A Shifting of Fortune Part 2
Maxwell's discrete observation of his new Mistress was abruptly brought to an end by the arrival of a slender young man not more than two or three years older than Duo.
A thick crop of blond hair cascaded in silky wisps over his forehead almost obscuring his wide sparkling indigo eyes. He seemed to float into the room on light easy strides. His arms were overloaded with a rainbow of colorful folders and what appeared to be a large, and probably heavy, ledger book.
The blond stopped for a moment to catch his breath before carefully laying the large book well up on the desk's edge to be sure it would not tumble off. The folders were, just as carefully, stacked on top.
"You called me?" he asked between short intakes of air casting a sideways glance at Maxwell.
Duo got the impression by the young man's overall hurried demeanor that he was one of those people who were always rushing from one project or task to another. Always busily and efficiently "getting the job done".
Noin let a thin smile cross her lips, "Slow down, Winner." she advised shaking her head at the man's rushed, somewhat flighty, behavior.
"Yes, Madam." he replied taking a seat beside Duo.
The blond glanced once more at Maxwell then did a "double take" as he noticed Duo's handcuffed wrists.
"Oh!" the single word sounded faintly, probably so low Noin could not hear the surprised exclamation.
Duo narrowed his eyes at the startled Winner deliberately giving him the most threatening glare he could. Then Maxwell let his own thin smile show his pleasure at causing the already jumpy young man to flinch and shrink back from his menacing scowl.
If Noin took notice of Duo's purposeful attempt at intimidation of her employee she gave no indication in either her stoic blue sight or body language.
Winner pushed back more deeply into the chair's thick cushions hoping to find some measure of refuge from the American man's narrowed violet eyes and sinister statement.
Noin ran a finger down the riding crop flicking the leather loop at the end, "Winner," she began then paused noticing the blond's cowardliness.
Her eyes rested on Duo before a slight smirk graced her lips as the affects of his centered glare became apparent.
"Good." she thought to herself, "He hasn't lost his spirit. He might just be the challenge I need."
"Winner." she began again raising her voice to gain his attention.
Silky hair swished over one eye as the young man straightened feeling a bit braver knowing he was under his Mistress's protective watch. "Yes, Madam."
"This is Duo Maxwell." Noin announced putting a name to the imposing figure seated by Mr. Winner. "He is my newest acquisition. You will need to add him to the budget and purchase some suitable clothing." she instructed, "I am sure he doesn't have anything befitting my standards." the Lady added looking down at the faded duffle bag.
Maxwell tilted his head now casting the same hardened glare at his new Mistress. She might have bought him, but he would be damned if she would ever own him.
Noin leaned forward her own narrowed sight matching Duo's steely stare. "This is Mr. Winner, he is my Household Manager. Most of the time he will be relaying my orders so you might as well decide to, at least, tolerate his limited authority." she advised, "I don't believe you want to alienate the one person you will have to count on for any form of comfort here."
Duo glanced at the blond then at Lady Noin.
"Well? You can talk, can't you?"
"Yes." Duo replied coldly not lessening the harsh degree of his malice-induced glare.
"It is fine with me if you don't talk much, I like my "pets" silent and obedient." Noin declared her voice's raised pitch accenting the blunt statement. "but you WILL address me as Madam." she ordered.
"There aren't many conditions here. You will show me respect, do as I say and speak only when I give you permission. You will not leave the sleeping area or the house unescorted. Take my orders and follow these rules and you will remain healthy and as happy as I want you to be. Is that clear?"
Deciding, for the time being anyway, that he would be better off to go along with "Madam's" game, Maxwell lower his sight, "Yes, Madam."
Lady Noin smiled relaxing back in her chair, satisfied that in time, her new boy-toy would be broken in properly.
The arrival of yet another staff-member eased the tension. The person was dressed entirely in black. A circular crimson patch with "SECURITY" embroidered in bold gold letters was the only hint of color on the dark uniform similar in style to those worn by the patrolling guards Duo had seen earlier.
Again, in keeping with Noin's habit of surrounding herself with fine young males, the man was about Duo's age.
His most noticeable feature was a thick crop of brown hair that seemed to be in a constant state of tousled confusion. Narrow cobalt eyes surveyed the room and its occupants as he paused inside the archway.
"Yuy." Noin acknowledged the new arrival with a sweeping motion of her hand.
With light, graceful strides Yuy approached the desk stopping a few feet from the American youth. A grin tugged at his mouth's corners but it was clear he was deliberately not letting it break out into a full smile.
Noin lifted the riding crop using it as a pointer, "Take those off." she motioned at the handcuffs.
The Security employee knelt in front of Duo pulling a key from his jacket pocket. In seconds the cuffs sprang open and were removed. The young man gave Duo a quick wink making sure it was hidden from Noin's view then stood up taking the restrains with him before moving back to the desk.
Noin stretched out her arm, the riding crop held firmly in her long fingers, "This is Yuy." she proclaimed brushing the crop's end over the young man's flat abdomen shone off nicely by his tight shirt.
"He is second-in-command of my Personal Security Unit." She stated letting the leather loop slip down until it rested on Yuy's crotch. With teasingly firm strokes the looped end pressed harder.
"If you are entertaining any ideas of starting trouble or leaving, think twice, Mr. Yuy here is quite efficient at dissuading any unruly behavior. And he is very good at what he does, are you?" Noin cooed tapping Yuy's tight pant's frontal region.
"Yes, Madam." he replied seemingly not affected by the Lady's insistence attention to his considerable natural endowments.
Noin reluctantly averted her lustful gaze returning it to Duo, "You go with Yuy, he will show you to your room. Again I will advise that you don't make him your enemy" Noin instructed, "That would not be a wise or healthy choice."
Maxwell looked up into Yuy's eyes not seeing anything threatening in their shimmering centers but he knew from experience you couldn't judge a person or their abilities by what was viewed on the outside.
Duo rose gathering his bag in his freed hands. "Yes, Madam."
"Winner will bring you some clothes and personal items later." Noin informed, "Maxwell, abide by my few simple rules and there will be no problems." she declared, "Winner, you stay, I need to talk with you."
"Yuy escort Maxwell downstairs." the Lady ordered giving one longing look at the handsome young man with the seductively sexy eyes.
*********
Duo followed Yuy and his nice rear end across the hall, to the right and downstairs to the basement area. When they reached the bottom, the Security man paused glancing from side to side. Seeing that the corridor was vacant he flopped down on the last step.
"That bitch is hard as nails." he proclaimed reaching into his pocket for a cigarette, "Want one?" he offered.
Duo shook his head, "No thank you." he answered with a sigh. He felt like he had been holding his breath since he arrived.
Yuy lit the cigarette inhaling lightly then, with his own soft sigh, let the smoke drift from his nostrils. "My name is Heero." He introduced himself, "What do you like to be called, Maxwell or Duo?"
The American man rested his shoulder against the stone wall wondering why the Lady's employee want to make small talk. Finally deciding the conversation was innocent enough he answered. "Duo will be all right."
"Okay, Duo it is then." the Japanese Boy smiled flicking gray ashes on the floor.
Heero stretched and stood up, "Come on I'll show you to your bedroom."
They made another right turn into a wide hall. Doors lined either side. Some were storage areas, one the laundry room. About midway four opened doors lining the left side showed the bedrooms. The first was unused. The second was occupied judging by the made up bed and items covering the dresser.
Heero stopped at the third, "You can use this one." he declared walking into the square room.
Clean linens were folded on the bed that sat against the left wall. At the back wall a mirrored dresser took up most of the space. To the right a wooden table and chair sat to itself in front of a built-in closet.
There were no windows and the single overhead light barely lit Maxwell's new abode. "I'll tell Quatre to get you a lamp with a decent wattage bulb." Heero promised sitting on the unmade bed.
Duo set his bag on the table taking a seat on the wooden chair. "Quatre?" he wondered at the new name.
"Winner." Heero explained, "That's Winner's first name. He can get you just about anything you want, legal or not. If you want a bottle or joint, that's fine but don't get caught drunk or stoned the Lady frowns on that."
"Am I down here alone?" Duo asked hoping that wouldn't be the case.
Yuy drew in on the cigarette drawing the reddish end to almost nothing, "Nope, that's Trowa's room next to this one." he said blowing out the last of the smoke before crushing the smothering end on the wall, "But you might as well be alone with him around. He's won't be much company. Likes to keep to himself and hardly ever talks." Heero informed, "Except when Quatre comes down."
Heero leaned back on the bed resting his weight on his elbows, "I might as well tell you now, you'll probably find out anyway, but Trowa and Quatre sort of have a relationship going, if you know what I mean?"
Duo nodded, "Yeah I know something about that subject myself." he admitted figuring since Noin knew about his past, the information would become common knowledge sooner or later.
Heero raised an eyebrow but didn't seem that surprised. "Figures, the Lady," he grinned putting a sarcastic tone in his voice, "seems to pick guys that prefer guys, she sees it as a challenge to get them to love her.
Guess she likes to see if their twig bends both ways." the grin blossomed into a full smile. "I guess you will have to watch yourself, Maxwell, you might have both Noin and some of the men around here after you at the same time. If nothing else that braid of yours is fetching."
"Should I watch out for you?" Duo smiled back remembering the wink Heero had given him earlier.
"I can take it or leave it." Heero stated standing up, "The bathroom with showers is down the hall and that is a small kitchen area around the corner. You will have to fix your own meals most of the time, except when the Madam requests your company at dinner." he stated more mockery ringing in his words.
Heero paused at the door, "Like Noin said play by the rules and there won't be any trouble. I like you well enough, Duo Maxwell, but don't mistake my being friendly with not doing my job. If I have to choose between you and Chang, believe me, you will lose every time."
"Chang?"
"Oh yeah, I should warn you about him. He is Head Of Security and is one mean bastard. You DO NOT want to get on his bad side." Heero warned out of genuine concern, "Stay clear of him as much as you can and whatever you do don't go upstairs or outside without permission."
Heero looked passed Duo as a tall, slender figure paused by the door.
"Here's your neighbor now. I'll see you later."
The tall man, Duo judged to be about twenty, gave only passing acknowledgement of Yuy's exit as he peered through wild bangs, studying the "new boy on the block". In fact Duo wasn't even sure the odd stranger would speak to him at all. Stopping short, Trowa studied the American newcomer with an air of impassive indifference.
Duo chose to make the first move, "My name is Duo Maxwell." he said deliberately keeping the sentence short recalling Heero saying the man was quiet by nature and probably not very receptive to lengthy conversations.
"Trowa." the man answered softly.
Duo waited for further words but when none were forthcoming he asked, "Just Trowa?"
A stoic green-eyed gaze and an affirmative nod was all the reply offered.
"This living arrangement is going to be really exciting." Duo thought to himself. But then decided it would be just as well. He really didn't need a new best friend.
He didn't plan to get too close to anyone and certainly would not be staying long enough to foster any friendships. No, at the first opportunity he would be gone.
Despite Yuy's stern warning, one way or the other, Duo Maxwell was not going to become a permanent resident of Noin's quite grand hellhole.
Trowa seemed to read Duo's thoughts, "You had better resign yourself to this place." he advised before going into his room and closing the door.
*********
In about an hour, Quatre knocked timidly on Duo's door. A posture of uncertainty was apparent in his overall demeanor as the door opened and Noin's household Manager stood face to face with the "new man".
Remembering Winner's reaction to his solid glare in the Mistress' office Duo was ever so tempted to take a deep breath and yell "BOO!" just to see if the blond boy would wet himself or, maybe, faint.
But then Duo recalled that this mild natured young man would be his only lifeline in his forsaken position. No, it might be best not to alienate him.
Besides he seemed like a nice enough fellow and something told Duo he was going to need all the help he could get if he ever wanted to escape his gilded cage.
Duo displayed his most endearing grin and offered his hand, "Hi, I'm Duo." he announced.
Realizing Winner's hands were occupied with the large box he was carrying Duo lowered his hand and stepped aside. "Come on in." he invited.
Quatre hesitated peeking over the carton's top with eyes graced with the longest eyelashes Duo had ever seen.
"Come on, I promise I won't bite."
Quatre made a wide circle around the braided boy stopping at the table to deposit the carton.
"I suppose we weren't really introduced." he stated offering his hand with more surety, "I'm Quatre Raberba Winner."
Duo grinned, "Three names, well you must be important."
Quatre lowered his eyes studying the floor, "No not important or indispensable," he admitted, "and neither are you. Please remember that." he urged.
"Here are the clothes Madam wants you to have and some personal hygiene items. Heero said you needed this, too." he stated sitting a lamp on the table, "Bright bulb just like you wanted." he smiled happy to do his part to help Duo settle in.
"I hope everything fits, I'm usually pretty good at estimating sizes. Let me know if you need anything else." he said turning to leave.
"Quatre," Duo called after, "can I ask you something?"
"You may ask but I can't guarantee an answer."
"How many others have there been here under these circumstances?"
Quatre raised his wide indigo eyes until they met Duo's concerned sight, "I really don't know, I have been here only two years. What happened before that I couldn't tell."
"How many have been here since you arrived?"
Quatre again lowered his eyes. A soft sigh flowed over his lips, "I guess twenty or so." he answered lifting his eyes to watch Duo's reaction.
"Twenty!" Duo exclaimed not bothering to hide his surprise.
Quatre nodded.
Now Duo seemed more anxious than curious. "What happened? Where are they?" he asked in quick succession.
"Lady Noin grew tired of most of them and sold them to other people. But four or five, they..........." Winner paused swallowing hard.
"They." Duo repeated trying to prompt Quatre to finish.
This time when Quatre's wide eyes focused on Duo's face fear was quite evident in their enlarged pupils. "They disappeared." he whispered.
"Define disappeared." Duo responded not at all comfortable with the fright in Winner's eyes.
Quatre leaned closer lowering his voice, "Disappeared, just vanished." he shook the head. "One would be here at bedtime and the next morning he be gone."
Not wanting to think the worse Duo replied. "Maybe they were shipped off in the middle of the night." he suggested.
"If they were," Quatre answered the fear still strong in his indigo gaze, "they didn't take anything with them. All their personal items were left here. Then later in the morning someone would come and clean out their rooms."
"Do you think this Chang fellow had anything to do with these vanishing acts?"
The mention of Noin's Head of Security caused Quatre to nervously glance back at the opened door as if the beast himself would sudden materialize from thin air at the calling of his name.
"I assume Heero warned you about Chang Wufei?"
Duo nodded his braid swinging across his back.
"Believe me you had better take that warning seriously. Chang is one man you do not want coming after you." Quatre declared. "Just last week he beat one of his own staff half to death because the man got back from town fifteen minutes after curfew."
Quatre placed his hand on Duo's arm, "Please, Duo, stay away from him if you can." he begged.
"I will." Maxwell promised sincerely, "I don't want any trouble."
Quatre smiled, "Good. I have to get back to work. If you need anything let me know." Winner paused in the doorway, "Duo try to make the best of this." he advised the smile disappearing altogether.
Duo own smile faded at Quatre's sadness, "Hey, Winner." He called as Quatre stepped into the hall, "Thanks."
Duo went to the door watching Quatre walk up the hall. As he approached Trowa's room the tall, quiet man was leaning in the doorframe. Without a word he reached out snagging Winner around the waist.
Trowa leaned nearer whispering something that brought a rosy blush to Winner's pale cheeks. A bashful smile lit up his face as Quatre stood up on his tiptoes to place a firm kiss on his lover's mouth.
Trowa tightened his hold pulling the smaller boy off the floor. One more kiss then Quatre was lowered gently to his feet.
A few more tenderly whispered words were exchanged before Winner started off again looking over his shoulder at the emerald gaze following after him.
Soon Quatre moved out of sight as he ascended the stairs. Trowa went back into his room with only a bare glance in Duo's direction.
Duo shut his door with a heavy exhalation. The sound of its closing echoed with a hollow ring declaring a certain finality. The ending of one chapter was the beginning of another.
Standing in the center of his dim home Duo fought the urge to give into his loneliness and despair. To either scream out loud or sink to his knees in heartsick sobs.
TBC...
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