Here's the second chapter! I hope you enjoy. The last one will be up tomorrow! Thanks for reading. :)
Day 2
"Your Majesty!" a voice came through his door with a knock, "It's time to go for our run now."
Yuuri's eyes open as he wakes up, and then he tries to blink his sleepiness away. He pushes himself off the bed, "I'll be out in a second, Conrad."
Yuuri looks into the mirror as he feels tears start to prickle into his eyes as he thinks back to last night. He quickly rubs them away. He shakes his head and then walks over to his dresser to get some of his clothes out of it.
Yuuri freezes as he reaches the dresser and looks down at himself, thinking back to yesterday. Did he change last night? Yuuri doesn't remember doing so.
He shakes the thoughts away and shrugs it off as he puts his clothes on. It's probably nothing, he reasoned with himself. Once he was finished he walks out to meet Conrad outside of his room.
"Alright. I'm ready."
Conrad nodded as he and Yuuri continued walking outside for their morning run. Always the same routine, Yuuri thought.
"You have a busy day today, Your Majesty. After our run, Gwendal has papers for you to sign, at noon you have a meeting with the nobles, and then you have lessons with Gunter. Also, there is a ball tonight, Your Majesty. Mother insisted."
Yuuri blinks. What? That can't be right. His days aren't that similar.
Yuuri looks over towards Conrad and frowns up at him.
Conrad chuckles, "I know, Your Majesty, but you'll be fine."
"Conrad, what's going on? I did all those things yesterday," Yuuri looked at him with confused eyes.
Conrad frowns, "Well, yes, you did sign papers yesterday and had lessons with Gunter..."
"No! I mean I had a meeting yesterday with the nobles and there was a ball last night too!"
Conrad looks at him with concern, "Are you feeling alright, Your Majesty?"
Yuuri scowls, "Yes, I -"
Before Yuuri could finish there was a loud crash in another hallway.
Yuuri froze.
No. No this couldn't be happening. It was impossible! What was going on?!
Yuuri ran to the adjacent hallway. Hoping that what he saw there wasn't what he thought it was. He stopped dead in his tracks and Yuuri wanted to scream.
Lasagna was on the floor surrounded by broken plates and bowls.
"L-Lasagna, please tell me this happened yesterday too?"
Lasagna's eyes widened as she looked over at him, "Y-your Majesty! Oh, I'm so- what do you mean yesterday? I didn't do this yesterday. I promise, Your Majesty! I'm not normally this clumsy!"
Yuuri started to feel woozy.
What is going on? How can this be happening?
Yuuri started to feel dizzy as he swayed on his feet.
"Your Majesty! What's wrong?!" Conrad rushes over to him and pulls him against his chest to prevent him from falling over. Yuuri leans back against him as he tries to process what was going on.
This couldn't be happening! It was crazy!
"Yuuri!"
Yuuri freezes at the sound of his voice.
His voice.
"Why are you holding my fiancé like that, Weller?!"
Yuuri wanted to cry.
Wolfram was speaking to him. He wasn't hurting anymore.
He called him his fiancé.
"I don't think His Majesty is feeling very well, Wofram. He seemed to be getting dizzy and he was about to fall over."
Wolfram's face grew to one of concern, "Yuuri's sick? Wimp, come here. Let me look at you."
Wolfram takes his arm gently and pulls him closer to him. Yuuri's eyes fill with tears at Wolfram's concern for him. Wolfram looks startled as he sees Yuuri's eyes fill with tears. He pulls Yuuri closer to him.
"Wimp, what's wrong?"
Yuuri looks him in the eye, "You...you don't remember what happened at the ball last night?"
Wolfram blinks, "Yuuri, there was no ball last night."
Yuuri blinks as he tries to process this information.
Wolfram frowns, "Let's take you to see Gisela."
Yuuri didn't argue as Wolfram brought him up to see Gisela.
Yuuri frowned as he lies in bed blinking up at the ceiling as he listens to Gisela trying to explain to Wolfram that there was nothing wrong with him and he was perfectly fine. Wolfram didn't take too well to that and started to proclaim that Gisela must be wrong and that she must be missing something.
Yuuri thinks back to the night before. He doesn't remember anything very different that happened, at least compared to any other day. It was relatively normal. Except...
His and Wolfram's argument. But what would that have to do with any of this? He remembers wishing over and over again that he could do it over. Say different things, do different things. Just like...
A second chance!
Yuuri frowns. Could this really be his wish coming true? A second chance? A do over? A chance to do this differently? Could that be what this is?
Yuuri blinks. Well, if that really was the case, then he was going to make the most of it. Yuuri smiles. He's going to do it right this time.
"Shibuya? Sir Weller and Von Bielefeld tell me you've been acting strangely. Would you like to explain to me what's going on?"
Yuuri blinked as he looked over to find Murata standing next to him beside the bed.
"This happened yesterday," Yuuri explains simply.
Murata raises an eyebrow, "You came to visit Gisela yesterday?"
Yuuri frowns, "Well, yes. But that was because I cut my finger."
"So, that means you're not experiencing the same day over again?"
"No. The day is still the same. Except yesterday I cut my finger and this time I didn't do that."
Murata smirks at that, "Ah, so it's not the same."
Yuuri rolls his eyes as he sits up in his bed, "Murata! I'm repeating the same day over again but that doesn't mean everything that happens is the same. Is that really so hard to understand?"
Murata blinks at him in bemusement and then turns to Gisela, "Are you sure he isn't on anything? Maybe we should check."
Yuuri glares at him, "Murata! Don't suggest such things! I would never do anything like that! I'm being honest! This is really happening! I asked for a do over and now I'm getting one! That's the truth!"
Murata looks back at him and raises an eyebrow as he regards the young king, "Hmmm, a do over?" Murata states with narrowed eyes, and then he turns around and looks over at Wolfram, "I'll try to figure out what's going on with him, but until then keep an eye on him. Make sure to update me on any changes."
Wolfram nods as he walks over to join Yuuri at his side.
Yuuri rolls his eyes in annoyance. Seriously. They all think he's crazy! He's not! How else could they explain this?
"Well, I suppose we can try to continue your day as normal. So let's take you to Gwendal and he can-" Wolfram started.
Yuuri's eyes narrow and then he interrupts him with a stubborn, "No."
Wolfram looks at him in surprise, "No? What do you mean no?"
Yuuri huffs, "I refuse to sign the same papers again. I just did them yesterday."
Wolfram groans, "Yuuri. You've never signed them before."
"Yes I did. I also went to the meeting with the nobles, Gunters lessons, and the ball."
"Well, then, what do you want to do?"
Yuuri thought about it for a moment and then smiled, "Wolf, will you teach me how to dance?"
Wolfram openly gapes at him, "W-what?"
"Please?" Yuuri asks as he gives him a small smile, "I should have learned a long time ago, but better late than never right?"
Wolfram frowns, "But...you want me to teach you? Why?"
Yuuri frowns as he thinks about how to answer that question, "Well...I guess I feel most comfortable with you."
Wolfram's face flushes and he turns his head away, "W-wimp!" He takes a deep breath and then rolls his eyes, "I suppose I can teach you to dance."
Yuuri's smile brightens, "Really? That's good...these balls will be so much easier and much less miserable if I know how to dance."
Wolfram turns to face him, "So...right now? As long as you're feeling better, of course. I can't have you feinting on me."
Yuuri smiles as he gets out of the bed, "Sure! Now is good. I'm feeling better, so don't worry."
Yuuri and Wolfram head to the ball room. Once they reach the center of the room, Wolfram turns to face Yuuri.
Yuuri frowns as he looks down at his hands, "So, which part do I...?"
Wolfram looks at him with a frown, "Well, since you are the king, you are the one who should lead during formal events."
Yuuri frowns as he remembers the previous night, "What would it mean if I followed instead?"
"That's usually a privilege a king will give to his lover, or even a potential suitor. Mostly, you would only let someone lead you if you think you may become serious at some point. It would be your permission to let the other person take your relationship further," Wolfram sends him a glare. "So don't let anyone lead you, Wimp!"
Yuuri's face drains of color.
'"Don't. I don't want to hear it, you cheater," Wolfram says angrily, "How dare you? You make such a big deal about both of us being boys and then you go and flirt with a boy and let him lead you?!"'
Now Yuuri understood why Wolfram was so angry...
How could he be so stupid?
You would think he would be more careful with his actions when he first found out about these crazy customs in Shin Makoku...
"Wolf, I'm so sorry..." Yuuri whispered.
Wolfram frowned, eyes filled with bemusement, "For what?"
"For yesterday...we...had a fight..." Yuuri told him looking down at the ground.
Wolfram blinks, "Yesterday? We didn't have a...oh. Are you talking about this day that no one but you remembers?"
Yuuri nods, "Yes, and that fight we had is why I'm getting this do over. I handled it wrong and that's why I'm getting a second chance to do it right."
Wolfram nods slowly, "Alright. So if you don't...will you repeat the day over another time?"
Yuuri frowns, "I'm not sure...but, that would be like...like...Groundhog Day!"
Wolfram gives him a look, eyebrows narrowed, "Why would a day be named after an animal?"
Yuuri sighs, "Well...that's a long story...but there are a lot of myths that have people reliving the same day over and over again."
Wolfram nods, "And that's what you think is happening to you."
Yuuri shrugs, "Is it really so strange, Wolf? I mean, I travel between two different worlds. And I've even been to the past before. Not much can really leave me in surprise for too long anymore."
Wolfram sighs, "But Yuuri...this is something no one here has ever heard of before."
Yuuri rolls his eyes, "Do you think the things I have done are things that are common in my world? Just because you haven't heard of it, doesn't make it impossible. And how would you have heard of it? Everyone forgets except for one person."
Wolfram shakes his head, "Well, then I hope you figure it out soon. I wouldn't want to lose recollection of yet another day."
Yuuri realized Wolfram was only humoring him, but he didn't really care. I'm glad you've lost recollection of yesterday, thought Yuuri. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I lost you.
Yuuri nods, "Ok, well, um...you can lead me I guess..."
Wolfram's eyes widen slightly, "Are you sure?"
Yuuri nods his head again, "Yeah, that will probably be the easiest way for me to learn...plus, it isn't a formal setting, so it doesn't mean anything, right?" Yuuri looks at Wolfram to see him frown slightly, but then shake his head and take Yuuri's left hand to put on his shoulder.
"I'll go slowly, so just copy my movements," Wolfram states as he moves his right foot first.
Yuuri nods and imitates his movement as he stares down at his feet. He keeps imitating and following Wolfram's steps until a pattern started to form in his mind.
"Yuuri," Wolfram started, and once Yuuri glanced up at him he stated, "You can't keep looking at your feet, you have to look at me."
Yuuri bites his bottom lip, "...Alright, but I apologize in advance if I step on your feet."
Wolfram shakes his head, "You'll be fine, Wimp."
Wolfram and Yuuri practiced dancing for a couple of hours before everyone finally convinced Yuuri to go to the meeting with the nobles again. And Yuuri was proud to say that he only stepped on Wolfram's feet three times.
At the meeting, Yuuri was getting thoroughly annoyed at hearing the same conversations again. He couldn't wait till it was over.
Again.
Once the meeting was finally over, Yuuri barely had time to register that fact when a wailing sound came his way.
"Your Majesty~" Came Gunter's voice, "Is it true you don't want to come to my lessons?!"
Yuuri's sweat dropped, "Oh, Gunter, that's not it. I just...well, I already had lessons with you."
"Gunter! Leave Yuuri alone," Said Wolfram as he came up to them, glaring at Gunter. "He's been acting weird since he woke up this morning. We all agreed that we were going to let him go easy today."
"R-right," Yuuri stuttered out.
"Oh, but Your Majesty~! We were going to talk about the Legend of Ancient Kings today! They say every five thousand years, when all the planets are aligned and the moon is full, the king of that time will be granted a gift."
Yuuri frowns at that, "What kinds of gifts?"
"No one is actually sure. And no one is fully sure it's real either. There aren't any written records of anything. This legend was passed down orally through many generations," Gunter answered, happy to have his king's attention.
"So...say it is real. When would be the next time all those criteria- all the planets being aligned and there being a full moon- would all happen next?"
"Well, Your Majesty, that's actually about this time," Gunter answered him with a smile.
Of course it is.
Yuuri rolls his eyes. So this 'Legend of the Ancient Kings' is what is doing this to him? And of course it happens while he's the king.
Yuuri glances back up to Gunter, "So, is there anything else known about this legend?"
Gunter shakes his head, "Nothing for sure. There are many theories. However, many people say that it is relentless. When people are affected by this legend, it doesn't let up until things play out the way it wants it to. They also say it's not a gift that King has to specifically ask for. But something they obviously want and need and they just don't know it. Or want to admit."
Yuuri groans. Just. Wonderful. And what does that mean? Something he doesn't know he wants? How can he not know what he wants? Though, Gunter did say no one knew much for sure about this legend. It was all mostly theories.
He shakes his head and then grabs Wolfram's hand, who jumps slightly at the contact, "Thanks Gunter, but Wolfram and I are going to go now."
"Go? Go where? Wimp!" Wolfram glares over at Yuuri as he pulls him away.
Yuuri has to make sure everything doesn't end up the same way it did yesterday. First, he has to make sure he doesn't dance with that noble like he did the first time. Second, he needs to end his engagement with Wolfram the right way. He can't yell at him and say hurtful things to him this time.
He can't lose him.
WolfYuu WolfYuu WolfYuu
If Yuuri has to do the whole ball thing again tomorrow, he swears he is going to lose it. But, of course, if he does this the way he's supposed to, he won't have to worry about it.
Yuuri sighs deeply as he walks his way into the ballroom. He really doesn't want to be here. Maybe he can just find Wolfram and spend time with him. And that way he can avoid reliving this whole situation again.
"May I have this dance, Your Majesty?"
Yuuri stiffens at that voice. Was it so much to ask that not everything be the same as yesterday? He turns to face the blue eyed noble that had danced with him yesterday. He had the exact same smile on his face.
Yuuri bites his bottom lip as he resists the urge to fidget were he stood, "Oh, er, I'm sorry. I was, um...actually looking for someone. Maybe another time?"
Yuuri gives him a small smile. Okay, so that wasn't exactly a no like he was going for, but close enough, right?
The man smiles back at him in a way that makes Yuuri's cheeks flame, "I will hold you to that, My King."
Was it just Yuuri, or was this man practically purring those words? Yuuri didn't think it was, and it made him nervous. He really needs to leave now!
"Er, okay," Yuuri spots Wolfram from across the hall. "Oh! There he is. So, um, I'll see you later..."
Yuuri was glad to be away from him. Why did he make him so uncomfortable? He just wanted to be at Wolfram's side right now.
He always makes sure he's never in those types of situations. And Yuuri's decided not to take that for granted again.
As soon as Yuuri reaches Wolfram, he glares at him in a way that makes Yuuri flinch. What did he do now? He turned that man down this time. Sort of.
"Yuuri," Wolfram starts, speaking in a low voice, "Who was that?"
Yuuri blinks at him, "Er, I'm not really sure. He never actually told me his name or anything. He's a noble, though isn't he?"
Wolfram narrows his eyes at him, "I know who he is. He is Philip von Grantz."
Yuuri blinks at him, "Grantz? As in Adelbert?"
Wolfram nods, "Philip is his nephew. Frederick is the current Lord of Grantz; he is Adelbert's brother and Philips father. But I wasn't referring to that. I was referring to how you know him. What were you talking to him about?"
Yuuri avoids his eyes, "Nothing. He just asked me to dance."
Wolfram glares, "I saw the way you were blushing! What were you thinking? You did want to dance with him, didn't you, cheater?"
Yuuri's eyes widened, "No! If I did I would have! But I didn't! I wanted to be here with you!"
Yuuri froze as the words came from his mouth. The words also succeeded in silencing Wolfram. He was staring at Yuuri in such surprise, like he couldn't believe the words Yuuri just spoke.
"Er, Wolf...I actually wanted to talk to you about something. Can we go outside?"
Wolfram nods, still keeping silent as he turns to walk outside and towards the gardens. Yuuri takes a deep breath as he follows him.
Why is his heart beating so fast?
"Yuuri?" He turned to face Wolfram, "What did you want to talk about?"
Yuuri tries to answer. Tries to tell him all that he was planning to tell him. So why are the words getting caught in his throat? He has to tell him this. It's the right thing to do.
"Yuuri?" Wolfram looks at him in concern, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I...I..." Just say it! "I think that it's time...we end our engagement."
There. He said it.
Wolfram is silent. Why is he so silent? Yuuri finally looks up into Wolfram's eyes. He sees his face turn from one of concern to one of hurt and fear to one of cold and emotionless.
Yuuri flinches. He didn't want to ever see that face again. He did it right this time, didn't he? Wolfram wasn't supposed to close himself off from him!
"If that is what you want, Your Majesty. Then consider it done."
No. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Yuuri reaches out to him-
"Wait! Wolf, I...I'm sorry. It's just-"
Wolfram cuts him off, "I understand, Your Majesty. You don't have to concern yourself with me anymore."
And then he was gone.
Yuuri watched him go. He stood there for a few minutes after Wolfram disappeared. Frozen where he stood. He didn't want it to be like this. And once he made it back to his room he cried. He did everything the way he was supposed to! So why did nothing change? He supposed there was really no other way this could end. He can't avoid hurting Wolfram when he's obviously ending their engagement. So, really, how else was he supposed to expect Wolfram to act?
Yuuri did the right thing. This was the best possible outcome given the circumstances.
But if that was the case, then why did Yuuri still feel so utterly miserable? This do over didn't change how Yuuri felt in the slightest.
He still felt cold and empty.
