Chapter 4

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply

Author's Note:

It makes me feel all fuzzy when I see the reviews. Thank you all. Special thanks to toni-chan for the beta reader offer.

This story is just being dragged out of me. The characters are giving me no rest. Slight angst.

XX

Yuuri was dreading the coming encounter with Wolf, but given all that he wanted to do to Conrad as they lay there in the open air, he knew that it had to be done. Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to anyone. Even Greta had started to question him about why he did not kiss Wolfram the way Hube kissed Nicola.

"Cheater! Who are you dreaming about and why did you want to meet in the ballroom of all places?"

Yuuri jumped at Wolfram's voice. "Hey there, Wolfram. Ah.. you know just like that." Basically it was because the room had the least number of flammable things and the balcony was conveniently situated over a fountain.

"Wolf, why don't you sit down? Oh no chairs. Right. Ah…would you like some tea. I'll go get it and something to eat from the kitchen."

"Get to the point Yuuri."

Yuuri cleared his throat. "You know I love you, right" Wolfram's felt his heart jump, "like a brother." Now all he could feel was a stinging pain that stole his breath. Yuuri went on saying, "You've become one of my best friends and I can't think of spending one day without you. You know me so well. You're the only one who honestly tells me what's going on. Even when I have a stupid plan; you go along with it just to protect me. It was because of you that I finally faced one of my biggest fears. I faced myself Wolf."

Yuuri grabbed Wolfram's shoulders, trying to make him understand. "If you hadn't kept pushing me about the engagement, I never would have questioned my own heart. I never would have sat down and really thought about who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I was so bogged down with society's norms, that only you were able to penetrate my thick skull and make me realize that it doesn't matter if it's a man or a women, it only matters that you love them and want them with all that you are. I tried Wolf; I really tried to see you in that light. Please forgive me for being the cheater that you always accused me of being. I am the worst friend ever to hurt you like this. I don't know how…"

Yuuri trailed off in surprise and dropped his hands to his side when, Wolfram leaned forward and kissed him on the right check. He knew what that meant. Wolfram had just broken off their engagement. When he looked up Wolfram was walking towards the door. Yuuri ran after him and threw himself at Wolfram's back, hanging on to his waist. Wolfram kept walking, dragging Yuuri who along with him.

"Please don't just leave, Wolf. Promise me that we will still be friends. I know I hurt you. Please oh please forgive me." Yuuri pleaded.

Wolfram looked down at the ridiculous sight the king made, half lying on the floor. Then he looked into Yuuri's eyes and saw the love there. I wasn't the type of love that he wanted from the Maou but this was definitely real, unlike the fantasies he had indulged in.

He pulled Yuuri to his feet saying, "Fine we'll be friends" and burst into tears. Yuuri pulled him into an embrace and held on.

It felt like his heart was breaking into a million pieces but if he was honest with himself, he'd known that one day it would come to this. Yuuri had always loved his brother, but was just too clueless to realize it.

He finally felt his tears subside and was surprised to find that he felt lighter. He was no longer living a lie. He could now stop hurting the people he cared about and could stop hurting himself in the process. He was free.

"I forgive you Yuuri." He said in a watery voice. "You're such a wimp!"

Yuuri let out a shaky laugh. "I am so sorry Wolf."

"Don't be." Wolf cut him off. "You never made the promise willingly. I can't hold you to it any longer. Just swear that you'll go faster with Conrad. At the rate you both are going, I'll be a 180 before either of you make a move."

Yuuri jerked back in surprise. "You're something else aren't you? I am so happy I have a friend like you. Thank you, you're the best."

"And don't you forget it." Wolfram said as they walked out of the ballroom. "You better tell that perverted sage that I'M your best friend now."

As they rounded the corner they saw Yozak hurrying out of Gwendal's office with a worried look on his face. "Hey, Yozak. Wait up." Yuuri hailed him.

"Hey there kiddo, Lord Brat." Yozak pretended not to notice Wolfram's puffed up eyes.

"Show some respect." Wolfram started to rant.

"Forget that Wolf. What's going on? And don't bother to tell me it's nothing. You look worried. Is Conrad all right?"

"A solider from Conrad's contingent was supposed to report back to Gwendal with an up-date an hour ago. But nobody has shown up. I am going with enforcement to check it out."

"I am coming with you."

"No, your not." Gwendal said from behind them, "It's too dangerous. We do not know what the situation on the ground is."

"I don't care. If Conrads' in danger, then I am going. If you do not want me to travel with the soldiers, then I'll go alone." With that he turned and walked towards the stables.

"Don't worry brother, I'll go with him."

Gwendal sighed, "Meet up with the soldiers at the southern gate." As Wolfram hurried after Yuuri, Gwendal turned towards Yozak, "Make sure that they are safe."

"I will." With that he followed the duo, leaving Gwendal with one more wrinkle on his forehead.

XX