Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 14/?

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, 1xOCx1, OCx4xOC, 3xOCx3

Rating: PG-13….what fun!

Note:  hehehe we were soo evil in the last one, ne? Well, things get explained in this…really long chapter! Sorry for the length!! We wanted to include so much and it kept going and going and…

NS: *stuffs DA into a box* ignore her she’s babbling again!

DA: are not!! *struggles to get out*

NS: BTW, for those of you wondering…your wish is granted on Quatre!

Both: Please Review!!

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

Zechs sighed as he moved with his steed, trotting along. 'It is a boring day...' he thought to himself. He thought back to two weeks ago, remembering his reunion with Wufei and Shay. He felt a soft smile cross his lips as he thought some more on Shay...like he had been since they had met up.

Being a Guardian had kept him away for a long time. Now...maybe he could come home...

He looked around, and then stiffened as he saw something glint nearby. He stopped his horse, ice blue eyes gazing ahead at the spot.

Grimacing, Joren kept his grip on Quatre's arm as he ran. They had to find a place to hide...

Zechs cocked his head, listening as branches broke from feet. He kneed his horse, coming in front of the mysterious people. "Halt! Who goes there and what be your purpose in the land of the Phoenix clan?" he ordered softly, yet his voice brooked no argument.

Jerking to a halt, Joren pushed Quatre behind him. "Currently running from some brainless, sword bearing barbarians.”

Cocking an eyebrow as he unsheathed his own sword, Zechs asked coolly, "Why would they be chasing you?" Quatre whimpered softly as he held onto Joren, hiding as he gazed up at the blond on the horse.

"Probably because we're weaponless and would call a good price." Green eyes glared frostily at the one before them. *Now we'll never find a place to hide. Doesn't matter, anyway. He's probably another. Damn slave traders*

Zechs glared back down, and then commanded softly, "Get near me." Quatre gasped softly as he looked up, his fingers clenched in Joren's shirt.

Holding steady, Joren watched him. "And your reasoning for such an action would be?"

"Unless you wish to fight them on your own, I suggest you trust me," Zechs replied sternly, his icy blue eyes hard as he looked up. The younger blond tugged on Joren's sleeve, nodding slightly in reassurance.

Holding Quatre's gaze for a moment, Joren nodded. "Alright." Making sure the younger boy stayed close, he walked over to the rider, keeping himself between Quatre and the stranger.

Zechs nodded as he gazed down at them, smiling softly at the young blond, who smiled shyly back before hiding behind Joren, then looked up to see some rough looking men run up. He pointed his sword at them, eyes narrowed in rage as he demanded softly, "Are you the ones chasing these young boys?"

Glaring at the slim man on horseback, one brawny slaver stepped up. "What do you think? They're ours."

"They belong to no one as long as they live in THIS land," Zechs hissed out in anger. He, like any Sidhe, hated slavers. That was why he enforced Wufei's laws on this with such passion. Surprised by the other's declaration, Joren looked at Quatre.

"Really now?" Sneering, the slaver brandished his heavy sword. "And who are you to tell us that, ye whelp?"

"Zechs, Guardian of the Gate....and Court holder of his Majesty King Wufei," Zechs replied coldly as he brandished his own sword, his ring of state glinting in the light. Quatre locked knowing eyes with Joren and smiled softly. Smiling back, Joren nodded. Yes, if what he said was true, then they were safe.

Backing up with two other men, another called out, "Boss...let's get outta here. They aren't worth getting caught over!"

Zechs grinned softly. "It is too late for that, slaver scum," he stated as he brought his sword up.

It glowed softly, soft threads tracing along it before shooting out and encasing the slavers in a web of light, unbreakable except by the one who made it. Quatre clapped in excitement, his face alight with happiness. They were safe! Squeezing his friend's shoulder, Joren sighed. Finally they could rest.

"What!" yelled another of the slavers.

"Boss!" wailed the second one who'd spoken.

“Let me GO!" roared the Boss as he tugged ineffectually at the strands.

Chuckling softly, Zechs dismounted and walked towards the struggling slavers. "You will be staying here until I get the authorities. And don't try to escape. That's spirit twine, never to be broken outside from its owner," he stated, smirking.

Quatre nuzzled Joren, relaxing for the first time since they had left. "Safe..." he whispered softly.

Watching the struggling slavers, Joren smiled slightly, wrapping an arm about Quatre's shoulders. "Suppose so, Little Bit."

Zechs turned back to them and smiled reassuringly at them. "Tell me little ones, where are you heading? I shall take you to safety before I return on my journeys. I must report these..." He looked over at the slavers with mild disgust as he toed one. "Scum traders to my King so he can...take care of them. Would you like to accompany me?" he asked politely. Quatre grinned and nodded excitedly, snuggling Joren.

Chuckling at the other's antics, Joren smiled. "We know nothing of this land now, so your direction is probably the best. At least it will have a purpose."

Chuckling at the younger blond's enthusiasm and innocence, Zechs walked over to them. "Since you already know who I am, may I ask you your names and where you are from?" he asked politely as he grabbed his horse, Hailor, by the reins and held him steady.

"Fair enough, I suppose." Nodding, Joren motioned to Quatre. "This little imp is Quatre and I'm Joren. Personally I call where we come from a Hellhole. Besides that it’s Blackheart's Lands. We escaped after he exiled the Prince, only decent person there."

Cocking his head in interest as well as greeting as the young one named Quatre smiled and nodded, Zechs asked, "From the Dark lands, hm? Well then...rumors are flying about that place. You sound as if you are close friends with the Prince. Do you know where he may have escaped?" he asked politely.

"Hopefully, somewhere far away from his father." Looking away, Joren growled. "We were the only friends he had."

Smiling softly, Zechs nodded in understanding as Quatre looked down and trembled sorrowfully. "Perhaps I have seen him in my travels. What is his name?" he asked warmly, smirking as Hailor nudged both boys encouragingly.

Smiling fondly, Joren gently squeezed Quatre's shoulder. They'd find him. "Duo Maxwell, the most infuriatingly happy person you'll ever meet."

Zechs stared at them in shock. "Did you say....Duo?" he questioned softly, his eyes wide. Quatre watched him as he nodded, aqua eyes keen.

"Yes, I did." Watching the other curiously, Joren asked, "Why?"

Zechs chuckled softly. "My friend...he is quite safe," he replied as he shook his head in wonder.

Quatre moved forward suddenly as he grabbed the other blond's hand. "Where?" he asked sharply. Stepping forward with Quatre, Joren waited silently.

Zechs looked down at the young blond. "He is...at Phoenix Gate. Our country's capital," he responded softly.

Chuckling, Joren shook his head. "And I'm betting not in the dungeon. Only Duo could pull such a thing off."

Chuckling softly as Quatre looked at him imploringly, Zechs stated, "No...in fact....he is now the mate of the King."

Leaning heavily against Quatre, Joren laughed long and loud. "Only Duo...only Duo."

Grinning as Quatre stared at him in shock, Zechs added, "And from what I saw of my King...he is very happy."  Quatre's eyes filled with joyful tears and he buried his face in Joren's chest, crying softly with happiness.

Hugging him close, Joren smiled. "See now, Little Bit. Told you he was fine."

Nodding as he sniffled, Quatre kept his face buried. Zechs smiled as he looked up into Hailor's eyes. "I am...heading for the capital. Would you like to come with me to see your friend?" he asked as he ran a gentle hand across the soft nose of his steed.

"I believe if I said no, Q here would go ballistic on me. Not that I would anyway." Smiling, Joren nodded. "So, yes we would like to."

Quatre looked up and nodded ecstatically, tears covering his face. Zechs grinned as he said, "Good...because I'm quite sure he will be happy to see you. Why don't you both ride Hailor? I will walk alongside with you until we get to a town and get steeds for you?"

Eyeing the horse, Joren looked to Quatre. "Well, what do you say? The lessons Duo snuck us should come in handy. We can hope."

Quatre looked uncertainly at the much bigger beast, and then giggled as the ebony steed leaned in and nuzzled the young blond. Zechs grinned. "Hailor likes you so no worries on him being mean. And we'll go slow," he stated as Quatre looked at him with wide aquamarine eyes. Quatre grinned and nodded, looking happy.

"Alright, tis settled then. You up first, Q." Grasping the smaller man by the waist, Joren helped him mount.

Quatre gasped as he straddled the horse, but then giggled as Hailor tossed his head. Zechs grinned, and then looked at Joren. "Now you," he ordered softly and knelt down, offering a leg up. Taking the offered help, Joren smiled his thanks, and then scrambled aboard. Zechs grinned, and then turned towards the slavers. "Ah yes...mustn't be too unkind. You'll need some food before the authorities come," he commented lightly, smirking as he heard Quatre's shy giggle. He reached into his saddlebags and pulled out a day's ration of food and water and tossed it at the leader. "This will last you for the next week....which is how long it should take for his Majesty to get his people out here," he stated, smirking as he pulled Hailor along gently and led the way down the road.

"Sounds about right." Smirking Joren turned away from the slavers. He was glad to be rid of them. Zechs grinned as he led them towards the capital....and his home.

*~~**~~*

Sighing, Shay continued stroking Shetan's neck as he nuzzled her hand looking for another sugar cube. *I'll go in…in a moment.*

Wufei finished brushing Shenlong's mane, chuckling as his steed nudged him happily. He gave the attentive horse a sugar cube, and then ran his fingers through the mane. He looked over at Shay and felt his smile fade slightly. Every time he looked at her, all he could remember were her words and the guilt that had plunged him into coldness that day. So much time had passed....could they go back to the way they had been? Leaning against her furry companion, Shay hugged him tightly, face buried in his mane. Looking down in guilt, Wufei sighed softly. 'Maybe she doesn't even want to talk to me anymore...who would after what I said and did....' He wandered out of the stables, letting her have her time with Shetan as he headed in for dinner.

Watching him leave out of the corner of her eye, she sighed. "Think he'll ever forgive me, 'Tan?" A tickling nuzzle and annoyed snort was her answer. "Aye, well so what if I am a coward? I'm afraid I'll make things worse. I just want my little brother back..."

Wufei sat down in the restaurant sadly, letting his head fall wearily to his hands. He tried to forget the guilt and the pain in his head and heart but found that all three forces combined to make his head a living hell at the moment. He sighed softly, smiling up at the waitress as she brought him a goblet of wine. He requested dinner, getting enough for two in the hopes that Shay would join him soon.

Snatching his rider's shirt, Shetan tugged until she let go of his neck then pushed her out of the stall with a firm shove as if to say, "Then go get him!" Chuckling softly, Shay patted his nose. "Alright, I'm going." Locking the stall door, she left in search of her King and found him in the dining room. Leaning against the doorway, she watched for a moment, smiling sadly, before walking over to join him.

Wufei looked up and smiled softly as Shay joined him. "I just ordered dinner. Broiled shanabird and haror roots sound good?" he asked as he gestured for her to join him.

Taking the empty chair next to him, she smiled. "Of course. That's always a good meal." *I hope he doesn't mind me this close...* Smiling back, Wufei sipped his drink. He grinned as the waitress came over and placed a goblet of wine in front of Shay. He nodded his thanks, and then lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. Stirring the wine with her finger, Shay tried to relax. If only someone would say something! But what to say?

Wufei sighed softly and leaned his cheek on his hand, watching her. "Trying to wash your finger with wine?" he asked teasingly, a slight grin on his face.

Shaking her head, she grinned slightly. "Nah, I'm marinating it so Shetan will have an extra flavor next time he snags my hand."

Laughing softly, Wufei shook his head. "You'll need spices then..." he replied, winking.

"Only if I want him to KEEP my hand," she retorted, grinning. Chuckling, Wufei looked down at his own wine, swirling it. He imagined his lover's face within the swirling liquid and felt a sharp pang of longing course through him. Catching sight of the loneliness in his gaze, she rested a hand upon his shoulder. "It won't be too much longer. We're a little over a week out."

"Seems like forever," Wufei mumbled softly then smiled slightly up at her. "I'm sorry, Shay....I must seem like a pouting child when you and Shalon deal with this every time. Perhaps I shouldn't make you come with me anymore," he suggested, looking down as he sighed.

"Make me? I come because I want to. If you tried to leave me behind, I'd follow." Smiling back, she tightened her grip on his shoulder. "And no, you don't seem like a pouting child. I miss Shal too. I'm just more used to it. Plus he's my TWIN, not my MATE. There's a pretty big difference there."

Sighing softly, Wufei shook his head. "No...I can have one of the others accompany me. You and Shalon...you give up something each time. I don't....want either of you to suffer because of me," he stated softly, bringing sad eyes up to lock with hers.

Sighing, she shook her head. "You are stubborn. As I said, try to leave me behind and I will follow you anyway. We don't give up anything we don't want to. I like being the one you bring along. It's always been fun. Plus, you're my little bro. You really think I'd LET anyone else go?"

"It isn't *really* your choice, Shay. I decide who goes with me. It has always worked out that you and Shalon have been willing, even though I *knew* of your troubles," Wufei pointed out as he sat up. He grinned at her. "Besides...do you think I'd want my big sister to go through all of that? It tears me up inside every time," he murmured softly, looking down as he choked on slight tears.

Smiling, she shook her head as she wrapped an arm about his shoulders to hug him. "You are the most guilty conscience person I know. Shalon and I don't mind. It’s gotten better with time. We stretch apart more easily, now. And this trip is my thing with you. I enjoy it. The headaches and so forth are ignorable."

Hugging her back, Wufei growled slightly. "That's a trick you two are going to have to teach me..." he grumbled as he rubbed his head. He smiled up at the waitress as she brought their food and sighed happily. "Ah...food," he declared in quiet delight.

"It’s called practice." Releasing him, she turned to her own plate. At least this time she still had her appetite.

"Ha....yea right...." Wufei grumbled as he dug into his food with a relish. The past few days his appetite had been nil because of the headaches and nausea.

"At least you can eat now." Grinning, she lightly tugged his ponytail. Looking at her with a cocked eyebrow and a light glare, Wufei didn't answer as he munched on some roots. Smiling innocently, she turned back to demolishing her own meal. *Maybe he isn't as mad as I thought.*

'Maybe she will forgive me,' he thought to himself as he ate. Time passed and they finished, having a light fruit in a pastry bowl for dessert.

Enjoying her dessert, Shay relaxed into her chair. "That was exquisite."

"Yes, it was. We shall have to remember this place next time," Wufei agreed as he licked his lips.

"So true." Eyes half closed, she watched him lazily. "Think you'll be able to sleep tonight?"

"Probably not, but it's worth a shot," Wufei replied flippantly as he sat back.

Sighing, she frowned. "Anything I can do to help?"

Shaking his head, Wufei smiled slightly. "I've handled worse...." he said and sighed, looking away.

"True. Doesn't mean you have to handle it alone." Nudging him lightly in the shoulder, she smiled.

"In some things....I must," Wufei replied softly, trying to smile at her, but not quite making it. "I only hope that Duo and the rest of you forgive me in my solitude," he added softly as he stood up and stretched.

"Course we do. And what's there to forgive? You've done not a thing wrong in my book." Standing as well, she rested one hand on her hip, head cocked slightly to the side. "Now if something came up I could help with and you played all stolid and then got hurt, I'd be upset because you would have scared the hell out of me."

Laughing softly, Wufei shook his head. "When *haven't* I done that?" he asked with a grin.

"You have a point." Grinning, she chuckled. "You've improved since you met Duo though."

His smile slipped and died as he gazed at her. "Seems I've gotten worse if my own bodyguards have to see fit to yell at me," he commented softly, looking away.

Looking away, she whispered, "That was me being a frustrated jerk. I was worried and scared. It'd been months since we'd talked. You used to just sit down and chat. You're response to my joke hurt... You used to laugh when I'd tease you. You're slowly becoming the person I knew instead of the stranger I didn't. You ARE getting better." Quickly, she wiped away the tear that trailed down her cheek, only to have another replace it.

Reaching up, Wufei wiped away the tears. "Don't cry...Shayasasha," he whispered the old nickname with love as he gazed at her with tear-filled eyes.

Grumbling, she tried to smile as she rested a hand upon his shoulder. "Haven't used that in a while and why shouldn't I? Maybe we both should. Heard somewhere a good squall works wonders for cleaning the eyes."

Laughing lightly as he threw his head back, Wufei shook his head. "Tisn't proper..." he replied, winking at her. "Come...we should get some rest to be ready for dawn's light," he suggested as he gently squeezed the hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah, suppose so." Smiling, she laid her arm over his shoulder. "And, Wufei? You always have been and always will be my brother, even when my temper runs off with my mouth, 'k?"

"As you have always been and always will be my big sister...even when I must be King," Wufei replied softly, smiling at her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and squeezed her in a hug before turning to the stairs that led to their rooms. Smiling, she followed him, tears forgotten.

*~~**~~*

Heero sighed softly as he ran through his training exercises. Things had been quiet the past few days, even with Duo up. He grinned slightly as he remembered some of the tales Larak had told him of the King's mate's antics in trying to get free from his room before he was better. He sighed. "Duo will be the end of us I swear," he murmured with a grin as he finished the last swipe with his sword. Rushing into the practice room, Larak waited for Heero to notice him and come over. Placing his sword back on the rack, Heero turned and arched an eyebrow in surprise. "Larak....how long have you been there, love?" he asked softly as he walked over.

"Not long. Done for the day?" Leaning against the wall, Larak began trying to catch his breath.

Nodding and smirking, Heero stopped, putting his fist on his cocked hip. "Ok...what did you want that has you *running* to find me?" he asked teasingly.

"I want you to go see Duo. He's going to come after you tomorrow. Best meet him on your own terms." Sighing, Larak chuckled slightly. "Whatever you said has him extremely excited and worked up. And he won't tell me! I want to know! But first he wants to see you."

Cocking an eyebrow in curiosity, Heero gazed at his lover. "All we talked about was family and Wufei...nothing special. Though, my heart goes out to him even more now," he explained as he went over and grabbed one of the towels and wiped himself off before putting on his formal tunic.

"So, you're not going to see him?"  Larak asked softly.

Heero glanced over at his lover in confusion. "I never said that, my love. What makes you think I will ignore a summons from the King's mate?" he asked, curious and slightly hurt for being presumed of.

"Sorry, love." Larak smiled softly, touching his love’s hand gently. "You never did tell me anything you spoke of until just now."

Shrugging, Heero stated, "It was between me and him...and it was about what we had argued about even though he fails to remember." He sighed softly and ran a hand through his hair.

"Well, at least it only affected his memory of that time and not of Wufei." Smiling, Larak shook his head. "Then we'd really be in a fix! Do I get to snoop later, please? He's got me rather curious, love."

"When AREN'T you curious?" Heero asked playfully. "Well...I suppose since it seems to be so important to him…" he trailed off and frowned softly. He sighed and shrugged. "I guess I'm avoiding him still," he commented softly, looking away.

Walking up to him, Larak rested his chin on Heero's shoulder, slipping one hand about his waist. "And this would be why?"

"Oh I don't know....maybe because I slammed him into a wall...slammed him into a table, which was broken....basically was the cause of his regression…and amazingly, he still wants to help us with finding a way to help Wufei....I don't know...does that sound like he should want to be around me?" Heero asked sarcastically as he leaned back into his lover.

"Hmm, well, that sounds more like your view than his. I'm certain he had his own opinion. Remember it?" Larak murmured, letting his free hand trail up and down Heero's arm.

Frowning as he tried to remember the conversation, Heero sighed. "No...I don't remember exactly. But...he'll most likely remind me....which I think I'm dreading even more," he replied in exasperation.

"Love, I truly doubt you have anything to be worried about." Tightening his hold, Larak smiled. "Duo is excited to see you again...not angry. He's been practically begging for you to come by. I truly doubt you have anything to dread."

"Begging, huh? I wonder why?" Heero said in disbelief as he rolled his head to the side to gaze at his lover's profile. "He probably wants to go through with kicking me out of the kingdom," he commented half teasingly.

"And now you're being silly. You shall go no where." Gently, Larak kissed his lover's neck. "Why not find out? Hmm? It’s better than imagining."

"True....but it's much safer imagining and avoiding then going to him," Heero retorted with a grin. He straightened up, turning to press a loving kiss to his mate's lips. "Alright...time to face the executioner," he stated with a half grin.

Swatting lightly at the back of his mate’s head, Larak chuckled. "Go on, you. I'll be in our rooms."

"Mmmm...temptation after torture...what luck," Heero purred with a leer as he licked his lips. Waving, he sauntered out of the room, heading for the King's chambers and Duo. Chuckling, Larak watched him go. Temptation indeed.

As he neared Duo's chambers, Heero's walk slowed as his uncertainty came forth. He sighed and stopped, looking down at his trembling hands as he stood outside of the doors. He raised one fist up and knocked heavily on the door. Hanging upside down off the bed, Duo called out, "Whoever's there come on in, 'cause Larak's a meanie and won't let ME out!"

Heero laughed softly and came into the room. "As well you shouldn't since you are still unwell and we don't want anything destroyed from your boredom," he commented teasingly as he came in and stood at attention before Duo.

"Heero!!! You're back!!!"  Trying to jump up from his position, Duo fell off the bed instead and landed with a thump on the floor. "Ow."

Shaking his head as he laughed, Heero went over and helped Duo up. "You are something else...Yes I am back. My Larak tells me that you are all about ready to search for me," he stated with a grin.

"Yep! I'm out tomorrow!" Grinning, Duo hugged Heero tightly. "Glad you came back though!!!"

Eyes widening in surprise as he stared dumbfounded at the other man, Heero didn't say anything at first. Then, he swallowed hard. "Uh...Duo...what are you doing?" he asked weakly as he struggled slightly within the hold.

"Hugging ya." Grinning, Duo tightened his hold before stepping back. "You know that phrase ya said?"

"Yes?" Heero replied slowly in confusion as he stared at the enthusiastic man. "It's something my guardian would say to friends. What about it?" he asked as he gazed steadily at the other man.

Scuffing his foot on the tile, Duo smiled shyly. "Well, ya see, that was me and my twin's makeup phrase whenever we had a fight or were going to be separated for a while. In other words...our phrase."

Blinking a few times silently as he gazed at the other man, Heero didn't say anything, his face a blank mask. After a minute, he murmured softly, "It...is?"

Nodding quickly, Duo smiled. "Yep!"

Looking confused, Heero looked down. 'What does this mean?' he wondered as he frowned in thought. Watching him, Duo waited, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "How is that possible? I've known that phrase since I was....little..." Heero's face grew more confused as he looked over blankly. He searched his memory, trying to remember his past but only coming up with vague feelings.

"Course you knew it since you were little! You were only four when ya disappeared."

"How did you know that?" Heero asked softly as he brought soft confused eyes up to lock with Duo's. "My guardian, Consio, found me when I was only four and took me in. That's all I can remember," he whispered softly, suddenly sounding like a lost child.

Motioning to the chairs, Duo asked, "Why don't we sit down? Then we can figure all this out, 'k?" Heero nodded and sat down, sighing in relief, as he found steady ground once more. He gazed up at Duo silently, his eyes dark with uncertainty. Flopping into his chair, he turned to Heero. "'K. My twin disappeared when he was four. You were found when you were four. You know our secret phrase. I believe you're my twin."

Heero shook his head uncertainly. "How are you so certain? Surely that phrase was common place," he replied softly, crossing his arms self-consciously.

Shaking his head, Duo smiled grimly. "Heero, we were the only kids we knew. It was death to associate with either of us. It wasn't common place, I promise."

Heero looked away uncomfortably, his mind in turmoil at the thought that he wasn't who he thought he was. "I...don't remember...." he murmured softly.

"Oh." Duo looked away for a moment then turned back grinning. "I think that's a good thing. Life...wasn't all that grand. Best to forget it if you can."

Looking up with a troubled look, Heero asked softly, "Is it? Would it be right to forget the ones you lost in the past?" He looked down, his bloodless fingers clenching his arms as he clutched at them. "I....all I can remember is....laughter...dark laughter...and...and water all around me and....hands...on my throat...." He trembled slightly as he looked back into the darkness that haunted his dreams.

Rising from his chair, Duo moved to kneel beside him, resting a hand on his arm. "Shh. It's alright Heero. It was a long time ago. And you found happier memories to hold onto. I'm glad you forgot most of the darker ones. And anyway, I'm here now."

"Duo..." Heero whispered softly as he gazed down at the other man. His eyes filled with tears suddenly as he smiled tremulously. "I...always felt I was missing something. Like...there should have been someone else with me. It...lessened with my bonding with Larak...but it was always there," he said softly, his throat closing over the last words as he choked on his tears.

Smiling through his own teary eyes, Duo tugged on his brother's arm. "Get down here. I can't hug ya if you're up there."

 Laughing slightly as he sobbed, Heero knelt down and wrapped his arms tightly around the other man. "My...brother...all this time..." he whispered softly and shuddered, trying to hold back his joy and sorrow.

Nodding, Duo gripped him just as tightly. "Yep...found ya."

"Oh Duo...I'm so sorry I left!" Heero cried as he sat back, sniffling as he wiped his eyes. He tried to smile, but then shook his head as he broke down. "And everything I did to you...I...oh Duo I'm so sorry," he whispered softly as he looked down.

Poking him lightly in the side, Duo grinned. "Stop that now. You didn't leave of your own will and what's a little fight? Strengthens the friendship, least it’s supposed to. So stop with the apologies."

"You're right," Heero replied softly, laughing lightly as he batted at the poking hand. "And all siblings fight, right?" he commented with a grin. "We have much to catch up on...with a new slate and new life," he added as he took Duo's hand into his own, caressing it in a familiar manner, circling the knuckles before trailing the infinity sign on the top.

Smiling, Duo nodded before doing the same to Heero's hand. "And we can pull pranks together!"

"Uh, don't think so," Heero deadpanned straight faced before grinning. "I'm captain of the guard here. If I were caught doing that...Wufei would have my hide! And it'd be just the ammunition those cluckers need to get rid of me," he stated, sighing softly.

"Well, then don't get caught and blame it on me. Wu won't do anything to me and you know it. And the cluckers would just be pecking up the wrong tree." Chuckling, Duo smirked. "It'd be fun!"

Shaking his head as he laughed softly, Heero declared, "You...are a troublemaker." He sat back onto his heels and sighed.

“'Course." Grinning, Duo relaxed back on his hands. "So what we gonna do now? Want to go tell Larak? He's been bugging me about why I wanted to see ya so much."

Smirking slowly, an evil glint in his eye, Heero replied slowly, "No....let's wait until his Majesty has returned. A nice surprise for everyone."

"Great!" Mischief danced in his eyes as Duo smirked slowly. "It’s gonna be great surprising 'Fei like that! Hey! Guess what!"

"What?" came out on a chuckle as Heero grinned at Duo.

"You’re the King’s brother-in-law!" Chuckling, Duo collapsed onto the floor. "This is great! You were already his brother by friendship, now you’re so by family!"

Heero's eyes widened at this as he looked down, running it through his head. "I...guess so. Oh boy...he's gonna kill me..." he muttered, letting his head fall into his hands.

"Eh? What for, now?" Confused, Duo sat up slightly to stare at his brother. Grinning, Heero shrugged and leaned back onto his hands. "Oh well. Whatever it is, can wait. I'm huuuuungry." Grinning, he poked Heero. "What about you?

Chuckling, Heero stood up. He extended a hand out and replied, "Yes...why don't you join myself and Larak for dinner? The others will be coming in as well so may as well include...all...of our family." He smiled, his face soft with peace.

Taking the hand, Duo got to his feet, smiling. "That sounds like...the best plan I've heard yet. Let's go." Nodding as he grinned back, Heero tightened his hold, and then led the way to his chambers.

TBC

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