrong when Ali's father didn't return when he said he would. Ali didn't say anything, just grew a little quieter with each passing hour, and Harry refused to be moved from his friend's side. They both looked small and sad, though for very different ways. Duo had failed miserably when he tried to cheer them both up, and had chosen to sit with them instead, rubbing their small backs and just holding them quietly.
"Something needs done," Quatre murmured, crossing his arms. "I refused to leave them this way."
"We need to find Ali's dad," Zechs frowned.
"Hiiro's already on that. It's not like he could hide from us for long." Quatre smirked, looking slightly deranged. "What kind of father would just abandon his child like this?"
"Ali's, apparently." Trowa shook his head quietly. "But you know what will happen when we find him, right?"
"You and I will have to go talk to him." Quatre scowled, crossing his arms. "I'm not sure how well Harry will take it."
"We can't tell them we're going to go find Ali's father," Trowa glanced down the hall at the boys, then back to his lover and Zechs. "That would break their hearts."
"You could tell them it's a business trip," Zechs pointed out. "And they'll both be fine with us. You know that. In fact, it will give Harry some time to bond with us. He's very dependent on you, Trowa, and I want to make sure he realizes that we will be here for him even when you are not. Because you won't be able to be here all the time."
"You right. I just. . . worry about him. You didn't see what the Dursleys did to him first hand, Zechs, and I don't ever want him to think he'll have to go back."
"That's why he needs to trust all of us, not just you. We do dangerous work, Trowa. What if something happens to you? He needs to be prepared for a possibility, and he needs to know that even if it does happen. . . we would gladly take him in. That he would never have to go back." Zechs frowned. "I also think it's something we need to talk to Dr. Reece about. Maybe she'll have some ideas. And we can't keep skipping appointments. It's not good for Harry."
"I know, I know. I'm just. . . worried." Trowa sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "It's not like I've ever raised a kid before."
"You do the best you can," Zechs grinned, hugging him. "That's what my mother always said, anyway."
"I'm sort of surprised you remember her." Quatre broke in. "You were pretty young when she died."
"I was seven, thank you." Zechs chuckled softly. "But it surprises a lot of people. I remember more than people expect, I think. I remember what she and dad looked like, what they smelled like, sometimes things they said. I know Relena forgot, but I'm older than she is. Plus, Treize knew my parents and we'd talk about them sometimes, just so I didn't forget. Did you know he found a family picture for me when I was twelve? It was the nicest thing anyone had ever done. I'd thought they'd all been destroyed in the fire. You wouldn't have guessed, but Treize was really nice."
"Before he became a dictator," Quatre sniped, and Zechs shook his head, laughing softly.
"Well, that puts a damper on things," Zechs chuckled. "But he was still a nice guy."
"We've argued about this for ages," Quatre rolled his eyes. "And we always have to agree to have a disagreement. You just knew him longer than us, and in very, very different circumstances."
"I know, I know. But whatever the case, I still think we need to make sure Harry knows we are all here for him. He thinks we're here as an extension of you, Trowa, not by our own accord. It's not good for him."
"I'll keep that in mind," Trowa agreed, brow furrowing in thought. The trio was inturrupted, however, when Hiiro entered.
"I've found him." Hiiro waved the print out. "Likes to travel in comfort. You two will need to leave immediately if you want to catch him before he leaves the current colony he's on."
"Damn it," Trowa hissed as Quatre took off up the stairs to go pack. "Looks like this will have to come to fruition faster than I thought."
"We'll handle Harry, Trowa. Just go." Hiiro ordered. "You need to hurry and pack so you can say good-bye properly."
"Quatre's got it," Trowa waved a hand.
"Then I will help him. Go talk to Harry." Zechs darted up the steps as well, and Trowa moved down the hallway to displace Duo. Duo raised an eyebrow, and Trowa jerked his head toward Hiiro, who held up the paper.
"When?"
"Now."
"Ah, I see. Take over, then." Duo gave a cheerful grin and waved, then moved to see the paper in Hiiro's hand, heading toward the back of the house to share it with Wu Fei.
"Trowa?" Harry looked up at his cousin, green eyes confused.
"Hey, green eyes," Trowa sat in the middle of the two boys, legs stretched out. "Quatre and I got an emergency e-mail. We need to head to one of the colonies and straighten something out."
"Y--you're leaving me?" Harry choked out, and Trowa shook his head.
"Just for a couple of days. It's a business trip, Harry, and you can be certain Quatre and I will be back soon."
"But. . . can't one of the others go?" Harry actually looked nervous, which surprised Trowa. What would make Harry nervous about a business trip? Well, even if it wasn't really a business trip, but a trip to bring back Ali's dad.
"No, this really has to be Quatre and me, Harry, I'm sorry. But the others will take good care of you. You know that, right? They're really excited that they'll be able to hog you for a couple of days."
"Do what?" Harry looked terrified.
"Have you all to themselves and spoil you rotten while I'm away," Trowa rolled his eyes. "Wasn't Duo just complaing how he never got to have you all to himself because I was always hanging around?"
"But--But--" Harry sputtered, then burst out, "But I want you around!"
"I know, but Duo's jealous," Trowa winked. "He wants to spoil you rotten without me watching so he doesn't get in trouble."
"But you promise you'll be back, right?" Harry wrung his hands.
"Absolutely. Nothing could keep me away once this ends."
"Swear?"
"Cross my heart," Trowa drew the required "X" on his chest for the promise, and hugged Harry tightly. "I'll only be gone a couple of days. You won't even notice."
"Can--" Harry cut himself off, looking uncertain.
"Can I what?"
"You can. . . you can call, right?" Harry chewed his lip. He knew Uncle Vernon had to go on business trips sometimes, and Dudley always talked to him right before bed, but Harry wasn't sure Trowa would agree to call him. It was only for a couple of days, but Harry would miss him and he wanted to make sure Trowa really would come back.
"You want me to call at a particuar time?" Trowa raised an eyebrow, and Harry felt relief creeping through his body. Trowa didn't mind calling!
"B--Before I go to bed!" Harry gave in a rush. "So you can tell me good night! And. . . and Quatre, too!"
"Then Quatre and I will call you before you go to bed every night. Nine o'clock, right? And we'll help tuck you in over the phone." Trowa wrapped an arm around his young charge. "Does that sound good?"
"Uh-huh!" Harry nodded desciviely. "I'll miss you, lots and lots."
"I'll miss you, too. But now Quatre and I need to get ready to leave. Do you want to help?"
"Yeah!" Harry jumped to his feet, and Ali followed quietly behind, the look on his face a cross between sadness, jealousy, and longing. The two boys sprawled on Quatre and Trowa's bed as the two packed, sometimes offering suggestions about a tie or shirt to go with the suits the two were putting in. Even if it wasn't a business meeting, they had to pack like it was. Trowa was glad to find most of their preparations complete thanks to Zechs and Quatre, and closed his small bag with a sigh.
"I packed so light during the war," Trowa mourned, hefting the bag.
"You didn't have to accompany a big time business man," Quatre reminded him, pecking him on the cheek. Trowa smiled at the kiss, but rolled his eyes at the comment, making the boys laugh.
"We have to go, our flight leaves in less than an hour. As it is, I'll probably have to make them hold it long enough for us to get on board."
"Coming, coming," Trowa followed Quatre obediently down the steps, surprised when Quatre paused at the door to pick up Harry and hug him tightly. Trowa hugged his cousin as well, somewhat uncertain. Was this normal behavior when someone left? None of the mercenaries ever had, but Zechs was nodding approval.
"Love you, green eyes. We'll be back soon, all right?" Quatre ruffled the boy's hair.
"Okay, Quatre." Harry waved, so Trowa hugged him as well, telling Harry he loved him before heading to the car where Wu Fei was waiting to take them to the airport.
"Is that normal?" Trowa asked, once the boys couldn't hear them anymore.
"What?"
"Telling them good-bye like that."
"My father always did," Quatre shrugged. "And I liked it, so I thought it would be good for Harry, too."
"Did yours do that, too, Wu Fei?" Quatre asked, leaning forward.
"When he left for extended peroids, though never so. . . sappily." Wu Fei gave a small smirk. "But he always told us good bye, and to honor our family while he was away."
"So it's normal?" Trowa wrinkled his nose, trying to remember if the mercenaries had ever done such a thing. Some of them had families, after all, but he'd never been invited to be part of them. Nothing came to mind, so Trowa finally shrugged. "Did you like it?"
"It was his way of showing he cared," Wu Fei gave a tiny smile. "And telling us he would come back. Like a promise. So yes, I liked it."
"I'll have to remember, then," Trowa nodded. If it made Harry feel better, then he wouldn't forget to hug him and promise to return.
Wu Fei and Quatre both exchanged small smiles and Quatre rested his head on Trowa's shoulder, trying not to laugh. Trowa might have thought that all he was doing was taking Harry away from people that hated him, but Harry was really just as good for Trowa as Trowa was for Harry. It made Quatre happy to know that something as simple--and as complicated--as a child could change all of the pilots so drastically.
He was also a little afraid to think just how much like his father he was acting. Maybe it was true. . . when one becomes a parent, they discover just how much like their own parents they really are.
<>*<>
The trip to the colony was uneventful since Duo had found a sweeper ship hopping to L1-X43794. From there Trowa and Quatre rented a car to head toward Oliver Septum's hotel, to demand why he had simply abandoned Ali with them, expecially since the boy wanted nothing more than to be near his father. Even if his father was related to a giant prick and probably was one himself.
"I just don't understand why anyone would want to be near someone that clearly cannot stand them," Trowa commented on the way to the hotel. Quatre blinked, then gave a soft smile. Ali's predicament was certainly a learning experience for Trowa. "I mean, why would Ali want his father back when his father wants nothing to do with him?"
"They're family, Trowa. Sort of like us. Even when we're mad at each other, we're always after each other's approval, right?" Quatre patted Trowa's arm, looking around the crowded, mid-day streets on the colony. The L1 cluster was generally pretty warm--hardly tropical, but it never reflected the harsh winters currently beseiging England, either.
"Yes, but why would Ali want to stay near someone that hates him?"
"Maybe his father doesn't?" Quatre shrugged. "Children always seek their parents' approval. Seek to know they're loved. I'm not sure anyone can really explain it, but that's all they really want. To spend time with their parents, and to have that bond with them."
"You and your father were like that, hm?"
"As bratty as I was as a child, yes. And before I was such an asshat all I ever wanted was to be near him, even when he was in boring meetings and doing boring things. There really wasn't any reasoning, except he was my father and I wanted to spend time with him. I suspect Wu Fei and Zechs would give you similar answers, if you asked." Quatre shrugged. "And I can't imagine Harry being any different with you. He wants your approval and to spend time with you as well."
"It's so strange, to know that." Trowa mused, frowning slightly as he thought. "It just. . . who wants to be anything like me?"
"He does," Quatre chuckled. "He wants to be like all of us. He tries so hard to be everything he thinks we want him to, so we'll keep him and love him because the Dursleys certainly didn't. Sometimes I think he forgets he needs to be himself, not a minature copy of one of us. Mostly you, but sometimes one of the others."
"He should be more like you than me," Trowa commented. "You're a better choice."
"Depends on who you ask," Quatre patted his hair. "Now, the hotel should be just around the corner. . . one I own, no less. No wonder he was so easy to find."
"I'm not going to complain," Trowa snorted, driving to the front and giving the keys to the man at the parking booth. Quatre nodded to him as he got out, then both headed into the hotel, straightening their clothing. They'd taken the time to change from their travel clothing into their suits, and both men looked sharp. Trowa was acting as Quatre's "body guard" that day, even though the blond really had more weapons on him than Trowa.
"Sixth floor," Quatre murmured, heading toward the lift. No one even gave them a second glance as they went in and Trowa casually glanced around, taking in the decently decorated lobby. The hotel clearly wasn't expensive, but it was nice enough. "And then we'll find out why, exactly, Mr. Septum has taken off and left us his son."
"Mr. Oliver Septum?" Quatre banged on the door, listening intently for the shuffling footsteps to reach the door. The lock clicked as the door was pulled open, revealing Septum in all his greasy-haired, squinty-eyed glory. Quatre forced back a growl.
"How may I help you?" His voice was just as oily, but it was obvious he didn't recognize Quatre as one of the men that had taken in his son.
"I wish to speak with you about a few business ventures," Quatre offered his card, smirking when the man's eyes lit up in greedy delight, and he told the two to wait for just a moment while he pulled on his shoes. When he returned five minutes later, he'd clearly rushed to change, though his faded suit was hardly an article of clothing to be proud of. Quatre said nothing, choosing to simply raise an eyebrow as the man closed the door.
"I know a nice restaurant near-by," Septum offered, his oily voice grating Trowa's nerves.
"I have other plans in mind," Quatre offered, face flat of all emotion.
"Walk with us," Trowa ordered, the knife to Septum's back ensuring that Septum knew he was serious. Not that he would actually hurt Ali's father, but that was need-to-know information, and Septum certainly did not need to know. Septum blanched, obediently following Quatre down the hall, trying not to look uncomfortable with Trowa--and the knife--so near him. It was a thankfully short walk to one of WEI's buildings, and when only when they reached the roof did Trowa release Septum, tucking the knife away.
Quatre nodded, leaning against the chain-link fence that ran around the roof to deter would-be suicides from their goal of open air. "I find it hard to believe you do not recognize us," Quatre began, watching Septum closely. "Especially considering the circumstances of our last meeting."
Septum frowned, confused. "I'm sorry?"
"When we offered to take in your son while you were on your. . . business trip. . . so he would not need to remain in the hospital until you returned." Quatre turned to lean his hands on the stone wall that ran around the roof about waist height, just below the fence. The roof was actually more of a terrace, to give the workers some greenspace on the colony, and Quatre was glad the surroundings were very private. They'd swept the roof, of course, but Quatre would rather no one over heard this particular conversation.
"I--" Septum stopped. "That was you?"
"You regularily forget things where your son is concerned?" Trowa raised an eyebrow. "I find it regretable you hate him that much."
Septum froze, his dark eyes widening. They were such piggy eyes, Quatre reflected, that it was surprising they could go that wide. "I do not hate my son," Septum finally roared.
"Since you said you'd return last week and didn't, it's hard to believe anything else," Trowa made sure he was between Septum and the door as Quatre moved towards the man. "And after you pushed him down the steps and cracked several ribs. You're quite lucky he didn't die."
"I would never push Alistar down the stars," Septum snarled, taking a swing at Quatre. Quatre dodged it effortlessly, but chose not to swing back. Yet.
"Then why don't you enlighten me on why Ali has cracked ribs and a father that refused to pick him up?" Quatre demanded, leaning close.
Septum seemed to sag, rubbing his face with his hand. He looked incredibly tired in that moment, with his greasy, receeding hair and the heavy lines around his eyes and mouth. "What do you want me to tell you?" He sighed softly. "But I don't hate my son. I could no more hate him than his mother."
"Then why do you act like it?" Trowa raised an eyebrow.
"How would you feel, looking at your son and seeing your dead wife?" Septum snarled. "The most beautiful, gentle person you ever beheld, and then your son, who looks exactly like her? It was his fault, after all!"
"She didn't die in childbirth--"
"There was a complication," Septum clentched his fists, leaning on the concrete wall. "She was never the same after that. But she loved Alistar. You could see it in her face. And how could anyone not love Alistar? He's just like her, you know. Kind and gentle and loving. I could never raise my hand to him. Not even for something so simple as discipline. I'm very lucky he's such a good boy."
"What happened to him on the stairs? This is not the first time he's had bruises, and Harry said he's seen you grab him hard enough to bruise."
Septum winced. "I had not realize I'd grabbed him so hard. I hadn't been able to find him. . . I thought something had happened to him. That he'd been hurt. . . I was. . . scared."
"And that's an excuse?"
"You think I didn't feel terrible?" Septum snarled. "I apologized to him, and I've made sure to be more careful. As for the stairs. . . it's a little more complicated. I didn't even know, and Alistar wouldn't tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"The butler pushed him down the stairs," Septum shook his head. "I was so wrapped up in my problems, not even being able to look at my son, and for the past three years that man--that creature--has been abusing my son! He pulled the railing off the wall, never got it fixed even after I trusted him too--I am a failure as a father!"
"Because you're never home!" Quatre finally yelled, and Septum stared. "You can't see anything if you're never home!"
"I can't even bare to look at him!" Septum snapped, punching the wall and bloodying his knuckles. "And you want me to stay near him?"
"He is your son!"
Septum didn't seem to have an answer for that. "I know."
"He's not your wife, no matter how much he may look like her. He is a lonely little boy who wants his father's love and approval, and even now he thinks you'll come back!"
"I wasn't going to leave him," Septum sighed. "In case you haven't noticed, our. . . situation is less than ideal. My father and elder brother thought we were made from money. While we are old money, we are not made from it. They squandered our funds, and left me nothing but a broken down castle. Why do you think I never questioned the stair rail not being fixed? I needed the money somewhere else. Like Ali's hospital bill!"
"You called him Ali." Trowa glanced at the man.
"What?"
"You've been calling him Alistar, but now you've called him Ali. Why are you pretending not to like him?" Quatre crossed his arms.
"It's safer that way." Septum shrugged. "To try to keep him. . . happy, I've been dealing with things I probably shouldn't. But I can't allow anyone to know about my son, or that I do care for him. It. . . It's not good for him, because I'll have to push him away when someone is coming and yell at him. He's so confused about what's happening, but there are times he acts like it's normal. Normal for a father to shove his son away." Septum snorted in derision.
"Then maybe you shouldn't be in those ventures." Trowa raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, and then I can leave us homeless and let Ali starve," Septum sneered. "As it is, I can barely get the money for his schooling, but I refuse to let his education suffer because my father and brother were useless."
Quatre eyed the man. Wasn't it interesting how people acted just to keep their children safe, happy and healthy. "And the lack of toys?"
Septum shook his head. "I left it to that damn butler. . . I didn't know he didn't have any. I should have paid more attention. Doesn't matter, it's too late now. Ali probably hates me, and I don't have the heart to subject him to that."
Quatre swollowed. He had a feeling he was about to make a bad descision, but it was for Ali. Harry's friend didn't deserve his circumstances, even if his father probaby did. Although the man really was good at business. He had a level head, and Quatre had seen several companies he'd been hired into scraping the red before he arrived and were now doing incrediby well. "How about a proposition, then?" Quatre crossed his arms. "For Ali's sake."
Septum set his jaw, but nodded. "I'm listening."
"WEI has a small janitorial company in Maidstone. I am planning on moving the manager to the branch in London and he needs replaced. If it is agreeable, then I will allow you to take it over. You will work fairly independently, though I will ensure that you are not doing anything. . . detrimental to the company. I may be giving you this job, Septum, but you must keep it of your own accord. In return I will make sure Ali's tuition is covered. You will, of course get the benefits of the company there, including medical and retirement." Quatre looked like he should be in a board meeting, despite standing on a roof.
Relief was the first thing Trowa noted on the man's features, and blinked when Quatre touched his chest lightly. Apparently his relief was so overwhelming that it was getting through Quatre's shields. That was somewhat surprising. "You must also go pick up Ali within the next forty eight hours," Trowa added, raising an eyebrow. "Unless, of course, you'd rather be stuck in this life, and believe me when I say nothing will spare your son from it if you choose to continue on this path." Septum paled at the thought.
It wasn't fair to threaten Septum with Ali, and Trowa knew it, but Trowa was also well aware that even if the pilots did get custody of Ali, and even if he was taken away from his father, there would be no doubt he'd still get mixed up in everything. First, Ali was leverage no matter how much Septum pretended to hate him. Children were usually easy to kidnap, and if Ali was taken then Septum's pretend coldness couldn't stand up to the threat of losing his son. Quatre gave Trowa a sharp glance, but already knew Trowa wasn't speaking about putting Ali directly into harm's way. If Septum chose not to take this deal, he wouldn't be taking his son, either.
"No, I'll get him," Septum hurridly broke in, using a handkerchief to wipe sweat from his forehead. "I'll get the next flight back!"
"You had better," Quatre told him coldly. "I will have paperwork ready for you to sign when you pick him up."
"Yes, sir!" Septum was obviously raised in a military family, and Quatre forced back a snicker. For all this man was as slimy and his father and brother, at least he cared enough for his son to get on the right track. Trowa almost would have thought he wasn't all bad, but something about him still made their skin creep. Even so, his record was good, he hadn't stolen from the companies he worked with, and it was all for Ali's sake anyway.
Watching Septum exit the roof, Trowa caught Quatre in a warm embrace. "You think we're doing the right thing?"
"I hope so," Quatre sighed. "But if I discover anything--absolutely anything--that man will wish he had never been born."
Trowa chuckled. "But we can't wish that, unfortunately," he pointed out, and Quatre raised a questioning brow. "Ali's been good for Harry, even if his father is an asshole."
Quatre huffed, knowing Trowa was right. He couldn't wish ill on the man knowing how sweet Ali was.
Damn it all, anyway!
<>*<>
Harry spent the day Trowa and Quatre left quietly, refusing to talk to anyone, even Ali. Ali, though he was sad that his father hadn't come back yet, did his best to cheer up Harry and it almost broke the hearts of the other pilots to watch Ali pretend to be so cheerful. "Trowa will definately come back for you," Ali finally offered. "I mean, you're better than me, and my dad always comes back, too."
Harry blinked up at his best friend. "Your dad?"
"Yeah. You're a good kid, and I'm not, and Dad always comes back when he leaves, so Trowa will want to come back to." Ali grinned. "So you don't need to be sad."
"But what if he doesn't come back?" Zechs was relieved that Harry didn't tell Ali he was no good. Apparently his confidence was recovering, at least somewhat.
"He will," Ali smiled. "He has to. And it'll feel faster if we play while we're waiting for them to come back."
"You're sure?" Harry looked uncertain.
"He's quite right," Wu Fei smiled at Harry, startling both boys when he soundslessly approached. "Trowa wouldn't want you to be sad while you wait, and we're here for you, too, so you're still free to ask us for anything."
Harry bit his lip, blinking up at Wu Fei. "So. . . so you'll still let me keep my room and eat with you, and everything, even when Trowa isn't here?"
"Of course. There will be times that he will have to go on trips, and there will be times the rest of us do. But you are part of this family, Harry. Nothing that happens will change that. We all see you as a younger brother, in many respects. Just because Trowa is on a trip doesn't mean we'll treat you differently."
Harry almost said something, but stopped at the last moment, then decided he wanted to ask anyway. "Even if. . . even if he doesn't come back?"
"Trowa wouldn't abandon you," Wu Fei reminded him.
"Not like that," Harry protested. "I meant even if he. . . if he dies. Like my parents."
"Not even that would change anything. We would still fight to keep you." Wu Fei ruffled his hair. "Now, then, we should get some lunch. Hiiro said he could hear your belly all the way out here."
Harry giggled, but took the offered hand, reaching out for Ali, too. "I am hungry," Harry offered.
Ali grinned. "Me too. Hey, Harry, can we play Gundams after lunch?"
"You really like to play with those toys," Wu Fei commented as Harry nodded vigerously.
"Gundams are cool," Ali explained, blushing. "And they're superheros! They were like, woosh! And then zoom! And they'd save everyone, even kids like me. And they never left anyone behind! I wish I could be one, someday. Then I could save everyone too, and my dad would love me."
"The gundam pilots aren't superheros," Wu Fei told Ali, sadly. "They were just regular people. I bet they'd want you to be the best person you could, not a superhero."
"But. . . " Ali trailed off and bit his lip. "But the one that piloted Sandrock was so nice. I want to be like him. And then people wouldn't make fun of me for being nice."
"That wouldn't help," Duo smirked. "I bet 04 still gets made fun of for being nice. But he does it anyway, so people feel awful for teasing him. I bet you could be like that."
"You think?" Ali grinned.
"Yeah, Quatre's nice to everyone," Harry agreed, then covered his mouth at the slip. Ali didn't seem to catch the mistake, and Zechs was forced to hide a chuckle. They might have to let Harry tell Ali and Lance about them before Harry told them accidently. If that happened, he'd feel just terrible, and Wu Fei had no double that Lance and Ali would be stay quiet about their identities. Harry just gave a sigh of relief for the moment, and Wu Fei was relieved that he didn't have a meltdown right there in the kitchen. Not two weeks ago if that had happened, Harry would have been terrified of being sent back to the Dursleys. Now, however, he just glanced anxiously toward the pilots to gauge their reactions, and kept talking with Ali when they didn't seem upset at him.
Though with the way Duo was grinning it was hard to see how Harry could have even imagined they would be upset, though it wouldn't have stopped him in the past. "All right," Duo announced, carrying a pot to the table. "Tomato soup and grilled cheese!"
Harry raised an eyebrow as he eyed he sandwich and looked so much like Trowa for a moment that Wu Fei laughed outright. Sometimes it was hard to see the relation between them, but right then, Harry looked exactly like Trowa.
Harry gave him a funny look, then stared outright when Duo dunked his sandwich in his tomato soup and started munching. Hiiro snickered at his lover, but let it go, already used to Duo's oddness. Zechs did the same thing, anyway. Harry tenitively tried it, then tucked in with gusto, much like Ali was doing. They were all hungry, growing boys, after all.
Hiiro gave a quiet sigh of relief at the end of the day when Harry grinned while recounting his day to Trowa and let Duo and Hiiro tuck him in that night with no fuss. Hopefully Harry finally understood that no matter what happened, he was there to stay.
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Ali was overjoyed to see his father the next morning, and Septum gave the pilots nervous glances as Ali raced upstairs to get his bag. Harry stared at the man for a moment. "Don't hurt Ali anymore," Harry ordered, his green eyes almost seeming to be lit from the inside. "Or I'll hurt you."
Septum gulped and stepped back, his eyes growing wide in fear even through Harry wasn't even half his size. There was just something about him that was frightening. "I won't," Septum finally assured the boy. "Not anymore."
"Good." Harry smiled. "He always missed you when he was gone."
"I know," Septum smiled when Ali appeared and Ali barrelled into him for a hug, surprised when Septum didn't push him away. "I missed you, Ali," Septum murmured, pressing a kiss to the boy's hair. "Let's go home."
"I missed you too, Daddy," Ali whispered, hugging him back. When Septum didn't let go, Ali seemed to cling tighter, and almost refused to move away until Septum offered the child his hand.
"Time to go," Septum reminded him, and Zechs gave a small smile as they left. Septum might have screwed up badly where Ali was concerned, but it looked like he was more than willing to fix it and that Ali was more than willing to give him a chance. He sighed. If only the rest of the world was so forgiving. Maybe then there would be no such thing as war.
Harry was a little more subdued after Ali left, at least until Duo took him out to play and got him so riled he was almost impossible to call in to eat and do his chores. Not only that, he seemed to know that Trowa would be home soon, and when Trowa and Quatre did get home just before Harry's bed time, Harry tackled his cousin with enough force to nearly topple him, chattering a million miles a minute about everything they'd done in the two days Trowa and Quatre were gone. Trowa, more than willing to listen, finally had to force him into bed and even then it took close to two hours to get him asleep.
"He is going to be cranky tomorrow," Duo commented, smirking. "Haven't seen him cranky, yet. He's such a calm boy."
"I have a feeling you're expecting something huge," Quatre commented. "And I now fear for the house."
"He's reached his safe zone," Duo explained. "He knows what he can and can't do. And, if I was any indication, he's going to start trying his damn hardest to push buttons. And odds are good he's good at it."
Trowa nearly groaned.
He'd forgotten about that part completely.
Shit.
<>*<>