Tales of confusion
I've thought about him a lot lately, I thought I must be overtired, confused or even crazy, but every time I look or speak to Karol I get an intense feeling in the pit of my stomach and my heart pounds so hard I'm scared he'll hear it.
"Yuri, are you ready to leave?" Karol smiled.
"Huh? Oh...yeah sure...uhh...where are we going again?"
"Don't tell me you've forgotten? You said I could go and speak to the Don today"
"Oh right sorry, my minds all spacey today. I guess we have time to spare but you're the boss Karol so you don't have to ask my permission"
The courageous boy blushed slightly every time Yuri called him that but he wouldn't stop because the sight of Karol's cheeks reddening was a very pleasing one.
"Y...Yeah I guess, okay is everyone ready?"
"We've been ready for age's runt!" Rita complained.
"I'll call Ba'ul" said Judith.
As the gang prepared to leave Nordopolica, Estelle interrupted Karol while he was writing in the monster book Nan gave to him.
"If you don't mind me asking, why do you want to see the Don, Karol?"
"Well...I want to ask him about his experience of running a guild and hopefully he will give me some advice"
"That's wonderful! I just know you'll lead Brave Vesperia to greatness" She smiled.
Karol blushed again, thanking her as he shoved the monster book in his bag almost completely filled with gels. Yuri just stood there mesmerised by Karol's every move when something finally clicked in his head.
"Yuri, are you okay?"
The boy looked up at him with concern whilst Yuri was in his own little world again.
"Y...yeah. I'm just tired that's all"
I don't know how much longer I can cope with this feeling I get every time he speaks or looks at me.
"Yeah same here, we should rest at the inn before we do anything when we get to Dahngrest" said Rita.
"Yes I agree. It'll almost be dark when we get there anyway" the princess stated.
"I guess you're right, I'll speak to the don tomorrow" Karol sighed.
"Okay, everyone ready to go?" asked Judith.
The gang exited Nordopolica, jumped into the boat and Ba'ul lifted them into the air, destination Dahngrest.
Yuri sat down in a corner next to Repede, the girls were at the other end having a conversation and Karol was leaning on the side of the boat looking out at their world as they flew through the sky.
"This is not good Repede, why is this happening? I haven't felt something like this since me and Flynn were kids"
Repede placed his head in Yuri's lap and gave him a sympathetic whine. This made him feel a little better knowing he could share his problems with his loyal friend.
"Thanks Repede, but I know now that this problem isn't gonna leave me alone...guess I'll have to come clean to the boss"
He looked over once more at Karol gazing out into the distance and Yuri found himself staring at his face.
Snap out of it Yuri, there are more important things to think about.
Yuri couldn't resist and he started to become aroused as his gaze slowly descended downwards admiring his slender frame, wondering what it would be like to see him naked.
Great, now I'm blushing! Heh guess I can't stand up right now either.
Karol looked over at him and thought he didn't look too happy so decided to keep him company as the girls looked like they weren't going to stop chatting about things the little powerhouse wouldn't understand...feminine secrets etc. He walked over and sat next to Yuri which made Repede walk off.
"Hey Yuri, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, but what about you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, ever since we got to Nordopolica you seem like you've had a lot on your mind"
You're doing well just don't freak out on him!
"Yeah...I just...I want brave vesperia to be known worldwide but I'm nothing compared to the don"
"Karol you have to remember that the don is probably over five times your age and it couldn't have been easy for him at the beginning either. He started at the bottom and worked his way up just like you're going to do"
Karol sat in silence looking down at his bag and Yuri decided to take advantage of this and ruffled his shaggy brown hair.
"Listen it's all down to experience and I'd say you're off to a pretty good start. Think about it, I don't know anyone your age that has earned a blastia, you're great with maps and you know more about monsters than any of us! So I think we're pretty lucky to have you leading us captain"
The little boy looked up at Yuri with tears starting to well up in his eyes.
"D...Do you really mean all that?"
He slid his hand from Karol's hair down to his cheek and gently caressed it, wiping away a forming tear.
He really has no idea how perfect he is. I would give anything to kiss him right now.
"Yeah I really did...boss"
"Y...Yuri..."
"Okay everyone we're almost there" Judith shouted, interrupting their little moment.
Yuri sighed as Karol ran off suddenly due to his excitement to be back in his home town. Yuri slowly stood up and walked over to the gang, hiding his bulge behind his sheathed sword.
"Wait aren't we supposed to meet Raven in the tavern?" Yuri asked.
"Not me I'm beat so I'm going straight to the inn" Rita yawned.
"I agree with Rita" the pink haired princess announced.
"I'll go with you" said Judith.
"Me too!"
"Heh, I don't think that's such a good idea captain"
"Aw c'mon Yuri, please!"
"I dunno..."
"Hehe, wait a minute I'm the boss of this guild and I wanna go to the tavern with you and Judith"
Rita tried her best not to laugh while everyone else stood in shock at Karol's assertiveness as he smiled triumphantly.
Can you get any cuter?
"Heh heh heh, guess I can't argue with that"
"Okay everyone, Ba'ul's about to land"
Ba'ul lowered them all onto the ground, letting them off the boat and they crossed over the bridge into Dahngrest. Every time Karol came back to his home town he always seemed happier than normal which also made Yuri feel the same. The gang walked through the town, impressed with the number of guild members around them. Eventually they reached the inn and Karol managed to sweet talk the receptionist into giving them a group discount because he had stayed there before.
"Okay guys I'm gonna call it a day" said the genius mage.
"Me too...um...Yuri?"
"Hmm? What is it Estelle?"
"Try not to stay out too late otherwise you'll be tired in the morning"
Way to point out the obvious princess.
"I won't, besides I have to make sure the boss here gets enough sleep so he can pick the don's brains tomorrow"
"R...right!"
"You can trust me to get the boys to bed in time so don't worry" Judith smiled.
After reassuring Estelle the gang parted ways. Yuri, Repede, Karol and Judith headed towards the Sagittarius tavern to meet Raven.
Repede stayed outside while they walked in. They couldn't see Raven anywhere in the busy tavern so Yuri and Judith told Karol to find a table for them to sit around while they went to the bar to order the drinks. Karol successfully commandeered a table and while he waited for the other two he spotted Raven coming out of the gents holding a tankard of what he assumed was alcohol because he staggered slightly.
"Raven over here!" he shouted.
"Hey kiddo, what are you doing in here?"
"I'm waiting for Yuri and Judith; they're at the bar now, but anyway how did your meeting with the don go?"
"Meh nothing special, it was pretty boring actually I almost fell asleep" He replied as he sat down.
"Do you know how lucky you are to have meetings with the don? You should have more respect than that!"
"Heh, you really respect him that much?"
"Of course! He has always been an inspiration to me ever since I was little...h...he's everything I want to be"
"Don't forget you're still young so don't get ahead of yourself and try to achieve what the don has done right now"
"Y...Yeah I guess"
Yuri and Judith interrupted their banter as they walked over with the drinks from the bar. He handed Karol a glass apple juice while the rest of them had tankards.
"Hey Judith honey how've ya been?"
"Fine thank you and how was your meeting?"
"Yeah fine fine, nothing interesting ta report"
"Hey to you too" Yuri said as he sat down next to Karol.
"Yeah hey how's it going?" he replied, his eyes still fixated on Judith.
Karol took a sip of his juice as he looked around the tavern at all the warriors because they all had tankards as well.
"Hey what are you guys drinking anyway?"
"Ale my boy! But me thinks you're a bit too young" Raven slurred.
"Aw c'mon Yuri let me try some"
"I don't think that's such a good idea" said Raven.
"Heh, I agree but he's the boss so what can I do?"
"True, you can't go against what the "boss" says" Judith giggled.
He admitted defeat and handed Karol his tankard. The little boy cupped it with both hands, took a large gulp and gave a disgusted expression.
"It's kinda bitter"
"You get used to it, plus it's the cheapest way to get drunk"
"Agreed!" shouted Raven.
Judith shook her head in a disapproving way as she demolished her tankard full of ale.
The three adults drank late into the night while Karol sipped his drink slowly and swirled his straw around while staring into space.
"Hey captain, you bored?"
"Na, I'm just thinking about what to say to the don"
"Ah don't worry so much kiddo. The don's not as scary as he looks"
"That's easy for you to say Raven you've had a lot more involvement with him than I have"
"Well yeah I guess he wouldn't be able to cope without the help of Raven the great!"
"You're so full of it"
"He's right you know, don't worry so much" Yuri reassured.
"B...But what if he's too busy or I'm not allowed to see him?" he whimpered.
"Heh, who could say no to you?" he laughed while ruffling his hair.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"...It...Means that you're too-"
"Intimidating...It means you're too intimidating so they wouldn't dare refuse you access" Judith interrupted.
"Hahahah, stop messing with me you guys!"
Raven and Judith both looked over at Yuri as he looked like he was mentally kicking himself. Karol looked up at him with a puzzled expression while Yuri's hand was still on his head.
"Yuri?"
"Uh...I...um...I'm gonna go check on Repede"
He quickly stood up causing him to wobble slightly and he walked out of the tavern. Karol just stared at the two adults with an even more puzzled expression.
"Don't worry I'll go and check on him" Judith stated.
As she followed him Karol showed Raven the same confused expression.
"He must be a lightweight, don't fret he'll be okay"
"Lightweight?"
"Heh, I think I get the picture now" he smirked while finishing his drink.
"I've never been so confused in my life"
Yuri walked straight past Repede and punched the wall of the tavern.
"Arghh, I'm such an idiot!" he said angrily through gritted teeth.
Judith walked up behind him and placed her hand on his shoulder while he leaned against the wall, looking down at the cobbles.
"How long have you known?"
"Oh for quite some time now"
"I have to tell him Judy, I can't do this for much longer"
"Hmmm, I wonder...Is that the best thing to do? I know it will be easier on you but what impact do you think this will have on Karol?"
"I've already gone through all that in my head! I...just don't know what to do anymore"
"I think the best way to deal with this situation is to admit that you've had too much to drink tonight and reassess the situation tomorrow"
Yuri stayed silent knowing she was probably right.
"Think about it, you'll have plenty of time to think clearly when Karol visits the don.
"Hmph...Thanks"
"Right I'll go grab the boys then we'll head to the inn"
As she went back inside, Yuri slumped to the floor next to Repede and stroked his smooth fur until they all came outside. Judith shortly appeared holding Raven's arm to keep him stable and Karol looked very sleep deprived.
"Hey, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine captain, I guess I'm just a lightweight" he laughed.
"Will somebody please tell me what that means!"
"Come on boys, bedtime"
Karol sighed heavily as he trudged behind the adults and Repede back to the inn.
She helped Raven onto his bed in the room prepared for the boys while Karol and Yuri chose their beds. Yuri chose the bed closest to the window and Karol decided to use the bed next to him.
"Aww c'mon Judith darlin, you can stay with me tonight"
"I think sleep would benefit you more. See you in the morning boys"
"Okay, good night" said Karol.
"Yeah, night Judy"
Raven let out a depressed sigh as she shut their door and fell backwards, falling asleep almost instantly. Yuri shook his head, laughing to himself at Raven's actions. He looked over at Karol who was placing his bag at the bedside.
"Isn't it hard carrying that thing around all day?"
"No I'm used to it"
"What's in that bag of yours anyway?"
"Um...gels and stuff..."
"Haha, you and your gels"
The shaggy haired boy blushed slightly as he slipped himself under the covers. Yuri remained sitting back so he had a better view of the starry night sky.
"Hey...Yuri?"
"Yeah?"
"C...Can I sleep with you tonight?"
"A little old for that aren't you captain?" He replied as calmly as he could.
"Yeah I guess...I just hate sleeping alone..."
"You've never mentioned this before"
"I know but...I feel like I can be myself around you now"
"Just me?"
"Y...Yeah"
"Why?"
"I...I don't know...that's just how I feel..." he said quietly.
"Alright hop in"
He lifted the duvet, hoping his heart would calm down as an overjoyed Karol scurried under the covers.
"Thanks...Yuri?"
"Heh, what's up now?"
"Are you really sure you want me to lead Brave Vesperia?"
"I wouldn't have it another way, captain"
"Really?"
"Really"
He gently ran his fingers through his hair, relaxing the tired boy until his hazel eyes slowly began to close.
"You better get some sleep"
"Mm-hmm..."
Eventually he fell asleep flat on his back, sprawled out taking up most of the single bed. Yuri continued to stare out of the window at the shining star Brave Vesperia whilst stroking Karol's soft shaggy hair. Judging by his ever so gentle snoring Yuri decided it was safe to get under the covers without waking him. He carefully began to move him slightly so there was enough room for him to squeeze in. He froze as the boy mumbled in his sleep and hugged his arm. They were face to face but now that Karol was attached to his arm he didn't dare move.
He smells like apple gels...
With his free hand he lightly poked his cheek to check how heavy a sleeper he was. There was no response, just what he wanted. He then slowly ran his finger down his nose until it brushed against his smooth untouched lips.
No point stopping now
He continued slowly caressing his lips, gently easing the tip of his finger in his mouth. As he ran it across his warm wet tongue he became extremely aroused. He removed his finger and lovingly lapped up the warm saliva. Unfortunately the further he carried on the more he wanted a direct kiss. After building up his bravery Yuri delicately pressed his lips against Karol's, trying his best to restrain his tongue.
He even taste like apple gels
Yuri felt like he was in his own little heaven, breathing in his intoxicating scent, being dangerously close to him, wanting to caress his smooth skin. His hand almost came into contact with Karol's crotch but somehow he managed to stop himself through sheer force of will.
"...I'm such a fuck up..."
Tears of anger and frustration fell down Yuri's cheeks, crashing down onto the pillow. Before he could carry out his fantasy he carefully slid his arm from the innocent boys grasp and removed himself from the bed and exited the inn.
Yuri inhaled the musky air of Dahngrest as soon as he exited the inn in attempt to snap out of his lust filled haze.
"What the hell am I supposed to do? I can't carry on like this!" Yuri paced back and forth outside the inn, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I need to kill something...right now!"
Angry that he practically stole the angelic boy's first kiss, Yuri stormed across the bridge exiting Dahngrest, too tipsy to realise that the tired, highly confused boy noticed him through the window after realizing he was alone in the bed.