Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 16/?

Authors: Deathangelgw and Nightshadow

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

Note: stuff is learned…and relearned…as with all time and love…and LEMON!! *cackles evilly* Please Review!!

Lemon this way folks!!:  http://www.yagduhlstation.com/fanfiction/stories.php?id=134&chapter=16

//telepathic speech//

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

+++++++++++++++++++

Smirking, Wufei went into the closets and sighed. Pulling off his tunic, he looked down at the gold and black twined armband that encircled his arm. He brushed it slowly in an intricate pattern, hissing as he felt fire flood through him before the band released and slid down. He panted softly as he fell to his knees in pain, shuddering. 'It's never hurt so much....it's almost like it's stronger...feeding off of something...else...' he thought to himself in despair.

Cursing, Duo stumbled to lean against the wall as he felt a wave of pain not his own. *Stupid armband...I'm asking tonight!*

Finally catching his breath, Wufei stood up unsteadily. He picked up the band and placed it in its holder. He ran his hand over his face, sighing softly. "Better get to Duo." he said to himself, a soft smile crossing his lips as he said his lover's name. Slowly, he headed for the bath. Pushing away from the wall, Duo walked over unsteadily to the tub and eased his way in. Wufei peered in and smiled as he saw his mate already in the water. Stripping shakily as he walked over, he slid down and sat behind his lover. He reached down and began to slowly massage his lover's shoulders.

Sighing, Duo leaned into the touch. "I've missed you so much it isn't even funny. And it was the little things that were the worst. Like no one to cuddle with"

"Agreed, love." Wufei murmured softly as he leaned in and pressed a loving kiss to his mate's neck. "I longed to just hold you and point out the stars and look at nature as we rode." he whispered, his fingers moving deftly over corded muscle.

"I just wanted to hold you and tease you." Pressing closer, Duo tilted his head to the side to give Wufei more access. "Then there were the times I just wanted to sit in the garden and listen to you play."

Smiling gently as he kissed the soft skin, Wufei replied softly, "I would have loved that...we have much to catch up on." he wrapped his arms around the slender shoulders of his mate as he laid his head on the soft shoulder.

"Maybe so. We'll do fine. Food is probably going to be one of those things, a bit later anyway." Grinning, Duo shifted over so he could reach an arm around Wufei's waist and pull him down into the water.

Chuckling softly as he moved with his lover into the water, Wufei said softly, "I already had them send up food. It will be waiting in our rooms when we are done here."

"Perfect." Resting his head atop Wufei's shoulder, Duo held tighter, letting his fingers dance along his love's waist. "We'll need the refuel, ne?"

"Yes we will." Wufei purred softly as he held his lover close. He sighed softly, unbraiding the long strands of hair slowly before running his fingers through the silken strands. "I missed this most of all." he whispered softly. Nodding, Duo curled closer, purring as his lover stoked his hair, the slight strands moving to twine about Wufei's arms and fingers. Sighing softly as he brought the strands up to nuzzle gently, Wufei smiled. "The way it shimmered when it was loose...when it twined about us as we made love or bathed....how it brought the most loving look within your eyes...yes...I missed this most of all." he said softly as he wrapped his arms once more around his beloved. Mewling softly at the halt in Wufei's caress of his hair, Duo nipped lightly along Wufei's shoulder towards his neck, his hair dancing its way across Wufei's chest and back. Chuckling softly, Wufei resumed the caresses, carefully threading his fingers through the probing strands. He purred softly as he leaned his head down, capturing the nibbling lips for a soft kiss that slowly deepened. Moaning into the kiss, Duo tightened his grip on Wufei as they slowly renewed their knowledge of each other. Wufei whimpered softly as he tightened his hold while caressing the strands of his love's hair. He pulled back slightly and began caressing the slender neck that he so loved with gentle lips, murmuring his love both verbally and through their link.

Opening his mind completely to his lover and allowing him to feel what he himself felt, Duo pressed closer, gently latching onto one ear and nibbling along the edge before lightly tugging the lobe. Moaning softly as he arched closer, Wufei nipped lightly at his lover's neck before coming back up for another passionate kiss. His hands trailed down and shifted Duo more firmly onto his lap before he brought them forward to wrap hair entangled digits around a hardening member. Shifting to nibble down Wufei's neck, Duo brought his arms up to the other's chest, slowly caressing his way downward. Moaning softly as his head fell back slightly in pleasure, Wufei firmed his hold on his lover's member. He began stroking it lightly with both his hand and the soft tresses of his beloved's hair. A muffled groan made its way past Duo's lips as he gently bit down on his lover's shoulder. Letting his hands slip the rest of the way down to Wufei's member, he lightly caressed it from base to tip with one teasing finger. Gasping sharply as he bucked, Wufei groaned softly. His fingers stilled as he panted softly. "It's...been far too long....at this rate it'll be over before it's begun..." he murmured as he leaned his head and gazed at his beloved of matching eyes.

Smiling, Duo continued his teasing caress. "Then I suppose we'll get to play again sooner..." Placing a quick kiss on the other's nose, he pulled back slightly. "How far do you wish to go, love?"

"As far as you wish to go, love." Wufei whispered softly as he caressed a gentle hand up his beloved's chest to caress the soft cheek. "I'll go anywhere...and do anything with you." he whispered softly.

Smiling softly, Duo kissed his love deeply, one hand lightly caressing his love's stiff arousal. //Will you trust me to take you and show you how it can be?//

Wufei blinked in surprise through the haze of pleasure his lover was producing. //Will it....really be as wonderful as....what I did with you?// he asked softly, his hands caressing his love's face and arousal.

//Yes. I will make sure of it. Trust me?// Capturing the hand caressing his face, Duo pressed a kiss into the palm before releasing it once more as he shuddered with the renewed pleasure of his lover's touch.

//Always and forever my love.// Wufei leaned in and captured his beloved's lips in a slow kiss. His grip firmed once more on the arousal pulsing within it as he slowly stroked.

Arching into the touch, Duo moaned into their kiss before pulling back slightly. A gentle smile on his face, he wrapped his arms about the other's waist and stepped back into deeper water. //Then let's get you clean, so we may continue in your much-too-big-for-one-person bed.//

//Why don't we just have some....preliminaries here?// Wufei purred out softly as he followed his lover. He moaned softly as the water came up, soothing tired and sore muscles as they moved.

Grinning, Duo freed one hand from its grip on his lover's waist and began slowly trailing his way back to Wufei's arousal, wrapping his hand about it and stroking gently. //Such a thoughtful lover I have and so much in tune with my own mind.//

Purring in pleasure as he thrust into the caresses, Wufei smiled back. //One mind...one heart...// he said softly, his gaze locking with Duo's as he brought his hand back to lace with Duo's free one. //One soul.//

//United always.// Squeezing the hand laced with his, Duo lowered his lips to Wufei's, teasing him before deepening the kiss and increasing the strength of his strokes.

//Always...and forever...till death.// Wufei affirmed as he moaned softly, arching into the kiss and strokes in pleasure. He spread his legs, using the water's buoyancy to wrap them around Duo's waist in need and invitation.

Smiling, Duo placed a kiss on the young guardian's nose before moving to kiss down his neck and along the collarbone, while his hand continued its steady stroking, thumb caressing the weeping tip. //And...beyond.// Moaning as he arched closer, bucking, Wufei locked his ankles together so he could rub freely. He purred in pleasure as his head fell back, begging for more to be shown to him. "Of course," Darkened eyes watched the spectacle of his lover as Duo sought to bring him to climax.

Arching up as he cried out softly in pleasure, Wufei shuddered as his climax crashed over him in waves. He panted as he fell against his lover, his head falling onto his love's shoulder. //Gods of the air I love you...//

Wrapping an arm about Wufei's waist, Duo held him close, pressing a kiss to his forehead. //I know...and I you. More than Death, more than Life. My heart and home is with you.//

//My heart...my soul....my life is with you.// Wufei whispered the soft declaration as he pressed close. He reached down with his other hand and took the one that had pleasured him. He moved it back, pressing one of Duo's fingers into him. //My love...I will not wait. I need to be one with you completely now.//

Chuckling, Duo claimed his lips in a deep kiss as he began to walk out of the tub. //A moment of patience, dear one. Your bed is through that door and it is there I have what I need.// Moving the finger slowly within the other, he walked faster towards the door and bedroom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Snuggling closer to wufei as the youth held him close, Duo grinned tiredly. "Did I make good on my promise?"

"Oh yes....very much...." Wufei whispered softly as he nuzzled his lover's neck. He ran his fingers through the soft silken tresses of his lover, purring softly. "That was...beyond anything I thought possible..."

Moaning softly, Duo pressed closer. "M'glad. And I agree."

//Love you....my Duo...// Wufei breathed softly into his lover's ear as he felt sleep taking him contentedly.

//I know. Love you too...always.// Yawning, Duo waited till he was sure his lover was asleep. His body would join him soon, but his mind would be elsewhere and awake. *And you'll probably follow me, but remain asleep. I'll see you to the garden area. It's peaceful and safe.* Snuggling close to his lover, a soft smile caressed Wufei's lips as he sighed in sleep. He felt himself falling gently down a dark void, safe within his lover's arms. Assured that his love was asleep, Duo sighed, closing his eyes as he sought the power that would send him to the Shadow Realms. Grasping it, he relaxed letting it carry him to his destination.

When next he opened his eyes, he was in a world of shifting paths and doorways. Gazing about he caught sight of his lover's form and walked over to him. Gently taking the young king into his arms he walked along the paths, searching for the gardens. Wufei murmured softly, shifting within his lover's arms. His eyes opened up and looked up at his lover. "Duo?"

Stunned at the sight of an awake lover, Duo stared for a moment. "Eh...what ya doing up, 'Fei?"

Wufei blinked sleepily up at him, then looked around. "Where...are we, Duo?" he asked softly as he leaned against his lover.

Softly kissing his lover's forehead, Duo smiled. "In the Shadow Realms. It's where people go when they dream very deeply. Though they're normally not awake. Those who are awake are usually journeying."

Wufei looked up at him with fear in his eyes. "What do...you mean?" he asked softly. He remembered his brief touch of the Veil and had vowed to not touch it again.

Smiling softly, Duo kissed the top of the King's head. "It's alright, 'Fei. You're not going anywhere. You only woke up cause of me, I think. I was just taking you to one of my favorite places for dreaming."

"Dreaming?" Wufei whispered softly as he gazed up at his love. "Duo...why are you here? Why aren't we....sleeping...together?" he asked softly, his hands coming up and clenching in his lover's tunic.

"Our bodies are, and so are we. Our minds are just on another plane." Sighing, Duo continued walking. "I came here for answers is all. And to visit. SL will be happy for me and may even want to meet you. His favorite comment was how I needed to find someone who would love me as much as I did them"

Wufei found himself growing slowly more drowsy as he tried to listen. "Duo...please...don't...." he murmured as he fell back into a deep sleep.

"Well well, Duo...looks like you have finally got a find, eh?" A dark figure stood before the two as a deep kind voice floated out.

"Aye, and he just fell back to sleep to." Smiling, Duo shifted his grip on Wufei so he could pull the other into a hug. "Good to see you, SL."

Hugging the youth with a soft smile, the figure chuckled. "And you, Duo. And it was I who put him to sleep. I could sense distress from you and he about something, so decided to make it easier." he said with a chuckle.

"Ahhh. Well, thanks then." Smiling, Duo looked at his now sleeping lover. "SL, meet Wufei. My tenacious, stubborn, adorable lifebonded."

The figure became more pronounced and so an eyebrow was seen cocking in surprise. "Life bonded, did you say? Duo...do you know who this one is to us?" he asked in cautious surprise. Wufei sighed softly as he cuddled his lover, a gentle smile on soft lips.

Nodding, Duo smiled. "Aye, I do. He's a Guardian. One reason he was distressed. I came to ask questions while I visited. Some about our soon to be kid."

The Shadow lover frowned at this. "Two men having children...that is unusual..." he murmured as he walked alongside the younger man. He glanced over at Duo, his long black hair glimmering in the light of the afterlife as he asked. "You may ask...but in this I may have to unfortunately be fairly close mouthed on, my friend."

"Yep, we're having a Phoenix kid." Resting his hand on his friend's shoulder, Duo squeezed gently to show his understanding. "I'm not asking about the actual Guardianship. Just if there's any way to do something about some things."

"Like?" The Shadow dweller glanced over at his young friend. He took them to a garden that was soft with gentle colors and trees.

"Well, we have a problem. Whenever we're physically separated we experience a hell of alot of pain, can't eat, sleep, and so on. Basically it's rather unhealthy and dangerous. The healers were even contemplating a mind sharing to deal with it. We didn't, but that's because I kinda had a bit of a problem and wouldn't have helped me anyway. Is there any way I can accompany him when he goes on that Guardianship thing?"

"No Duo...I am afraid not." The shadow replied with regret as he led them over to a large tree, gesturing for Duo to place his love down.

Sighing, Duo sat against the tree with Wufei in his lap. "Damn. I was afraid of that. Oh well, least Blackheart was good for one thing. Pain I can handle." Grinning, he shrugged.

Sighing softly, the Shadow Lover reached up into thin air and brought out a pouch. "I can not allow you to go with Wufei on those trips...but I can give you something that will help to lessen the loss. You may also give it to the twins, Shay and Shalon...it will help them as well." He said as he tossed the pouch towards Duo.

Catching the pouch, Duo smiled. "No problem, SL. We'll live. Basically what's important anyway. The twins will be grateful, no doubt. They already have some kind of tea that works a bit. I can't use it though. Traps me in flashbacks."

Nodding in understanding, the dweller sat down gracefully, seeming more to meld with the shadows instead of moving. "That is no surprise...given your blood." he said softly.

Turning slightly to face his friend, Duo waited calmly. It was always so peaceful here. "Hmm? You mean being Death and Life's son?"

Nodding once more, the Shadow lover sighed softly. "Yes...while you are indeed Sidhe, you also carry a different blood within you. Perhaps that is why your bond with the one named Wufei of the Phoenix is so strong."

"Never thought of that." Shaking his head, Duo smiled stroking Wufei's hair. "What do you think of our kid to be? The Phoenix."

"Interesting...and dangerous. I advise caution....and a possible outlet of killing the young one before it becomes a danger." The Shadow dweller said softly, warningly.

"Can't. Fei and I have a Phoenix Bond." Shaking his head, Duo looked away. "I wouldn't anyway. That's something Blackheart would do. I'm not him, even if he did raise me."

"It is...something to keep in mind, my friend." the Shadow bowed his head slightly, looking up as a soft whimper of pain came from Wufei. "I see...even in the land of dreams, the price is extracted. How sad..." he murmured softly.

Murmuring softly to his love, Duo held him closer. "What price? His life?"

"I...am sorry, Duo. But I am forbidden to say." The one of shadows looked down in sorrow as he heard Wufei whimper again, becoming more and more restless. "I suggest....that you go and sleep now, my friend. I have watched you, as has my master. We see the connection and are...willing to allow your comfort for our ally."

"Alright. One last question. Is there any way I can help him to live longer? I know it's killing him SL. I know the band is tied to it as are the nightmares." Grinning, Duo winked at the other. "I'm many things, but stupid isn't one of them."

Grinning back, the shadow dweller shook his head. "Never said you were, young Shinigami. There isn't anything that I know of that can help....though....I must admit that your circumstances are different." he said vaguely.

"Aren't they always? Tell Da I said Hey and I'll see him next time. He may know." Rising, the longhaired man walked over to his friend, grasping his hand to pull him to his feet so he could say goodbye his own way, with a bear hug. "Plus I haven't bugged him in a while."

Laughing softly, the Shadow Lover returned the hug with one of his own. "Be safe, Shinigami. And be careful. There have been stirrings and pluckings at the Veil...someone is trying to use it. Warn the king and his Guardians." He said softly.

"Shall do, brother mine. Stay safe yourself and don't work too hard or lose our game!" Waving, Duo started to leave before pausing briefly. " I found my twin by the way."

Grinning and nodding, he who dwells in the shadows chuckled. "For which we are grateful for...anymore bashes to the head for you two and we'd be the ones with the headache." he said with a chuckle.

"Think mine was worse." Grinning, Duo waved once more before calling on his power to bring them safely home. Laughing softly as he watched them disappear, the Shadow swirled and vanished once more.

Wufei moaned softly as he fought with himself, trying to escape his nightmares. Jerking back to wakefulness, Duo ran one cold hand gently down his lover's back. "Shhh, dearling. All's well." Screaming in terror, Wufei woke up with a start, sitting up and shuddering. He wrapped his arms around his waist, shuddering and rocking as he stared ahead unseeingly. Moving beside him, Duo continued to talk to him softly, pulling Wufei into a tight embrace against his still cold body. "'Fei, Love, wake up. It's ok. You're safe."

"Duo..." Wufei whispered softly, his eyes filled with pain and fear as he snuggled closer to his lover. Slowly, he relaxed, leaning against the longhaired man with exhaustion.

"I'm here and not gong anywhere. Have that on good authority." Chuckling softly, Duo continued rubbing the young King's back. Sighing softly, Wufei relaxed easily into sleep, his head pillowed on his beloved's shoulder. Tightening his hold, Duo laid back down, pulling the other close. "Sleep sweet, 'Fei." Smiling softly as he slept dreamlessly, the Sidhe King held onto his lover in sleep.

TBC