Title: Talking with Shadows
Chapter 2: Revealing Shadows
Author: ani
Rating: PG-13 (only if you think so)
Disclaimer: it’s CLAMP’s universe, I’m only playing in it.

AN: this was posted seperately, so you may have read it already. '

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He opened his eyes to find himself in the middle of the temple courtyard. It was so dark and so still that he realized it was a dream even without the balls of light darting around like fireflies. And sure enough, looking down he was wearing the same kimono.

Watanuki looked around, and not finding Haruka anywhere, started towards the temple. “What could Haruka-san want to talk about now?” he wondered aloud as he started up the temple steps. He could almost hear laughter just as he reached the doors. Guessing it was coming from the house, he started back down the stairs.

He recognized the chuckle as he got to the corner, but the voice sounded different. “Come on, you’re dreaming. What’s it gonna hurt?” It was Haruka, just… softer somehow.

“What are you talking about Haru-” he stopped as he rounded the corner.

A meter or two away, there stood one that looked… just like Dômeki… and … an older version…

He was still just as tall; would have been a little broader if it weren’t for the slight stoop in his shoulders. His hair was just as long now, liberally peppered with gray. He couldn’t hide his own smile at finding the laugh lines so clear on his face. The glasses – circular lenses sitting half way down his nose – surprised him though.

“I was wondering if it’d work this way,” the older one chuckled as he offered a light to the younger.

“W-W-Wha-wha…” Watanuki could only sputter as he started pointing from one to the other, shaking his head.

“Is he always like this?” the older drew back, lighting his own. He laughed as he turned to Watanuki, “It’s me Kimihiro-kun, Haruka.”

He immediately turned to the younger, only to find him an arms-length away, reaching for him. Those calloused fingers pressed under his chin, softly closing his mouth. “Always Grandfather,” the cool voice he was used to answered before he stepped even closer, that hand moving to his shoulder. “We’re in the same dream.”

“What the… but how…?” Watanuki only sputtered again, turning to Haruka.

Grandfather only smiled as he took a drag. “Didn’t tell him, did you?” he shook his head at his grandson, “When you had taken Shizuka to the hospital Kimihiro-kun, I was able to use your bond to talk with him while you two were asleep.”

He chuckled at the blush. “Since Shizuka was in the dream first, I thought it would be easier if I looked like he remembers me.”

Shizuka only nodded at his logic, but Kimihiro could only stare. He couldn’t help chuckling as he turned and started down one of the garden paths. Both boys followed, of course. “It’s nice to see you’ve finally realized that you’re on the same path,” he paused, turning back to them.

They averted their eyes, each face showing an uncertainty and acceptance he couldn’t help smiling at. ‘They know, but they don’t know how to keep going.’ Grandfather sighed as he leaned back against the fence. “You both know life is never easy. The easy choice always leads to an even harder one. But they’re your choices to make, the good and the bad. You’ve realized how the choices you make affect others,” he paused as Kimihiro covered his right eye, Shizuka clenching his fist, “each other.”

Kimihiro turned away slightly, drawing Shizuka’s attention away. “You’re at a crossroads now, not sure what to do. Just remember, what one chooses matters to the other, changes theirs. Think of how they will feel, react.”

Shizuka walked around Kimihiro, standing in front of him. “But the important thing to remember is that it is the same path.” Grandfather continued, smiling again as he stood. “You’re walking it together. Help each other; guide each other. Depend and lean on each other. Protect each other. Learn from their mistakes as well as your own. Confide in each other.”

Grandfather barely saw Shizuka’s lips move as he placed his hand on Kimihiro’s shoulder again. He turned back to Shizuka, his eyes wavering, shimmering, as he placed a shaky hand over his.

“It’s never easy, for some it’s harder than others,” he paused at Kimihiro’s slight turn. “If you walk the path together it may be longer or shorter, tougher or easier; but you’ll always have help. You won’t be lonely.”

He turned back up the path, the will-o-wisps gathering around him. “Grandfather,” made him turn back to find Kimihiro stepping closer, Shizuka’s hand sliding down his arm, lightly holding his.

“Don’t worry, I’ll always be here.” He smiled softly as he slowly started fading away. “Take good care of him Kimihiro. He’s your Shadow now.” Turning that smile, he added, “Don’t ever give up, don’t ever let go, My Grandson.”

“Never Grandpa,” his whisper almost wavered as they were left alone in the dream.