Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 22/?

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: And will the secrets be given?? Read and see!! Please Review!!

//telepathic speech//

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

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

Entering the Gardens, Shay moved to follow Duo's example and find a tree to rest under. Zechs followed her over to the tree, sitting a polite space away as he watched them. Smiling, Shay turned back to her companion, speaking. "This was a good idea. It's hard to be scared of a little ol' Sidhe with a large cat protecting you."

Zechs grinned at her and nodded. "Yes. They will help with the confidence area. Maybe it will help soothe old wounds as well." he said, looking over at Joren thoughtfully.

"Maybe." Motioning to the two, Shay asked, "What's your opinion of their wounds?"

Zechs sighed softly. "Emotional for certain as well as mental and physical. I wouldn't be that surprised if Quatre's spirit had been broken or close to it." he said softly, looking down sadly.

Nodding, Shay leaned back against the tree and closer to Zechs. "I'd say you're right. He can heal though. This is a good place for it. And he has friends here he trusts."

"Hmm…yes, he does. I just hope he heals soon. Shalon may be patient...but he has been alone for...quite a while." Zechs sighed as he trailed off, thinking of his own loneliness.

"And he'll continue to be patient. You know that." Sighing, Shay frowned slightly. "Aye, loneliness is a hard keeper."

Zechs sighed and nodded, saying nothing as he watched the others. He smiled as a silver and black leopard as well as a blue and silver leopard walked over, purring in greeting. "Hairo, Hania...it is good to see you." he said softly, smiling.

Nodding, Shay smiled at the pair. "How have you two been lately?"

The silver and black leopard laid his head on Shay's lap as he purred. //We are well, Shay of the light hair. How is it that Zechs has returned to this garden?// he purred out.

Hania chuckled as she purred, laying her head on Zechs' lap, who began to scratch her ears. //Yes...tell of that story, Shay. For he is busy scratching my ears.// Zechs laughed softly.

"He came to rest, visit, and bring the two strangers here." Deciding that Zechs made a good pillow, Shay leaned against him while scratching Hairo's ears.

Zechs snickered as the two cats chuckled and purred. They all looked up as Norsian returned, a giggling Quatre holding onto him as he ran lightly. Quatre got off and ran over to Duo with a bouquet of starflowers. "Duo! Look see! Pretty!" He said in delight.

Smiling, Shay shook her head slightly. "He's a sweet boy. I hope he can recover from whatever life he led before this."

"So do I, Shay." Zechs said quietly then smiled as the two leopards purred soothingly. Sighing, Shay closed her eyes, pressing closer. Sleep seemed like such a nice thing. She could go to sleep right here. Zechs chuckled softly, content to allow the female twin her leaning time as he gazed around.

Smiling, Shay yawned. "You're warm and comfy."

//It would seem that Golden Guardian has now become a lounge.// Hairo said with a purring chuckle.

Zechs snickered as he rubbed the leopard's ears roughly. "Sass."

"He makes a good one." Shay murmured softly.

The twin leopards chuckled as Zechs blushed at this, looking away. 'What does this mean?' he wondered to himself.

"Hope you don't mind." Grinning, Shay moved to hug Zechs about the waist. "You make a good teddy bear too."

Zechs' blush went even deeper, but before he could reply, a soft snicker was heard nearby. He looked up and blushed even more. "Your majesty! How long have you been standing there?" He asked hastily, yet made no move to change his predicament.

Wufei snickered, as did Heero. "We just got here. And it would seem the Caroime cats are having as much fun as always." He said in amusement. Nodding slightly, Shay acknowledged them with a polite hello. Wufei chuckled as he went over to his lover, smiling gently at Quatre as he knelt down next to them. Heero smirked then frowned as he looked around for Larak.

Catching Heero looking, Shay spoke softly. "He's probably near the spring. I didn't see him walk with us out of the council room, so he probably took an alternate route."

Heero smiled at her and nodded then left swiftly down a hidden path. Zechs grinned as he slowly wrapped an arm around Shay. "Good thing you know your brother."

Smirking, Shay looked up at him. "How could I not? I raised him after all."

Zechs chuckled softly and shook his head. He smiled down at her. "How about we have that sparring match tomorrow? I'm feeling quite comfortable right now."

Nodding, Shay smiled. "Sounds much better than moving."

"Much." Zechs agreed with a grin.

"So, since I'm here and quiet, gonna tell me about life out and about?" Smiling, Shay looked up to catch his gaze.

"Maaaaybe." Zechs replied with a chuckle as he winked down at her.

Poking him lightly, Shay chuckled. "What's this about maybe?"

Zechs grinned at her. "Exactly as it sounds!" He snickered playfully.

"Silly." Chuckling, Shay turned to watch the others. "I believe we missed out on something." She motioned to her twin and his new flowers.

Cocking an eyebrow as he watched young Quatre in front of Shalon, Zechs said, "Yes...but it would seem that it was for the good."

"Aye. Shalon will help him to heal. He's patient. It's why he trains the most skittish of our colts and I work with the others. He has a gentle way. He'll be good for Quatre." Nodding, Shay raised her hand slightly to her twin, signing 'Good luck.'

Zechs nodded silently, his heart filled with hope. "I hope so...for the both of them..." He said quietly.

"They'll be fine. The first step has already been made." Prodding him lightly in the side, Shay grinned. "I do believe you're nothing but an old softy, Zechsy."

Assuming an innocent look, Zechs grinned down at her. "Me? Never..."

"Sure...You big softy." Tugging lightly at a long lock of his hair, Shay smiled.

"Don't go spreading that around or else no one will believe I'm a hardened warrior." Zechs said teasingly as he captured her tugging hand in a gentle grip.

Laughing softly, Shay tapped him lightly on the nose. "You're too comfy a pillow to be a hardened warrior. Prefer comfy to hard." Blushing slightly, she leaned back against him, hiding her face.

Zechs felt his own face warm and cleared his throat. "Yes…um...well…" He fumbled, trying to think of something to break the uncomfortable silence.

Watching him struggle with his own blush, Shay laughed softly. "Know anything I don't know?"

Zechs grinned, but it was a sad one. "Maybe...but it's for me to know." he said softly before standing up and stretching. 'Oh how I wish I could say it...' he thought longingly as he looked back down at her. He held out his hand. "Shall we go for that sparring match? I find that instead of lazing around as I wish to, I feel the need to have a good fight."

"Alright. Though lazing was enjoyable. I never did get to finish using you as a pillow." Grinning, Shay took his hand and pulled herself to her feet.

Zechs hid his face again as he blushed once more. He took a deep steadying breath and looked up again, smiling slightly. "Imp."

"Aren't I always, my friend?" Sighing to herself, Shay smiled. *Do wish you'd kiss me though...Silly Idiot.*

Grinning back, Zechs kissed her hand, then bowed. "M'lady...join me for a duel?" he said softly, formally, but his eyes twinkled with amusement.

Chuckling, Shay shook her head. "Didn't I already say I would?"

"Yes...but it was an informal challenge. Now...it's formal." Zechs replied with a wink.

Snickering, Shay tugged a lock of Zechs' hair lightly. "You and your protocol."

Grinning down at her, Zechs winked. "Keeps me in line." he said lightly as he led the way to the sparring field.

"Like you need anything to keep you in line. What you need is some spontaneity in your life." Nodding, Shay easily kept pace with him.

Zechs snorted softly. "I get that all the time out in my realm. I would like...something resembling solidarity when I come home." he said softly, his face saddening.

Touching his cheek gently, Shay pulled him into a tight hug. "Everything will be fine, Zechsy. You're here now and I can tease the hell out of ya daily, routinely even. Plus keep you company. Sound good?"

"If it was anyone else, I would say no." Zechs said warmly as he hugged her tightly. He blushed slightly as he realized what he had said and sighed softly.

"Well, that's good. Because if it was anyone else I wouldn't be offering." Catching sight of his blush, Shay grinned. *Maybe there's hope yet...* "You should do that more often."

"Do what more often?" Zechs asked unassumingly as he stepped back slightly.

Eyeing him, Shay smiled. "Not quite sure if I should tell you. I'll decide later. For now though I'll leave you to wonder about it."

"Imp." Zechs growled out as he grinned and proceeded to tickle her. Ducking, Shay made to run away from him, shouting no as she tried to evade those fingers. Chuckling, Zechs wrapped his arms around her waist and twirled her around. He pinned her and laughingly continued tickling her. Squirming to get away, Shay laughed helplessly as he found all her ticklish spots. Laughing as he tickled her, Zechs didn't see the root that was in his path. Crying out as he tripped, he tumbled backwards while still holding her protectively to land on his back with her on top of him.

Gasping for breath and still giggling softly, Shay didn't take much notice of their position for the moment. "Are you alright?"

"Yea I think so. What about you?" Zechs asked softly as he panted for air and held her steady.

"Perfectly fine. I wasn't the one who landed on the ground afterall." Raising an eyebrow, Shay smirked slightly.

Zechs rubbed his head and sighed. "Yea I know...I did." He grumbled softly as he rolled his eyes.

"Quite. I do believe I got the softer landing." Watching Zechs, Shay chuckled softly. "I guess this means that the best way to prevent being tickled is to somehow get you to trip."

"Imp." Zechs growled out and proceeded to tickle her once again, relentless in his pursuit.

"ACK!" Squirming to get away, Shay lost her balance and fell against Zechs chest and closer to his tickling fingers. Chuckling as he increased the torment, Zechs flipped her over and pinned her easily so that he could continue. Still laughing, Shay pushed him hard to one side, rolling them back over again. Zechs snickered as he pinned her to his chest and held her still. He panted slightly for air as he held her tightly. Gasping, Shay grinned. "What are you tired for?"

"I may be on the move all the time, but there is rarely anyone who challenges me like you." Zechs said with a grin as he looked up at her.

Smirking, Shay freed an arm to tap his nose. "I shall take that as the best of compliments."

Zechs smiled warmly up at her. "Do that." He said softly as they lay together.

"I did." Yawning, Shay rested her head on his chest. "You're comfy."

Zechs felt his cheeks heat from his blush as he held her closer. "Um...I'm glad." he said softly.

"What do you say instead of dueling we have a shadow duel today? See if we can manage to not clink blades or touch our opponent? Fine control is always a challenge." Chin resting on her hands, Shay grinned at his blush. "Tis either that or lay here while I sleep. Guarantee I shall if we stay much longer." Finding his blush growing as he looked up at her, Zechs couldn't say anything. His mouth opened and closed and he looked away, trying to understand his overwhelming feelings. "You ok Zechs? I've never seen you blush this much." Watching him closely, Shay smiled gently. "Anything you wish to talk about?"

'Other than I've never loved anyone except you and I'm too scared to tell you because you'll probably laugh?' "No, not...not really." Zechs said as he looked away, sighing softly at his own weakness.

Frowning slightly as he looked away, Shay touched his cheek lightly. "You sure? You can tell me, you know. I'm not your best friend without reason after all."

'Yes...best friend...nothing else...' "No...I'm sure." Zechs managed softly as he closed his eyes, fighting down the sudden tears that came.

Sighing, Shay rested her head on his shoulder. "You're a really bad liar, you know. Something's wrong Zechs." *And I wish you'd tell me, you dolt. At least you're home though. Why do I love such a stubborn man? Well, that can be a good thing...*

"You're right...something is wrong...." Zechs murmured softly, his face turned away still. His arms tightened around her as he held her close to him. "I'm...in love."

Raising an eyebrow, Shay stared at him. "Ok. And pray tell what's so horrid about that? It's not one way is it? I could see how that would be rather horrid."

Zechs swallowed slightly as he looked up at her. "I...would hope it wasn't. It's...been around for a long time." He said quietly.

Frowning slightly, Shay rested her chin upon her folded hands. "So you don't know yet? Are you going to tell them? Do I know them? And how long?" *Hopefully longer than you've been gone...I want a chance after all.*

Zechs looked away uncomfortably. "Yes…you know them. No...they don't know. I've known them for about fifteen years." he said softly. 'And have kept silent for as long...'

Sighing, Shay shook her head. "Zechs, my friend. You are a dolt. You should tell them. Never know, they might feel the same." *And if they dare hurt you I'll skin them.*

"Do you think so?" Zechs asked softly as he looked back up at her.

"Yes, I do." Nodding firmly, Shay smiled.

Zechs took a deep breath and nodded. He closed his eyes and said softly. "The person I love...is laying on me right now." He said softly.

Blinking, Shay stared at him for a moment. "You...love me?" Pushing slightly off his chest, Shay stared at him. "Zechs, get up so I can deck you...for not telling me sooner. Then I want my kiss."

Zechs stared at her in surprise. "Wh-what?" He whispered softly. "You...feel the...same?" His eyes widened with hope.

Smirking slightly, Shay nodded. "Would I have asked for a kiss otherwise?" Zechs smiled then ran his hands up her arms to around her neck. He brought her face down and kissed her gently, caressing her lips with his own. Sighing softly, Shay tightened her own grip upon him, purring slightly. Zechs sighed softly as he deepened the kiss slowly, tasting her joyfully. He ran his hands down her back to rest on her shoulders.

Returning the favor, Shay smiled into the kiss. *Guess all that hoping worked...though he's still gonna pay for not telling me sooner*

Breaking the kiss slowly, Zechs let his head fall back as he looked up at Shay and smiled. He caressed her cheek gently as he said softly, "You really do return my feelings...why didn't you say anything?"

Smiling, Shay rested her chin on his shoulder. "To turn the tables, why didn't you? Maybe because were both fools?"

"Or maybe...we are both so unsure on each other that we kept silent?" Zechs replied softly as he stroked her back soothingly.

"I'd say that's our most likely choice." Sighing softly, Shay relaxed against him. "Hey Zechs, I'm hungry."

"So'm I, Shay." Zechs replied with a chuckle. "Shall we go in?" He asked as he rubbed her back.

"Aye, we should." Pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, Shay moved off of him and stood up.

Zechs sighed and got up, then smiled at her. He reached for her hand and laced their fingers together. "Shay...I...will have to leave soon...but I want to spend as much time with you as possible before I go...all right?"

Sighing, Shay squeezed his hand tightly. "I know and did you honestly think I wouldn't wish the same? Think you'll be back sooner than seven years this time around?"

"I don't know, Shay...my travels just happened to bring me here this time. I don't even know if I will ever return." Zechs said sadly as he sighed softly. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it. "I'm so sorry..."

Shaking her head, Shay smiled softly. "I'd rather know than not know. And anyway, we could always get a pair of Draglets to use in keeping track of each other and sending letters."

"True...but I would rather be with you..." Zechs said softly, then hung his head. "For the first time, now I know what Wufei feels. The agony of separation."

Shaking her head, Shay threw up her free hand. "Now, you're being just plain silly. You haven't left yet. Rejoice in what's been found till there's no other option. No sense counting the chickens dead before they're born."

Laughing softly, Zechs hugged her tightly. "You are right, sweet one...I am jumping to conclusions." He said with a soft smile as he kissed her head.

Chuckling, Shay smirked slightly. "And once again I am sanity. Men and their prophecies of doom."

Zechs chuckled softly. "Yea yea...keep going." He said with a grin. "Shall we head in for some food?"

Raising an eyebrow, Shay rested her hand on her hip. "Didn't I suggest that a moment ago? Either way, lead on."

Zechs rolled his eyes as he held his arm out to her. "Alright, let's go then..." Linking her arm with his, Shay walked with him to get a late afternoon meal.

TBC