Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 20/?

Authors: Deathangelgw and Nightshadow

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

Warnings: AU, slight OOC, sap, dark, angst, language, mention of torture, yaoi, shounen-ai, het

Pairings: Varied, but the main is 2+/x5x2, 1xOCx1, OCx4xOC, 3xOCx3, 6xOC

Rating: PG-13

Note: Some sweet Tro/Jor talking here! Please Review!!

//telepathic speech//

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

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

Trowa grinned as a big orange and yellow panther strode up to Joren and stared him in the eye, almost equal in height. //You must be the one who protects Glitterstar.// a deep voice said as the big cat cocked his head.

Bowing slightly to the big cat, Joren smiled. "Both Duo and I do. We have ever since we met him."

//I am Sorienso. Would you like to see the gardens?// The large cat asked as he bowed his head regally to Joren. He tilted his head and purred at Trowa and said, //And may the Green Eyes come with us?//

"That sounds enticing. And no, I wouldn't mind if Green Eyes came with us." Chuckling slightly, Joren watched Trowa out of the corner of his eye. One thing his years had taught him were the signs of attraction and Duo's friend certainly showed them, but he was acting like no one else Joren had met. It was intriguing.

Trowa blushed slightly, as he became the focus of green eyes as well as orange and red swirled eyes. "I guess I am going somewhere with you?" He asked amiably. He smirked as Sorienso nodded and purred, nudging his leg.

"It seems so. Do you mind?" asked Joren as he kept his hand buried in the fur along the cat's neck, massaging the muscles lightly.

Trowa smiled as Sorienso purred loudly, flexing his paws in pleasure. "Not at all." he said as he gazed at Joren.

"Then shall we play follow the Cat?" A slight grin teased the edges of Joren's lips. It'd been years since he'd played any type of game. Trowa grinned and opened his mouth to respond, but then laughed softly as Sorienso took off, leaping playfully onto a hidden path with only his tail sticking out. Smiling softly, Joren followed after Sorienso. "Playful, isn't he?"

Trowa chuckled softly. "Yes...he may look regal, but he loves a good game of hide and tag." he said as he walked up and tugged on the tiger's tail. Nodding, Joren waited for the great cat's next move. Maybe this time he could find him. Sorienso ran down the path, a purring chuckle echoing down. Trowa ran to follow the cat, laughing softly as the big cat leapt into a tree. Following him, Joren smiled as he attempted to climb the tree in order to be the one to tag Sorienso this time. Needless to say, he wasn't getting very far.

"No...you are doing it wrong." Trowa said with a gentle laugh as he came up behind Joren. Placing his hands over Joren's, he showed him how to 'tickle' stepping spots on the tree, which was a Sokein tree. Sorienso chuckled and purred from his perch. Mimicking Trowa's actions, Joren laughed softly. Who would have thought one would have to tickle a tree to climb it?

Trowa grinned, then stepped back, catching the last hint of Joren's scent as he pulled back. "See? It's easy. Just remember to thank it later. They tend to give gifts for politeness." He said with a wink.

Continuing his climb, Joren looked over his shoulder to smile at Trowa. "What kind of gifts?"

"Depends on you." Trowa said with a smile back. "It goes with whatever you wish in your heart."

"Hmm. Then I suppose we shall see what's in my heart, no?" Chuckling, Joren managed to make it to his cat-friend's limb before stopping to rest. "You know. This climbing is tiring."

Sorienso chuckled as his tail waved lazily in the air from the branch. //You will get used to it. Wait until you see the Sarkra tree.// he said with a promise.

Trowa snickered. "Sorienso, be nice and help him down too." He called out, earning a huff from the big cat.

"I take it it's even higher? Do I get to rest first maybe?" Clinging to the branch, Joren swatted at the cat's tail.

Sorienso laughed, almost roaring in his amusement. //No, but I hope you like to sing.// he said as he chuckled, then got up and stretched, growling lazily as he did so.

"I don't mind it." Looking down from his perch, Joren held tighter to the tree. "Sorienso? Trowa? How do you two propose I get down?"

Sorienso snorted softly as Trowa called up, "When Sorienso is in position, climb onto his back."

"Alright." Turning away from Trowa, Joren looked at the big cat. "Are you in position?"

Sorienso chuckled as he snorted, then leapt to the side of the tree, hooking his claws in carefully. He looked over at Joren and grinned. //Climb on.// Obeying the command, Joren climbed atop the big cat and hung on tightly. Sorienso chuckled softly as he swiftly climbed down, then knelt down. //Now...that wasn't so hard, was it?// he purred out as he grinned over his shoulder at Joren. Trowa snickered softly.

Sliding off, Joren smiled. "No, it wasn't. It was rather fun actually." His smile widened slightly before he turned back to the tree they had climbed. Bowing slightly, he thanked it for the use of its toeholds. Trowa grinned as he watched, then watched as the tree began trilling, its leaves shaking before a nut fell to the ground and rolled to Joren's feet.

Picking the small nut up, Joren opened his present, smiling sadly when he saw the teardrop moonstone. Cradling it within his hand, he stroked the smooth surface. "Thank you..."

Trowa walked forward, but remained a safe distance away. "What did you receive?" He asked softly, concern on his face.

"Something that brings back fond memories of times long lost." Holding up the moonstone tear, Joren watched it shine in the afternoon light. "My youngest sister. I told her that moonstones held good dreams. It was an old story I made up to get rid of her nightmares."

"Ah...I see." Trowa said softly, sadly. "In our land, moonstones mean that you have fallen within blessing of our Moon Goddess and that she and the Gods of the Air will bless you with your heart's desire."

"Ah. Sounds like a good thing." Smiling, Joren pocketed the stone. "She liked the story and the charm so much that she wore it everywhere."

"She was very dear to you." Trowa stated softly, a gentle, yet sad smile on his face as he watched the other man.

"Yes, she was. Her memories are still there though, aged but not forgotten," Joren finished hoarsely before turning away. Lightly patting his new furry friend's head, he turned back to Trowa, his voice only slightly strained. "Shall we continue our walk?" Trowa smiled and nodded, glad to give the other man an out. Sorienso purred loudly and led the way down the path, walking gracefully as if he owned the woods. Shaking his head at Sorienso's haughtiness, Joren followed, moving silently along the path.

Trowa looked around at the surroundings then blushed brightly. 'Why is he taking us there?' he wondered as they came out from the woods next to a bubbling waterfall.

Slowly relaxing, Joren looked up at the sound of rushing water. Turning to Trowa, he asked, "What's that?"

"It's a waterfall. It's..." Trowa looked down, suddenly embarrassed as he said quietly, "It's...a special place for me."

"Ahhh." Looking at the sight before him, Joren smiled. It was indeed a beautiful place. "May I ask why?"

Trowa shifted uncomfortably. "No one except for the Caroime Cats know of this place for me." He said quietly, blushing slightly as he looked away. 'And no one was supposed to…until the right one came along…'

Nodding, Joren tentatively rested a hand on Trowa's shoulder for a moment before withdrawing it. "Not a word of it shall pass these lips, this I promise thee."

Trowa smiled at Joren. "I thank you. Here...let me show you something special." He said quietly as he held his hand out in invitation. Taking the offered hand, Joren waited to follow Trowa to where he would lead. Trowa's smile warmed even more as he gently squeezed the hand he was holding then tugged him along to a place behind the small waterfall. There, gentle shimmerings of light reflected off of crystalline pillars to crisscross across the cave walls.

Awestruck, Joren raised his hand to light, laughing softly as it decorated his skin. "Amazing..."

Trowa smiled shyly as he watched Joren, then said quietly, "Watch and listen." He reached over and lightly tapped one of the pillars of crystal. It began to hum a light tone, glowing softly. The other crystals around them began to join in slowly as they made their song, singing an ancient tune. Sighing softly, Joren closed his eyes as he listened to the music, finding himself humming softly along with it. Trowa smiled as he listened as well, watching as the song revealed the ancient story of the people known as Hiroden and their children, the Sidhe. Lost in the tale and history of his people, Joren unconsciously moved to use Trowa as support for leaning against. Trowa, not even aware of who it was, wrapped a soothing arm around Joren as he listened to the song's tale. Sighing, Joren found himself smiling at the closeness of the other. It felt...right, for lack of a better word.

Trowa leaned his head atop Joren's as he closed his eyes, listening to the soothing chiming of the crystals. He felt so at peace. Speaking softly, Joren leaned more of his weight against Trowa. "This place is amazing...thank you."

"You're welcome." Trowa said just as softly as he looked down at the other youth with a small smile. Catching sight of the small smile, Joren smiled back before surprising himself by yawning widely.

"You are tired." Trowa said softly then tightened his hold slightly before letting him go. "Come...I can show you to your quarters." He said gently.

Nodding, Joren moved to follow him "That sounds exceedingly good."

Trowa grinned back at him, then got onto Sorienso's back, gesturing for Joren to hop on. "Then let's go." Mounting behind Trowa, Joren held on tightly to the other man's waist as they rode back to the palace, his head resting lightly against Trowa's shoulder. Trowa wrapped one hand around the ones on his waist while balancing with the other on Sorienso's back. The giant cat loped easily back to the original clearing in time to see Shalon and Quatre leaving. Catching sight of the pair, Joren watched for a moment before slipping from Sorienso's back and waiting for Trowa.

Trowa slipped off as well, grinning as Sorienso padded over to the other two cats and curling up next to them.  He brushed his hand on Joren's gently as he said, "Did you want to eat first maybe?"

Nodding, Joren smiled through another yawn. "I believe that would be a good idea. According to Zechs both of us need to eat more."

"I agree." Trowa said softly then blushed slightly. He turned and started walking towards the kitchens. "This way."

"Alright. No one will mind, will they?" Following along beside Trowa, Joren watched his new friend, enjoying the occasional contact between their brushing hands.

Shaking his head, Trowa smiled at Joren again. "No...as long as we eat later at dinner." He said with a wink.

Chuckling, Joren nodded, smiling. "I will. Numerous meals are becoming a welcomed luxury." Trowa laughed softly as he led him to the kitchen. He walked in when he saw the open door and looked around for Shalon and Quatre. Catching sight of Trowa looking for someone, Joren asked, "Who are you looking for?"

Trowa glanced at him and then saw Shalon from the corner of his eye. He grinned. "I'm looking for Quatre and Shalon...and there they are." He said as he smiled at Joren.

Turning to follow Trowa's line of sight, Joren smiled as he saw Quatre talking with another person willingly. "Amazing. He never goes off with strangers, no matter if Duo and I both agree they're decent."

"Shalon has always had a special gentleness within him. Perhaps that is what is needed...an untainted caring." Trowa said softly as he watched the two before looking at Joren with a soft smile.

"Maybe so. One can hope." Smiling back, Joren watched the scene wistfully. "He wasn't always like this, you know. When he first came...he was so innocent and he loved people. He's also an amazing strategist. Still is...when you can convince him it's ok to win the game."

"That is something I shall tell Shalon then, for he loves games as well." Trowa said with a grin. "Don't worry...we shall heal him as best we can and hope that he will love once more."

Nodding, Joren started to walk towards the two speaking softly, "He will heal. And hopefully Duo as well. We all will, maybe."

"Yes...let us pray for such." Trowa murmured as they came up.

"Aye." Moving quietly behind Quatre, Joren tugged a lock of his hair gently, then stepped back waiting patiently for the eventual tackle.

Quatre giggled happily as he tackled Joren, then said excitedly, "We can eat whatever we want and no one will hurt us!!"

Chuckling, Joren hugged him tightly, "So I've been told, Little Bit. Found a new friend have you?" Waving to Trowa, Shalon moved off to collect some more chairs so all four of them could sit at the small table.

Quatre nodded happily as he hugged Joren. "He's nice...and he says he'll protect me just like you and Duo." He said happily as he watched Trowa, who was standing nearby, smiling gently.

"That's good. I believe I like him already." Catching the direction of his young friend's gaze, Joren smiled ruffling the blond's hair. "Have you met Trowa yet? He's my new friend and very nice too."

"Hello Quatre, I believe we've met." Trowa said as he smiled at the young blond.

"Really?" Quatre asked excitedly and grinned as Trowa chuckled softly.

Catching sight of Nero with the pieces of pie, Shalon took his seat in one corner and motioned to the others to do the same. "Really to both." Releasing Quatre, Joren took the seat across from Shalon, nodding to him. Quatre stood near the table as he watched Trowa sit down next to Joren. He glanced at Shalon, a sudden look of fear in his eyes.

Smiling softly, Shalon held out a steady hand to the other youth, speaking softly. "It's alright, Quatre. Want to sit down so you can eat your pie comfortably?"

Quatre gazed at the offered hand silently then looked up fearfully as he timidly took it with his own. "Ok..." He said meekly.

Waving to Nero, who had been standing off to the side while waiting for all of them to take their seats, Shalon gently maneuvered Quatre into his seat. "Now we can all enjoy a spot of pie and rest our feet. Sound good?" Quatre nodded shyly as he smiled slightly. Trowa snickered softly as he elbowed Shalon slightly.

Placing the slices of pie in front of Shalon and Quatre, Nero turned to Trowa and Joren. "Now that I've served these two starved youths, what would you two prefer?"

Quatre watched the others, not even touching his pie yet. Trowa smiled up at Nero. "I think I will have the berry pie, Nero." He said softly, then glanced over at Joren.

"I'll try the same as Quatre, while stealing bits from Trowa's." Grinning, Joren winked at Quatre.

"Very well, then. I shall be back with a large slice for you and an even bigger one for Trowa, so that he may easily survive your thievery." Chuckling, the old cook left the four to their talk while attending his errand. Smirking at the other youth's teasing of Trowa, Shalon took a forkful of his pie, thoroughly enjoying the sweet treat.

Trowa chuckled softly at Joren as he shook his head. "Little mooch...next time just ask..." He said teasingly.  Quatre grinned slightly and began to slowly eat his pie, cooing at the taste.

"Now what, pray tell, is the fun in that?"

Smirking at the two, Shalon turned to Quatre. "I take it you like chocolate?" Trowa smirked back at Joren and shook his head. He grinned as Quatre looked up with a chocolate mustache. Smiling sweetly, the blond nodded enthusiastically before returning to plunder the sweet. Chuckling, Shalon took another bite. "I'll take that as a very definite yes. Think this will become an afternoon habit?"

"You mean this isn't a normal habit?" asked Joren, while he watched for the return of the cook.

Trowa chuckled softly. "No, normally at this time we would be having weapons' practice." He said, then grinned as he saw Nero approaching.

"Quite true. I much prefer this. Do either of you have any knowledge of self defense?" Glancing from Joren to Quatre, Shalon waited for them to answer.

Nodding to the four, Nero placed Trowa and Joren's pie in front of them, before leaving after an affectionate ruffle of Trowa's hair. "Eat up you two."

Quatre swallowed and looked down, shaking his head timidly. Trowa smiled up at Nero, then reached over and patted Quatre on the head. "Would you like us to teach you some?" He asked gently. He smiled softly as Quatre looked up unsure, then gazed at Joren.

Nodding, Joren spoke calmly to keep his young friend from getting upset. "I think it would be a good idea. The exercise would do us good and being able to defend ourselves would make us less of a target. What do you think, Quatre?"

Quatre looked down and shrugged. He picked at the rest of his pie timidly.  Trowa chuckled softly. "Don't worry about it. You can just watch for a while, if you want." He said soothingly.

"Of course, you can, Kat." Tapping the silent blond lightly on the nose, Shalon hugged him gently before turning back to the last bite of his pie. Quatre smiled as he dug into his pie with renewed vigor as Trowa did the same. Smiling, Shalon pushed his plate away to wait for the others to finish, chuckling as he watched Joren snatch bites from Trowa's plate. Trowa bopped Joren on the head, earning a giggle from Quatre before he quickly finished his pie. Waiting till Joren had finished his pie, Shalon spoke up. "Would you and Quatre like to go to the baths and clean up while Trowa and I gather some extra clothes for you?"

Quatre nodded enthusiastically as Trowa laughed softly. Grinning, Trowa said, "Well then, what say you, Joren?"

"I'm ready. A hot bath sounds like heaven." Pushing back from the table, Joren rose from his chair.

Trowa grinned as Quatre jumped up, bouncing. He winked at Shalon as he asked quietly, "Would you like bubbles in your bath, Quatre?" Quatre stared at him in shock, then smiled widely, nodding as he clapped his hands happily.

"Then I'll see that you get them." Smiling gratefully at Trowa for the suggestion, Shalon turned back to Quatre, resting a light hand on his shoulder to guide him safely through the busy kitchen. Watching the pair as they left, Joren smiled before moving to follow along with Trowa.

Trowa smiled as he followed the two, then glanced at Joren. "Would you like bubbles?" He asked teasingly.

A serious look of contemplation settled across Joren's features as he considered this option, while trying not to grin. "Hmm. Depends upon what they smell like."

Trowa grinned. "Well we have unscented as well." He said as he poked Joren playfully.

Poking back, Joren smiled. "Ahhh. No Linea? It's the one flower I don't mind smelling like."

"We *may* have that." Trowa said with a grin as they finally came to Joren's room.

"If not, the unscented shall work just fine." Stepping into the room he'd been gifted with, Joren looked around for a moment, speechless. He'd been in rooms like this before...but never of his own accord or with the knowledge it was His.

Trowa stood to the side of Joren, watching. "Do you like it?" he asked softly.

Nodding, Joren finished looking around the room before turning back to Trowa. "I...think it would be very hard not to. It's so...big." *Not to mention, mine. I don't have to share it. It's mine.*

Grinning as he stood at the doorway, Trowa nodded. "Yes, this is one of the smaller rooms. We didn't want to overwhelm you two." He said with a small grin.

Gaping, Joren looked at him before shaking his head. "I'd hate to see one of the larger ones then."

"You most likely will if you visit Duo in his room." Trowa said as he grinned. "And those are the royal chambers."

Shaking his head, Joren smirked slightly. "And knowing Duo, he's not bothered by it one bit, which is to be expected, considering who he was back home."

Trowa chuckled softly as he stood at the doorway. He grinned. "May I come in?" He asked politely.

Still looking around somewhat, Joren nodded, waving a hand at him. "Of course."

Trowa grinned as he bowed, then stepped in. "Would you like to explore while I draw your bath?" He asked politely.

"Thank you. I believe I would." Smiling, Joren walked over to the window seat and the small shelf of books next to it. Trowa smiled as well as he went into the bath area, preparing his bath with the selected scent. Leafing through the books, Joren was pleased to find that he could understand the language some of them were written in.

Trowa came back into the room and grinned. "Your bath is ready whenever you wish to go in. I can show you where everything is."

Getting up from his place in front of the books, Joren nodded. "Alright. I suppose now is good."

Half bowing, Trowa led the way. He showed Joren where everything was stored, then smiled at Joren. "I will come back in half an hour with some dinner." He said soothingly as he stepped back.

Nodding, Joren smiled. "Thank you...for everything, Trowa." Trowa bowed again as he smiled then left the room. Removing his dirtied garments, Joren slipped into the warm, scented water, intending to take a nice long soak before washing his hair and everything else.

TBC