He isn't an idiot.
He's very young, and he knows that, but he isn't an idiot.
Inexperienced, sure.
But not an idiot.
No matter what Wolfram says.
He's seen things, heard things, felt things… that an idiot wouldn't see, hear, feel.
He sees Wolfram's uncertainty beneath his irritation, his confusion under the insults, and the tentative hesitation in his fingers when they're together. To all the world Wolfram seems brash, arrogant, impulsive and possessive.
But not to him. Because he sees, hears, feels things Wolfram would perhaps have hidden, if he were able. It is not in the young prince to let go of something he has been given, even if he didn't want it in the first place. He won't give up anything of great value. Not with grace. Not without having tired of it first.
So he's waiting.
Waiting for the day when Wolfram becomes certain, as he is. Waits until his confusion has ended. Waits until his hesitation is banished.
He waits for the day Wolfram knows what he always has.
They're not meant for each other. He is gentle and strong and bright, like the mid-morning sun. Wolfram is fierce and passionate and burns like his chosen element. Wolfram will burn out before he learns, before he understands.
But he will remain, steady and strong and gentle. Even clouds and stars do not chase away the sun, and no fire could ever hope to compete for long.
One day, Wolfram will understand.
When that day comes, he will start working on someone else who forgets he isn't as young and foolhardy as he undoubtedly seems. He's seen, he's heard, and he's felt.
He's seen eyes follow him like flowers follow the sun.
He's heard the warmth, the affection, beneath the calm words.
He's felt the way Conrad wraps around him when he's in danger, as if the man would enclose him within his own skin to protect him from everything, to keep him safe and whole and with him.
So he's waiting.
Until Wolfram realizes, and Conrad opens his eyes.
He's very young, next to them.
But he has seen, heard, and felt things with his inexperience, his youth, that they have overcomplicated with their years.
He can wait.
He is very young, after all.
But he isn't an idiot.