Authors note: please do not confuse Zach with Zechs they aren't suppose to be the same person.

Across the lunch room Trowa watched Quatre. He missed him so much. Why hadn't he told anyone he was back. For a moment he thought maybe Quatre didn't love him anymore but then what would be the reason from not contacting the others.

Then a boy who used to harass Quatre walked up to him. Trowa would always protect him from this boy called Zach. Quatre looked up at him and without hesitation picked up his tray and smashed it into Zach's chest. Food was all over his clothes. Then Quatre balled up his fist and punched him in the chest. The boy fell to the ground as Quatre approached him again.

The boy backed away a little. Quatre finally spoke. "I am not that little weak kid anymore." Then he turned and walked away. His friends were all in shock. Trowa couldn't believe his eyes.

As Quatre walked out he ran into Wufei. "That was impressive."

"Oh that. Thanks I guess." then he continued on his way.

After school Quatre didn't want to go home just yet so he went for a walk. His uncle wasn't suppose to be home until late so he thought he was safe. He spotted a fight going on it was Heero against three guys. Two of them were holding his arms. The third guy was about to charge him holding a rock. Quatre intervened he tripped the guy. Then Heero was able two free himself and they all ran off. Heero approached Quatre. "Thanks but...."

Quatre interrupted "But you could have handled it. I know. I just hate it when people don't fight fair. To think we fought in a war for jerks like that."

"I was going to the arcade wanna come?"

"I don't know. I'm not suppose to."

"Come I owe you. My treat." Quatre smiled and nodded. He could use a day out away from the bastard he called Uncle.

Quatre and Heero sat down after playing a few games and ordered a pizza. Heero caught him up on current events. Quatre listened and smiled it was nice. "Has Trowa been well?"

"Yes he has."

As Quatre was about to take a bite of pizza a man appeared and shoved in his face so hard it hurt. The he grabbed Quatre's arm and pulled him away. "I told you to be home right after school."

"I'm sorry Uncle."

"not yet but you will be."

Heero stood up and demanded, "Leave him alone."

"don't tell me how to handle my nephew."

"This guys your Uncle?" Heero questioned Quatre nodded and went with his uncle.

**********

When they got home Quatre's uncle pushed him against the wall as he took off his belt. "You will not disobey me again." He began to whip Quatre on his back. Quatre had to sleep on his stomach that night. The pain kept him up all right and a single tear ran down his cheek.

The next day was Saturday Quatre's Uncle let him go out on the weekends so no one would get suspicious. So Quatre went to his favorite place the lake in his special spot. He was glad it was still there. He still felt a little stiff but after so many beatings he found himself getting used to the pain. He wondered if that was a good or bad sign.

A figure came around the corner and saw that someone was in his spot. He saw that it was Quatre. He walked over and sat next to him. "Trowa, what are you doing here?"

"I like to come here. To think."

"Is anything wrong?"

"Kind of. Are you mad at me?"

"No. Why would you think that?"

"It just seems like you've been avoiding me."

"I really have to go." and he turned to walk away. Trowa grabbed his arm and pulled him into an embrace. It felt good until Trowa's hands touched his wounds. Quatre cried out in pain.

"Quatre?"

"It's nothing. It was nice to see you again Trowa." Quatre bolted.

Someone hurt you. They will pay when I find out who hurt you they will pay. I could always tell when you were scared someone has you terrified. Is that why your staying away? First things first I need to get you to trust me again.