Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 15/?

Authors: Deathangelgw and Nightshadow

Disclaimer: They aren't ours....but we can sure as hell play with them!!!

Note: AH….more fun stuff in this one! What you ask? NOT SAYING!! Hehe Please Review!!

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

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Grimacing, Joren gripped the front of his saddle in one hand and the reins in the other. He was not enjoying this...creature. It had already dumped him once and he did not wish for it to do so again. To be entirely fair, though, that time had been his fault. It didn't mean he wished to repeat it. "I suppose with practice I shall become reasonably good at this..." he muttered, shifting his gaze to keep an eye on Quatre, who rode between him and Zechs. Quatre smiled cheerfully at Joren, moving along easily with his mount. He got along just fine with his steed, his gentle nature a soothing balm to the mount.

Zechs chuckled softly as he gazed over at Joren and Quatre. "It will be another week until we get there." he said soothingly.

"Hopefully by then I will be able to sit properly upon this fellow." Smiling slightly, Joren nodded. "What about this palace? What do you think will be the most likely reaction of its inhabitants when we show up? We are afterall, refugees of an enemy land and a King no one wishes as an enemy."

"Given the fact that your own Prince is the mate for our King...I think your welcome will be assured." Zechs said with a soft laugh. Quatre nodded excitedly, his face flushed with happiness. "As for your king...I'm sorry to say, but we don't fear him." the blond Guardian shrugged.

"He has never been my King, nor shall he ever." Scowling, Joren looked away. "He has done nothing to earn his title. Duo was the true leader, powerless as he was. Blackheart knew this and hated it. To not fear him is good, but do not underestimate him."

"Good warriors never underestimate." Zechs said softly as he looked ahead, his body swaying easily with Hailor.

Quatre sighed softly, looking down as he said softly, "Miss Duo..."

Zechs looked over, smiling gently. "Don't worry, little one. Soon you shall be reunited with your loved one. And happiness can start for you." he said gently and Quatre looked up, smiling adoringly.

"It's hard not to be happy anywhere Duo is, right Quatre?" Smiling, Joren reached an arm across the distance to lightly pat his younger friend upon the back.

Quatre nodded and giggled. "He...loves life!" He said with a grin.

Zechs chuckled softly. "Good...then he will lighten my king's heart for sure." he said with a small smile.

Nodding, Joren continued. "And make your courtiers lives amusing. He loves setting people on their ears."

Giggling again as he nodded, Quatre smiled at his friend. "He likes jokes." he said quietly, looking down as he blushed, feeling as he had spoken too much.

Grinning as well, Zechs chuckled. "I look forward to it." he said with a wink.

Smirking slightly, Joren chuckled. "You will until you find the prank pulled upon you. He spares no one. In his mind humor is for all."

Laughing as Quatre giggled and nodded, Zechs shook his head. "Ah then, I shall be wary to be on his good side so it isn't as bad." he said lightly, earning another giggle from the younger blond.

"None are truly bad. If you're on his bad side, you don't get a prank." Shrugging, Joren grinned slightly. "You just get a rather eventful night time visit you would rather have done without."

Cocking an eyebrow in concern and amusement, Zechs gazed at the other young man. "I see." he said.

Quatre grinned. "No worries." he chirped as he waved his hand.

"You'll see for yourself. He usually only gets mad over those he cares about." Nodding, Joren turned back to watching Quatre. *I hope this change in scenery gets you over that shyness, Little Bit. You used to be so talkative...used to being the operative phrase.*

"Ah...well then I shall expect him to be quite protective of our king. Which wouldn't surprise me." Zechs said with a wry grin. At Quatre's curious glance, Zechs continued. "King Wufei is one of the most loving and kindhearted kings our land has seen in millennia. He is much beloved by his court and kingdom." he said. Quatre's eyes lit up with delight and he sighed softly in pleasure.

"Sounds like he's finally found his place then. Good." Patting his steed's neck, Joren smiled. *Good for him. I told him he'd find where he belonged.*

Nodding as he looked forward, Zechs smiled as they came upon a town. "Ah...shall we stop for lunch?" he asked as he looked over at the other two. Quatre turned pleading eyes to Joren.

"Of course, Q." Smiling, Joren leaned to ruffle the other man's hair, while keeping a tight grip on his saddle.

Quatre giggled as he leaned into the touch with an adoring look. Zechs grinned as he watched them, then led them to an eatery. "Then let's eat. I think you two need some fattening up before you see Duo. And why don't I get you some new clothes for your new life?" He said as he dismounted smoothly. Quatre gasped in delight and clapped his hands excitedly.

"That sounds like a good idea, but nothing expensive." Smiling, Joren dismounted his own horse, holding to the saddle until his feet got used to being on the ground again.

Quatre pouted as he let himself be lifted off by Zechs and he glared at Joren. Zechs chuckled softly as he said, "As you wish." Quatre sniffed and pouted some more.

"You'll live Q." Smirking, Joren patted the other's head. Quatre poked Joren as he passed him by, running in to follow Zechs in with a light laugh. Zechs chuckled as he waved to the waitress and got a table for three.

Smiling, Joren followed at a more sedate pace. *With time he'll heal.* Quatre sat delicately into his seat as Zechs sat across from them. He kept himself in the middle, wanting to be reassuring to both young men. He smiled up at the waitress charmingly as he asked for wine for himself and some sweet burorberry juice for the young men. "Thank you," said Joren softly as he took his seat beside Quatre.

Zechs smiled gently at them as he nodded. Quatre grinned as the juice came and drank thirstily before putting it down and looking sheepish. Zechs chuckled as he looked at the menu. "Order whatever you wish." he said softly as he looked at them.

Waiting for the waitress, Joren looked around, watching the people. It'd been years since he'd last seen so many people just...living. *Well, living a normal life that is.* Quatre peeked around shyly, a slight blush of embarrassment on his cheeks as he sat there. Zechs smiled at the two, then looked up as the waitress came to them with a soft smile. He ordered for himself, then glanced over at the other two with a raised eyebrow, waiting.

"I think I'll have the stew." Smiling, Joren thanked the waitress for her patience.

The waitress smiled warmly back and nodded then looked over at Quatre. He smiled brightly as he said, "Same, please." She grinned and nodded, then took the menus before heading back.

Zechs chuckled softly as he watched them. "You both don't eat much, do you?" he said gently.

"Not really, no." Shrugging, the green eyed blond turned back to the table.

Frowning slightly as he glanced over at the other young blond, Zechs sighed as Quatre kept his gaze down, fiddling with the napkins anxiously. "Well...no need to do that anymore." he said softly.

"Maybe so, but it does take time to get used to eating more than ones used to, especially if it's richer." Poking Quatre lightly in the side, Joren nodded. "We'll be fine.

Quatre nodded automatically back, following directions as Zechs snickered. "Well then...you won't mind if I help choose your clothes then, eh?" he said lightly, watching as the younger blond's eyes shone in anticipation. He felt his heart pull at the innocence that was both lost and present in the two youth.

"If you insist. Q can tell you his own tastes...but if it has ruffles or lace I am not wearing it." Nodding firmly, Joren turned back to his occupation of subtly tickling the quieter blond.

Quatre giggled as he squirmed away from Joren. Zechs chuckled softly as he said, "Luckily, we grew out of the ruffles centuries ago. But lace can look very elegant. We shall see." he said as he winked at them.

"I think I shall pass," said Joren wryly, one eyebrow raised.

Quatre giggled and poked Joren. "You would look good in lace, Jorjor." he said as he grinned.

Zechs raised an eyebrow. 'That's the most the young one has spoken since I've met him...' he thought to himself, suddenly wondering what had led to such regression.

"And I'm sure you'd look good in ruffles if they have some, Q. Maybe I'll see if I can sniff some out...just for you." Grinning, Joren ruffled the other's hair.

Squeaking in outrage, Quatre glared at Joren. "No ruffles." he said firmly, then shut up as the food was brought out, a blush of shame on his cheeks.

Zechs cocked an eyebrow at Quatre. "It's alright to speak out, little one. And we won't give you ruffles if you don't want them." he said soothingly. Quatre looked up mournfully from under his bangs.

"I wouldn't make you wear ruffles, Q, and you know it." Sighing, Joren hugged the young blond gently. "Why not imagine what color you want while you eat? I bet they'll have lots of them." Quatre nodded happily as he smiled brightly, then dug into his stew with a relish. Zechs chuckled softly as he ate at a slower pace. They all enjoyed some fruit filled pastries for dessert as well. Finishing the last of his pastry, Joren turned to look out the window.

Quatre sighed in bliss as he licked his lips, then bounced up. "Horsies." was all he said before running outside to the horses.

Zechs snickered softly as he got up. He tossed a small bag of money onto the table and turned to leave. "Come...let's get shopping." he said with a wink at Joren.

"Alright." Rising, Joren moved silently beside Zechs.

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Heero sighed softly as he sat near his brother, reading one of the many books from the immense palace library. Duo was sitting nearby on the windowsill, gazing out at the garden. His face was thin and gaunt from lack of sleep and food, and his clothes hung loosely on the frame. Heero wouldn't admit it, but he was just as worried as everyone else about his brother's failing health. Shay and Shalon had never been this bad...

He looked up as he heard some fast footsteps in time to see Shalon and Trowa run in. They panted for air, grinning as they straightened up. Turning around at the sound of the other two's entrance, Duo smiled. "Hey guys, what's up? The place on fire or something?"

Grinning, Shalon waved him over. "Nope, nothing's on fire. But there's something you're gonna really like."

Trowa grinned as Heero stood up, then said, "Yeup...uh, we have some visitors!" He grinned as he stepped back.

Heero gasped in surprise at the change he saw as Wufei stepped into the room. 'He looks as faded as Duo...' he thought to himself with a pang of sorrow.

Wufei smiled softly at them all, but his eyes were on one person alone.

"'FEI!" Running shakily from his perch on the windowsill, Duo grabbed hold of the other, burying his face against Wufei's neck. "Missed you..."

Wrapping his arms tightly around his mate and burying his face in the strong shoulder, Wufei said huskily, "Missed you too...so much." Heero looked over at the others then gestured with his head that they should leave. He turned towards the door and walked out, followed by Trowa. Smiling, Shalon took a last look at the two before leaving to find his twin. Everybody was back together. Life, for the moment couldn't be better.

Holding tight to Wufei's hand, Duo pulled him over to the windowsill and its nest of blankets and pillows. "Glad you're back. And next time I'm going with you."

Sighing as he shook his head, Wufei grinned wanly at him. "My love...you know you can't. I'm sorry. It will get better...and luckily it's only once a year." he said as he caressed the hand holding his own. "How have you been? Did you cause trouble?" he asked softly as he toed off his riding shoes.

"Ummm, well, kinda. Just not the kind I was...intending to cause." Mumbling, Duo buried his face in Wufei's shoulder again. "Will too go. Just to travel. Don't have to let me see you do what you do. I can sit with the horses or something."

Sighing softly as he held his love tightly to him, Wufei nuzzled the slender neck. "Duo...I can't. You aren't...." he sighed softly and slouched slightly in defeat. "I can't have anyone but one of my bodyguards with me. It's....part of the deal." he said hesitantly.

"What deal?" Curious, the longhaired man looked up slightly.

Avoiding his beloved's eyes, Wufei said softly, "The deal that is made when you become a Guardian. Since I am king, they....were flexible in that I should take only one bodyguard with me for my rounds." he sighed softly.

"Oh. Who made that rule?" Snuggling closer, Duo tightened his grip about Wufei's waist.

"He who watches over the Shadow realms and the Veil." Wufei said softly as he buried his face in his lover's neck, taking comfort.

"Oh. You mean Death? Or his Sub in control? Cuz that would be SL." Breathing deeply, Duo smiled at his lover's familiar scent. Amazing how the little things were what one missed the most.

"Let's not talk about it anymore." Wufei said softly, closing the matter with a gentle kiss. He smiled down at Duo. "Will you join me for a bath to wipe the travel dust from my body?" he asked as he caressed a gentle hand across Duo's cheek.

"Do you really need to ask, 'Fei?" Smiling, Duo brought his lover's palm to his lips, placing a soft kiss in the center. *I can ask later, SL and maybe even Death Himself, if he's not too busy. I can also ask about this problem of keeping 'Fei alive. Kill two birds with one stone*

Smiling gently, Wufei nodded. He then turned serious. "Oh...and don't go snooping. It's difficult to explain and I...don't want you getting so involved in it...more than you already are." he said softly, sternly.

"It won't hurt to ask, love. Da's used to my questions by now. The worst he'll do is say 'When its time you should know I'll call you.'" Sighing, Duo grinned lopsidedly. "I'll compromise. I won't ask any direct questions about this guardianship thing. I'll only ask about whether something can be changed. I'll even tell him not to explain the guardianship to me. I'll leave that up to you. Life and Death are my parents. Chances are they'll tell me. Hell, Da goes into a guilt trip every time he sees me anyway. I am his only living son, afterall."

Wufei sighed softly as he looked away, his eyes sad. He really didn't want Duo to know everything...about how his life was shorter than most Sidhe because of his duties. His hand came up unconsciously to clutch at the hidden armband that was a reminder of who he was. "Alright...since I know you won't listen if I ask otherwise." he said finally, trying to smile at his lover.

"Cheer up, 'Fei. It'll be ok." Raising a hand, Duo gently caressed his lover's cheek before letting his fingers trail across those soft lips.

Kissing the trailing fingers gently, Wufei smiled at him. "I'm sorry...I'm just very tired....though I must say it's nice to be without those...stretching symptoms." he said, wrinkling his nose.

"I think we're both tired and eternally tired for that last reason." Chuckling, Duo tapped his lover's nose lightly. "And our little one is fine."

Blinking, Wufei stared at him, then gasped. "Oh gosh I forgot! Here I was so concerned about you..." he trailed off, hanging his head.

Smiling, the longhaired man gently raised his lover's chin, claiming his lips for a soft kiss. "Silly. I would have said if anything were wrong. He's not born yet 'Fei. A moment of absent mindedness doesn't hurt."

Sighing and grinning, Wufei wrapped his arms around his lover, pulling him close. "Alright then...why don't you go into the bath and I'll join you in a minute?" he said softly as he leaned in and nibbled along Duo's neck.

"'K. Now would be better though." Grinning, Duo nipped lightly at Wufei's ear before moving back and off the windowsill.

"Mmm...I know...but I want to take my smelly clothes off and put them where they belong." Wufei said as he followed his lover off. He leaned in and pressed a long, nibbling kiss to his beloved's lips before pulling back.

"Sounds decent." *And take that band off, I bet.* Smiling, Duo snagged his lover's hands, intertwining their fingers.

Bringing their intertwined hands up, Wufei pressed a loving kiss to them. He smiled at his lover and sighed. "I missed you so much, Duo....we have a lot of time to make up." he said softly.

"And plenty of time to do it in. And things to catch up on. Life here got a bit eventful," Duo said wryly, as they made their way to their chambers.

"Oh really? Such as?" Wufei asked as he trailed along behind his lover.

"Well, I had some flashbacks one day. And they weren't...that nice. S'ok though." Duo's smile wavered slightly before he continued. "Then I was laid up in bed for a bit and I found out something really grand which I'm not telling you till later."

Cocking an eyebrow as he grinned, Wufei said, "Oh really now? What if I order it?" he chuckled, as he looked snooty.

"Even then I shan't. I gave my word. You'll just have to wait like everyone else." Grinning, Duo stuck his tongue out.

Wufei pouted as he stopped outside of the changing room. He sighed in defeat. "Fine alright...head into the bath and I'll join you shortly." he said with a swat to Duo's ass before turning and heading into the room. Chuckling, Duo waved before heading onwards for the baths.

TBC