Title: Building a House Part 5: Windows
Universe: Young Avengers, House of M AU
Rating: PG
Summary: A peek inside.


Kl'rt was waiting as his emperor came into the room with the dawn. He was walking strangely, in some kind of bizarre pattern, and humming a tune that Kl'rt had heard earlier that night. The Super-Skrull cleared his throat and watched Dorrek trip over his own feet. "Good morning, Your Majesty," he said dryly. "I trust you had a pleasant evening?"

Dorrek grinned as he picked himself up off the floor. "How long are we staying?" he asked.

"Four more days. Our negotiators will wrangle with theirs while we present opportunities for the Earthlings to marvel at us, then you and King Erik formalize the agreement, and then this little vacation ends and we return home."

Dorrek scratched his chin. "Find a way to extend the visit," he said. "I want at least another week here. I want the chance to explore this world."

K'lrt studied his emperor as the hatchling flung himself onto the bed. Tentatively, he said, "Your Majesty, I see no reason to."

Dorrek sat up, the grin slipping from his face. "There are plenty of reasons."

"Amusing yourself with the human is not a reason."

The emperor's _expression darkened dangerously. "I am not 'amusing myself'," he said quietly. "I enjoy Billy's company, and he is teaching me about Earth customs."

"And I imagine you're teaching him a great deal about Skrulls," Kl'rt said with a snort. "The fact remains that in time, you will have to leave. And he is a prince. Are you willing to endanger these talks for a passing fancy?"

Dorrek's _expression turned truly black. "Get out," he hissed.

Kl'rt stood and bowed. "As my emperor commands."

***

Wanda Lehnsherr, princess of Genosha, sat in her garden, and she worried about her sons. She could feel them slipping away from her. Thomas was always rushing, always running, and William was drawing into himself.

They were both keeping secrets from her.

She didn't want to loose her boys the way she had lost their father.

Something had to be done.

"Pietro..." she said, turning to her brother.

***

"Your mother is worried."

William blinked, watching his uncle in the mirror as the tailor took his measurements. "I can't imagine what she's worried about," he said.

"You didn't come back to your room until dawn," Pietro said. "The Crimson Guard has been sent to retrieve your brother. You have both been keeping secrets from your mother. This is going to stop." The Crown Prince met his nephew's eye. "You will either be honest with her, or I will find out what you are up to and tell her. Is that clear, my nephew?"

"Yes, sir," William said softly.

***

Tommy wasn't surprised when Billy came pelting into his room, looking unusually disheveled. He had, in fact, been expecting it since Pietro had delivered his lecture upon his return to Genosha. He wasn't sure which of them was going to be in more trouble when all was said and done. Billy looked like he was about to have a heart attack.

The first words out of his mouth were "Look, you were going to have to tell her eventually."

Billy stared at his white haired twin. "Not like this," he said. "I didn't want her to find out like this."

"At least she didn't walk in on you and your boyfriend."

The dark haired prince buried his face in his hands. "It's going to kill her," he said.

"Doubt it. Mine might, thought."

William peeked at his brother through his fingers.

"Her name is Kate, and she's a Sapien."

"Grandfather is going to have kittens."

"Yup. I think I might be able to beat Uncle Pietro on the scandal front."

"A Sapien?"

"You got a problem with Sapiens now?"

"No, but you never struck me as the type."

"I am full of hidden depths."

"You are full of something, alright."