Title: The Backhanded Slap
Pairings: Wolfram/Yuri
Rating: T (Rating may go up)
Summary: So we all know what happens when you're smacked on the left cheek in the Demon Kingdom. But what happens if you're hit on the right check, or even better, hit with the back of the hand on the right cheek?
IMPORTANT! READ ME!!! Okay, I know that in chapter 2 I got too excited while writing and messed up with when Murata explained the slapping thing. I know slapping someone on the lefty cheek is proposing for marriage. BUT in the manga, and probably the anime I just have to re-watch that episode, Yuuri slaps Wolf with the PALM of his hand, and what Murata was supposed to say in chapter 2 was, "Slapping someone by the palm of your hand, on the left cheek, is a way of proposing. However, slapping with the BACK of the hand on the RIGHT cheek is asking to someone to father your child, and being slapped with the back of the hand on the left cheek is a way for someone to ask another person to bear their child." Hence the title, "The Backhanded Slap". Once I complete this story I'll go back to chapter 2 and correct it, you know that way if I screw up in another chapter I can just correct them all at once.
A/N: As promised here the BEGINNING of some romance. Also, sorry for the long wait for an update… but I rewrote this chapter four times!
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It's just been one of those weeks. I am sure everyone has had one of 'those weeks' that I am talking about. Of course I doubt there are many people who can actually say that they unintentionally asked their accidental, not to mention quick tempered, fiancé to father your child, have your so-called best friend give said fiancé a box of condoms. Then attempt to explain to everyone, especially the volatile fiancé, that the entire event was nothing more than a mere accident.
A fluke really.
Then, to top it off, here I am sitting in the middle of my Shin Makoku history class which was being taught by, in my opinion, a way too chipper Günter. Said man was still merrily chatting away about one of the many Maou's that came before me, and their conquests.
Man. This whole situation is making my head hurt. How on earth am I going to be able to explain to Wolf what really happened without him barbequing, or seriously maiming, me in the process? Well one thing is for sure, and that is I got to tell him away from the castle, so we won't get interrupted and somehow tell the fiery blonde the truth.
But the question is how am I going to convince Wolf to let only us leave the castle?
"—and that's how the Great Twenty-Third Maou of Shin Makoku put an end to the 'Rebellion of Greenwick River'." My violet haired adviser practically sang as he read from the history book, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Any questions, Heika?" He smiled pleasantly as he closed the large green book.
I, however, blinked owlishly at Günter before muttering an unintelligible, "uuuuhhhh?"
"Oh Heika!" Günter wailed, slamming his hands on my desk, startling me so much that I nearly jumped out of my chair. "You didn't listen to a word of my lecture did you?" he cried.
The best I could do was look up at him apologetically and chuckle nervously, "I'm sorry, I got a little overwhelmed with all the information." Well, that was the truth—sort of. I was overwhelmed with all the crazy Mazoku traditions and freaky anatomy, something I will get to the bottom of…eventually, but not so much with my lessons.
"Ah I see." Günter replied, nodding his head, seemingly content with my answer. "Well all the information concerning the 'Rebellion of Greenwick River' can be a bit much." He thought aloud backing away from my desk, "perhaps we should go over the lesson again—from the beginning."
"Wait," I whined and cut the lilac haired man off, "do you think we can take a break? Too clear my head?" I continued, all the while praying Günter would agree to allowing me take a break from history.
At this Günter sighed exasperatedly, "well I suppose we can have a short recess, Heika, but then it's back to studying."
I leaned back in my chair in shock; no one can blame me for being surprised. Günter usually never agrees to let me go on a break. Ever. Without giving him a chance to change his mind, I jumped out of my chair at a speed I thought was only possible for rockets, or jet cruisers to possess.
Günter jumped back, a little startled as I raced by him, "only a short break, and then it's back to our history lesson."
"Right, thanks again Günter!" I replied, looking behind my shoulder. With that I ran down the empty hallway and headed towards the nearest exit. After all, it was beautiful and sunny outside and it would be a waste if I spent the entire day cooped up inside my office, or the castle.
I let out a breath of relief that I was not even aware that I was holding when I passed through the doors that led to the courtyard. I slowed my all out run down to a brisk walk, and zigzagged through different paths. Every so often I would pass by a soldier here and there, and a couple giggling maids. I continued down random paths that led around the castle yards without a particular destination in mind. I was just allowing myself to enjoy the moment and not worry about homework, foreign affairs, signing documents, fiancé's, weddings, or babies.
Especially babies.
I shook my head from side to side, trying to shake off the "B" word. After all, why should I be worried? It was pleasant and peaceful today.
"Wimp! Are you skipping out on your lessons again?!" I heard the perturbed voice of Wolfram yell from behind me.
I quickly turned around and faced one annoyed fire mazoku. "Wolf?" I yelped in surprise as the blonde stalked up to me with his arms crossed across his chest. "Wh-what are you doing here?" I stuttered as I held my hands up in mock surrender, and started to slowly back away from the angry blonde.
"Unbelievable," Wolfram glared as he got closer. "You're back for a day and you're already shirking from duties as King."
So much for a peaceful walk…
"Now now—that's not it at all." I tried to explain, hoping it would calm Wolfram. "Günter said we could take a break, and I thought I'd go for a walk."
Wolf placed his hands on his hips and questioned in a voice similar to what a parent would when they believed that a child was obviously lying, "Since when does Günter let you take unnecessary breaks?"
"I'm telling the truth Wolf," I argued, "and maybe he let me have a break because I was doing a good job?" At that the blonde snorted before rolling his eyes at me. "I mean it, he said I could take a break." I explained again, hoping Wolf would believe me.
"Fine," Wolfram 'harrumphed' before crossing his arms over his arms across his chest.
I couldn't help but sigh, of course the one person I was trying to not think about I run into. Isn't that convenient? Then suddenly I can't help but wonder out loud, "why are you not out patrolling? Are you on break too?"
"I just finished training some new recruits." Wolf explained hotly, tilting his head to the side. "So I'm done for the day."
I nodded and smiled. So he's off the rest of the day, that's good. Wolf has been working hard lately and deserved a break, albeit a short one, but it was a break nonetheless. Suddenly, I remembered what I was thinking about during my history lesson, about how Wolf and I needed to have a good talk, and go someplace where someone won't interrupt us, and sort out the baby mess.
"Hey, Wolf?" I asked rubbing my head sheepishly. Wolfram quirked his eyebrow, obviously wondering what it was that I'm up to. "Do you think maybe we could, maybe…" I stuttered trying to find the right words.
" 'We could' what?" the blonde demanded, leaning closer towards me.
"Well maybe hang out, you know outside the castle?" I rushed, knowing that the chances of that happening were extremely slim.
"I highly doubt Weller Kyo, Gwendel, or Günter have the time to take us anywhere you want to go." Wolfram snorted. He then glared at me and began to lecture, "in case you haven't noticed we all have jobs to do, and they can't just drop what they're doing and—"
"Eh, no, I meant you and me…alone go and hang out." I interrupted, and can't help but notice how Wolfram's look of annoyance quickly turned to one of surprise. The fire mazoku's eyes widened slightly and his arms dropped to his side as if in disbelief.
"So…you don't want Weller Kyo to join us?" the blonde questioned, eyeing me cautiously.
"I don't lie Wolf." I answered as I put my hands down and resting them by my side. Wolfram shifted his weight to one foot and studied me quietly, and we stood there in silence, neither of us moving a muscle, for what seemed like an eternity. He just stared at me and I just stared back, waiting for an answer.
Let it be known that I, Yuuri Shibuya, have left the Wolfram Von Bielefeld speechless.
"Yuuri," Wolfram suddenly breathed, his facial expression softening, and I couldn't help but smile a little. Suddenly, without warning the smile was gone, the blonde glared at me angrily, and growled, "This isn't some sort of trick is it?"
"No, no," I argued furrowing my brow, "I'd never trick someone."
Wolfram sighed and his glare softened once again, and a barely noticeable blush slowly crept on his cheeks, "well I suppose we could go out into town," he coughed, and quickly turned his head, "But only for a bit."
Eh? Why is he so jittery? We're just going to go into town and talk about our unique situation, that's all.
The fire mazoku then looked at me and smirked, "besides it would be nice to get out, and since Günter gave you the rest of the day off—"
"Gah! Günter!" I spazzed, interrupting Wolf, before I face palmed myself. "I forgot, he wanted me back!" I gulped looking at a shocked, and irritated, Wolfram. So much for straightening out our misunderstanding today. I then turned towards the blonde and said apologetically, "Sorry Wolf, I completely forgot." I then turned to run back towards the castle.
"Wait," Wolf demanded as he placed his hand on my shoulder, making me pause mid-step and turn back around and face Wolfram. "You deserve a little break," he began, and then smirked, "after all you are a wimp."
What?! Can you believe that guy? Right when I thought he was going to say something nice he goes and insults me!
"Come on Yuuri," Wolfram called out impatiently while he walked down the path that led to the stables. I grumbled softly to myself while I jogged down the path to catch up with Wolf.
When the stables came into view Wolf looked at me and began to explain, "I'm going to get my horse, you stay out here. That way if Günter comes out looking for you, you can distract him."
"That makes sense," I nodded, "but how do I distract Günter?"
"Trust me, for you it won't be that hard." He snorted, brushing his hair form his eyes, and if I didn't know any better I would say it sounded a little bitter.
"Erm…okay." I agreed as Wolfram entered the stables to retrieve his horse. Thankfully, we started leaving a spare disguise in one of his proud horse's saddlebags as a precaution. For that, I can't help but be thankful, now I can walk around Shin Makoku without my subjects knowing that I am the king.
With that last thought, I leaned up against one of the walls of stable, and wondered how I would distract Günter if he really did find me. I've never been good at intentionally deceiving people, and I never had that much of an imagination. Ideas for playing 'pretend' were usually Shori's department when we were growing up.
As if on cue, I saw Günter running up towards me, "oh Heika." He wailed dramatically as he came closer towards me. "I thought you ran off to the other world to avoid your lessons."
"Heh, heh, well," I grinned sheepishly, feeling a little guilty that I was planning on ditching my lessons…again.
"You know we should continue with our lesson now." Günter continued completely unaware that I was trying to think of ways to stall him so Wolf and I could go out and talk. While Günter continued talking about some miscellaneous subject, I quickly glanced around and I saw Wolf sneak around the stable's corner, which was behind an animatedly talking Günter. Wolf stood rigid, clutching his horse's reigns tightly in his hands, and glaring at me impatiently.
"Heika?" Günter sighed, causing me to look away from the blonde and look up at Günter, who was looking at me worriedly. "Are you okay?"
"Uhhhh? What now?" I questioned, shifting my gaze back to the blonde who was standing behind Günter.
"I was saying that we should head back towards your office." Günter sighed, furrowing his eyebrows in concern.
Not that I was paying too much attention to my overly dramatic friend. Instead I was watching Wolfram glare at me and mouth the words, 'distract him,' while motioning me to go to him. I frowned at Wolf and made some jerky movements that I hope would convey the message, 'how the heck am I supposed to do that?!'
You know, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure that I'm confusing poor Günter. If not confusing him, then I was worrying him, with my facial expressions changing quickly, and my body being all twitchy. As a matter of fact I am pretty sure that I resemble, very much, a person about to have a full blown seizure.
"Heika,'' Günter said with concern, and grabbed me by the hand. "I…think we should get you out of the Sun." he continued, and I mentally winced, great he thinks that I lost my mind, wonderful.
A growl snapped me out of my thoughts, and I turned my head slightly, so I could see around Günter, and saw a very angry Wolfram clutching the hilt of his swords like it was his lifeline mouthing the words angrily, 'distract him, wimp'! Oh right, I need to distract Günter, so I could sneak over to Wolfram.
In a last ditch effort to divert Günter's attention, and sneak away, I pointed out in some random direction and yelled out in mock-distress, "Oh, look Günter! It's a…," I gritted my teeth in thought 'a' what?
"What is it Heika?" Günter asked uncertainly, undoubtedly worrying about my mental health.
Unable to think of anything I blurted, "it's a distraction!" I mentally slapped myself for being so stupid, and saw out of the corner of my eyes Wolfram's stance slightly faltering.
Needless to say I was utterly surprised when Günter actually looked in the direction I was pointing at.
Wolfram, while I stood in shock at the thought that my 'distraction' worked, was already seated on his horse and took off towards me in a full gallop. He then accomplished something that I've only seen in old, corny, cowboy movies. The blonde reached down slightly, grabbed me by the arm, and effortlessly pulled me up onto the horse and sat me on the saddle behind him. We then took off through the courtyards, leaving a wailing Günter behind.
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"I can't believe that worked," I sighed, once we reached town, smoothing out the wrinkles in my blue disguise shirt.
"Günter only looked because he was most likely too busy wondering why you were so 'twitchy'." Wolfram snorted, looking over his shoulder, "not because he thought he had to protect you."
I hung my head slightly in defeat. True, I hardly believe that Günter had to save me form the almighty and scary 'distraction'; it was more or less him trying to see if I was still sane. In my defense, though, I didn't have much time to think of anything else.
"Here seems good," Wolfram muttered, more to himself than to me, when we came up to a large green tavern.
"What seems 'good'?" I parroted while Wolf steered his horse to the fence type thing that tied up horses.
"I think this is good place to tie up my horse," Wolfram explained matter-of-factly, swinging his leg over effortlessly and getting off the steed with ease. He then quickly secured the horse to its new post. "It's also a good place to start our date too, don't you think?" he continued, coming over to help me get off the horse so I wouldn't embarrass myself. At first I grabbed Wolf's outstretched hand, my brain not really comprehending what the blonde just said.
Wait…date?
My eyes snapped open in shock, and my legs went weak. Unfortunately, that was a bad time for my legs to turn into jelly, because my foot lost its' footing in the stirrup of the horse's saddle. This caused my foot to get tangled around the stirrup, and I fell flat on top of Wolf.
"Yuuri!" Wolf yelled as he wrapped his arms around my waist tightly, and pushed back to balance us, so we couldn't fall onto the hard, painful, gravel. "What's the matter with you?"
Wolfram then started talking again, but I wasn't listening. I was too caught up in my own thoughts. A date? This was a date? Not only was it a date, but I asked Wolf, another boy, somehow on this date? How did that happen!? I was just trying to fix everything!
"Yuuri," sighed the blonde, obviously annoyed. "Are you even listening to me?"
"Yeah," I shakily answered before quickly stepping out of Wolfram's arms, and the tangled stirrup. True it wasn't like he was embracing me, he just caught me so we didn't fall onto the gravel, but with him talking about this being a date…I can't help but feel a little queasy with his arms wrapped around me.
I better hurry and tell him the truth before things get out of hand, and Wolfram gets hurt in the process.
"Look, Wolf, we really need to talk." I sighed. I so was not looking forward to this conversation.
Wolfram smirked, "then let's go inside and we'll discuss whatever you want." He then turned around and entered the tavern before I had the chance to argue. Nibbling on my bottom lip, I followed the blonde, weaving through groups of people until we found a table that was empty.
As I flopped down onto my seat, I couldn't help but notice the crowds of people laughing, carrying on conversations, and just having a good time. Loud hearty laughter at the table beside us drew my attention. It was a group of young, and middle aged men, clothes slightly worn and dirty from a hard day's work, laughing while clacking their mugs filled with amber liquid and the foam spilling on the hard wood floor.
"Forget about it wimp," Wolf snorted, unfolding his napkin and placing it in his lap. "You're way too wimpy to even attempt drinking alcohol."
"Not a wimp!" I exclaimed snapping my attention away from the guys at the table beside us. Wolf rolled his eyes, and I took a calming breath. "Anyways, why did you decide to take us here? No offense but this place doesn't seem like it's your style." I continued as I surveyed the loud tavern.
"My men and I discovered this place a couple of months ago during one of our patrols," Wolfram answered casually. "The food is good—not as good as the food back at the castle, but still good." He shrugged.
"Hello," a chipper waitress with long red hair smiled, "can I start you gentlemen off with a drink?" She continued, handing us our menus.
"I'll have tea, and he," Wolfram gestured to me, "will have water." The lady smiled and went up to get our drinks.
"You know, I can order for myself." I sighed in annoyance, slouching over the table.
"What, and have you order alcohol? Don't be ridiculous." Wolfram snorted as he looked down at his menu. "You can barley ride a horse sober."
Wait a second… is it me, or is Wolfram teasing me?
"You know I am getting better," I laughed, and much to my delight I saw Wolfram smile. So I was right, he was only teasing!
I hope we can still joke around like this when I tell him the truth about the slap.
"Here you guys are!" The waitress cheerily announced, setting Wolf's tea cup, and the teapot, in front of him; then she sat down my glass of water. "Are you guy's ready to order, or do you need more time?"
"I'll have the soup of the day and a salad." Wolf answered before bringing his cup of tea to lips. The waitress nodded and looked expectedly at me, and I winced.
I still haven't mastered the mazoku language, if Günter freaking out and joining the priesthood when I wrote him that letter was a clue, and I could barely make out the food on the menu. So I smiled and replied, "I'll have the same thanks." The waitress nodded and went to fill out orders.
"Well Yuuri," Wolf said, with an amused look on his face. "I never knew you like turtle soup."
I almost fell out of my seat, before grinning weakly, "That's just the name, right? I mean, it's not really made out of turtle's, right?"
"That's right, it made out of chicken, but instead of calling it chicken soup they decided to call it turtle soup to throw people off," Wolfram snorted and rolled his eyes. "Of course it's made out of turtles." He continued, as I groaned and slumped over the table.
I guess I'll just be eating salad for dinner…
The waitress then reappeared placing our food on the table much to my surprise. "Wow that was quick." I said in surprise as she set the bowl of salad and the bowl of gross green soup made out of poor turtles in front of me, and I tried my best to not make a childish face at it.
"Well we pride ourselves on quick service," she answered happily before asking, "Can I get anyone a refill?"
"I'm fine," Wolfram answered off handedly, "How about you Yuuri?" I simply smiled and shook my head 'no'. The waitress then bowed slightly before she left again. I then lifted my spork, and began to munch away on the salad, ignoring the amused chuckles from the blonde that sat across from me.
"You should really try the soup." Wolfram shook his head before bringing his spork filled with the green slop up to his lips making me cringe in disgust.
"I'm just fine with salad." I laughed nervously.
"You're just too much of a wimp to try it." The blonde fussed, continuing to eat the soup.
"I'm not a wimp," I retorted, angrily stabbing my salad with the spork. I know what he's trying to do, and the 'reverse psychology' thing isn't going to work on me.
"Tch, you're right," The blonde agreed, surprising me so much that I actually dropped my spork onto the table. "It's children that waste food, not wimps."
Child? Me? I am not acting like a child!
Then to prove Wolf wrong I angrily picked up my spork and dipped it into the thick green liquid. I then lifted the spork up to my mouth, while ignoring that Wolfram's superior smirk. I took a deep breath and put the spork in my mouth, tasting the soup.
"Well," Wolfram demanded after a couple of seconds of waiting. "How was it?"
Flushing with embarrassment, and sliding down my seat, I replied "It's actually…okay." If possible, Wolf's smirk got wider, making me mentally kick myself for actually admitting that the soup was okay. How would he know that I liked it or not? Also, judging by that look on Wolfram's face, I know he's not going to let me live this down for a long time.
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"Now what Yuuri?" Wolf questioned as we exited the noisy tavern. "It'll be dark soon, was there something or somewhere you wanted to go?" he continued as we walked down the road, passing by various family owned shops.
"Well, I wanted to discuss something with you." I smiled weakly, suddenly remembering why I wanted to get Wolf alone in the first place.
"Ah, look Yuuri." Wolf laughed as we passed a toy shop, not to mention interrupting me again. He walked up to the window and continued, "wouldn't Greta love that?"
Being the curious guy that I am, I walked over to see what it was Wolfram was pointing at. Walking up to the window my eyes widened slightly in surprise. Standing in the window was a doll that looked just like Greta. The doll's hair was short reddish-brown color, with a little blue bow in its hair, deep brown eyes, tan, and wearing a flowing dark blue velvet dress.
"That is cute." I laughed in spite of myself.
"Come on, let's go." Wolf replied, grabbing my wrist, and dragged me onto the toy shop.
"W-wait! Wolf!" I squeaked when we entered the door. "You're not going to buy her that doll are you?"
"I want to buy it for her." The blonde huffed when we entered the store, before freeing my wrist. "Why shouldn't I buy it?"
"You shouldn't buy it because it's probably crazy expensive." I answered, ruffling my hair. As soon I said that, I instantly regretted it by the way Wolfram was glaring at me.
"Are you implying that I can't finically support our daughter? That I can't even afford to buy her a toy?" Wolfram bitterly growled while he crossed his arms over his chest.
"I'm not saying that," I retorted, tying to calm the blonde. I honestly didn't think I would upset Wolf that much. How did he even come to the conclusion that I was saying that he wasn't financially capable anyway? "It's just that those dolls are breakable, right? What if it gets broken?"
"Then we'll fix it." Wolfram huffed.
"Wolf," I laughed uneasily, "don't you think you're spoiling her?"
Wolfram looked at me for a moment with a thoughtful expression on his face, making me feel even more uneasy, if that was possible. He then walked up to me said, "but I want to spoil our daughter. Our children deserve the best."
"Yeah about that Wolfram," I winced. Wolfram tilted his head, signaling me to continue. "You see I—"
"Are you two looking for anything?" A happy gray haired man wearing an apron interrupted me. Making sigh in exasperation.
"Yes, about that doll in the window?" Wolfram charmingly asked, gesturing towards the window at the front of the store, completely ignoring me and what I was going to say.
"The one in the blue dress?" The older man questioned, as Wolf shook his head "It seventy gold coins." Wolf nodded his head while my jaw dropped.
Seventy gold pieces for a porcelain doll? Heck, I could just buy her a doll from back home! Not only would it be less expensive, but the doll wouldn't be breakable! Sure, it wouldn't look as nice but still...
Wolfram, however, wasn't the least bit surprised or upset over the price. Instead he asked the man if they delivered, the man nodded. Then they both went to the counter and filled out the papers for delivery, leaving me standing dumbly in the middle of toy store.
"Wait, Wolf," I whined once I was no longer standing like an idiot in the middle of the store, making peace with the fact that the blonde was willing to spend a lot of money on Greta. "Why are you having the doll delivered? We're going to see her once go back to the castle." I whispered to the blonde and hoping that I wasn't making a scene.
"Because I will be holding the reins, and I can't trust you to carry anything that's breakable when you're riding horseback." Wolf rolled his eyes.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I argued.
"It means when you're on a horse you're a total klutz." The blonde argued back.
"Let me guess," the old shop keeper laughed. "He's the one that indulges your guy's kid." He chuckled pointing at Wolf.
Before I could even correct the old man about how the blonde I were not a couple, Wolfram shrugged, "I guess you could say that."
"I was the same way," the old man laughed. "My wife used to hate it." He then leaned over and said softly, but the smile never left his face, "but now she's the same way with the grandkids."
"Now wait a minute!" I exclaimed my face strangely feeling hotter than earlier. Unfortunately, the two just continued to ignore me. I sighed in defeat, deciding I may as well look around the store. I couldn't help but smile as I wondered through the toy store. There were shelves upon shelves of stuffed animals, wooden toy soldiers, wooden swords, and more porcelain dolls. The place was pretty much a child's paradise. I was so caught up in my thoughts, and wandering through the store, that I did not realize I was about to run into the corner of a table.
"Ye-ouch!" I yelped as I grabbed the hip that hit the table's corner.
"Yuuri? Are you okay?" Wolf asked worriedly, well until he realized what happened. He looked at me and snorted, "did you run into the 'Warring Knights' table?"
"'Warring Knights' table?" I repeated, slowly looking down at a table that resembled a foosball table, pin ball machine mix. There were knights on the table with a stick connecting a row of knights and attaching on the other side of the table. The knights on half of the table were green, the other half of the knights were blue. In the corners were knights on horses in the corner and they acted like the flippers of a pin ball machine. Then in the center was a short castle tower with a large opening in the front on either side of the table.
"Yes the object of the game is to get the ball through the knights and into the tower. Whoever gets the ball into the tower first wins." Wolfram explained as he leaned on the table.
"Hey, let's play!" I exclaimed cheerfully, running over to one side of the table where the green knight were, ready to play.
"It's a children's game, wimp." Wolfram stumbled over in shock.
"Come on, it'll be fun!" I smiled, ignoring Wolfram snort in disapproval. "Unless you're scared I'll beat you..."
"Me, scared of you? Never."The blonde said competitively, as he jumped over on the other side of the table, ready to start the game.
"Alright," I smiled, placing the ball down.
Both of us reached for the nearest knob that was closest to the ball. I twisted the green knob, flipping my green knight, and sent the ball down to towards Wolf's tower. He flicked his wrist and his blue knight sent the ball spinning down to my half of the table, and before I could block with one of my knights the ball zipped into my tower.
"No way!" I yelled in shock, while the blonde smirked victoriously. "Best two out of three?"
"Nope, I won." The blonde snickered. "Besides, we need to leave now. By the time we reach the castle it will be dark, but I want to get back before it gets too late." He continued as I moped a little about my loss.
I really wanted to beat Wolfram at this game.
"Fine," I conceded before backing away from the table. "But we will have a rematch." T continued as we walked out of the store, choosing to ignore Wolfram shaking his head in disbelief.
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The trip back to the castle was pretty quiet, neither of us speaking, but it was a comfortable silence. It was also starting to get a little chilly and I couldn't help but shift closer up to the fire mazoku to keep warm. I think Wolfram knew I was cold, because when we wasn't steering the horse during a tricky path that required the use of both his hands, he would rub his warm hands over my cold ones.
"Wimp, we here," Wolfram called out softly once we entered the stable, shaking my arm that was loosely wrapped around him.
Though I was tired I automatically retorted, "not a wimp," before sitting up straight so Wolf could get off the horse.
"So you keep telling me," Wolfram smirked, ignoring my glare. He then turned around and helped me off of his horse.
"Sir!" Dorcas yelled, jumping out of the stable's corner, saluting. Wolf and I jumped slightly in surprise with a dumbfounded look on our faces.
"Why were you standing in the corner, Dorcas?" I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me.
"I was ordered to wait here for you return." Dorcas answered while his arm that was saluting started to twitch.
"Did Gwendel order you to stay here until we got back?" I asked slowly, and the sight of the man dropping his head in defeat answered my question.
Poor Dorcas
"Why don't you go to bed." Wolfram said to the bald man as he took the saddle off his horse. "As soon as I am done here, I'll go see Gwendel."
Dorcas finally dropped his arm, bowed slightly, before exiting the stable.
"How much trouble do you think you are in?" I asked, rubbing my forehead with the palm of my hand.
"It's nothing you need to concern yourself with, Yuuri." Wolf replied nonchalantly as he placed his saddle on its hook.
"But it is something that I should 'concern' myself with!" I argued. "After all it was my idea to go into town."
"But I knew you had to continue with your lessons, and took you out anyway." Wolf sighed, walking up to me.
"It's still not right." I grumbled.
Wolfram shrugged before he leaned in even closer to me, and my sleep deprived brain either didn't register, or care about it. I was still thinking about how unfair that Dorcas was ordered to wait for us to come back, and that Wolf was going to get in trouble for something that was my idea to begin with.
And to top it off, I didn't even get to talk to Wolfram about the slap!
"Wolf we have to talk—" I yawned tiredly, turning to face Wolfram. It was then I noticed just how close the fire mazoku really was standing to me; we were practically standing nose to nose.
"Wo-Wolf?" I stuttered before the blonde tilted his head and moved in closer. I blinked tiredly, not quite sure what was going on until I felt his lips on mine. As soon as Wolf's lips touched mine, I stood rigidly before my mind finally realized something…
A boy was kissing me!
Not only was a boy kissing me, but I was not running away! There were no warning bells going off in my brain telling me to run! My fight or flight instincts were shut down, not relaying the message to my body that I was being kissed by a boy!
Okay, it wasn't one of this kisses that looked like 'the other person was trying to eat the other person's face' kiss. This kiss was far more chaste and innocent. Wolf's lips softly brushed over mine before he moved away, with a barely noticeable blush on his cheeks.
"Well, I better go see Gwendel," Wolfram coughed, turning his head to the other side. " I'll walk you to the castle."
"No, no that's okay," I waved my hands in front of me. "I was actually going to stay here and visit my horse." I mentally winced at the lame excuse, but after being kissed by the guy I kind of wanted my space.
Wolfram quirked his eyebrow at me before nodding, "I'll see you later, then." He then straightened his blue jacket before he exited the stable, and I sighed in relief once I was sure I was gone.
Guh, I cannot believe the day that I had today. Not only did I accidentally ask Wolfram on a date, but he kissed me! And I just stood there and let him do it!
I bit my bottom lip while I sat down on an over turned bucket, lost in my thoughts trying to make sense of the whole situation. Okay, the only reason I didn't run away was because I was too tired, not because I actually like it. Right?
It was then I growled to myself in frustration, before I swiftly introduced my head to the wall.
THWACK!!!
OUCH!!!
Why did I smack my head on the wall on purpose? That accomplished nothing! Now not only did I accidentally ask Wolf out on a date and get kissed by a guy without trying to run away, but now I have a headache! I brought my hand up to my forehead and already felt a bump forming.
"Hei-Heika?" I heard someone stutter from behind me, I turned around while rubbing my forehead.
"Dorcas? I thought you were done for the evening?" I asked not even trying to hide my curiosity.
Dorcas stood up rigid once again before saluting, "I was asked to accompany you back to the castle." I sighed to myself tiredly figuring Wolf ordered the poor guy to walk me back. I then stood up and walked up to Dorcas, figuring the sooner I go back to the castle the sooner the poor man could be done with work.
As soon as I walked into my room, I quickly changed into my pajamas, and laid down in bed, my mind far too busy thinking over today's events to really go to sleep.
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Up next, Wolfram's POV!
Well I hope this chapter was worth the wait! I also made it a little longer than usual as an apology.