HI everyone, Send a thanks to Blue Bird of Paradise who kicked my butt in gear to post this ^_^ Thanks

The Three Brothers: Brat

A Family of Passion

Greta sprinted into Wolfram's arms the second he was off his horse. She was so happy to see everyone. They had left so suddenly, scaring everyone really badly. Wolfram placed his daughter back on her feet to be engulfed in a pair of very familiar breasts.

"Hahaue!" Cheri let out a small sigh of relief before smiling big and teasing her youngest. She hated that her son's all had such dangerous lives, but she wouldn't add to their burdens if she could help it.

"Ohhhhhh! I'm so glad you're all right! Oh! Gwendal!..."Her eldest submitted to her hug with grace, having seen the brief hurt look before when he pulled away after worrying her. Wolfram turned to Yuuri and fairly leaped for him as he nearly slithered off Ao.

"Oi, don't be so impatient!" Yuuri looked at Wolfram sheepishly. Wolfram saw him look around.

"I just wanted to greet Greta." The words were soft, Wolfram doubted Yuuri even knew he could hear them. He huffed softly in irritation as Yuuri's grasp on his shoulder told him how much the ride had tired out the already worn out Maou. It was hard enough to keep Yuuri still when he wasn't feeling well. When he was feeling fine, but tired, it was next to impossible. An impossible task that Wolfram took on as his fiance, but more so as his friend. Wolfram pulled the boy closer, hoping that his fiance could use him for more strength.

"Let me help you, Yuuri. I will." It too was a mutter, though meant to be heard. Yuuri looked at Wolfram before smiling slightly and leaning on the blonde. Wolfram smiled slightly before limping them towards their adopted daughter, who was greeting Gwendal.

Greta saw her fathers talk a moment and decided to let them be while she made sure her uncles were all right. When they took a step towards her, she broke into a run and clamped on to Yuuri's leg, nearly toppling them.

Yuuri smiled and placed a hand on his daughter's head. He hated worrying her.

"I'm home, Greta."

Off to one side Conrad smiled as he held on to his horse and Ao. Yozak had slyly helped him out of his saddle, of avoid a similar scenerio to that of Wolfram and Yuuri, except far more dangerous. Conrad's hand had grasped his firmly, and trustingly, as he made it appear he was merely talking to the man as he in fact lifted him down from the saddle. He stayed at the brunnette's elbow afterwards. Greta must have realized that he was injured, because the excited young girl had slowed down to give him a gentle hug as opposed to the bombardment the others recieved.

He smiled as she ran off after her fathers and he took Ao and caught up to a waiting Yozak. They stabled the horses and fed them. The smell of the hay and the sound of the horses calmed Conrad as he turned and watched as Yozak lifted a stack of hay into the last horses stall. Conrad wasn't a demonstrative person by nature. But something in him reveled in watching his lover lifting the heavy hay. His eyes glided over the spy's muscles as the tunic the red-head wore tightened around them. He felt his hands rest on his still flat stomach. Glancing down briefly, he thought back over Yozak's reaction. Joy, concern, hope and protectiveness had come out before any other emotion.

He felt emotion swell within him as he looked up to see Yozak pat his hands, satisfied with the horse stalls. He threw a wide grin Conrad's way as he moved to meet him at the exit. Conrad felt a brief lump in his throat as he stepped forward. Instead of meeting Yozak at the door and them walking out, his hand caught Yozak's elbow and swung him back against the stable. With a low moan of desire, Conrad plundered his lover's mouth with his agile tongue. He didn't know if the other knew how much his support meant to Conrad, but he wanted to somehow express himself. He felt Yozak's startled response, before the other halfling gripped his shoulders for dear life. Conrad felt his grip change to one of care, the smooth hands came around him and cradled his lower back, directly behind their un-born child and the other came up to brush his cheek as he slowed his assault on the other's lips. He felt his heart double-time as he pulled Yozak close fiercely, not even stopping to look into his jeweled eyes. He didn't know where this need came from, but it was encompassing.

Yozak looked at the brown hair next to his face as his lover held him tight. He wouldn't let anything happen if he could help it. He was running his fingers through the brunnette's hair soothingly when he picked up a sound that didn't belong to the horses in the stables. Tensing, he felt Conrad releasing him immediately as he looked around, pulling Conrad slightly behind him.

Conrad, always completely in tune to his not only lover, but best friend, lowered his stance and looked around for whatever had set his partner off. Yozak's stern blue eyes swept the stable until they landed on a tuft of hair around one corner. He sighed, recognizing the soft whispers now. He hoped Conrad was ready. He relaxed and strode quietly to the corner. Conrad relaxed some at his easy stance as he reached around a corner and Conrad heard a yelp.

Yozak grabbed their third in command by his ear from around the stable corner. Seven of the rest of their twenty-odd squad followed sheepishly. Conrad froze as Yozak released the now quite pained ear.

"You arn't supposed to sneak up on your comrades, you know." His voice was mild, but even the team could hear a small thread of concern. They looked at him, then at their commander, who looked like they had all pointed arrows at him. Hansel, the third in command, smirked as he rubbed his ear. He caught the tension and knew he was the best person present to relieve it.

"So, which one of you finally confessed?" Yozak gave him a questioning glance. His gazed had returned to Conrad out of concern. Hansel continued, "We've been watching you two dancing around each other for a decade. Its about time!" The others cheered their approval. Yozak looked at Conrad as the brunnette looked down a moment, before looked back at the group. He gave his bright, guileless smile.

"What do you think Yozak? They were very sneaky, but we are their comrades." Yozak grinned as he caught Conrad's joy.

"20?" Conrad thought a moment.

"Well, we don't want to discourage the stealth. How about 15?" Yozak smirked.

"You're the captain." Conrad looked at his men, who were looking puzzled, except for the two older ones. They were backing away with worried looks on their face. They recognized this banter. They saw Conrad's smile and shuddered.

"15 laps before practice." The rest of the men looked at them in silent amazement. "Go!"

Trained to hop at that tone, all but Hansel took off. Hansel was smiling slightly as he watched them disappear around the corner. He turned to the two he had idolized growing up. He had entered the squad a few short monthes after Conrad had returned from Earth the first time.

"I'm glad you guys finally talked about it. Honestly, we were getting ready to set you two up." Conrad looked at him and Yozak raised an eyebrow. Hansel chuckled.

"I think the gazes at each other when you thought no one was looking gave you both away. The trust you have in each other helps." He looked out of the stable as he grew serious.

"Something's changed though. Hasn't it? That's why you're out here where anyone could walk in." He looked at the pair as Yozak looked at Conrad in concern. Hansel locked eyes with his superior. Then his eyes widened in amazement.

"No way..." His wonder-filled whisper barely made it to Conrad, who started. Hansel grinned in pure happiness.

"Congratulations." Conrad jerked forward at the pure happiness that radiated off the younger mazoku for his captain and idol.

"Hansel-"

"I had better catch up to the others if I want to be done in time to train." He turned to leave. "Taicho, Yozak, the entire squad was waiting for this. We'll help in anyway we can." He waved as he jogged out of the stable. Conrad looked frozen as he took in the squads complete acceptance. He looked at Yozak as the red-head placed his hand on the other's shoulder.

"They were alright with this." Yozak smiled.

"Yup, our friends are happy for us, Taicho." The nickname given with a fond endearment now.

000

Yuuri looked at the door as it opened to reveal Greta. He smiled as the child came over and plopped herself in a chair next to him for just this purpose. He smiled and placed the last paper he had signed into the completed pile. He turned to looked at Greta, who had waited for him to finish what he was doing patiently.

"So, what are you up to, Greta?" She smiled as started hopping in her seat as she explained her idea to Yuuri. The Maou smiled as he listened to his daughter.

"It sounds like a wonderful idea. But, how are we going to do this without him finding out?" While Gunter may act flaky and oblivious, he was actually one of the oldest and craftiest demons Yuuri knew. Greta smiled.

"Easy, you and Conrad go with him to pick out the first flowers of Hiijika!" Yuuri looked at her in thought. Hiijika was a ball that celebrated new growth and was held whenever the country entered a new season. The Maou did not always hold one, but he should attend the local festivals. traditionally the first flowers put in place were hand picked from a meadow. The rest could be bought. Yuuri had so far only gone to pick flowers a few times, usually leaving this particular duty to Greta and Gunter.

"Won't it seem funny to be picking flowers a month in advance?" Greta shook her head.

"You won't be picking the flowers, you'll looking for the best combination. That's all. I'll talk to Gunter if you talk to Conrad." Yuuri smiled and nodded.

"Alright, when is the party?"

000

Wolfram set down his brush as he looked at his painting. He couldn't get the mood he needed for this painting. It was coming together well before they were kidnapped but now, everytime he started to get the feeling back, Yuuri's face popped up and deflated him. he knew the Maou had many responsibilities. Yuuri was in his office signing important documents. Wolfram sighed as he lost the feeling again. Getting up, he washed his brushes and put down his painting clothes. He hoped a walk would clear his head of this.

He wandered the hallways, no real destination in mind when he saw his eldest sibling hurrying his way.

"Gwendal, do you know when Yuuri will be done with his paperwork?" The male mazoku shook his head.

"He'll be done when he's finished." He hurried away. Wolfram looked after in confusion, which cleared as a fiery red-head stalked his way looking for either Gwendal or Gunter.

000

Gwendal heard the terrifying sound of Anissina getting closer and did the only thing he could think of, he hopped into a closet. An occupied closet.

Gunter epped as the other joined him abruptly. Gwendal immediately placed a hand on the elder's mouth, silencingthe sound before it notified Anissina where they were hiding. This explained why he hadn't been able to find the advisor.

Gunter was scrambling as he balanced precariously on the whatever it was on the floor of the closet. He rather thought it was a pail of some sort. Gwendal had shoved him backwards when he had thankfully silenced the sound exiting the advisors mouth. Gunter gripped his shoulder for support as whatever it was started to roll. He was normally pretty agile, but in a dark closet without making any noise was a bit beyond even his fluid grace.

He saw Gwendal sigh as Anissina left the area and looked down at the advisor he was currently towering over. He felt the other's heart going double time and the sweat pouring down the side of his face as they stood there. He slowly started to remove his hand, but Gunter grabbed him with his other hand and that was when Gwendal noticed the precarious position he'd placed the advisor in. Quickly, he placed an arm around the advisor's waist and easily lifted the slight man and placed him on his feet with minimal sound much to both of their relief. Gwendal looked at the pale advisor just a few years his senior as the man gasped for his breath and slowed his heart. The deep eyes had been on his mind lately. He wanted to know more about this man who help his middle brother. Now, he also wanted to know more about this man who devoted his life and that of his daughter to the country and nothing else. Just like he did.

Gunter sighed as he felt Gwendal's questioning gaze. He had felt the younger man's curiosity more recently. He had tried to make himself available to answer questions, but the other didn't seem to ask them, content to ponder them on his own. They tensed when they heard that dragon walking by again, this time with Greta.

"I have been looking for those two myself. Shall we look together?" Gwendal groaned inwardly. If Greta called out for them, both would answer. Neither of them, or anyone in the castle for that matter, could deny Greta much. The only discipline she recieved was from Wolfram and maybe Yuuri. Even they caved most of the time.

"Anissina, would you like to celebrate Gunter's birthday?" Gwendal felt Gunter tense up next to him.

"That's not a good idea Greta."

"I know that. I want to know if you want to celebrate it." Anissina seemed to think about it a moment.

"I wouldn't mind celebrating some day, but not that day." Greta probably frowned at that statement.

"Anissina, what happened that makes everyone hate that day?" Gwendal glanced at Gunter out the corner of his eye. The advisor was looking down. He didn't know either why Gunter didn't want to celebrate his birthday. He only knew that this topic had caused the only duel between them when he was younger.

-Flashback-

"Gunter!" The Silver-head turned to look at the prince as he stalked up to him. "Mother says we can't celebrate your birthday!" Gunter sighed in frustration. He had only been in the palace four monthes. Gwendal had already decided that he was a good playmate, despite their age difference.

"I told you, I don't celebrate my birthday!" Gwendal frowned.

"Why!" Gunter was becoming angry. He had left home to get away from this.

"I don't!" He turned to storm away. He was usually very patient with his sparring partner, but this was pushing it. He was polishing his skills as a swordsman before going out into the field. He had to survive 6 monthes here under Master Yarrick and then he was done.

On habit he brought up his sword to block the swing the irate prince had taken at him.

"If I win this round, we'll celebrate your birthday!" Gunter flared.

"It doesn't matter! I don't celebrate my birthday!" Gwendal smirked.

"We'll see!" He swung at Gunter again. Gunter blocked it and growled. He had made sure up until this point that they had stayed even so that the prince would improve with him, but he wouldn't lose this.

After a moment, it became evident that the prince had also been holding back during their practice spars. Funny how similar they thought. Gunter huffed as he knocked Gwendal's sword away, winning the bout. They both glared at each other panting.

Clap... clap ...clap..clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap

They looked at their teacher as he clapped off to one side.

"Good. Gunter you are finally ready. You head out tomorrow morning." He turned and left. Gunter stared after him in amazement. He looked down at the young prince, who had bowed his head. He scratched his head in a sudden fit of nerves.

"Look, I don't celebrate my birthday. Its a bad day." Gwendal looked to the side.

"Whatever." Gunter frowned as the younger one sulked. They really were very similar and yet so different.

"Someday." Gwendal looked at him in the corner of his eye. "Someday, I'll explain." Gunter turned and walked away. Gwendal stood, facing the other way.

"I won't care!" His cry was heard as he dashed out of the courtyard.

-End Flashback-

Gwendal hadn't meant it the way it had sounded. It had sounded like he wouldn't care about Gunter, but in reality, he meant he would become strong enough to understand Gunter without knowing this secret. Strong enough to trust him without knowing. He had suceeded. that didn't stop him from wanting to help his friend though.

Gunter took a step back as they heard Anissina stop walking.

"It not a pleasant memory. Why do you want to celebrate the day?" her question was innocent, intent on leading the child away from the past.

"Because Gunter is Gunter. I want to tell him how glad I am that he was born and how happy I am that he was with us this last year!" Her cheerful voice died down as they rounded the corner at the end of the hall. Gwendal looked back at Gunter as the advisor placed a hand on his mouth.

"Gunter?" Gwendal's whipser was soft, still firm in his manner. "Are you alright?"

Gunter looked at Gwendal. He hadn't realized Anissina knew. He thought the only one left at the palace that knew was Cheri-sama. It threw him a bit.

"I'm al-alright." He winced at the stutter. He pulled in his most convincing smile. "I'm fine." Gwendal gave him a disbelieving look but nodded and helped him to stand. They poked their head out, didn't see Anissina, wished each other good luck and dashed off to their next sanctuary.

000

Yuuri sighed softly to himself as he pulled out his sleep clothes. It had been an incredibly long day, even with Gisela requiring an early curfew for the halflings. He felt like he had been run over by an elephant. Not a fun feeling in fact. He heard the door open as he finished putting his sleep pants on and reached for the top resting on the bed. Glancing over he saw his blonde fiance slip out of his boots and walk over to sit on the bed facing away from him. Wolfram had been quiet all day, even Greta was worried about him.

He saw the blonde glance over at him out of the corner of his eyes. Yuuri could see his face turn fire-red as he glanced away. He noted that the fire-user had yet to don that pink monstrousity he had worn every night since Yuuri arrived.

"What do we do?" Yuuri glanced at his fiance, not accidental anymore, in confusion.

"Do?" Wolfram was staring at his feet as they dangled off the bed. it was unusual for them to talk much in bed. In fact, it was rare that one of them wasn't already asleep when the other entered the room. Usually if they talked it was on the balcony. They had talked about many things. Their families, concerns, friends, accomplishments and failures. Yuuri had come to cherish those talks because not only was someone in his adopted world finally opening up to him, but it was this beautiful creature.

"In your world. What do they do here?" Yuuri simply continued to look at the blonde, confused. Wolfram huffed and stood.

"Just forget about it!" Yuuri watched in confusion as the firey person stormed out of the room. What on earth was that about?

000

Gunter jumped as the door opened. Everyone had been acting strange today. Smiling at him and giggling. Even Greta and Yuuri. He didn't know what was going on, but it was really confusing.

Greta smiled as she came over.

"Gunter, I have a request." Gunter looked at the young princess. She was the jewel of the palace these days.

"Yes, Princess?"

000

Conrad smiled as Yuuri entered the stable. He had explained earlier that he wanted Cornad to accompany him and Gunter to the meadow to choose the bouquet for this years Hiijika. He had whispered that the actual reason was that Greta had a surprise for Gunter that she wanted to set up. He had heard whisperings of a surprise but it was a well kept secret. Even the gossipy maids were not saying a word.

It had to be driving Gunter to distraction.

"Heika, are you ready?" Yuuri frowned mildly.

"Yuuri! My name is Yuuri!" He smiled patiently.

"Yuuri. Ready to go?" Yuuri nodded. Ao was already saddled, Dorcausus having done so already. He swung up and sat on the mild-mannered horse. Conrad gathered his reins to swing up as well. They would wait for Gunter in the courtyard.

"Conrad, can I ask you something?" Conrad smiled at his king from over the saddle of his horse.

"Of course." Conrad placed his foot and began to swing up, onto his horse.

"Why don't you want anyone to know about you and Yozak?" And he promptly went right back down to the ground. Yuuri scrambled off his horse as he saw his godfather disappear rapidly over the side of his horse.

"Conrad! Are you alright?" Conrad stared at the frantic face as another voice echoed it.

"Conrad! Are you okay?" Gunter hurried over and knelt next to the captain. Conrad was looking at Yuuri with the most bewildered look on his face. "Conrad!" Finally the brunnette looked at his teacher and started.

"Y-y-yes, I'm fine. Just startled me." Yuuri frowned.

"You should more careful. You don't want to get injured." Conrad's gaze turned to his godson sharply. Something about that statement made him think the king knew more then Conrad thought he did. He smiled even though his insides were turning into jelly. Yuuri didn't sound mad, but at the same time, he rarely did.

Gunter climbed onto his horse after he saw that Conrad was alright and they trotted out of the courtyard and off to find flowers.

As they were leaving, several carriages entered the palace.

The party was getting ready.