Heine found himself standing in the empty corridor at exactly 6:57 that evening. Viktor 's room was just ahead of him now. He raised his hand and knocked softly on the door. He waited only a moment before the door opened and the king welcomed him warmly.
"Good evening,Heine. Please,come in and sit down,we have a lot lo talk about." Viktor stepped aside, allowing the tutor to enter,closing the door behind him.
White candles illuminated the room, a table stood in the center,covered by an elegant soft blue laced table cloth. A vase of various colored roses served as a center piece. A clear glass vase filled with various colored roses served as a center piece. At a glance,Heine estimated there must have been at least a dozen.
"Do you like it, I did the decorating myself,I also made dinner."
" You made dinner? " The shorter man asked in slight disbelief.
"I know it's hard to believe, I mean, a king in the kitchen,what was I thinking?" Heine shook his head. " have some faith in my ability. I'm not completely helpless when it comes to the everyday tasks. " Viktor gestured to the chair,offering Heine a seat before taking his own.
"I was starting to think you weren't coming." Viktor said, reaching across the table to take the red haired man's hand. "Usually you're at least fifteen minutes early."
" today's lesson was a little longer,Leonhard had several questions. " Heine replied.
"I'm guessing those questions had nothing to do with the lesson."
" yes and no. Let's just say it was a very long day. "Viktor released Heine, opening the bottle of wine and pouring it into the glasses,offering one to his love.
" there's never a dull moment when you have children... "Viktor chuckled.
" Especially if they happen to be your children. " the tutor countered, sipping from his glass. "I do think it's something to be encouraged, questions about one thing can lead into a conversation about other topics. If the boys realize that they can talk to me about subjects not related to teaching,it is my hope that one day it will be easier for them to ask me questions if they don't fully understand what I'm teaching them."
" I suppose it's an adjustment for them too. They're so used to you being in one role. They're not giving you a hard time are they'" Viktor asked.
"No. The boys' behavior toward me isn't a problem,if anything, it's greatly improved since I took the position."
" Good. They can be a handful sometimes. "
"Yes,but they take after you,it's to be expected. They also have kind hearts,once you get past the initial defiance." Viktor nodded.
"They really do love you,Heine. It's not always shown easily,but it's there."
" I don't doubt that's true. "Heine said.
" Well, " Viktor began in a gentle tone. "Have you given any thought to my request?"
" I have." " Viktor grinned, moving his chair to sit closer to his old friend.
"And...what did you decide?"
"It's only because you put so much effort into this that I will agree to accompany you, since it means so much to you."
"I'll make it up to you, I promise." The king vowed, nuzzling the shorter man's neck.
"I'll hold you to your word. You are asking quite a lot from me after all."
"I fully expect you to. I will spend the rest of my life making up for all the lost time, repaying you for everything you've given me. One day ,Heine, you and I won't have to worry about any of this. "
"I look forward to having more time with you. It's difficult to find a moment alone."
"By the way, I've been meaning to talk to you about something. I think it's something you need to hear." Heine looked at the king pointedly.
"What would that be?"
" My love, your thoughts are always on our children. They were always your first priority and still are now. You put them before yourself, just as you did before. You ask practically nothing for yourself. It's equally important to me that you are cared for. " He gestured toward the table. "This is only the beginning. These roses were chosen for the meaning behind them. Joy, love and gratitude. You opened my eyes to what's most important. You are nothing short of amazing,Heine. I don't think you hear that enough." Heine cast his gaze downward in silence.
" They're beautiful." He said softly, his face turning slightly red. Viktor chuckled.
"Oh Heine, is it still so hard for you to hear that you mean so much to me, how truly wonderful you are?"
"It is when you are undeserving of such complements. You were always the one giving, even when I had nothing to offer."
"But you do, you love me, and my children, our children. Maybe you've been focusing too much on your job. It can be a lot. I think this Saturday should be about us. After the festival, I have a surprise for you. Now before you say anything, just trust me."
"You've been saying that a lot lately." Heine said as they began to eat. Heine allowed himself an amused grin.
"It's delicious, thank you, Viktor. I can tell you put in a lot of effort here as well."
"You're smirking, what are you thinking of?"
"Are you sure you want me to tell you?"
"Please."
"I was just remembering the first time you made me dinner." Viktor shook his head.
"That didn't turn out the way I planned." He admitted. "Thankfully my skills have improved since then."
"Yes. If I'm being honest, it was probably the best sandwich I've had."
"All these years later, I still feel that I owe you an apology. I planned to bring you an actual meal, I didn't know what I was doing then. Burnt everything...the sandwich was the best I could do with the limited time I had."
"Viktor, it might not seem like much, but the fact that you cared to bring anything at all has always meant the world to me."
"Someone had to look after you while you were busy taking care of everyone else. I'm just happy that I was able to do that. You used to worry me, Heine. You were always making sure our little ones ate, and from what I saw-I used to lay in my room and wonder if you were getting anything at all." Viktor sighed.
"I could get by, they weren't ready to care for themselves. Honestly, you saved my life more than once. I suppose I can tell you this now, when you made me that sandwich, it had been the first time I'd eaten in nearly two weeks. So I was grateful for it."
"Oh Heine, you should have- I'm sorry, my love. I often wish I could have done more."
"What you perceive to be a small gesture, was much more. It might have been longer if you hadn't been there. I would still feel ill if not for you and our boys. You have done quite a lot for me." Heine stood from his chair, embracing Viktor. The king held him close.
"You certainly don't owe me anything. I should be repaying you."
"You're here, you're feeling better, our little ones have successful lives, it is as it should be. There is no greater gift, Heine." They soon returned to their meal.
"Thank you, Viktor." Heine said as they finished their dinner. "It was a wonderful evening."
"It doesn't have to end here, please, stay. As I said, it's not often we get these moments. I miss you." Heine allowed himself to be pulled from his chair and into the King's arms. The shorter man drapped his arms around his love's neck.
"Couldn't I persuade you to spend the night?" The taller man asked.
"If you want me to keep up with the princes' lessons, I'm not sure that would be wise."
"But Heine..." The red haired man silenced him with a kiss, Viktor deepened the affection. When finally the kiss was broken, Viktor stood from his chair, lifting Heine in his arms.
"Heine, will you promise me something?" The blond asked.
"That depends on what you want." Heine rested his head against Viktor's chest.
"Always be mine. I'll make the same vow to you. You will forever have my heart, my support, everything you could possibly need. Sometimes I get so worried I'll lose you again."
"You never truly lost me. I will be yours for as long as you want me to be."
"Then I'll keep you for all my life, beyond that if possible."
"I would like that." Heine replied.
"Are you still feeling all right?"
"Yes."
"Good." The king said, once more nuzzling the tutor. "I have an idea. I was hoping you might find it interesting."
"I see, tell me, what is this idea of yours?"
"If it's all right, Heine, I'd rather show you."
"I'm intrigued. Very well, let's see it." Viktor began to walk away from the table, but stopped.
"The only thing is...I'm afraid of hurting you, last time you went along with one of my plans-"
"You won't."
"How can you be so sure?"
"As you so often tell me, You're just going to have to trust me."