Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 6/?

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, incest, rape, fantasy, yaoi, shounen-ai, OCs, lemon/lime later (knowing me....)

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

Rating: R for LIMEY stuff between TWO MALES!

Note:  ACK! You are gonna kill us….but hell! I’m teaching her sooooo well! Cliffhanger, angst up to wazoo…good stuff!! Sooooo ENJOY!!  Please review!

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

Wufei felt a blush crossing his cheeks as he looked down at Duo. He held out his hand tentatively and asked, "Shall we?"

Taking the hand, Duo smiled warmly. "Aye, we shall. Lead on my sprite." Pulling Duo up onto his feet, Wufei smilingly led his friend down the hall to an immense room. Steam floated in the air from the large bath that churned magically with soothing waves.  He went over to a basin and grabbed some of the soap leaves there and tossed them into the water. The soft scent of lavender and rose filled the air as he looked over at Duo. He wasn't even aware of the fact that his shift had slid dangerously high as he knelt next to the pool. Resolutely, Duo turned around, facing away from Wufei while he himself disrobed. *I will not jump him...right now.* Wufei slipped his shift off, letting it fall to the ground.  He stepped over to the bath and slipped in, a soft smile on his lips the whole time. He sighed in pleasure as the warm bubbles caressed his skin and soothed his muscles.

Hearing the sound of disturbed water, Duo turned back around and moved to join Wufei in the oversized bathtub. "Mmmm. Nothing better than a warm bath and someone to share it with, right, 'Fei?"

"Mmmhmm..." Wufei replied softly as he let his head fall back in bliss. The water bubbled up, flowing over his tense shoulders and relaxing them. He slid underwater and came back up, slicking his shoulder length ebony hair back with his hands. "So wonderful..." he purred out, licking his lips to get the moisture on them before looking over at Duo with a soft smile.

Laughing softly, Duo gently untied the end of his braid and allowed the strands to free themselves. "If you feel something small and light touching you, it's probably my hair. It's kind of like a few thousand tails."

Wufei chuckled softly, eyes glittering in curiosity. "Really? So...you could feel it more if I caressed it?" he asked, an impish smile on his lips.

"Yeah, I could." Smiling, Duo coaxed a few strands into his hand. "They listen every now and then, but not often. They like feeling things."

Wufei slowly swam over by Duo and floated to a standstill, sitting next to his friend. "Really? They...have a mind of their own?" he asked in awe, reaching a hesitant hand up to brush a couple of floating strands.

"At least it seems that way..." Duo continued to explain until Wufei touched his hair. He closed his eyes at the simple touch, reveling in it. It had always been a rare thing for him to let someone willingly touch his hair, which made such a happening all that more special and pleasurable.

Wufei watched Duo closely as he slowly caressed the almost living hair. Some of the strands clung to his fingers and he caressed them gently. "Does it hurt you when I do this, Duo?" he asked softly, his thumb caressing the strands wrapped around his fingers.

"Nooooo. Exactly the opposite," Duo almost purred, loving the feeling of his hair being touched. It was one thing that could and did relax him entirely.  Giggling softly in delight, Wufei ran his fingers through the strands carefully. Curious, he ran his fingers up to Duo's head and ran them down through the semi-wet strands, bringing some of them up to his face and nuzzling them, smiling tenderly. Moaning softly, Duo leaned into the gentle caresses. "Feels good...Think I can get ya to wash it?" He smiled shyly, tangling his fingers in the chestnut locks.

"Get it all wet first," Wufei purred out softly as his fingers caressed the strands clinging to him. A soft, naively seductive smile crossed his lips as he stared at the other man.

"'Kay." Sighing, Duo let himself slip beneath the water, shaking his head to make sure the water got through the thick mass.

Wufei looked around and leaned up. Getting up and out of the bathtub after removing the clinging strands, he went over to the rocky crevasse where baths salts, soaps, and shampoos were kept. He grabbed the lavender scented pair and turned back to the tub. Duo came up from under the water and shook his head, spraying water all over the place. Wufei laughed softly as he walked over. "Duo...must you do that?" he asked teasingly as he sat on the edge of the tub. He placed the bottles down and caressed the wet head near him.

Leaning into the touch, Duo smiled happily. "Yep! So what ya got?"

"Mm...some natural shampoo and a conditioning lather that helps control tangles. It's my country's most popular commodity," Wufei replied, smiling as he slipped into the water next to Duo.

"Sounds good to me. Better than talking tangles out of it." Grasping the nearest hand of Wufei's, Duo placed a kiss on the palm before moving himself in front of the other man.

A soft blush rose onto Wufei's cheeks as he watched the other man sit down. Reaching over, he grabbed the bottle and put some of the liquid into his hand. Carefully, he started lathering it through the mass of water logged chestnut. Purring contentedly, Duo leaned back against him. Parting his legs so Duo could get closer, Wufei hummed a soft lullaby as he combed his soapy fingers through the strands.  Leaning in, he whispered, "Alright...time for the rinse."

"'Kay." Closing his eyes, Duo ducked under the water, using one hand to chase the soapsuds out before coming back to the surface. "How's that?"

Smiling softly, Wufei purred. "Very good...now for the conditioning," he replied softly, then reached over and grabbed the other bottle. He poured just a small bit into his hand and started smoothing it into the hair. It lathered up quickly, spreading down as he ran his fingers through the strands. Sighing, Duo let himself fall limp against the other. There was very little better than having his hair played with. "Time to rinse again," Wufei ordered softly, pressing a soft kiss to Duo's ear as he leaned in.

Turning to meet Wufei's lips, Duo kissed him gently before slipping beneath the water once more.  Once he was sure the rinse was out, he rose quickly, turning to catch the other in a firm embrace. "Thank you..."

Snuggling into the embrace, Wufei whispered, "It's not a problem." He pressed a gentle kiss to Duo's shoulder before laying his head down on it.

Murmuring softly, Duo rested his head against Wufei's shoulders. "I think I could cuddle all day, what about you?"

Nodding into the shoulder, Wufei smiled. But, then a frown came up and he sighed. "If I was a normal Sidhe, that's what we could do. But..." he trailed off, biting his lip.

Sighing, Duo tightened his hold on Wufei to reassure him. "You're not and we can't. I know. There's always later though. And I did say I'd follow you around. When do you have weapons practice?"

"Not till much later....especially since I'll probably have to catch up," Wufei answered softly and sighed. "This isn't going to be fun...I wonder if I can get out of it..." he mumbled softly.

"Then it'll just be worse later. Come on now. I'll be there with ya." Grinning, Duo placed a kiss upon Wufei's neck before whispering to him. "I can make some cluckers faint for entertainment. How's that sound?"

Wufei tilted his head and looked at the other man with a small grin. "How would you do that?" he asked softly.

"Hmm. Kissing you passionately in front of them? Insulting someone crudely and blatantly?" Chuckling, Duo nuzzled Wufei's neck gently. "I prefer the first one. What about you?"

"Agreed," Wufei purred out softly, tilting his head to the side. Smirking, he asked, "Want to practice? Just so...I have it right..."

“Would love to, though I doubt you could ever get it wrong." With that said, Duo rested one hand on the back of Wufei's head, pulling him closer before beginning to slowly, and thoroughly, explore the sweet firmness of his lips and mouth. Wufei moaned very softly into the kiss, opening his mouth even more and meeting the exploring tongue with his own.  He wrapped his arms around Duo's waist more firmly, pulling him closer. Moving with the other's pull, Duo secured his free arm about Wufei's waist, letting his fingers lightly caress his hip.

Moaning as he arched into the touch, Wufei gasped into the kiss. His hands trailed down and pulled up, seating Duo fully onto his lap, straddling his hips. "Duo..." he gasped out before resuming the kiss. Letting his hands trail lightly along the other's back and sides, above his waist, Duo deepened the kiss. Arching into the touches with soft mewls of pleasure, Wufei let his tongue play with Duo's. His hands were anything but idle as they played across the longhaired man's back and hips, alternating between caressing and pulling him closer. Groaning at the feeling of Wufei's firm caresses and evident eagerness, Duo shifted slightly, letting his own awakening arousal rub lightly against Wufei's thigh. Shifting into that caress, Wufei panted softly.  He shifted Duo over on instinct and aligned them before arching up. He gasped loudly as the resulting friction from their arousals rubbing together sent sparks of pleasure throughout his body. A muffled shout flew from Duo's lips at the simple touch. It had never felt like this before, so strong and binding. He had the feeling that only with this one man would it ever feel this way. Wrapping one arm about the other's waist, he let his free hand trail along the outside of one thigh, while directing the free floating strands of his hair to dance lightly, teasingly across Wufei's back and chest.

"Duo...please..." Wufei moaned out softly, his hips rocking slowly up. His skin tingled from the light caresses as his hands played across Duo's back and hips. Smiling softly, Duo took his mouth in a slow gentle kiss, letting some of the swishing strands drift to lightly caress that, which his lover asked, while his hand continued its firm massage of his outer thigh. Wufei mewled in pleasure, his head falling back in bliss as he arched up. As if knowing what to do, his own hands came up and began to lightly caress down Duo's hair, stroking it slowly and sensually.

Groaning, Duo broke the kiss with a sharp gasp, his grip tightening about Wufei's waist as a delighted shiver ran through his limbs. "'Fei..." More strands joined the first few about the other's length, strengthening their caresses, while his hand slowly began to move its path inward.

"Gods of the air....Duo...want you..." Wufei panted out as his hands continued their caresses, moving down to brush against the other's ass enticingly.  His hips thrust up into the caresses as his head fell back in pleasure.

Standing outside the King's chambers, Shay sighed. It couldn't take this long to eat some oatmeal, take a quick bath, and get dressed. It really couldn't. Grumbling about the existence of slowpokes, and consequently forgetting that she herself was one, she knocked firmly upon the door once more. Receiving no answer, she entered the King's Chambers and, upon seeing no one, she continued toward the bathing area.

"Want you too...'Fei, my 'Fei." Sighing, Duo moved to lightly nip his way down the other's throat, the strands of hair slowly returning their attention to Wufei's chest and back as Duo's hand moved to take their place, lightly touching and exploring his lover's hard length.

"Duo...oh Duo..." Wufei moaned continuously as he thrust up into that touch. He was being overwhelmed quickly by all the sensations, but some part of him still had enough control to know what to give back. His hands trailed in opposite directions, one up Duo's back to his head, to slowly massage there while his other hand trailed forward to grasp Duo's arousal. Arching into the touch, a moan passed Duo’s lips and fell against the skin of Wufei's throat as he began to firmly stroke the other's arousal.

Receiving no answer to her knock upon the bathing room door, Shay entered, calling out her presence to the occupants. "Your Highness, Duo? It's almost time to be at the first meeting!" Coming around the final corner, she caught sight of the two men, locked together rather obviously...

Wufei groaned loudly as he thrust up into that firm stroke. His hand around Duo's arousal tightened slightly, then entangled some loose strands of hair into his grip as he started returning the favor. He heard his name, but his desire filled mind didn't place it in the 'important and need to know' section of his brain.

Turning away, Shay cleared her throat, trying to hide the amusement in her voice. *Reminds me of the last time I walked in on Heero and Larak...except they'd chosen the private training room for their...exercise.* "Duo, Your Highness?" *If I don't get a reply, I'm dousing them in cold water...*

Arching into the touch, Duo bit down lightly on the junction of neck and shoulder, letting one hand trace along Wufei's buttocks while he continued stroking the other's length. Wufei buried his face into Duo's shoulder as he grabbed it with his free hand. His other hand sped up as he groaned softly, arching into the strokes. "Duo...gods...Duo..."

Finding herself still ignored, Shay sighed before shaking her head. "I gave you two chances, fellows. I don't do three..." With that said, she formed a bubble of ice cold water over the two then mentally popped its skin, releasing the contents on the hapless couple.

Wufei gasped in shock and whipped his head around, a look of pure death on his face as he glared at Shay. "SHAY!!!"

Moaning in frustration, Duo leaned against Wufei, shivering slightly. Resting his chin on Wufei's shoulder, he glared at the young woman's back "At the moment I hate you..."

Without turning around, she crossed her arms. "It’s your own fault. I called out twice and knocked on every door between here and the entrance. You two ignored the warnings and paid the price." Laughing softly, she grinned over her shoulder before turning back. "And besides, you're not the first ones I've doused..."

Wufei growled very angrily. "You do know that you are going to get severely punished," he snarled out, his eyes flashing with rage.

Turning around, she glared back at him. "Don't you dare threaten me with that, Wufei. And yes I will call you Wufei. Damnit, I've known you since before you could walk! You used to talk with all of us! We used to be friends! And now you’re the King and we're nothing but bodyguards. We can't tease you, pull pranks on you, and share our secrets with you! Why? Because you won't let us! You're the brother of my heart, you idiotic royal! All I want is the right to treat you as such...I'd die for you, even if I wasn't your bodyguard..." Turning back around, she began walking from the room, her tone lower, the formality of it tinged by sadness. "I'd get ready, Wu...Your Highness. You only have a short time left."

Wufei looked down, his gaze resting blankly on Duo's shoulder. "She's right...I have forgotten who I am," he whispered softly, tears filling his eyes. Gently, he lifted Duo off of him and stood up, not seeing anything as he stared ahead. "I must get ready...duty calls," he stated blankly.

Scrambling after him, Duo grabbed his wrist. "'Fei? Talk to me, please? I...don't like seeing you hurt." *Damnit...why couldn't she have waited a while? Or better yet...not yelled and just talked.*

"I'm sorry, Duo," Wufei stated flatly, his hand coming up to gently remove the hand from his wrist. He straightened his shoulders, once more in his regal stance. "I must get ready. Please excuse me," he added softly, not looking back as he left the bath.

"Alright, 'Fei. Just remember I'm not going anywhere." Walking up to the young King, Duo rested a hand on his shoulder, squeezing firmly. "She's not really mad, 'Fei, just hurt I'd think." Letting his hand slide around Wufei’s shoulders, Duo hugged him gently before releasing him. "And let’s get ready. I promised to faint some cluckers I believe."

Wufei shrugged gently out of the hold, as he replied, “No, Duo I can not allow you to come. I will have Shay and Shalon be your escorts today. They will show you the grounds." He walked straight ahead and got dressed silently.

Sighing, Shay leaned against the wall next to the door inside his chambers, her arms wrapped about herself. *I...shouldn't have done that. He has enough to worry about. I shouldn't have...but it hurts to be turned aside so for duty and propriety...I just want my brother back.* Closing her eyes she continued to rest against the wall.

//Shay?//

//Shal. I'm here.//

//What's wrong? You're upset.//

//Delightful call, Mr. Obvious. Just me...making a mess of things. I yelled at, 'Fei. Hurt him bad I'd think, unless we've lost him totally.//

//You did? Shay...you should have waited. You know...//

//I know I have a temper! But...it hurts. I just want our little bro back Shalon.//

//I know, sis. So do we all, so do we all...//

//You think I've ruined any chance we had?//

//No, I don't think so. Just leave him be for now, though. Ok? You know how he gets angry first and thinks later.//

//I will. I'm just gonna lay out his clothes. Have a servant send some for Duo, please? And apologize. See ya Shal.//

Sighing, she moved over to the wardrobe to begin laying out the day’s clothes. Finishing quickly, she reached in her pocket and pulled out a well-used scroll before writing a short message down in a language only 'Fei would understand.

Little Bro,

I'm sorry. I never wished to hurt you. I never have. I should have better control of my temper. Take heart. I know I'm wrong. We haven't lost you, nor you yourself.

Wind to thy wings,

Shay

Tying it with a lock of her own hair, she tucked it in a pocket of his silken trousers before quickly leaving the room.

After having dressed, Wufei reached over and, after touching a patch on his wall, ordered coldly, "Shay...Shalon. Come to my chambers," then went about putting his hair up as he waited for the twins.

Stopping quickly, Duo turned back to Wufei to look in his eyes and spoke softly. "'Fei...you're scaring me bud. Even when we met... Don't leave me...Please."

Wufei said nothing as he reached into his trousers' pocket and pulled out the note from Shay. He blinked, and then opened it slowly. Reading it silently, he frowned darkly, and then placed it on his vanity. He went over to his bedside and pulled out his crown. Placing it on his head, he stood stiffly as he looked in the mirror, the hard look in his face.  He tapped the wall again, saying coldly, "Shay, Shalon...report now."

Knocking softly on the door, Shalon opened it slightly. "We're already here, Sire."

Hardening his resolve, Duo walked slowly up to Wufei. "I promised you I wouldn't leave you. And I won't." Quickly, he kissed the other's lips softly, before turning to leave. "I'll see you later, 'Fei. Don't work too hard."

Wufei's face hardened even further at the kiss though it failed to stop the single tear that rolled down his face. He looked over coldly at Shalon and ordered, "You are to be with Duo for the day. We will be together an hour before sunset for sparring. Understood?" He didn't wait for a reply, knowing his orders would be followed as he left the room and headed for the throne room, striding sharply away as his cloak flowed behind him.

Watching him go, Duo looked from Shalon to Shay with a slight glare. "You royally messed things up, ya know? And if it wasn't for the fact you looked like you wish someone would skewer you, I think I'd yell at you myself."

Sighing, Shay met his gaze quickly before turning back to the wall. "I know I did. And I really doubt you could make me feel any worse than I do. I do very good guilt trips. Ask, Shal." She smiled wryly, before biting down on her lip to halt the trembling.

Looking from one to the other, Shalon sighed before gently pulling his twin’s braid. "I know you do. I've had to literally knock you out of a few of them." Turning back to Duo, he held out a black bundle. "I think you'd prefer more than your hair when we leave the room."

"Yeah I would." Nodding his thanks, Duo took the bundle and dressed quickly. "So where are we headed?"

Speaking softly, Shay leaned against her twin. "A dozen or so laps around the palace maybe? I don't feel up to playing guide at the moment."

"Oh no, you don't. I remember the last time you did that." Poking her lightly in the side, Shalon turned back to Duo. "I propose the royal pastures. Then Shetan can keep her in hand and you can see if any of the horses suit you."

"That sounds fair to me." Bowing mockingly, Duo motioned for the two to proceed him. "Lead on, oh clanging ones."

*~~**~~*

Wufei strode into the throne room, his face a stony mask as he sat on his throne. Both Heero and Trowa stared at their King in a mixture of shock and dismay. "Your Majesty? Is everything alright?" Trowa asked softly.

Wufei glanced at him coldly, sending shivers of shock and alarm down the banged bodyguard as he replied, "I am fine. Where are my advisors? I wish to be over with them."

Heero locked eyes with Trowa in alarm as he answered softly, "They await your order, my lord."

Wufei nodded once as he replied, "Then enter."  The two other men nodded once and the day began.

*~~**~~*

Following Shay and Shalon from the kitchen to the armory, Duo thought back to his ebony-haired friend who was fast becoming more. *Hopefully this can be fixed soon...*

Motioning Duo inside, Shalon showed him where the protective gear was while Shay unlocked the door to the King's weapons. "Choose whichever you wish, Duo. They're all the best made in the Kingdom. Wufei keeps a collection to give as gifts." With that said, she gathered her own gear, then left to get dressed in the quilted padding. Grabbing his own gear, Shalon followed her out to get dressed, resting a friendly hand on Duo's shoulder as he passed. Waving to the two as they left, Duo looked through the collection till he found a scythe to his liking. Grinning, he got dressed quickly before heading to the practice grounds with his chosen weapon.

Wufei, Heero, and Trowa waited for the other three on the sparring court.  Both Trowa and Heero were casting worried glances at their King, but he ignored them. Trowa looked over as Duo appeared and smirked in relief. "Duo...it's good to see you," he called softly.

Wufei said nothing as he looked away, then brought out his sword and started practice warm-ups. Sighing, Duo shook his head before smiling softly as he caught sight of the flowers resting in his shirt pocket. Taking the small sprig of jasmine in his hand, he spoke softly, causing the fragrant flower to disappear from his own hand and reappear tucked in Wufei's ponytail. Watching from their own corner, Shay and Shalon smiled softly at the gesture.

Heero’s face softened as he saw the flower appear in Wufei's ponytail. Trowa smiled slightly then frowned as Wufei picked the flower from his hair and placed it on the bench wordlessly. Their King looked at them and commanded stonily, "Let's begin."

Walking up to Wufei, Duo hid the flash of hurt. "Still feel like sparring with me after having to deal with all those cluckers?"

Sighing, Shay looked away before motioning to Shalon that she was ready to begin. Trowa and Heero walked over to Shay and Shalon, hoping to pair up with them.  Nodding to their guard companions, Shay and Shalon split up, taking their selected foes. Politely, Shay bowed to Trowa as Shalon did likewise with Heero. Heero and Trowa both bowed to their partners and got into defensive positions before their opponents.

Wufei cocked an eyebrow, and then nodded once, raising his sword levelly above his head. He pointed the tip at Duo and stated, "Let's see what you got." Taking his stance, Duo readied his scythe, holding it back, blade ready for the strike to come.

Wufei swung his sword down in a slight arc, twirling it around his head easily before slashing at Duo in a wide swift arc. Dancing swiftly back, Duo brought his scythe up to catch Wufei's sword blade to blade with a resounding clang, then with a twist turning it easily aside. "Nice, 'Fei-love. You're good."

Wufei's face hardened as he pushed a bit more, and then jumped back. He frowned at Duo as he replied, "Nice doesn't cut it in battle, Duo. Show me what you got."

TBC

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