Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 18/?

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: Still PG-13…though it is a bit darker with past things somewhat revealed. But it gets cute…eventually!

Note: Oi gomen ne, minna for taking so long!! Life has been a kicker for us both, but FINALLY we are getting something up! Enjoy and please Review!!

//telepathic speech//

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

Deciding that the library would be the best place for the group, seeing as it was neutral territory, Duo led the group to the large comfy room, watching as each one filed in and found a seat. Taking over his usual position of the window seat, Duo waited for Quatre to decide where he wished to be while watching Joren claim a large comfy chair as Shay chose to share a couch with Zechs. Watching the others, Shalon waited for Quatre to choose his seat, wishing to sit nearby the young blond, but not so close as to make him anxious. Trowa sat in the opposite chair across from Joren as he watched Zechs sink into his seat next to Shay. 'It's about time those two started moving it...' he thought to himself in relief. Quatre looked nervously from Joren to Duo, fear and uncertainty in his eyes as he bit his lip. He sat down timidly next to Joren, hiding his face in his friend's long leg. Finding a comfortable place on the floor, Shalon eased himself to the floor a few feet away from the scared Quatre. Quatre watched Shalon, fear evident in his wide eyes as he snuggled closer to Joren, seeking protection.

Watching the silent occupants, Duo sighed. "Alright. So does anybody have any ideas? Maybe a game? I know. Jor, Q, if the others agree you get to be the Questioners and us the Answer givers. If you ask a question we don't want to answer we have to give a reason. How does that sound?" Nodding, Shay caught sight of Shalon giving his acquiescence. They had no problem with the proposition. Trowa and Zechs nodded as well, looking over at the very shy Quatre. Quatre hid his face even more, not saying anything as he shivered. He just wanted to curl up in Duo or Joren's lap....

Resting his hand on Quatre's head, Joren nodded slightly. "Alright." Standing quickly, Joren picked up his small friend, then sat back down again with Quatre in his lap. "Better now?" Nodding as he snuggled closer to Joren, Quatre whimpered softly. He buried his face, too scared to see what anyone else was doing. Trowa and Zechs frowned, looking over at Duo in concern and sadness. Shifting his gaze from Quatre to Duo, Shalon waited to see what he did. Duo knew them after all.

Speaking softly, Shay asked, "Is it just strangers in general or male strangers?" Quatre peeked out, gazing at Shay with fearful eyes. He hid his face again, shivering slightly in fear.

"How sad..." Trowa whispered softly, looking over at Shalon with sad eyes.

Lightly rubbing his friend's back, Joren spoke softly. "Quatre. We traveled with Zechs, remember? You liked and trusted him. He likes and trusts these people. So does Duo. You'll be fine."

Quatre curled up even more as he snuggled into Joren. Softly, he whispered, "They want...." He whimpered, his eyes shutting close in fear as he trembled.

Zechs' eyes narrowed as he watched Quatre then stated softly, "Young one...we won't harm you. Perhaps we could take him for a walk with the Caroime cats?" He looked over at Duo. The Caroime cats were large gentle cats that were telepathic and were often used to soothe troubled spirits. They resided in the gardens of the King, another protection for the young highness.

Nodding, Duo stood up and walked over to his two oldest friends. "How's that sound Quat? You can meet your nickname's namesake."

Quatre looked up warily, aqua eyes wide with both curiosity and fear. He looked over as Zechs got up and walked over, a gentle smile on his lips. "How about it, little one? You'll like the Caroime cats. They love to snuggle and play," he added warmly. Quatre looked down thoughtfully then nodded slightly, blushing shyly.

"Alright then. Off we go." Nudging Quatre gently, Joren waited for him to get off his lap before getting up.

Quatre slowly got up, and then meeped in surprise as Zechs scooped him up into his arms. He giggled as Zechs grinned down at him, then spun him around, causing the younger blond to squeal in delight. When they stopped and Zechs put him back down, Quatre laughed in delight as he looked up at Zechs. Ruffling his friend’s hair, Duo smiled. "Come on all. Let’s go. Bet ya can't catch me Quat!" Grinning, he took off running for the gardens, keeping his pace easy.

Nudging her brother, Shay smiled at Zechs before turning back to Shalon. //Stop acting like you're scared of him. Just treat him nicely. He'll react a great deal better.//

Nodding, Shalon got up and stood next to Shay, quickly grabbing her braid and tugging. //I'd already figured that out.// Eeping slightly, Shay glared at her brother before turning away and consequently facing Zechs.

Chuckling at Duo's antics, Joren winked at Quatre. "Think we can catch him Q?"

Giggling, Quatre took off running as he chased the longhaired man. He laughingly jumped onto Duo's back. "Ride Duo...Ride!" he shouted in glee.

Zechs snickered as he watched Quatre run 'He just needed some reassuring fun...poor thing, he's so scared in this new place,' he thought to himself, then grinned down at Shay, winking. He held out his elbow and asked, "Shall we?" Trowa smirked as he got up as well and silently followed them, walking next to Shalon.

Laughing as Quatre jumped on him, Duo grinned, picking up the pace. "Better run faster to keep up Joren!"

Shaking his head, Joren continued at a leisurely walk with the others. "I'll save my running for the garden." Grinning, Shalon nudged Trowa, nodding slightly to Joren. Linking her arm with Zechs, Shay watched the rest of the group, hiding a smirk.

Quatre giggled as he wrapped his arms tightly around Duo's neck in delight, hugging him tightly. "Faster Duo faster!" Trowa tossed a mock glare at Shalon, but didn't pick up his pace. He did watch Joren though from beneath his bangs and impassive face. Laughing, Duo obeyed his rider's request as he wove through the hallways to the garden. Shaking his head at the rambunctious pair, Joren dropped back to walk with the rest of the group.

Zechs grinned as he walked along with Shay, then glanced at her. "So...up to a sparring match later? I haven't had a good sparring partner in years," he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.

Grinning, amber eyes bright, Shay nodded. "You've got a date." Zechs grinned back and looked ahead again, noticing that the gardens were nearing. Looking ahead, Shay watched as Duo disappeared into the gardens with Quatre.

Laughing in delight as he held on, Quatre looked around. "So pretty, Duo...like here?" he asked as he snuggled his ride.

Trowa grinned as he turned his head to look at Joren, smiling reassuringly. "Did you want rooms near each other?" he asked politely.

Patting the leg he gripped, Duo smiled. "Yeah, I do. It’s more of a home than back there ever was."

Nodding, Joren smiled back. "Probably a good idea. I'll most likely end up sharing with Quatre. He doesn't sleep well alone sometimes." Smiling slightly, Shalon called some of the cats to greet the disappearing pair.

Quatre sighed softly, happily, then looked up as he heard some rustlings. His eyes widened as he "oooo"ed as a giant panther strode out, its golden and purple swirled eyes glinting as it gazed at them. It purred as Quatre slid off of Duo and walked hesitantly towards the big cat. It tilted its head as it gazed calmly at the blond, then purred again. //Are you the young one that has glittered?// it asked quietly.  Quatre's eyes widened as he nodded silently.

Zechs grinned as he watched Quatre meet with one of the Caroime. He glanced over as Trowa nodded at

Joren, affirming the request. Smiling, Duo stepped back to give them some space and moved to sit underneath a tree. Smiling back, Joren thanked Trowa before turning to watch Quatre. A dark blue and red swirled tiger walked over to Duo and curled up next to him, purring lightly as she laid her head on his lap. //How are you today, Duo mate?//

Quatre smiled softly as the big panther came up and nudged him gently. //Young Glitterstar....shine for us here in this safe haven,// the soft tenor requested gently.   Quatre giggled softly and wrapped his arms around the furry neck.

Scratching her ears, Duo smiled. "Doing fine. Got to surprise some Cluckers. And enjoyed some early morning cuddling with 'Fei. Plus my friends are here and safe."

Chuckling softly as she purred, the blue and red swirled tiger tilted her head into the scratches. //That is good. Those men need some stirring up. You bring your friends here for help like you?// she asked as she licked at his hand affectionately.

Moving slightly away from the others, Shalon sat where he had a good view of Quatre, not at all surprised when a patch furred calico lion came up next to him. Scratching her ears, he continued to watch Quatre play with his new panther friend. "Hey, Sdia."   

Resting half in her friend's lap, Sdia pressed against the hand scratching her ears. //Good day, Shalon. You like the Glitterstar?//

//Yes. I'd like to get to know him. I can wait though.//

Flexing her tail contentedly, she purred. //Don't wait too long or we will see to the introducing.// Still watching, Shalon smiled at his lion friend’s supposed threat.

The large panther purred soothingly as he sat down, wrapping a large paw around the young blond's waist in a hug. //My name is Norsian,// he said and Quatre giggled in delight.

//My...name is Quatre,// Quatre replied and smiled as the panther grinned back.

//You speak my language well,// Norsian stated in approval.

//I...always have been able to,// Quatre admitted.

"Aye." Smiling, Duo watched the goings on. "None of the three of us have had it easy. It's affected Quatre the most though. Hopefully with time he'll heal and find a steady happiness in life instead of momentary."

//It will happen, Duo mate,// the blue and red swirled tiger replied. She purred loudly as she saw Quatre get onto Norsian's back and they went trotting off into the woods.

Caressing her chin, Duo grinned as he watched the blond ride off. "That's good. He'll have fun with Nori."

Purring as she leaned into the scratches, the tiger nodded. //Yes...Norsian shall protect him and show him the light and safety...strange though...// she trailed off.

"Hmmm? What's strange?" Looking around, Duo caught sight of Joren and Trowa. Smiling at the two of them, he winked at Trowa.

//Young Glitterstar...he speaks our language when no other Sidhe has.// The tiger, whose name was Darsai, stretched as she pushed her head into Duo's hand in a demand for more caresses.

Grinning, Duo went back to his job. "Huh. I guess you would find that odd. Think that sensitivity is why he had a worse time than Jor and I did, even though we kept most of the worst stuff off of him?"

Darsai nodded, purring as he hit a good spot. //He can sense the feelings of hatred and evil from anyone who would hurt him. That is why I think he may be avoiding young Shalon,// she replied as her paws flexed.

"Well, Shal doesn't hate him and isn't evil. He is attracted to Q though." Chuckling, Duo shook his head. "That's a bit obvious."

//Would young Glitterstar know the difference between attraction...and desire for controlling him?// Darsai asked wisely as she gazed up at Duo. //If all he has known is your friendships and the lust of...he who we shall not name...what makes you think he knows of that difference?//

Watching Quatre disappear with Norsian, Shalon turned to his feline companion. "Feel up to playing the pillow?"

Huffing slightly, she swiped his hand with her tongue. //Of course.//

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 cried in delight.

"He doesn't, really. I suppose you're right. He'll figure it out with time and a bit of help. Being around two stable couples should help." Hearing Quatre call his name, Duo turned towards him and caught sight of the young blond bringing the flowers for his inspection. Taking the large bouquet, he smelled the heady flowers. "Aye very pretty." Smiling in delight, Quatre nodded, then sat down gracefully, laying his head on Duo's shoulder as he started scratching Norsian's ears with a giggle. Both cats purred in happiness. Laying an arm about his young friend's shoulder, Duo smiled, the bouquet resting in his lap. "Hey, Q? What do you think of Shalon?"

Quatre looked at Duo in surprise, before looking down. "He...wants stuff. Scares me..." he murmured softly, as he curled up slightly. Norsian purred loudly as he cuddled the trembling blond.

Tightening his hold, Duo ruffled his hair. "Ahhh. You know what? I bet if we told him that he'd get all guilty and apologize for scaring you. Would any of the others have cared to do that?"

Quatre leaned into Duo as he mumbled, "No...they'd hit me and make me..." He trembled violently as he buried his face into Duo's shoulder, whimpering, "Don't hurt, Duo...I'll be good...promise..."

Pulling Quatre into his lap, Duo spoke gently, "It's alright Q. You're not there anymore. None of us are. We're free." Singing softly, he caressed Quatre's hair tenderly.

"Really, Duo?" Quatre asked softly as he lay in his friend's arms. "Safe...not get yelled at for...looking at pretty things?" He bit his lip, curling up slightly.

//Nay, Glitterstar. Here...everything that is lovely is admired and loved for its creation,// Norsian replied soothingly as he purred. Darsai nodded and nuzzled the young blond, purring encouragingly.

"Safe. Entirely safe. 'Fei may be a grouch at times, but he's a softy. And Heero can be rather uptight, but he mellows when Larak's around. Shay and Shalon are a nutty pair, but in a good way. And you know what? They'd all die to protect us. Because they're good people who care." Still stroking Quatre's hair, Duo smiled. "And we can find and rejoice in as many pretties as we want."

"All...the pretties?" Quatre asked softly as he looked up at Duo. His gaze slowly turned and settled on Shalon, eyes shy and scared, but admiring before dropping to look at the ground.

Smiling, Duo nodded. "Yes, all the pretties. Even him."

"He won't...hurt me?" Quatre whispered softly, looking up at Duo fearfully. "I got hurt...last time. They said it bad for me to look at pretties." He whimpered softly.

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 sight of his lover, Duo extended a hand to him before answering Quatre. "No, little bit, he won't hurt you. I'm sure if you let him know how much you like pretties, he'd take it upon himself to make sure you were allowed to see each and every one without interference to your heart's content."

"With no holds either, little one," Wufei added gently as he took his lover's hand and placed their hands on Quatre's back soothingly. Quatre looked up at him with scared eyes and he smiled gently. "Quatre...in my land...we live...we love....we learn. You have seen the beauty here....let it soothe and warm you," he suggested softly.

Quatre smiled softly, relaxing back into Duo as he nodded happily. "So pretty here....life....you nice King. Duo love much," Quatre stated happily, earning a blush from Wufei.

Laughing softly, Duo placed a light kiss atop Quatre's brow. "See? Told you he was an old softy." Smiling tenderly at Wufei, Duo continued, "As time passes, you'll get to know the others. You know, Shal might like these flowers too. Why not have your cat friend take one over? Then you can watch from here and see if I'm right about Shalon too. Ok?" Quatre chewed on his lip as he gazed at Duo solemnly. He then nodded and looked at Norsian, who purred and stretched before nuzzling him tenderly. He giggled, then reached over and grabbed two of the starflowers and handed them solemnly over to the cat. Norsian carefully took them into his mouth, then padded over to Shalon.

TBC

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