He knew it was a privilege he did not deserve. He had done nothing to earn it, nor did he ever expect to be granted it. He had thought the privilege was reserved for his older brother, and even sometimes the Daikenja, but never had he dreamed it would so wholly become his.
He knew it was a privilege, and he was not always sure he wanted it, but he would never push it away. There was some reason that when Yuuri felt he could not go to Conrad, or to Murata, he chose to come to him. Some reason he did not know, and may never know.
All he knew was that he saw Yuuri, the Maou, in his weakest moments. The Maou, who was supposed to be strong and fearless as the leader of Shin Makoku, came to him when he could no longer be strong, and it was a privilege indeed, though one often hard to bear.
"Wolfram..."
"What is it, Yuuri?"
"Arigatou."
"Eh? What are you talking about?"
"Earlier, when you said you would trust me... that you would protect me... it means a lot to me."
"Well, uh, it's my duty, that is to say, as your--"
"I couldn't come back."
"Huh?"
"When Shinou sent Shouri and I home... I couldn't come back. I tried and tried, but I couldn't get through."
He sits down on the bed next to Yuuri, observing him closely, concerned.
"That's happened before, though. Shinou meddles and doesn't--"
"It wasn't Shinou. It was me. I... I was afraid."
"Afraid?"
"Of Sara. I was... afraid... angry... hurt. I... I lost my confidence, and because of that... I couldn't come back."
"Yuuri..."
Hesitantly, he places a hand on Yuuri's shoulder, squeezing gently. When Yuuri proceeds to lean against him without warning, he is at a loss for what to do.
"I was worried I'd never see you again... any of you guys. I knew I had to get back, but I was afraid, and I didn't know what to do..."
Yuuri falls silent, and tears leak from behind closed eyelids. He can think of nothing to say, and does the only thing he can to bring comfort to his friend and fiancé. He slides his arm around Yuuri's shoulders, pulling him closer and letting him cry his silent tears on his shoulder. After a time, Yuuri speaks again.
"I decided to trust Sara anyway. I know he'll likely try to use me again. But... I can't not trust him. That's too hard, too..."
He knew what was meant. Trusting people was part of Yuuri's nature; it pained him to do otherwise.
"After I made my decision, I wasn't afraid anymore... not in the same way. I was still scared, but... I knew it'd be alright. I'd rather be betrayed a thousand times than hurt someone else. I'd rather it be me, so..."
"You had to decide to trust Sara just to come back."
"Ah. That's why I'm grateful you decided to stand by me in my decision, even though you don't trust Sara. Because, I have to, and it's hard to stand alone."
"You wimp."
Yuuri makes no reply to the long familiar insult.
"Don't you know by now that I'll always stand by your side?"
"Arigatou, Wolfram."
He knew it was a privilege. Others might call it a burden, one too difficult to be desired, but despite the truth in what they said, he knew they were wrong. It was a privilege to be able to support someone he cared about, even if he wasn't very good at it. He got to see Yuuri in his weakest moments, and help him find his strength again. And the smile he so often received in return, one so grateful and confident, was enough of a reward for him.
So I'm feeling blue and watching new episodes of Kyou Kara Maou. It's been a while since I've written any fanfiction, so please excuse any out-of-characterness Wolfram or Yuuri might exhibit.