Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 17/?

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, 6xOC

Rating: Nice and PG-13…though I think you’ll agree with us in wanting to KICK some serious clucker BEEP!

Note: hehehe and let the revelations BEGIN!!! Please Review!!

//telepathic speech//

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

Curled against his lover's side as they rested in the window seat, Duo reached for the plate of fruit, setting it in his lap before snatching a piece of melon and holding it to Wufei's lips. Chuckling softly as he obediently opened his mouth, Wufei took the piece and sighed happily. //I missed this....at least the pleasures of eating.// He chuckled again.

Smiling Duo popped a grape into his own mouth. //I know. It's so nice to eat without having to convince myself that yes I CAN do that. And you’re back, which makes it a double pleasure. Eating without you is only half as fun.//

//Agreed.// Wufei smiled happily as he leaned back against his lover and sighed. He looked over as he heard a knock on the door and swallowed quickly before calling out, "Enter!"

Heero stuck his head from around the door and smirked, then stepped in and bowed formally. "My King...may we come in?" he asked as he gestured to the other guards and Larak.

Grinning, Duo chuckled softly. "I do believe that's the definition of enter, 'Ro"

Heero tossed a glare at his brother before snorting and coming in. Wufei chuckled softly and ran a soothing hand down Duo's thigh as he watched them come in. "It is good to see you. I must first thank you for taking care of my Duo. I hear that things were a bit...edgy there for a while," he stated with a soft smile. Heero snorted again as Trowa chuckled softly.

Shaking his head, Shalon smiled wryly. "You could say that. Heero and Larak straightened it out though."

Smiling wryly, Larak linked his fingers with Heero's. "Eventually we did."

Nodding, Duo held up another piece of melon for Wufei. "Yep, you did. And everybody learned some things, some not necessarily joyful, but I know one that was!"

Heero looked slightly uncomfortable as he looked down, squeezing his lover's fingers. Wufei cocked an eyebrow at this and looked over his shoulder at his beloved. "Do tell," he asked quietly. Trowa looked over as well, confused.

Watching Heero, Duo smiled encouragingly. "Think we should tell them now, 'Ro? Or make them wait a while?" Squeezing back, Larak smiled. He was more than ready to learn this mystery. Looking from Shalon to Duo then Heero and back again, Shay raised an eyebrow.

Shaking his head, Shalon shrugged as if to say, "I have no more idea than you do."

Heero shrugged, his eyes downcast, but a blush was covering his cheeks fully. Wufei leaned in, tilting his head to look at Heero's face. "Well I'll be...Heero's blushing," he declared in surprise.

Trowa snickered as Heero's head fell down more as he mumbled something. "Well what's the secret then?" he asked lightly.

Tugging lightly on the embarrassed man's hand, Larak waited for him to look at him. "Love?" Watching the entertainment before them, Shay and Shalon grinned before finding themselves a proper seat. Anything that could make Heero blush should be good! Waiting quietly, Duo leaned against Wufei. It would seem his brother was still a bit shy about this revelation.

Wufei snickered softly as he wrapped his arms across the ones holding him. "Well Heero...out with it, since it would seem my dearest Duo is being a snot in not saying," he commented lightly.

Heero sighed and brought his crimson face up to gaze ahead. "Long ago...a young man was nearly drowned by a cruel King. He had...a twin brother," he started softly, not looking at anyone.

Trowa cocked an eyebrow as he observed, "Heero...you were found in the river...does this mean that..."

Heero nodded sharply once. "I...have a twin brother," he answered faintly.

Wufei's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "And who this would be?" he asked expectantly. Heero said nothing as he brought his eyes to Duo's...and smiled.

Smiling back, Duo winked at his twin before waving to everybody else. "Hi."

Stunned for the first time in years, Larak gaped at his lover. "You...him...and you wouldn't TELL me?" Throwing his hands in the air, he turned away for a moment before turning around, a broad grin on his face and pulling his lover into an overjoyed bear hug. "Congratulations!"

Blinking, Shay looked at Shalon as he turned to look at her. Simultaneous grins broke across their faces as they waved back at Duo. "Welcome to the family...again!"

Wufei smirked as he gazed at his captain, then looked at Duo. "Well...I must say that was an interesting surprise, my love," he commented with a grin.

Trowa was basically just watching them silently, too surprised to really say anything. Heero grinned at his lover, returning the hug awkwardly. "Thanks," he whispered softly.

"I thought so too." Smiling broadly, Duo grinned at his brother. "One I was quite happy to have."

"Well, I should hope so." Smiling, Larak tugged Heero over to a chair near his brother and pushed him down to use as a seat. "Seems it was a good idea after all to send him in."

"And so I have another brother, hmm?" Shaking her head, Shay sighed woefully, her grin belying the sorrow. "Ahh, well. No sister for me, though I suppose it’s a good thing. If I had a sister she'd probably be a dainty, ‘dirt is evil’, brat."

Chuckling, Shalon poked her lightly in the side. "We're glad to have you still, Duo. Despite my sister's mock-laments."

Wufei chuckled with the other two. He cocked an eyebrow at Larak. "Why did you have to send in Heero? Weren't you all taking care of Duo?" he asked.

Heero shifted uncomfortably, dropping his gaze. 'Here it comes...'

Catching Trowa and Shalon's gaze, Larak decided to be the speaker. Leaning back against Heero, he sighed, smiling wryly. "They had a disagreement, which they needed to work out without Shalon, Trowa, and I around."

Wufei glanced over at the squirming Heero as he kept his eyes down. "What *kind* of disagreement?" he asked lowly.

Poking his lover lightly in the side, Duo grinned. "The normal kind between two hot-headed males. Do ease up love."

Wufei cocked an eyebrow at his lover and caught the relieved look that Heero sent his lover's way. Eyes narrowing slightly, he replied lightly, "Ah well...if that was all." //We'll discuss this later, my love.//

//Of course. I expect no less.// Curling closer, Duo tightened his grip about Wufei's waist before offering another piece of fruit.

Wufei grumbled slightly as he opened his mouth and took in the fruit. After swallowing, he sighed as he stood up, ignoring the looks of concerns from Heero and Trowa. "I really wish they hadn't made the rule that says that I have to be a King immediately when I return," he grumbled sadly.

Standing, Duo moved to his side. "Well, you DO have to introduce your mate one day. Why not today? Can have some company on thy first day back and avoid a big expensive, boring some-such." Wufei looked thoughtfully at his lover and mate. He cocked an eyebrow in query to his friends and main advisors. Heero smirked in what would be termed ‘rather evilly’ while Trowa just grinned.

Wearing similar grins, Shay and Shalon looked at each other before turning to Wufei. "We say go ahead. The court needs to be shifted a bit."

Nodding, Larak smiled. "I agree."

Wufei chuckled softly. "You have indeed been hanging around this imp much too long," he commented with a wink. He sighed and shrugged as he walked towards the door with his arm around Duo's waist to head for the throne room.

Heero snorted. "Yea whatever..." he muttered softly.

Pushing himself off Heero's lap, Larak winked. "I'm going to go claim a front row seat. See ya later, love." Waving bye to their little brother, Shay and Shalon rose to follow Wufei and Duo. Heero and Trowa got up with their fellow guards and got into formation around the couple. Heero smirked at his lover as they walked away. He frowned as he saw Wufei slowly drop his arm from around Duo's waist as they came into the throne room.

Grasping his lover's hand, Duo smiled slightly. //Easy love. All will be fine.// Cocking an eyebrow at his lover, Wufei let a slight smile cross briefly before an impassive mask came down over his face. He walked silently up to his throne, glancing neither left nor right as he walked, then sat down. He waited patiently for his guards to get arranged swiftly before gazing down at his advisors. Keeping his station by Wufei's side, Duo watched Shay and Shalon take their places behind Wufei and Heero, catching the winks they threw his way. Steepling his fingers in front of his face, Wufei gazed at the obviously disturbed advisors. He waited silently for one of them to start.

"Welcome back, Your Majesty. I hope your trip was a good one?" asked one of the younger, less pompous advisors.

Wufei smiled at the advisor as he sat up. "Yes Chuein it was," he replied softly as he nodded to the polite advisor. Nodding, Chuein turned back to the papers before him. He could wait a moment before addressing his chosen issues.

Affirmed of the King's journey, Tayin looked at the stranger standing at the King's right hand. He remembered him vaguely from a while back..."If I may ask, who might this person be, Your Highness?"

"You may ask and I will tell you," Wufei responded lightly as he leaned back, squaring his shoulders. "I would like you to meet my life mate, Duo." Inclining his head slightly, Duo looked around at the varying degrees of reactions. Some looked close to fainting, others horrified, and then there was a group, the one called Chuein among them, who looked pleased with the announcement. Smiling slightly, Chuein looked at his fellow friends among the council members. They had been hoping His Majesty would find someone soon.

Momentarily flabbergasted, Tayin stayed silent, speechless before raising his voice in a shrill shout. "Your Majesty! Why did we know nothing of this? This choice affects the whole of the kingdom! How can you know if this...person...is right or not?"

Wufei cocked an eyebrow as he glared coldly at the advisor silently. "We are soul bonded...nothing will change it except for death...and even then it will not separate us," he answered softly, dangerously. Heero and Trowa glanced at each other briefly before returning their heads forward. Spluttering, Tayin fell silent, glowering over the reprimand given him.

Nodding, Chuein spoke up in the brief silence. "Welcome to our Kingdom, Prince Duo."

A warm smile from Wufei was directed at Chuein. "My thanks, my friend..." he murmured softly. He looked up again, becoming stern. "Since we are on the topic, Duo and I are also expecting a child. We will be married officially within the month."

Spluttering, Tayin turned rather red as he found himself speechless at this...outrage. Alas it was not to last. "But, Your Majesty! What of the proper channels? No one has been consulted!"

"That's right, sire! We must consult the holders of your lands!" One of the other older advisors shuffled up importantly. Heero snorted softly as he frowned at the old man.

Wufei glared at the questioning advisors. "That is NOT in the law and I will not allow your closed mindedness stop me from going through with my heart!" he declared softly, his voice cold with rage.

Resting his hand upon Wufei's shoulder, Duo looked around at each advisor, meeting their gazes briefly. "I would stop to think before you speak. It is not becoming of the King's holders of Wisdom to lose their heads because of a mere upset of protocol or tradition."

Wufei grinned as he brought his hand up to cover the one on his shoulder. "He is right. Unless you have a true reason for us to not be joined in the formal ceremony, then I suggest you still your tongues and move on to other subjects that concern *my* country," he stated softly, emphasizing his possession of their lands.

Looking about, Chuein nodded. "Then I have some issues along those lines. The northern quadrant requests aid for the upcoming flood season. They wish to build barricades to keep the river from flooding the fields as it almost succeeded in doing last year." Nodding, Wufei gestured for the paper that would require his seal. Heero went over and got the paper and thus the meeting went this way for some time. He approved and disapproved countless proposals and requests.

Trowa looked over as a guard gestured for his attention. He walked over and talked softly with the guard, before nodding and walking back to the King. "Your Majesty. We have some visitors who wish an immediate audience," he announced as he half bowed.

Wufei cocked an eyebrow in interest. "Oh? Who is it, Trowa?" he asked as he glanced at his friend.

"Guardian Zechs and two others," Trowa answered softly. A smile lit the King's face as he nodded permission.

Turning her gaze to the doorway, Shay tried to hide her eagerness at the other's return. Watching his sister, Shalon shook his head, hiding a smile. Turning to Wufei, Duo asked softly, "Who's that?"

Wufei smirked at his mate as the guard went off to get the guests. "He is a fellow Guardian of our country," he replied, then looked up as the doors open. "Ah Zechs...so our prediction was true in that we would indeed meet again!" he proclaimed as he stood up.

Zechs laughed softly and strode in confidently, followed by his two guests. "My friend...if it would have been a bet, someone would have won. I bring also...a surprise for the one you have taken as your mate," he replied as he knelt down briefly before standing aside and gesturing to the two other blonds.

Catching sight of the two, Duo tightened his grip on Wufei's shoulder, gasping out hoarsely, "Joren? Quatre? Please tell me I'm not dreaming..."

Chuckling, Joren shook his head. "If you were dreaming I doubt you’d be this surprised, my friend. It's good to see you well and happy." Quatre giggled and nodded, then ran up and hugged Duo tightly. Zechs chuckled as he watched them, happy to see the reunion.

Wufei grinned as he stepped back as well, glancing at his friends happily. He stopped as he saw Trowa staring silently at the one named Joren and cocked an eyebrow in surprise. 'I wonder...' Following at a more sedate pace, Joren pulled both of his younger friends into a tight hug.

Watching the reunion, Shalon smiled at the sight, his gaze tending to stay on the younger of the blonds. *Quatre I believe is what Duo called him.* Embracing both of them, Duo smiled brightly, a few tears sliding down his cheeks.

Quatre snuggled both his best friends, smiling in delight. He looked up and grinned at Duo, poking him. "You got mated, Duo...silly man," he commented teasingly.

Wufei looked over at Zechs and asked softly, "Where did you find them?"

Zechs frowned fiercely as he replied, "Slavers were trying to get them, my friend. I have them...in safe keeping currently in the Jaruis sector." Wufei's lips thinned in disgust and anger as he nodded sharply. Heero saw the nod, then strode off to get some guards sent off to 'collect' the slavers.

Ruffling his friend’s hair, Duo winked at Quatre before grinning at both of them. "How could I not with such a desirable guy as Wufei around? Wonderful heart, mind, and body."

Chuckling, Shay nudged Shalon. //Who has a prospective crush now, brother dear?//

Raising an eyebrow, Shalon grinned. //You of course. Zechs is back...//

//True, but I see thy roving eye watching a rather nice looking young blond.//

Quatre giggled as he nodded in delight. "Happy," he declared quietly as he snuggled up to his friend. Zechs turned towards Shay and Shalon and walked over to them, smiling in greeting. Wufei smirked as he elbowed a still staring Trowa, bringing him out of his daze.

Smiling happily, Shay waved slightly. "Why not go introduce yourself to Quatre and his friend? And take Trowa with you," she suggested to her brother.

Grumbling, Shalon left to do so. "You just want to be alone so you can flirt without being teased."

Releasing the two, Duo looked them over. "Looks like you've gained some weight. Looks good on ya."

Zechs cocked an eyebrow as Shalon left Shay's side before he got there. "Do I have something on my face that he leaves without so much as a greeting?" he asked Shay teasingly as he came up to the female guard's side.

Quatre giggled again as he nodded, pointing at Zechs in explanation. He meeped softly as he saw a regal looking young man walking towards them and hid behind Duo in fear.  Wufei smiled reassuringly at the hiding young blond, a flicker of concern in his swirled eyes as he smiled at his mate. "My love, care to introduce us?" he asked softly as he stood with Trowa and Shalon, Heero just coming in.

"No, he just has in interest in one of your charges so I...encouraged him." Smiling, Shay pulled her friend and, known to everyone but him, crush into a tight hug.

"Ahhh. Knew I was forgetting something." Placing an arm about the hiding blond’s waist, Duo tugged him forward. Pointing to each of his new friends and brother, he introduced the two groups.  "Quatre, Joren, I'd like you to meet my mate, Wufei. He's the King here. Then there's Trowa and Shalon. They're some of his bodyguards and great guys overall. Shay is Shalon's twin. From what I can see, she's flirting with Zechs. And this is Heero, my twin brother. Finally found him. He has a mate named Larak, who's Shay and Shalon's little brother. These people you can trust implicitly, okay?"

Zechs chuckled softly as he hugged her back just as tightly, then pulled back. "Ever the meddler, eh, Shaya?" he asked as he winked at her.

Quatre stared wide-eyed at the young men, then nodded. He looked up happily at Duo as he asked, "Safe?"

Wufei smiled sadly down at the young blond. //He's no older than you or I is he, my love?// "Yes, Quatre. You and Joren are welcome to stay here if you want. Free...and safe," he replied soothingly.

Nodding, Duo pulled they young blond closer. "Aye, Quat. You're safe with them." //No, he's not. He's actually the same age as me...just lost. Blackheart thrives on breaking a person's innocence and mind. Jor and I protected him as best we could.//

Holding out his hand, Shalon smiled gently. "Nice to meet you, Quatre." Watching the greeting between the one called Shalon and his young charge, Joren waited. Duo said he was a decent guy. Maybe here with these people Quatre could heal.

"Not that name...Will no one forget it?" Groaning, Shay leaned against Zechs, grinning slightly. "And of course I meddled. Someone must or he'll do nothing but stare." *Like me...till now, maybe*

Zechs chuckled softly as he made no move to step away from her. "Yes...staring is counterproductive in relationships." 'So why have I been doing it for fourteen years?'

Wufei's eyes saddened as he gazed at his lover, then at Quatre. Quatre stared at the extended hand timidly, then held out his own and clasped it shyly. He nodded quickly, smiling slightly, before pulling away and hiding his face again in Duo's side. Hugging the young blond, Duo smiled gratefully at Shalon. "See, they're nice." Turning back to Wufei, Duo asked, "Love, how much longer do you think we'll be in session?"

Patting Quatre's shoulder lightly, Joren stepped up to greet these new friends of Duo's "Nice to meet you all." Smiling, Shalon discreetly nudged Trowa into stepping forward and extended his hand to the older blond.

Watching her brother, Shay chuckled. "See? I'm not the only one who meddles."

Quatre peered curiously up at Wufei as he answered, "Well...I must be in session for another hour. But that doesn't mean that you and your friends couldn't go and spend time together. Why don't you take Trowa, Shalon, Shay, and Zechs with you?" he suggested, smirking at his lover.

Trowa stumbled and, for the first time in a long time, blushed slightly as he took Joren's hand in a greeting. "Pleasure..." he mumbled softly. Heero smirked as he watched his friends, resisting the urge to shake his head in amusement. Zechs laughed softly and shook his head, then steered Shay closer to hear what Wufei was saying.

"Sure you wish to be deprived a third of your bodyguard service? Though I'm sure Heero is more than capable." Grinning, Duo winked at his lover and his brother. //A matchmaker today, love?//

Smiling back, Joren allowed his hand to linger for a moment, waiting to see what the other would do, testing. Catching the tail end of the conversation, Shay waited for Duo's response, torn between wanting it to be yes and staying loyal to her duty. Heero smirked at his brother as Wufei grinned. "I'm sure I will be fine. They'd have to get through the advisors first," he commented lightly, grinning evilly at his brother as protests from said targets floated out. //It's not that hard when it's so obvious. Besides...I think they all need to bond...//

Trowa smiled softly, squeezing the hand gently before releasing it slowly. 'Have to go slow...he's been through too much...'

Zechs cocked an eyebrow in amusement at his comrade's reply. "True." Lowering his voice, Duo added, " Though I rather like Chuein. All right, off we go then. You coming, Shay? Zechs?" //On both accounts. I doubt I even need to ask Trowa and Shalon. Well, I could but I won't. No sense giving them a way to back out.//

Surprised by the other's actions, Joren dipped his head slightly in acknowledgement before returning to Quatre's side. Smiling at each other, Shay and Shalon bowed simultaneously to their King. Wufei chuckled softly as he grinned at his lover. "Yes....why don't you go and Heero can stay here?" he stated, earning a grin from both Trowa and Zechs in agreement along with a bow.

Seeing that everyone was ready to depart, Duo stepped forward to kiss his lover goodbye before turning to go, Quatre's hand in his and Joren beside him, while Shalon moved slightly behind the youngest blond and Shay kept close to Zechs. //Repressed hormones in the room...//

//No kidding...good luck...// Wufei snickered as he watched Quatre timidly walk next to Duo as he looked around shyly while Trowa walked next to Joren, his gaze shifting around. Zechs politely allowed Shay to go before him, before tossing a wink at Wufei over his shoulder. Chuckling again as he sat down, Wufei turned back to his advisors. "Now...where were we?"

TBC

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