Disclaimer: I do not own KKM or it's characters, just what I do to them in my stories. I hope you enjoy the story!
Today was going to be a great day. Yuri was headed down for breakfast, after which he had two whole hours to himself. Then there would be lessons with Gunter, sword practice with Conrad (the two of them usually ended up playing catch), and sometime this afternoon he would be discussing plans for a trip with all of his advisors.
He arrived to breakfast and was greeted with a loud squeal. The former Maou grabbed him in her typically enthusiastic fashion and squeezed him tight enough that his face was smushed into her bosom. It took several minutes, but Yuri was finally able to fight her off and sit down for breakfast. Everyone seemed a little tense today, but Yuri didn't think anything was amiss. His advisors always seemed a little tense when he was preparing for a trip. Even after all these years he still found a way to get into some sort of trouble. Everything from simply forgetting to pack supplies to getting kidnapped and nearly killed. He gave everyone a cheerful smile, hoping that they would calm down by this afternoon.
Just as soon as breakfast was over, Yuri took off to his office. He lounged back on the chaise in his office with a book he borrowed from Gwendal. The older man seemed to love this author, and only two chapters into it, Yuri knew why. This guy was fantastic! He had just read the first paragraph of chapter three when Gwendal burst into the room.
"Heika!" he said breathlessly. "Please, you must run. Get out of here quick! Anissina is looking for a volunteer for her latest experiment, and I think it looked like a pair of wings!"
It almost seemed like a bad dream. In fact, Yuri thought, this was just like one of the nightmares that he'd had recently. When Gwendal yanked the pillow out from under his head, he knew then that it was no dream. His nightmare had come real. Yuri scrambled off of the chaise and dropped the book to the floor in a panic. There was only one thing that Gwendal got this panicked over and that was Anissina's inventions. Gwendal didn't stick around to see if Yuri was following. It was best to hide quickly when Anissina was on the hunt. Ever lurking in the shadows, Yozak followed Yuri as he bolted out of the office and to his chambers. The two men packed quickly and snuck down to the stables. A look of pity passed between the two as they rode out of the castle gates. They'd heard Gunter give a loud shout. He had been discovered and would soon be experimented upon.
Though there had been a momentary dark cloud hanging over him, the day was turning out to be as nice as he'd hoped. Yuri had escaped Gunter's lessons and Anissina's experiments. Gunter he didn't mind so much, the lessons were at the very least mildly interesting. He was a little sad that he'd be missing time with his godfather, but he knew that the older man would be okay with it once he found out the reason for Yuri's absence. It was the experiments that always made him run terrified from the castle.
Yuri loved riding his horse, once he finally learned to ride properly. He was happy to be allowed out of the castle with only Yozak and not half the army. It had taken some convincing, but after Yozak had a private conversation with Gwendal, Gunter, and Conrad, no one complained about his trips. The pair made it a point to ride for the whole day at least once every couple of weeks. It was a few days earlier than usual, but Yozak didn't mind. He really loved these alone times with his Heika. It wasn't as though he had personal feelings for the young king, he just liked being able to be himself and not have to put on airs.
They chatted comfortably for a while. Yuri talked about his days on earth. Yozak told hilarious stories of espionage. It was a relief to be away from the duties that were placed upon both men. Yozak had yet to be captured and used in one of Anissina's experiments, but he had an unusual way of blending into the shadows at the mere mention of her name. If he could lay claim to any sort of maryoku, it would be the magic of hiding and never being found.
The pair rode in silence for a couple of hours. They had passed the road that would take them to the lake and appeared to be heading toward the forest. Yuri suddenly seemed less cheerful than usual, but Yozak didn't press him. He would speak when he felt like it. The spy didn't have to wait long.
"Yozak, I have a personal question for you."
"Go for it."
"Well, I mean, it's really personal. I'm not sure if it's an appropriate question to ask somebody."
"I tell you what, Yuri. If it's something I don't want to answer, I'll tell you. How's that?"
Yuri nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat. His face burned as he opened his mouth again to speak. "Have you ever been with a guy or had feelings for a guy?"
Yozak's eyebrows shot to his hairline and he gave the younger man a sideways glance. "What brought that question on?"
"Well, I- uh, I mean- if you don't want to answer, you don't have to."
"No, no. It's no problem. I was just wondering. To answer your question, I'll give you the short version and if you still want to know more, I can give you the longer version. The answer is yes and yes."
Yuri nodded again, but didn't seem quite satisfied with that answer. How was he ever going to ask Yozak to continue with his explanation? As it was, Yozak understood that Yuri's embarrassed silence was his cue to elaborate a little bit more.
"I have loved Conrad for the longest time. It started out as love for a friend, but over the years it has grown into something more romantic. We have saved each other's lives countless times and have spent a lot of time in each other's company. After what we've survived, I couldn't help the feelings I have for him. He feels the same for me. Now, for the other question: my best guy experience has been Conrad. I had been with guys before, but no one made me feel as wonderful and as special as he did. I know you probably don't want to know that about your godfather, but I figured you would be able to handle that kind of thing. Especially since… well, never mind."
The younger man smiled and seemed a little more at ease, but said nothing for the next hour. Yozak left him alone with his thoughts. Years as a spy taught him that incredible patience pays off in the end. They stopped for lunch before Yuri decided that he could share his thoughts with the spy.
"Do you think someone strong, powerful, and smart could ever love someone like me? I mean, I'm only special because I'm the Maou. There's nothing really unique or interesting about me personally."
Yozak took a few minutes to come up with the right words that would make Yuri feel better. To Yuri, it was an eternity. He felt ashamed for asking and almost told Yozak to forget it when the red-head finally cleared his throat and spoke.
"Anyone would be lucky to have you, be it man or woman, and not just because you're the Maou. You have a very kind heart and a passion for peace. You've united the countries in a way that no one ever has. I am honored to know you and simply have your friendship." Yozak paused and took a slow breath. "I hope this has helped you at least a little. Heika, you really do deserve all that the world has to offer and more."
The young man smiled and thanked Yozak, appreciating the spy's unique way with words. Yuri knew if he did tell Yozak the biggest secret of all, that it would be taken to the grave. Now if only he could summon the courage to say anything. He might as well get it out into the open so they can talk before going back to the castle.
"I. Love. Gwendal." The words sounded choppy and forced. Yuri's face was beet red. Yozak merely nodded and didn't press him for an explanation. He would find out all in good time.
"You don't seem surprised."
"Well, boy-o, I'm not that surprised. After what happened two years ago, you two have been spending more time together. I am surprised that it took this long for you to figure it out." Yozak grinned at the shocked Maou. He got them packed up and back on the horses, again waiting for Yuri to talk without pressuring him.
"I just, um, well on earth it isn't really accepted for a guy to like another guy. I don't really know how to tell him or tell my family, though if I can't tell him, then I suppose I don't have to worry about my family. It's just that he still thinks of me as a kid. I'm pretty sure he thinks that I'm incompetent. I'm not that attractive, definitely not as pretty as Wolfram," the name was said with a slight shudder, "or you for that matter. You have gorgeous red hair and pretty blue eyes. I'm just skinny, pale, and have black hair and eyes. Gwendal would say that I'm too lenient on people and that I'm really naïve. I just look at it like this: I try to see the good in people." He sighed and looked off into the distance, silent for several minutes while he gathered his thoughts. "I think about him all the time. I go and do my work in his office just to be near him. He doesn't seem suspicious of me at all, probably thinks that I've finally grown up and am taking on my responsibilities. Yozak, I just don't know if it would work out between us. I-" Yuri fell silent again, having run out of words.
Yozak smiled. Now was his chance to play matchmaker. "My thought is to go for it. If it doesn't work out, Gwendal is the soul of discretion. He would never make fun of you, or spread it around that you have feelings for him. He would treat you with great respect and feel honored that the Maou cares for him."
After what felt like an eternity, Yuri spoke. "So, you think I really should go for it?"
"I sure do, kiddo. You should try this some time: just grab him and kiss him when you feel the moment calls for it. Watch what happens then." Yozak was a romantic at heart and couldn't resist all the juicy gossip this would create if it ever happened. Besides, he told himself with a hint of a smile, I have known Gwendal for most of my life and have never seen him happy. He needs this. He needs Yuri to love him.
"Yozak," Yuri broke into his thoughts.
"Yeah, kiddo?"
"I'm, starting, to feel kinda sick. Could we head back now?"
"Sure thing."
They had ridden for a couple of hours making small talk when Yuri groaned and grabbed his head. Yozak slowed the horses, but Yuri waved his other hand to say he was fine. They picked up pace again, both eager to be home. Yuri groaned louder, and this time he fell out of the saddle, slamming into the ground with a thud. Yozak was off of his horse and next to Yuri in a flash.
"Kiddo! Heika! Are you okay?"
Yozak put a hand on Yuri's shoulder. The younger man groaned again and sat up slowly, holding his head and stomach. The spy helped his king to his feet. Yuri doubled over, vomiting on the ground, some of it splashing on the spy's pants and shoes. Yuri apologized profusely for the mess. Yozak helped him wipe his face, and told Yuri that it would be fine.
"I'm sorry, Yozak. I've made a mess of things. It was supposed to be a fun day, and now it's ruined. My head is killing me and I feel really sick to my stomach. Could we just walk for a bit?"
Yozak took pity on a very green-looking Yuri and nodded. Yuri smiled weakly, grabbed the reins of his horse, and the pair continued on foot. Yozak suggested they swing by the river to have a swim. Simply thinking of the cool water made Yuri feel better, so he agreed to the short side trip. As he sank into the water, he let out a happy groan. Yozak let him relax while he stripped down to clean off his soiled clothes. Normally Yuri wouldn't have thought anything of this, but after their conversation that afternoon, he was slightly embarrassed and looked away while Yozak was naked. The spy smiled at this sudden awkwardness. He hoped relations with a certain stoic general would start to get better for his king after they got back.
They arrived back at the castle hours before anyone was expecting. Gunter flung himself at Yuri, asking him over and over again if he was okay. It took several minutes, but eventually Yuri convinced the older man that he just needed a good rest. Gisela was summoned to help ease Yuri's stomach pains, and after everyone was convinced that Yuri was indeed all right, they let him be ushered inside by Gunter. Yuri had left at that point, followed by Gunter wringing his hands.
Gwendal pulled Yozak aside before the spy could take off. "What happened out there? Why did you guys come back so early?"
"Heika didn't feel good and fell off his horse. He ended up throwing up mostly on the ground, but I'll still need to change clothes." He gave Gwendal a wry smile.
"He must really feel terrible. He hasn't fallen off his horse in many years. Maybe I should go check on him."
"Go right ahead, Sir. Show our Heika just how much you love him."
Gwendal froze in his tracks and looked at the spy. Yozak just grinned at him, tossed his hair as he turned, and strutted off towards the baths. The General opened his mouth to speak, but no words would come out. His eyebrow twitched. Yozak could be heard chuckling from several yards away. Gwendal wanted to deny his love for Yuri, but it would be a lie. But surely, his love for Yuri was simply that of a loyal advisor for his king. He collected himself, schooled his features, and headed inside to make sure Gunter wasn't making a fool of himself.
Well, that's chapter 1. How was it? I just can't help but to write Yuri and Gwendal together. I think they may have grown to be my favorite couple. Gwendal really deserves someone who will care for him. Anyway, enough of that, let me know what you think. I have chapter two ready and chapter three handwritten out. This should be a fun story!