In Yuuri's hand was a small black box which he opened earlier to show Murata what was inside. Encased on its velvety black covering was a silver ring. It wasn't very flashy but rather a simple one. The only detail it had was a thin gold line on the middle. Nothing over the top. Yuuri immediately knew it was the one the moment he saw it. It maybe simple but it was radiating a feeling of elegance. A perfect match for a person like his Wolfram.

Wolfram was beautiful, so beautiful that anything that comes within his proximity looks surprisingly plain. With that in mind, he decided it was already pointless to buy something that was ostentatious but rather he went to look for an item that would compliment, if not, enhance his beauty. But he also wanted to put a touch of Japanese culture in it and since it was customary for couples to have one, he decided it'll be the one he would buy.

"I wonder how Wolfram will react once he receives this," Yuuri wondered. "I really hope he'll like it."

"So are you going to buy it or not?" Murata's voice interrupted his thoughts, snapping his two fingers in front of him. Yuuri did not realize he was dozing off again.

"Yeah," Yuuri replied dreamily, tearing his eyes off the ring. He talked to the clerk once again and was directed towards the counter. He paid for it and after a few minutes they made their way out with a paper bag tucked under his arm, containing his gift. He saw there was no need to gift wrap it any more. One of the clerks bowed out to them as they left.

"Let me see it," Murata said excitedly.

Yuuri gave the bag to Murata and silently waited for his reaction.

"You bought a paired ring?" Murata exclaimed loudly, checking the contents of the bag. "One ring is already expensive as it is how much more if it is two!"

Yuuri tried to resist the urge to roll his eyes. Murata was overreacting again. "Chill, Ken. So what if it's more expensive than the usual? It is for a special occasion so I want it to be perfect and I want to propose to Wolfram, Japanese style."

"But, you two are already engaged, for years in fact. Why have you thought of proposing now of all times?"

Yuuri shrugged. "Well, it just doesn't feel right."

"What do you mean?" Murata asked further.

"You do know I've been raised Japanese so I guess I wanted to propose to him in our way." Yuuri said it with all seriousness that Murata burst into a fit of laughter after hearing his explanation.

"Really Shibuya!" Murata said between chokes of laughter. "I didn't know you could be this cheesy. If our friends knew about that they'd probably laugh their asses off!"

Yuuri turned the brightest shade of red at this. "Shut up!" he barked, attempting to smack Murata on the head. Murata, however, managed to evade, thanks to his quick reflexes.

"Woah. Missed me!" Murata teased, laughing at the flustered face of Yuuri.

Yuuri gave him a death glare. "Be thankful you are my best friend or I would have killed you."

"No, even if we're not you can't kill me," Murata answered with all seriousness.

"And why is that?" Yuuri asked skeptically, raising his eyebrow in question.

"Cause you owe me big time. I helped you, you know."

"Right, I forgot you were a big help," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How kind of you to remind me."

"Glad you remembered," Murata Ken answered, pretending to be oblivious to the sarcastic tone of Yuuri. "Anyway, where did you even get the money to pay for it? You were in Shin Makoku for a long time. You couldn't have found a job on such a short time and earn that money."

Yuuri took a step back and stared at the man considered to be the Great Sage with his mouth hanging open. "Are you really Murata Ken? Because if you are, you should have figured it out already. As far as I know, the Great Sage doesn't let anything pass him by unnoticed."

"You got me," the Great Sage answered sheepishly. "But I thought it would be better if you just told me."

"I don't need to tell you because you already know. So what's the point?"

Now it's Murata's turn to roll his eyes. "You know, I kinda miss the old Shibuya. At least he'd answer my questions and all."

"Gone is the past now. So will we stand here all day and bicker or will we look for a place to eat because if you don't know yet, I'm quite famished here."

"Fine," Murata answered, raising his hands in defeat. "Come on, I heard there was a McDonald's around here somewhere."

They both began to walk with Murata Ken in the lead. Yuuri followed him silently, pondering on Murata's question earlier. Those paired rings were indeed expensive. It was to be expected since that store was known for the unique pieces it makes. There will never be another pair like the ones he bought moments ago. Celebrities often come to purchase an accessory or jewelry from there.

Luckily for him, he was able to save money from his part-time jobs before permanently settling in Shin Makoku. Hey, he may be a king but on Earth, he was nothing more than the little brother of the Maoh. Of course, he could always ask his brother to get him what he wants but there's no way he'd do that. He had always been independent ever since he was young. Plus what was the point in giving something to Wolfram if he didn't worked for it. If he was going to give something it'll always have a sentimental value to him.

"There it is," Murata said, pointing at the big M sign. They took a turn at the corner and stopped in front of McDonald's. They peeked inside to see if it was jam packed with people. Fortunately enough, it wasn't considering the time.

"Grab us a chair," Yuuri ordered Murata and added as he saw him open his mouth. "I know. My treat. You don't need to say it."

Murata smirked and went to look for a table for them. Yuuri, on the other hand, went in the line. There weren't a lot of people in the queue so in no time he was already giving his orders. Double Cheese burger with large fries and drinks for him and Chicken McNuggets with double rice for Murata. He quickly paid for their orders and went back to their table.

They ate quickly, practically shoving the food in their mouths. In no time, they managed to finish eating their entire meal.

"I'm stuffed!" Yuuri finally announced, taking a sip from his drink.

"Me too," Murata said while wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Say Yuuri, when do you plan on proposing to Wolfram?"

"I still need to check the calendar when we get back," Yuuri absent mindedly told him. Shin Makoku's time is different from the Earth's so he can't say for sure. "The last time I checked before coming here, I still have a week before our anniversary."

"Eh? Only a week?"

"Yep. Why?"

"Shouldn't we go back now? Time flies faster there than here."

"Yeah, you got a point," Yuuri agreed, getting up from his chair and Murata followed suit. "I also promised Gunter I'd be back soon. He's probably worried already since the departure for Big Shimaron is near."

"He really cares about your well-being."

Yuuri chuckled. Gunter was so fond of him that he felt like he has a doting mother back in Shin Makoku. "That's true."

The two fell silent as they walked the rest of the way to Yuuri's house, each occupied in their own thoughts. Murata in particular seemed a little bit troubled.

"Yuuri, regarding Big Shimaron," Murata brought up. "I'm not sure if they are really sincere in their intentions of becoming allies with us but over the years I lived I learned that that country shouldn't be trusted."

"Gunter and Gwendal also had the same view," Yuuri informed him. "But I can't just ignore it. Besides, I doubt Big Shimaron will do anything to me and anyone with me."

"But in any case, be extra careful," Murata warned him. "I have an uneasy feeling about this. I think something bad is about to happen."

"Sure, I'll do that." He then suddenly thought of Wolfram and a feeling of worry flowed through him. Something bad is going to happen. Murata's instincts were never wrong. Yuuri hoped that whatever is going to happen won't occur and if it ever does, it won't be as bad a Murata feared.

"Are you really going to go, Yuu-chan?" His mother said sadly as he and Murata got on the tub.

Earlier that day, he had shown his parents and Shiori the gift he will be giving to his fiancé and his plan to propose to him. All three agreed that it was the perfect gift, particularly his mother who literally squealed the moment she saw it saying her how fast his Yuu-chan had grown up and how lucky he was to find his perfect "bride". His dad almost cried seeing his youngest son already an adult. Shiori was hysterical at first, asking Yuuri if he knew what he was doing. But in the end, all of them knew he was making the right choice. Yuuri felt that once he proposed, then he can truly say that they are both fiancés.

"It's not as if I have a choice," Yuuri explained to her. "I've been here for almost two days and I promised I'd get back there as soon as I can."

But… But.." Miko said tearfully as tears threatened to fall. "I won't even get to see you proposing to Wolf."

"Don't worry, Mama-san, I'll drag the two of them here as soon as the business with Big Shimaron is over," Murata assured her. "Then, we can have them re-enact the whole proposal here and we can videotape it."

"That's wonderful idea, Ken-chan!" Miko exclaimed. "We can have a mini ceremony here and Wolf can wear a beautiful dress!"

Yuuri gave a weak smile. His mom could overreact at times. "Well, were off."

"Alright then," Miko agreed. "Take care then Yuu-chan, Ken-chan. I'll make your favorite curry the next time you come back."

"Bye mom," Yuuri bade her. As soon as he said that, the two disappeared instantly, beginning their journey back to Shin Makoku.

Yuuri, already having the power to control where they end up, made sure they appeared at Blood Pledge Castle. He wasn't disappointed and he ended up in his personal bathroom. Murata wasn't with him as the latter asked him to send him directly to the Temple, claiming he had some important matters to attend to. Yuuri suspected he just wanted to get to the temple maidens as quick as he could.

"Welcome back, Yuuri," a familiar voice greeted him.

Yuuri turned to the voice. Wolfram was standing at the edge of the large bathtub holding a dry towel and his usual black uniform with a warm smile on his face.

"I'm back, Wolf," Yuuri softly replied, returning back the smile. Seeing Wolfram again made his heart flutter a bit. He couldn't wait to give the gift and propose to him. But first, he must make sure everything was perfect and that his beloved Wolfram won't know about it. Preparations must be made discreetly and fast.

Well, he could count on Conrad and Gwendal for help; they'd do anything for their youngest brother. Greta would love to be a part of the whole preparations. As for Gunter..? Yuuri thought it'd be best to leave him in the dark. Gunter always makes a big deal with this kind of thing. He was sure that his adviser would insist on a lavish celebration; something he'd rather avoid. He couldn't wait for that day to arrive.

"Let's go, Yuuri?" Wolfram asked him.

Yuuri gave a nod and they left the room. Passing by the window Yuuri saw how beautiful the sky is. Shin Makoku had been a peaceful land for many years now. Something that he hoped would continue throughout the years.

Finally! The long overdue chapter. I hope you guys liked it! :))