Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 19/?

Authors: Deathangelgw and Nightshadow

Disclaimer: They aren't ours....but we can sure as hell play with them!!!

Warnings: AU, slight OOC, sap, dark, angst, language, mention of torture, yaoi, shounen-ai, het

Pairings: Varied, but the main is 2+/x5x2, 1xOCx1, OCx4xOC, 3xOCx3, 6xOC

Rating: PG-13

Note: If the last one was a bit confusing, you should be able to understand certain sections as you read the next few parts. Gomen minna! Enjoy and please review!

//telepathic speech//

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

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, and then padded over to Shalon. Smiling, Duo winked at Fei while hugging Quatre tightly. "Now we wait."

Catching sight of the oncoming figure, Shalon's current cat-pillow nudged him sharply. //Wake up, sleepy. You have a visitor.//

Grumbling slightly about a too short nap, Shalon rolled over to come face to face with Norsian and the two flowers in his mouth. Taking the flowers, Shalon smiled, running his fingers lightly along the delicate petals before raising them to his face to get a taste of their fresh, sweet scent. "Who...?"

Norsian purred softly. //Glitterstar sends his 'pretties' to another 'pretty’,// he declared with a gentle chuckle.

Quatre watched anxiously as the flowers were delivered. "He won't like...pretties are not to be liked..." he whimpered.

A gentle hand on his shoulder caused him to look into warm onyx eyes. "Pretties are to be admired and loved," Wufei whispered softly, encouragingly.

//Thanks, 'Fei.// Grinning, Duo spoke softly to Quatre. "I think he did. Did you see how softly he touched then before smelling? And I swear that's a pretty big smile on his face. And I think it just got bigger"

"Ahhh." Smiling broadly Shalon rose to his feet and bowed to Quatre before turning down the trail, flowers still in hand. He came back a moment later with a long, blooming jasmine vine and a blue sprite vine. Weaving the two together, he made an elegant halo. Holding the finished weaving out to Norsian, the amber-eyed man smiled. "Take this to him please? If you think he'd like it?"

Quatre watched wide eyed as he saw Shalon get up, then giggled happily as he bowed before disappearing. "He like...he like!" Quatre whispered excitedly as he looked at them both. Wufei just grinned as he ruffled the blond's hair. Norsian purred loudly as he gently took the offering in his massive jaws, and then trotted back to Quatre. He gently laid it down in Quatre's lap, who giggled shyly and placed it carefully on his head. Smiling, Shalon held up his flowers before leaning back against Sdia.

"Yep, he did." Grinning across at Wufei, Duo winked. //Things are going decently, ne?//

Wufei grinned back. //Very well...he seems to be adjusting.//

Quatre nibbled on his lip thoughtfully then looked up at Duo. "Duo...do you...think he will hurt me if I go sit by him?" he asked timidly, cringing in expectation of rejection.

//He does well once he knows he's safe.// Smiling, Duo turned to answer Quatre. "Nope. I doubt he would. He'd probably be very nice. Shalon is nice. I think you might like talking with him. He probably knows where a lot of pretties are."

"Would he really, Duo?" Quatre asked softly, biting his lip as he gazed at his friend.

Wufei smiled gently and patted Quatre's arm. "He's like a brother to me...the same as Duo is to you. I'm sure he'd love to show you around with Norsian and Sdia by your sides," he suggested, coaxing.

This seemed to give Quatre courage for he got up, smiling, then ran over to Shalon. Standing in front of the other man as he shifted from one foot to the other, Quatre asked nervously, "May...I sit with you, Shalon?" He nibbled on his lip, and then looked down as he felt a furry head nudge him.

Smiling softly, Shalon nodded. "I'd be honored to share your company." Motioning to Sdia, he let Quatre choose his own spot. "Have you met Sdia? She's an old friend of mine." Quatre shook his head, and then bowed to the cat before sitting down a few feet away from Shalon. His eyes remained on the ground as he fiddled with the grass until Norsian replaced the view with his own furry head. Quatre nervously ran his fingers through the silken fur. Resting against Sdia, Shalon watched for a moment before speaking softly. "Thank you for the star flowers. I'm glad you liked yours as well." Looking at the flowers wreathing the blond head, he nodded, pleased. They did look good, perched there. "What flower is your most favorite one of all?"

"Don't...know. If I touch pretty flowers..." Quatre trailed off, cringing as he looked up anxiously. "Will you hurt Quatre for doing that? Didn’t mean to...please don't hurt me..." he whimpered softly as he curled up.

Norsian purred softly as he gazed up at Quatre. //No one will hurt you, Glitterstar.//

Moving slowly closer, Shalon spoke calmly and gently. "Of course I won't hurt you. You should be able to touch the pretty flowers. It makes them happy. Haven't you seen them dance in the breeze, waiting and wishing some special person would come by and admire them? I bet you make them happier than any other person."

Sniffling softly, Quatre brought tear-filled eyes up to Shalon's face. "Really?" came out from a small voice, filled with hesitation.

Nodding, Shalon smiled. "Really. I'm sure Sdia and Norsian agree with me."

Nudging Shalon, Sdia purred loudly. //I agree with him.//

Norsian purred softly as hesitant aqua eyes locked with his own feline. //Young Shalon is right, Glitterstar. Don’t be afraid to show your light here…we want to see it.//

Quatre looked down at his clenched hands, sighing softly. “No one will…hurt me? For laughing? For…being with nice people?” he asked timidly.

Shaking his head, Shalon smiled softly. "You won't be hurt. Not here, by any of us. We won't hurt you, my sis, the others and I." *Other people I'm not so sure. Not everyone here is nice, after all.*

Quatre took a deep breath, and then smiled an almost heartbreakingly innocent smile. "Ok...I trust you," he stated in a small voice.

Purring her approval, Sdia licked first Shalon then Quatre. "Thank you, Quatre." Smiling, Shalon slowly stood up, one hand held out to the young blond. "What would you like to see first?"

*~~**~~*

Pulling Wufei closer, Duo smiled. "You're good, love. I think, with time, he may regain some of the person he was when I first met him. He'll never have that unfailing trust again, but hopefully he won't be scared of all who move either."

"That is truly sad that one such as that innocent child shall never trust whole heartedly," Wufei replied sadly, quietly as he leaned back into his lover's hold.

Smiling sadly, Duo shook his head, holding tight to his kingly lover. "He's not innocent, 'Fei. None of us three are. You can't live as we did and stay innocent. He's hiding and lost. He needs only find his way back. That will take time, months or years most likely."

"Or perhaps...the right kind of bond," Wufei murmured softly as he brought a hand up and caressed his lover's cheek from behind.

Leaning into the caress, Duo smiled. "Perhaps."

Leaning his head back so their matching eyes locked, Wufei grinned. "Perhaps indeed," he purred softly.

Grinning, Duo claimed his lips in a lingering kiss. //Perhaps.//

Purring as he smiled into the kiss, Wufei pressed closer. //Perhaps we should…leave them to their own devices?// He tugged meaningfully on his lover’s hand.

Following his mate's tugs, Duo smiled. //Perhaps...Something you wish to show me?//

//Perhaps.// Wufei grinned at his beloved. //Perhaps I wish to show you again how much I love you.// He winked at his mate as he stood up.

//Sounds like a delightful prospect.// Rising to stand beside him, Duo grinned back. //Lead on, my insatiable one.// Grinning back, Wufei leaned in for a small kiss before tugging him back along the paths to the castle. Grinning broadly, Duo followed. It was a good day to be in love. Wufei smiled as he and Duo disappeared into the castle.

*~~**~~*

Quatre looked up at Shalon, blinking, and then looked over suddenly as he saw Duo and Wufei leaving. A suddenly fear-filled look crossed the young blond's face and he curled up into a ball, rocking. "All alone...all alone...get hurt and no one like..." he murmured in an almost singsong voice.

Kneeling beside the young man, Shalon rested a gentle hand upon his shoulder. "Shhh. It's alright. I'm here. Not alone...not alone. Won't be hurt." Moving closer the Quatre’s side, he hesitated over hugging the young blond, not wishing to frighten him. Instead, he continued talking, leaving the choice of further contact up to Quatre. Quatre just rocked himself, staring ahead as he repeated his singsong softly, eyes filled with fear. Norsian nudged Shalon, sensing that what Duo had done was just what Shalon longed to do. Moving slowly, Shalon gently maneuvered Quatre into an embrace, gently stroking his hair while speaking softly. Quatre shivered as he was held, waiting for the blows to come. But as nothing happened except the soothing touches, he relaxed slowly, feeling as safe as when he was with Duo and Joren. He looked up, his eyes searching the face above him and seemed to realize that it wasn't his two friends. But...he felt no fear.

Pausing momentarily, Shalon smiled softly at the figure pressed against him. "You ok?"

Quatre sniffled and nodded, cuddling closer as he shivered. "So cold...will the bad men make me cold again?" he asked softly as he curled up.

Cradling Quatre close to his own warm body, Shalon spoke softly. "No, little one. The bad men won't get you. You don't have to be cold. Would you like to go in and find a blanket or stay out here?"

"If go inside...they hurt you..." Quatre whimpered softly as he curled closer to Shalon.

"Shhh. No they won't. We're not in the bad place anymore." Gently stroking the soft blond hair, Shalon rocked him slightly. "I'll look after you. No one will touch you with me around. I can defend us both, I promise. 'K?" Moving his hand to raise Quatre's chin, Shalon smiled softly. "You'll be safe inside, I promise. Are you hungry? We can get some food."

Chewing on his lip as he looked up at Shalon, Quatre sniffled. "M'k.... what about the kitties?" he asked as he looked at the lounging cats.

//Do not worry about us, Glitterstar,// Norsian replied in amusement.

Nuzzling the both of them, Sdia moved to lie next to Norsian. //We'll be fine, young one. The King has provided us with our own homes out here. You're welcome to visit anytime, but don't skip meals to do so, ok?//

Quatre grinned shyly and nodded. "M'k," he replied softly then relaxed against Shalon completely, trustingly. Norsian purred softly and nodded at Shalon.

Smiling, Shalon nodded to their cat friends. "Do you want to walk or would you enjoy being carried?"

Quatre smiled shyly as he looked down. "I...would like a ride..." he answered softly, then cringed.

"Alright." Shifting Quatre so he was cradled in both his arms, Shalon rose slowly to his feet before setting off towards the kitchens. "How's this, little one?"

Nodding silently, Quatre smiled softly as he snuggled closely to Shalon. "Safe...me like safe...so warm..." he murmured softly as he buried his nose in Shalon's chest.

"As you should. We'll be there soon." Walking leisurely along the path, Shalon took a shortcut to the kitchens.

"Can I have...some pie?" Quatre asked innocently as he looked up at Shalon with wide shimmering aqua eyes.

"Of course." Chuckling softly, Shalon tightened his hold briefly in a slight hug. "Which kind would you like?"

"There are many kinds?" Quatre asked in soft delight as he looked at Shalon with brightening eyes.

"Yes, many." Knocking lightly against a closed door with his foot, Shalon waited for one of the kitchen servants to get it. "There's apple, cherry, berry, blackberry, pear, chocolate, cream, lemon, lime, and many others. We'll have to see what kinds they've made today."

"So many....never had so many before..." Quatre murmured softly in wonder as he gazed at the big door.

A head peeked out as the door was opened by one of the older cooks. Catching sight of Shalon, he smiled and waved him in. "So you've come to sneak a snack before dinner have you? Well, and then get in here. You most certainly can't eat out there. And do introduce me to your young friend. I hope he would like to sample my cooking as well."

Chuckling, Shalon walked through the open door. "Aye, we've both come for a bite to eat, Nero. My friend here is Quatre and according to him, he'd like a piece of pie."

"Oh?" Guiding the pair through the busy kitchen, Nero led them to a small table tucked away into a corner. "And what kind would you like, young one? We have Chocolate, Apple, and Pear today."

Looking up at Shalon as if for permission, Quatre asked timidly, "I'd...like chocolate...please?" He cringed closer to Shalon as if expecting to be hit.

Stroking Quatre's hair soothingly, Shalon smiled encouragingly. "I'll have the same, Nero."

"So I have a new chocolate lover in my midst do I? Very good. I'll get you both an extra big slice." Smiling Nero patted Shalon on the head before heading off to get their pie.

Quatre relaxed, then wiggled impatiently in Shalon's hold. "Down...please," he requested quietly, smiling up at Shalon. "What is chocolate?"

Setting him down, Shalon motioned to the waiting chairs. "A very sweet treat."

"Will it be ok? No one take it away?" Quatre's soft yet fear-filled eyes gazed up trustingly at Shalon.

Touching the young man's hair softly, Shalon smiled. "Course it will be. And no one would dare take it away. According to Nero, everybody needs to gain weight. Therefore, anyone he gives food to is safe to stay in the kitchen till they're done, no matter how busy things are."

Quatre looked down at his very thin body, then back up. "We can eat...whenever?" he asked, curiosity shining bright within his eyes.

Nodding, Shalon grinned slightly. "We can all eat whenever we want and as much as we want. Plus you can choose what you want to eat."

"Anything?" Something akin to delighted excitement filled the aquamarine eyes as Quatre practically bounced.

Chuckling, Shalon nodded. "Aye. Anytime, even at one in the morning, though you may have to make due with the midnight snacks laid out. But that shouldn't be hard. Nero makes sure there’s plenty."

"Aye." Moving quietly behind Quatre, Joren tugged a lock of his hair gently, then stepped back waiting patiently for the eventual tackle.

Quatre giggled happily as he tackled Joren, and then declared excitedly, "We can eat whatever we want and no one will hurt us!!"

Chuckling, Joren hugged him tightly, "So I've been told, Little Bit. Found a new friend have you?" Waving to Trowa, Shalon moved off to collect some more chairs so all four of them could sit at the small table.

Quatre nodded happily as he hugged Joren. "He's nice...and he says he'll protect me just like you and Duo," he replied happily as he watched Trowa, who was standing nearby, smiling gently.

"That's good. I believe I like him already." Catching the direction of his young friend’s gaze, Joren smiled ruffling the blond's hair. "Have you met Trowa yet? He's my new friend and very nice too."

"Really?" Quatre asked excitedly and grinned as Trowa chuckled softly.

"Hello Quatre, I believe we've met," Trowa responded as he smiled at the young blond.

Catching sight of Nero with the pieces of pie, Shalon took his seat in one corner and motioned to the others to do the same. "Really to both." Releasing Quatre, Joren took the seat across from Shalon, nodding to him. Quatre stood near the table as he watched Trowa sit down next to Joren. He glanced at Shalon, a sudden look of fear in his eyes.

Smiling softly, Shalon held out a steady hand to the other youth, speaking softly. "It's alright, Quatre. Want to sit down so you can eat your pie comfortably?"

Quatre gazed at the offered hand silently then looked up fearfully as he timidly took it with his own. "Ok..." he murmured meekly.

Waving to Nero, who had been standing off to the side while waiting for all of them to take their seats, Shalon gently maneuvered Quatre into his seat. "Now we can all enjoy a spot of pie and rest our feet. Sound good?" Quatre nodded shyly as he smiled slightly. Trowa snickered softly as he elbowed Shalon slightly.

Placing the slices of pie in front of Shalon and Quatre, Nero turned to Trowa and Joren. "Now that I've served these two starved youths, what would you two prefer?"

Quatre watched the others, not even touching his pie yet. Trowa smiled up at Nero. "I think I will have the berry pie, Nero," he requested softly, then glanced over at Joren.

"I'll try the same as Quatre, while stealing bits from Trowa’s." Grinning, Joren winked at Quatre.

"Very well, then. I shall be back with a large slice for you and an even bigger one for Trowa, so that he may easily survive your thievery." Chuckling, the old cook left the four to their talk while attending his errand. Smirking at the other youth’s teasing of Trowa, Shalon took a forkful of his pie, thoroughly enjoying the sweet treat.

Trowa chuckled softly at Joren as he shook his head. "Little mooch...next time just ask..." he commented teasingly.  Quatre grinned slightly and began to slowly eat his pie, cooing at the taste.

"Now, what, pray tell, is the fun in that?"

Smirking at the two, Shalon turned to Quatre. "I take it you like chocolate?" Trowa smirked back at Joren and shook his head. He grinned as Quatre looked up with a chocolate mustache. Smiling sweetly, the blond nodded enthusiastically before returning to plunder the sweet. Chuckling, Shalon took another bite. "I'll take that as a very definite yes. Think this will become an afternoon habit?"

"You mean this isn't a normal habit?" asked Joren, while he watched for the return of the cook.

Trowa chuckled softly. "No, normally at this time we would be having weapons' practice," he explained, then grinned as he saw Nero approaching.

"Quite true. I much prefer this. Do either of you have any knowledge of self defense?" Glancing from Joren to Quatre, Shalon waited for them to answer.

Nodding to the four, Nero placed Trowa and Joren's pie in front of them, before leaving after an affectionate ruffle of Trowa's hair. "Eat up you two."

Quatre swallowed and looked down, shaking his head timidly. Trowa smiled up at Nero, then reached over and patted Quatre on the head. "Would you like us to teach you some?" he asked gently. He smiled softly as Quatre looked up uncertainly, and then gazed at Joren.

Nodding, Joren spoke calmly to keep Quatre from getting upset. "I think it would be a good idea. The exercise would do us good and being able to defend ourselves would make us less of a target. What do you think, Quatre?"

Quatre looked down and shrugged. He picked at the rest of his pie timidly.  Trowa chuckled softly. "Don't worry about it. You can just watch for a while, if you want," he suggested soothingly.

"Of course, you can, Kat." Tapping the silent blond lightly on the nose, Shalon hugged him gently before turning back to the last bite of his pie. Quatre smiled as he dug into his pie with renewed vigor as Trowa did the same. Smiling, Shalon pushed his plate away to wait for the others to finish, chuckling as he watched Joren snatch bites from Trowa's plate. Trowa bopped Joren on the head, earning a giggle from Quatre before he quickly finished his pie. Waiting till Joren had finished his pie, Shalon spoke up. "Would you and Quatre like to go to the baths and clean up while Trowa and I gather some extra clothes for you?"

Quatre nodded enthusiastically as Trowa laughed softly. Grinning, Trowa added, "Well then, what say you, Joren?"

"I'm ready. A hot bath sounds like heaven." Pushing back from the table, Joren rose from his chair.

Trowa grinned as Quatre jumped up, bouncing. He winked at Shalon as he asked quietly, "Would you like bubbles in your bath, Quatre?" Quatre stared at him in shock, and then smiled widely, nodding as he clapped his hands happily.

"Then I'll see that you get them." Smiling gratefully at Trowa for the suggestion, Shalon turned back to Quatre, resting a light hand on his shoulder to guide him safely through the busy kitchen. Watching the pair as they left, Joren smiled before moving to follow along with Trowa.

Quatre cooed as he snuggled close to Shalon happily as they went down the halls. "Never had bubbles before...are they safe?" he asked innocently as he looked up at Shalon.

Wrapping an arm about Quatre's shoulders, Shalon nodded. "They're very safe and very pretty. Plus they're fun to make go pop."

Quatre giggled and bounced. "Yay!" He grabbed Shalon's hand and pulled on it. "Faster, Shalon, faster!" Laughing, Shalon ran down the hallways with his energetic companion while seeing that they actually got to the baths. Quatre giggled as he ran with Shalon. He stopped outside of what were to be his bedchambers and peered in timidly. His eyes widened. Following Quatre's gaze, Shalon waited for his reaction. "It's...so...big...will they come later for...for..." Quatre trembled as he stepped back. He curled up slightly, his eyes wide with fear and tears.

Holding the trembling man close, Shalon rubbed Quatre's back soothingly. "No, never, little one. Here, only those you invite to your bed will share it. And if you say stop, then they will. This room is your sanctuary. Your place to hide from the world. See there's a spell on it. Only those you give permission to may enter. Plus there's a lock on the door, which locks from the inside. No one will touch you unless you wish it. Alright?"

Quatre looked up at Shalon with tear filled eyes. "Really? I...this...is my room? I…can sleep in the bed...nothing will happen?" he whimpered softly.

Nodding, Shalon gently wiped away the remaining tears. "Nothing will happen. It's your room and your room alone."

Quatre snuggled close as he sniffled. "My room..." He giggled, and then ran into the room, running around it before bouncing on the bed. "My room!!"

Grinning, Shalon nodded. "Yes, yours, though do you think you could invite me in?" Quatre sat on the bed, swinging his legs thoughtfully as he gazed at Shalon. He grinned happily and nodded. Bowing, Shalon smiled as he stepped within the room. "Thank you. Want to explore while I fix the bath and bubbles for you?” Quatre nodded as he bounced again then dashed into the closet. Watching the other's enthusiasm fondly, Shalon moved to the adjoining room to fix the bath.

Quatre giggled as he ran into the bath area, skidding to a stop as he watched. "Shalon, what are you doing?" he asked innocently as he padded over.

Looking up, Shalon motioned to the filling tub. "I'm fixing your bath. Just about to add the bubbles."

"Really? May I watch?" Quatre asked as he squatted down next to Shalon.

"Of course." Picking up a bottle of lavender, Shalon slowly poured it into the rising, warm water, watching as the bubbles formed and waiting to see what Quatre thought. Gasping softly as he watched the bubbles grow, Quatre's eyes grew round. He pointed at them and glanced over at Shalon, laughing breathlessly in amazement. Laughing softly, Shalon handed the bottle to him. "Want to try?" Quatre gasped in delight as he took the bottle and poured a small amount into the water. He laughed in delight as more bubbles shimmered into existence.

Watching the other play, Shalon got up and laid out the rest of the necessities, hair soap, cloths, soaps, scented oils, a robe, etc. "Well, everything's ready. I'll leave you to your bath now, ok? Take your time and relax. I'll be back in a while with clothes and dinner. Just come out when you’re ready and not before, ok, Quatre? I'll wait in the other room." Quatre nodded and smiled up at Shalon. He hugged the other man, murmuring a small ‘Thanks’ before stripping and jumping into the water. Stunned by the brief sight of his newest companion sans clothes, Shalon blushed as he turned and quickly left the room.

TBC

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