Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 10/?

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 yea…

Pairings: Varied, but the main is 2+/x5x2, 1xOCx4 (and vice versa), 3xOCx3

Rating: BACK to PG-13*sighs* knew it wouldn’t last….

Note: heehee….it ended so sweetly, ne? Well…we get a peek into Wufei’s actual situation a bit…or not…er…heehee Please Review!!

//telepathic speech//

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

Wufei sighed softly as he pulled on his tunic. He *really* didn't want to leave for his usual tour, but he had his duties. And even though he wanted nothing more than to spend his time with his mate....he couldn't pull back from who he was.  Sighing again as he pulled out his hairband and redid his hair, he glanced over at his love, who sat nearby. "It won't be for long..." he stated, trying to reassure both himself and his mate.

"I get that part, but I still don't get why I can't go..." Pouting, Duo sighed, the egg cradled in his arms as he used the bedpost for a backrest.

Smiling gently, Wufei walked over to the bed and wrapped his arms around the other's waist. "Duo....you have to stay here. I need to know you are safe and well while I am gone. And...I can't really have a foreigner with me on my trip. I have duties and secrets that I can't share with you just yet," he explained softly, sadness and regret in his multihued eyes.

Grumbling, Duo leaned back into the embrace. "That doesn't mean I have to like it and can't whine and complain, making an utter nuisance of myself in the process."

Chuckling softly as he nuzzled the soft neck of his mate, Wufei said chidingly, "You are making this harder than it already is, beloved." He looked up as Heero entered the room, a slight smile on his lips as he saw the two mates together. "Yes, Heero?" Wufei asked softly.

Heero bowed his head. "Your Majesty...Shay is ready to go and your steeds are waiting," he reported softly.

"Well, I'll make it easier if you promise I get to drive everybody here nuts and make some cluckers faint? Please? It'll be so much fun and no one will be bored, especially me!"  Smiling, Duo pressed closer, one hand twining his fingers with Wufei's.

Wufei chuckled softly as Heero shook his head. "Alright, Duo...but you have to listen to the bodyguards if they say something, alright?" he asked softly, his lips and eyes soft with a loving smile.

Answering the tender look, Duo warmly kissed his love. "I'll listen....but I don't promise to heed, 'k?"

Chuckling again, Wufei shook his head. "What am I going to do with you?" he asked teasingly, his eyes sparkling.

Cuddling closer, Duo grinned. "Exactly as you please. With some suggestions of course and the return of the favor."

Heero smirked slightly, and then looked over his shoulder as he heard his own mate enter. "Larak...do you come to check up on them before his Majesty leaves?" he asked softly.

"Yes, and tender an offer to Duo. I gather from the tail-end of this conversation our lives are going to be turned upside down?" Smiling, Larak winked at the energetic Shinigami.

Laughing softly as he shook his head, Wufei looked over at Larak, the look of love softening his usually hardened features. "Are you scared now, old friend?" he asked his healer teasingly as he hugged his love close to him tenderly.

Heero rolled his eyes and snorted. "Just watch...I'll have him in shape..." he growled out, but the smirk on his face belied his grouchiness.

Amused, Larak lightly swatted his mate's behind before answering. "No, we're in need of change. Sometimes the best comes when everything's turned about and shaken...not stirred."

"Why be afraid of me? I'm just a sweet innocent lil Shinigami. Nothing to fear here..." Giving his best innocent appearance, Duo winked at the Healer.

Heero tossed a grin at his mate at the swat, and then chuckled. "Innocent my ass. Duo...I'd watch yourself," he commented mock warningly.

Wufei grinned. "Innocent? Your ass? Highly doubtful..." he remarked lightly, laughing slightly at the shocked expression on his head bodyguard's face.

"Good one, Grasshopper! One day you shall surpass your teacher." Snickering, Duo grinned broadly.

"Entirely doubtful, I assure you..." added Larak calmly, doing his best to prevent the grin adorning his face.

Wufei chuckled again as Heero did a nice impression of a fish as he stared at his not so innocent King. "Thank you, my teacher," he retorted mockingly to his mate, turning his soft smile on his love. Smiling back, Duo rested against him comfortably.

Taking his lover's hand, Larak caressed it subtly. "Well, now that we've adequately shocked Heero, I was wondering, Duo, if at a time, you would come to the Ward and see some of our patients that are more in your area than mine. They're children and none of us seem to be able to make any headway with them."

Tracing patterns across Wufei's arm, Duo listened to the request, a slow smile forming. "Sure! I'd love too. Always liked being around kids."

Wufei smiled lovingly at his mate, his hand coming up to lace with the trailing fingers. "That is good...the children have been worrying us since they haven't recovered during their time here. Hopefully, your loving presence will calm them into healing," he murmured softly, hope within his ebony swirled violet eyes. Heero smiled lovingly over at his mate, an expression he rarely showed in the presence of others. His hand laced with the one caressing his own.

"Maybe. Who knows? We'll see though." Sighing, Duo squeezed his mate's hand gently.

Smiling shyly at the public affection, Larak turned his gaze back to his King and friend. "Now for the check-up." Moving towards the pair, he tugged Heero with him.

Heero obediently followed his lover as they walked over to the two mates. Wufei pressed a fleeting kiss on his mate's lips before pulling back and sitting back. "We're feeling fine, I tell you," he protested slightly.

Snorting softly, Duo made a face. "I know I am, but you have a different definition of fine from me, Larak, and everybody else in this world." Patiently, Larak waited for the young King's protests to be turned aside. Duo made his life so much easier. Now HE didn't have to play ‘convince the King’ anymore.

Wufei stuck his tongue out at his mate, and then sat down. "Well....a King isn't supposed to show his weaknesses," he answered, shrugging. Heero snorted and cocked an eyebrow at this, saying nothing.

Wagging a finger at his mate, Duo grinned. "That's when he's in a political argument or battle, not sitting in his bedroom curled up with his mate in the company of friends. That's when he shares his weaknesses so his mate and friends can balance them. That's why he HAS a mate and friends. Well, the fact they love him is why they're here, but ya get the drift. Now, be a good little King."

Rolling his eyes, Wufei sighed and nodded at Larak. "Fine, fine...I know when I can't argue," he grumbled in exasperation.

Heero chuckled softly. "You get used to it," he commented with a wink before tossing a grin at his own mate.

Smirking, Duo moved held out his and Wufei's entwined hands. *Might as well kill two birds with one stone.* 

Nodding his thanks to Duo, Larak covered the joined hands with one of his own, eyes closing as he read first one aura, then the other. "Aye, you're doing much better. Still not quite full strength, but time and rest will make that up."

Wufei rolled his eyes. "Ok, mothers. Can I go now?" he asked jokingly.  Heero chuckled softly, and then tapped his wristband, calling for Shay to come to the King's chambers.

"Yes, of course." Shaking his head, Larak removed his hand, watching the two for a moment. "You know, you two really do make a cute couple."

Acknowledging the orders with a distracted “Aye”, Shay headed for her King's room. *I hope I have enough tea, otherwise this shall be one hell of a trip. Hopefully a saddlebag full is enough...*

Wufei rolled his eyes. "Oh gods....now I'm going to be getting this..." he murmured, not meaning it as he smirked slightly. He turned to Duo with a suffering glance. "Are you sure about this?" he asked whining a bit.

Playfully hitting the back of his mate's head, Duo grinned. "Yep. Most definitely. And anyway, we can compliment them right back." Poking her head in, Shay waved before entering the room, walking silently over to the two couples.  Waving back, Duo smiled. "Hey, Shayah."

Scowling slightly, she acknowledged his hello. "Do you HAVE to use that? I'm just glad you don't know the rest of it..."

 Cocking an eyebrow at his mate, but feeling his mood falter slightly, Wufei forced a slight smile at his bodyguard companion. Her words still rang in his ears and heart, making him grow cold within. "Are the supplies ready, Shay?" he asked softly, becoming a King once more as he straightened where he sat.

Heero frowned softly as he noticed the change in his Majesty. 'What's this?' he wondered.

"Yes, your Majesty. All is prepared and Shenlong is eager to begin. Is all well with you and Duo?" Her smile faltered slightly under his change in demeanor.

Sighing, Larak looked between the two. *Hopefully they can settle this...*

 

Raising an eyebrow at his mate, Duo poked him lightly in the side. //Give her a chance 'Fei. You BOTH hurt each other after all.//

 

//Duo…this is one thing I will say in rebuke towards you, my heart. Don't tell me what to do,// Wufei sent stiffly back at his mate, not looking at him as he stood up. He glanced at Shay and replied softly, "We are well, Shay. Thank you for inquiring." He looked at Heero and Larak. "I expect things to be alright while I am gone. I would suggest that you not only watch out for Duo, but turn to him for advice as well. He is a prince in his land and would know how to handle certain things in politics," he stated softly, placing his crown on his head.

Heero nodded solemnly, though his eyes held concern. 'Is he still angered with Shay? I hope they work this out...' he thought to himself.

//I wasn't telling...I was suggesting. I'll suggest when I wish.// Grumbling, Duo continued poking his mate in the side.

 

"We'd already taken that into consideration." Smiling, Larak nodded. Stepping back out the door, with a half bow, Shay waited for Wufei to join her.

 

Nodding once in acceptance of that statement, Wufei glared angrily at his mate as he stopped the poking angrily. "Very good. I must go then. I'd like a couple of minutes with my mate, please," he stated as he looked back at the two. Heero bowed in acceptance, not liking the look one bit as he grabbed his lover and pulled him out the door.

Following Heero with a last look at the two, Larak shook his head. *And there is trouble in Paradise and so soon too...*

 

Tilting his head back, Duo watched his lover from an upside-down angle.  Scowling slightly, Wufei glared down at his mate. "Duo...I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself," he said angrily as he let the fingers that had been poking him go.

"I know that. But sometimes your idea of taking care gets in the way of living." Sighing, Duo rested his hands along Wufei's thighs.

 

Wufei sighed as he sat down next to Duo. "My heart...do have a bit of faith in me, hmm?" he asked softly.

Smiling, Duo leaned against his mate. "Of course. If I didn't I wouldn't prod you so."

 

Wufei sighed and rolled his eyes. "Duo...why must you prod me at all? Am I not capable in your eyes?" he asked softly, insult clear in his gaze.

Sighing, Duo lightly caressed the young Guardian's face. "Yes, you are, always without a doubt, but 'Fei, I care about what bugs ya and I don't wish to pretend disinterest because it wouldn't be true, so I prod you a bit. I don't do it to hurt you. Just giving a bit of my opinion."

 

Wufei sighed softly as he leaned into the touch. "I'm sorry, Duo. I'm so used to being alone and thinking of others. I have to make cold decisions sometimes," he explained softly, sadly.

Smiling, Duo lightly kissed his love before answering. "Well, now you’re not alone. You have someone, namely me, to help, but 'Fei, you have to LET me help. I cannot force you to, nor would I wish to. So instead I hint and bug, trying to get you to talk about it. Brewing on stuff isn't all that good for you."

 

Wufei cocked an eyebrow as he gazed at his mate. //You could always resort to probing, love.// he sent with a slight, albeit wary look on his face.

Shaking his head, Duo’s gaze lost its mirth. //I wouldn't do so without permission. And I'd prefer you TELL me. It gives you a chance to work it off and think objectively for a bit.//

 

//Duo, I ask that you thus be patient with me....and just, trust me, alright? I have to do things a certain way...it's who I am.// Wufei replied softly, face hardening slightly in acceptance.

//Alright, but I reserve my right to prod. You have to admit, I just wouldn't be me if I didn't.// Gently Duo touched his lips tenderly to Wufei's. "Cheer up, 'Fei. There are worse fates than living with a bit of loving prodding."

Rolling his eyes, Wufei smirked at him. "Yea sure...like our 'child' being a horrible monster that'll destroy everything....yes, what was I thinking?" he asked sarcastically.

Grinning, Duo shook his head. "Now, now, 'Fei. We don't want to give the little one ideas. We'll be good parents and have a decently respectable and dangerous kid."

Laughing softly, Wufei shook his head. "Someday...I would like it if we had Sidhe children along with this Phoenix child of ours," he commented, somewhat sadly.

Smiling softly, Duo pulled his mate into a tight embrace. "Sounds like the best idea I've heard. I'd love to."

Wrapping his arms firmly around his love, Wufei buried his face into the strong shoulder. "There...is a way. And...with me it would be easier," he murmured softly, his eyes worried. He closed them, regaining control of his emotions before pulling back and smiling weakly. "But we can talk of this when I return," he said assuredly. "You won't forget me?" he asked softly, placing a gentle hand on Duo's cheek.

Leaning into the light touch, Duo shook his head slightly. "That, 'Fei, is the one thing I can’t nor ever will do. I love you silly, no matter where you are."

Smiling softly in relief, Wufei nodded. "Until later, then. The egg shouldn't hatch for another two months, if my knowledge serves me," he informed as he stood up.

"And you'll be back, long before then, right?" Tightening his grip on his mate, Duo waited for his reply. He really didn't want 'Fei to go. People always left...but they never came back.

Running his fingers soothingly through the long hair of his mate, Wufei responded softly, "I'll be back in two to three weeks. No more I promise."

"Alright...if you are then I'm coming after you...no matter what. Got it?" His voice level and calm, Duo watched Wufei with eyes bereft (1) of their normal mischief.

Wufei smirked slightly. "I'd expect nothing less...since you'd have to have tagalongs as well," he replied. He sighed softly, leaning in to press a heavily passionate kiss to the tender lips he loved. //I will be back, my love...I swear it to you.//

Sighing, Duo leaned back against him, easing his hold slightly. //I believe you. Doesn't make me like it anymore, but I believe you and I get to drive everyone nuts. Guess you should get going. Shay's probably wondering if you’re in here planning on how to slice and dice her on the trip. You do know how to make good use of words, you know.//

Chuckling softly as he nipped gently down Duo’s neck, Wufei smirked. //Hmm...I am a King afterall. Words are my power as much as my own magic,// he stated smugly.

//Don't we know it.// Squirming, Duo snuggled closer to Wufei.

Sucking lightly at the soft skin of his love's neck, Wufei sighed. //I can't do this...we shall save it for when I return...// he declared regretfully, pulling back slightly.

//Mmmm...You'll be busy when you get back and I don't mean with the Cluckers.// Smiling, Duo nipped his mate’s ear before moving off of him.

"I look forward to it...we have much to discuss," Wufei purred out softly, an erotic grin caressing his lips as he gazed at his mate.  Sighing, he walked over to the dressing room and looked at a jeweled box there. Opening it, he gazed at the contents silently for a minute, and then pulled out an armband. Closing his eyes, he placed it around his upper left arm, wincing as he felt a flash of pain that quickly spread through him before fading. When it had faded, he looked down to see the armband securely around his arm. 'My duties...they come with such a high price...' he thought sadly, wondering if he'd die early like his father and his father's father.

"Ack! 'Fei! What was that? And next time you do it, warn me!" Grimacing, Duo walked in to peer in the dressing room.

"Sorry. It was nothing," Wufei replied softly, not turning around as he grabbed his riding cloak and put it on, effectively hiding the armband. He turned and smiled slightly at his mate as he walked towards him. "Now I am ready."

Grumbling, Duo crossed his arms, shaking his head. "It's not ‘nothing’ and it’s on your arm. I know because I can feel the damn thing."

"Drop it, Duo," Wufei murmured softly, eyes narrowing in warning. He put up a mind block, not wanting Duo to know whatsoever the price he truly paid for his duties. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

"Is not. I will worry and I won't drop it entirely. Also, the mind block isn't working. I can still feel it." Rubbing his arm where the band would be, Duo watched his mate.

Shrugging, Wufei sighed. "The mind block is for information...not sensations or feelings. If I wanted to cut you from that, I'd have to break our bond," he replied, smirking lightly.

"Well, that you can't do. And 'Fei...I would like to know. I can't help if you hide stuff from me." Sighing, Duo leaned against the wall, looking slightly away from his mate.

"You aren't supposed to help in this case. Duo, I'm sorry...but you can't," Wufei stated softly, regretfully as he walked over to his mate. He wrapped his arms around the other in a hug, holding him close.

"Maybe so, but I'd still like to know. I'll worry more if I don't know than if I do..." Leaning into the embrace, the longhaired man rested his chin on Wufei's shoulder.

"I'm sorry then, you will just have to worry," Wufei whispered softly into Duo's ear. He closed his eyes in pain, sighing softly.

"'Fei, you are more stubborn than a donkey. I love you though, and I will ask again, you know." Smiling, Duo gently kissed the other's closed eyes. "Cheer up, 'Fei. I'm not mad. Frustrated a bit, but ‘no’ doesn't have to stay ‘no’ and someday I believe you'll trust me to tell me."

"It isn't a matter of trust...it just is," Wufei whispered softly, pain in his voice as he leaned up and looked at Duo. "It just....is," he repeated sadly and sighed heavily, looking far older than he was.

"As in is something I can't understand? Or is unexplainable?" Pulling Wufei tighter against him, Duo gently kissed his neck.

Wufei sighed softly, holding down the moan that wanted to float out in bliss at the gentle touch. "As in something I wish not to discuss," he clarified softly, regretfully. He tilted his head in and sighed again.

Pressing a kiss to his brow Duo smiled. "Alright, for now. I'll be nice and not bug ya for a while. Now let’s finish getting you ready."

"I am ready," Wufei whispered, meaning more ways than one as he hugged his mate close to him. "Just not ready to truly leave your side."

"Well, I’m not ready for you to leave, but you have to. And anyway, I'm sure after two weeks of me the Cluckers will be loath to separate us for a good long while." Grinning, Duo tightened his hold.

Chuckling softly, Wufei shook his head. "They don't decide on sending me out, Duo. I decide. It's been my routine to do this....I just wasn't expecting to become bonded all of a sudden," he explained with a small grin. His own hold tightened as he lazily leaned against his lover, hips pressed together as he leaned back and gazed lovingly at his mate with matching eyes.

"Hmmm" Smiling slowly, Duo winked. "Well, then I'll just have to make sure they beg and council you to...take me along next time. How's that?"

"Duo..." Wufei said in soft exasperation, shaking his head as he smiled. Stepping back, he winked at his mate. "You don't listen ever, do you?" he asked teasingly.

"Me? Listen? Of course I do!" Grinning, Duo tapped Wufei's nose. "I just don't always heed."

Rolling his eyes, the young King captured the errant finger and smirked at his love. "You will some day...and that I think will be a shock to all near and far," he commented lightly, then turned and started out the door, pulling his love gently along.

"I hope not...Life would be to boring." Smiling, the longhaired man followed along.

Sighing in resignation, Wufei looked heavenward then went through the door to the hallway. He smiled slightly at Shay, Heero, and Larak. "Alright, worry warts. He's alive and safe from my wrath," he commented sarcastically. Heero snorted and smirked slightly as he stood up from leaning against the wall.

"Shouldn't it be the other way around?" Smirking, Duo pulled Wufei against him, nuzzling his neck. Shay watched with a soft smile.

Laughing softly, Larak leaned against Heero. "I agree with Duo."

Heero bumped hips with his mate as he smirked, then looked at Wufei as he melted against Duo. "Ahha...so our beloved King does indeed have a weakness," he murmured softly, a knowing grin on his lips.

Wufei opened his eyes, for he had closed them as he had leaned against his mate, and glared at Heero. "If I do, then it stays silent you," he said mock warningly. Chuckling, Duo tickled the limp figure against him.

Yelping slightly, Wufei stood up, glaring at his mate. Heero snickered softly, then replied, "Come, you must get going, your Majesty." Wufei sighed and nodded slightly, frowning as he walked down the halls towards the courtyard to where Trowa and Shalon were tending to their steeds. Sighing, Duo twined his hand with 'Fei’s as he walked to see him off. Following with Heero, Larak watched the two. Events were definitely pleasing. Grinning slightly, Shay followed behind the others. She was glad they were happy. They deserved it.

Wufei smiled slightly over at his mate as he gently squeezed the other's fingers. He looked up as they came outside and smiled warmly at his last two bodyguards. "Trowa...Shalon. How are you this morning?" he asked softly, coming over to his pure black steed, Shenlong and running his fingers gently through the strands of the silken mane.

Trowa smiled softly over at their King and his mate. "Awake and looking forward to a new day, your Majesty." He nodded over at Heero as he walked over with Larak and Shay. Following along with him, Duo turned his head to smile slightly at Shay. Nodding she returned the smile. Maybe things would work out.

Checking the girths one last time, Shalon waved to the group. //Cheer up sis. It won't be that bad, You can work things out with Wufei. That should distract you somewhat and the tea's packed, so it can help.//

 //I know. Doesn't mean I like it. Separation isn't fun...and being with Wufei can either help or make what's already misery Hell.//

Nodding in acceptance of the greeting from both, Wufei smiled softly, his face softening. Trowa bit his lip, smiling. 'It's just like old times....maybe Duo WILL help us get him back....' he thought to himself.

Wufei looked over at Shay. "Are you ready, Shay?" he asked softly.

"Yes, your Majesty. All is ready and prepared. The horses were also given their sugar cubes and extras packed." Smiling, she nodded at the bobbing pair of equine heads. Chuckling, Shalon shook his head. He'd never forget the day their horses discovered sugar.

Grinning as he fished one out, Wufei fed another cube to Shenlong. "Excellent. Then I guess we must be off," he stated softly, his eyes saddening.

Heero smiled gently. "Don't worry, your Majesty...we will watch over Duo and the Kingdom," he declared solemnly, a soft nod of agreement coming from Trowa.

Clapping a hand to Duo's shoulder, Shalon smiled. "He'll be safe, though I think it’s the…Cluckers you call them?...that we should be worried about."

Laughing softly, Larak nodded. "I agree!"

Trowa chuckled softly as Heero grinned. "More like they should be worried," Heero commented softly, shaking his head.

Wufei grinned at them, shaking his head as he pulled his lover to him. "Well...just be sure not to kill anyone, alright? And take care of the egg," he instructed softly, turning his gaze to his mate's.

Smiling, Duo kissed him lightly. "Of course. I won't let anything happen to our youngling. Safe trip and a speedy journey home. Love you, 'Fei."

Smiling back, Wufei whispered, "Love you too...and I await our time reunited..." He brought Duo's hands up and pressed his lips gently to the loving fingers. Blinking, Duo pulled Wufei into a tight embrace before stepping back and releasing him with an overly broad grin.

Stepping back, Shalon moved to stand with Shay, hugging her tightly. "Stay safe, Sis. I'll be eagerly awaiting your return and the end of our...torture."

Heero and Trowa smiled sympathetically at Shay and Shalon. They both knew how hard it was for them to be separate. Pulling back from the embrace, she touched her twin's temple. //Together always, even when apart. This is our gift and also our strife. Love you bro.//

Returning the touch, Shalon smiled. //Of two souls united till after death. Love you sis.//

Smiling softly back, Wufei looked over at Shay and Shalon. "Let us go. We haven't much time before night comes and we must be to our first station before then," he ordered sharply, though his face was gentle as he gazed at his comrade.

Nodding, Shay turned and mounted Shetan. "Let's be off then."

Waving, Shalon turned and walked over to Duo. "C'mon. There's an old tradition Shay and I follow. Hasn't failed us yet. We don't watch each other as they go out of sight. Instead we turn and look only for the other's return. Ready to meet those kids of the Healers?"

Waving to Wufei, Duo turned the other way. "I suppose..."

"You'll adore them Duo. And it’s a good tradition. Hasn't failed any of us yet." Gently, Shalon rested a hand on the distraught man's shoulder.

Wufei mounted his horse swiftly, looking away from his beloved as he brought his steed around, facing the gate. Kneeing him sharply, Wufei took off at a gallop, knowing Shay would follow. Allowing, Shetan his head, Shay turned from the others. It was time to begin this trip. The first few days were the best and she intended to enjoy them. "On swift feet fly, the wind our only guide..."

TBC

1. Was in the opening scene of play ‘On the Spit’. Character used it to confuse and antagonize the investigator in the opening scene.

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