DISCLAIMER: I do not own nor wish to appear to be the owner of Weiss Kruez and any merchandise related thereof.

AN: This has been a long time coming and I am so very sorry for that. I moved into an apartment and do not have internet there, also I am back in school and my classes are very difficult this quarter. I want all you guys to know that I will finish this story no matter how long it takes me to post new chapters. A huge thank you and shout out goes to Project K who wrote me a very encouraging letter! Thank you so much! I look forward to every review you guys leave for me! Thank you so much for your support! On with the show!

Omi heard the door open then close gently, like the person stepping into the room was trying very hard not to wake him. He sighed, he had tried to go to sleep when he realized Schuldig was not returning, but he wasn't able too. The sun wasn't up yet, but it was tingeing the edge of the horizon. Schuldig had been out all night and Omi was trying very hard not to be hurt.

A rustle of a coat and then the slow removal of boots could be heard, Schuldig was careful of the sounds he made. Omi spoke softly, "I'm awake."

There was a pause...then in a voice full of regret, "I'm sorry Omi."

Omi didn't answer, but the tears he had been holding back finally fell from his eyes.

Aya was being seen by the butlers provided for him by the prince. He was being dressed for breakfast, his cravat being expertly tied by an elder gentleman. The ladies in waiting had brought water and warm towels so they could shave his fair face and trim his hair. They were whispering to one another and though Aya couldn't hear everything he did pick up the words 'handsome', 'striking' and 'strange'. He was sure the latter had to do with his hair.

Yohji was getting himself ready in the lavatory and the differences between Aya and him couldn't be more clear. When he was alone with Aya he didn't feel their class distinctions so strongly. Aya had never once made him feel inferior, but here in this new kingdom where one must stick to strict protocols he felt the weight of his servitude and it made him sick. At least he was allowed to wear proper clothing here so he dressed in simple tan tights and a dark brown tunic with a vee neck. He pulled his hair back with a strip of linen then he walked out and actually remembered to bow to his prince.

Aya waved his hand, unable to talk now that one of the ladies was shaving his chin. Yohji straightened then walked over and stood in the corner, hands crossed at the wrist, eyes downcast. Aya glanced over at him and gave his body a quick once over. He liked how the tights molded around Yohji's lean thighs and impressive manhood. He just might use his authority to order the man to wear nothing but tights from now on. Aya slid his eyes away, feeling his body react to the enticing ensemble. He noticed some of the ladies stealing glances at Yohji as well, blushing and smiling softly as they admired his handsomeness. Aya was proud that he had such a polarizing lover though he also had to admit that he was still a bit stunned they had become so close. That it had been so easy for him to forget his Codes and his own personal decree that arousal was distracting. He was a bit overwhelmed about the thought of just how dangerous emotional attachment could be. He wasn't a fool, he knew that whatever had started between Yohji and he was developing into something more. So despite his promise to his father he wasn't actually sure if he would be able to kill Yohji if the other proved to be a liability. Looking back over at him, he received a discreet wink from the other. No, he decided, he wouldn't be able to kill him at all.

Prince Crawford had dressed modestly for breakfast, having convinced his father to allow him to meet the prince of Weiss instead of he. His father had apologized for his behavior from the night before, trying to justify his actions by first saying he thought the carriages would be riding for another day then saying that he was merely celebrating the prince's arrival. Crawford hadn't even looked at the king as he had tried to explain himself. Once his father was through babbling Crawford had nodded to him, told him not to bother coming into breakfast then left his chambers. Now dressed and ready to depart he gave himself one last glance through the mirror before heading towards the small sun-room that was just off the dining hall for breakfast. He had much to discuss with the prince of Weiss and he hoped the man would be intelligent enough to see reason.

"He will not be going to the servants quarters," Aya glared at the guard, "I would prefer if he was allowed to meet up with the young servant who arrived with the nobleman called Schuldig."

The Schwartz guard looked shocked, but knew better than to argue with royalty, "Yes Your Majesty, but I would have seek out the noble's permission."

"Very well," Aya nodded as he absently tugged on his crisp white gloves, "Report back to me immediately. I must meet your king for breakfast."

The guard bowed then rushed from his side and down the hall. Yohji looked side long at Aya then asked, "Is this wise?"

"I don't care," was Aya's short answer and Yohji knew not to say anything more about it.

It did not take long for the guard to return with a positive answer and escort Yohji to Schuldig's room.

Aya was escorted by two Schwartz guards and a Weiss guard to the sun-room. He was actually relieved to see the prince and not the king. That man had made a horrible first impression. Once out on the terrace with Prince Crawford Aya was again stuck by the man's beauty. He didn't look anything like his father though and he wondered if he got most of his looks from his mother, who was rumored to still be alive, though she never came out to kingdom events. Ever.

Aya took a seat across from the royal and was pleased they had both dressed rather casual (as casual as embroidery and beaded decoration can allow). They didn't speak as their wine was poured into crystal goblets nor as the first course of their breakfast, a light porridge with blueberries, was brought to the table.

Aya had taken two bites of his porridge when Crawford finally spoke up, "I hope your night has gone well."

"It was lovely, thank you," Aya looked up, "will your father be joining us?"

"No, unfortunately he is not up to seeing anyone..." he looked up and over his glasses, "all that ale and mead has made him sleepy and unpleasant company," he made a disgusted face and watched as Aya nodded, but didn't answer, "it really doesn't matter. I have the authority to have conversations with you about our kingdoms. I can make decisions in the name of my father."

One of Aya's delicate brows arched. There was something menacing about the tone in which that was declared. He nodded again then said, "Shall we get to it then?"

"Why are we in such a hurry?" Crawford smirked, "Let us enjoy our breakfast at least. Politics has a way of dulling the appetite."

Omi grinned when he saw Yohji walking into the room, "You're allowed in here?"

"Yeah, I guess my Master asked your Master and it was approved," Yohji chuckled.

The younger shook his head at Yohji's antics with a smile, "Well I am grateful for that. I feel I may be bored here..."

"He didn't offer up any sort of entertainment for you?" When Omi shrugged Yohji smirked, "So just sex huh?"

"Not even that," Omi grumbled.

"What? He didn't ravish you after a long and grueling carriage ride?" Yohji crossed the room to the chest of drawers and started to dig through them. The lone guard in the room barked at him harshly, but he ignored him, "Unless...you got some on the way here?" He looked over his shoulder and laughed when he saw Omi blushing.

"I pleasured him with my mouth, that's all."

"Whoa I didn't ask for details!" Yohji held up his hands, "Really? In front of his guard?"

"Yes," Omi lowered his head and his blush deepened, "I actually forgot he was there..."

Yohji cocked a brow, "You little-"

"No!" Omi laughed, "You don't get to call me anything!"

Yohji smiled at him, "Anyway, so that was it?"

"Yes...he stayed the night somewhere else..."

"Really?" Yohji sneered, "That cad!"

"Shh!" Omi reprimanded and glanced at the guard who had put his hand on the butt of his sword, "He can do as he pleases! I have no say here. I'm am his property."

Yohji flinched at the word, "You are his lover."

"Physically, yes, but emotionally..." Omi bit his bottom lip and shook his head softly, "it's alright..."

"No," Yohji whispered, "it's not."

"I've always found the country side calming," Crawford spoke wistfully as he swirled his wine, "The crisp air, the rolling hills and wide open ranges. It's beautiful. Wouldn't you agree?"

Aya looked up from his meal, "It is a treat when I get to go riding in the country."

"The ocean is so close...just a kingdom over...I've always wondered what sort of foreigners step foot onto that shore line. What sort of language they bring...textiles...goods..."

Aya frowned minutely, he heard the other royal's conversational tone, but he understood the foreboding nature of his content.

Crawford went on, "I have never been to Schreient, the kingdom that borders the sea, but I have heard that she is small. With a love for the arts and a thriving musical community. Along with a decent military..."

"You wish to invade her then," Aya pursed his lips.

"No," Crawford smirked, "I wish for us to invade her."

Aya placed his goblet down and leaned back in his chair, "And why would Weiss do that?"

"Weiss lies between, I would rather go into battle with you than through you," Crawford wiped his hand on a white napkin.

"I see..." Aya picked up his goblet once more and took a sip, "and if I refuse that is your intent yes? To invade Weiss and Schreient? I don't believe your army is large..." he narrowed his eyes, "or skilled enough to take on my kingdom. Let alone two."

"I assure you, fair prince," Crawford smirked dangerously, "that my army has all the resources it needs to complete the mission."

Aya scoffed, "Your arrogance is astounding."

Crawford's handsome face contorted into a sneer, "I am merely thinking of the longevity of my kingdom! I wish for it to grow and prosper!"

"At the expense of some tiny nation and her people?" Aya let out an exacerbated sigh, "Have you tried arranging a trade agreement with them?"

"Of course," Crawford waved his hand as if to dismiss Aya's naivete at asking such a question.

"So when the answer was not what you wished to hear instead of changing your demands you decide to attack?" He shook his head, "Like a spoiled child unwilling to share..." he leaned forward and allowed Crawford to see the disapproval on his face, "No, like an entitled child that believes all the toys are his."

Crawford threw his napkin down and stood abruptly. His chair fell back with a clang, "We are through here!"

"Wait...stop..." Aya held up his hand, "please sit," he waved his hand at his goblet and a servant hurried over to refill his cup, "So passionate you are. If you recall, however...I didn't say no."

Omi and Yohji were engaged in a game of chess when Schuldig walked into his room. The noble ignored the two as he walked over to his cabinet and poured a glass of ale. He saw that one of his drawers was slightly opened.

He took a quick swig of his alcohol then asked, "Found what you were looking for lout?"

Yohji glanced up, he was pretty sure the noble wasn't talking to Omi, "Pardon?"

"My drawers," Schuldig turned to face him, "you were rummaging through them."

"Ah," Yohji returned to his game, "I found nothing of interest."

"Sorry to disappoint."

"Oh no it's quite alright," Yohji answered as he moved his rook, "I was just wondering if you had any form of entertainment. Apparently it's all just provided by your cock."

"Oh dear," Schuldig chuckled, "don't tell me you are wishing for some now?"

"Cock? Yes. Yours? No. Besides, I'm sure Omi would hate to share," Yohji looked over with a scowl, "oh wait...he already has to deal with that doesn't he?"

Schuldig's brows rose, "Excuse me?"

"Really now? You expect me or Omi to believe you were out...what...hobnobbing with the evening guards last night?" He rolled his eyes.

"This is none of your concern," the noble narrowed his eyes.

"Yes it is," Yohji stood and ignored Omi's softly spoken plea to let it go. Instead he stepped up closer to the noble, "Omi's my friend and if he knew you bought him only to cast him aside I'm sure he would have fought tooth and nail to stay in Weiss."

Schuldig sneered, "Like he had a choice!"

"Oh he did," Yohji walked even closer to him, prompting the guard to push off the wall at the ready, "our prince asked him what he wished. He chose you...you didn't have that much power in the outcome."

Schuldig's eyes went a bit wide and he looked over at Omi, "Is this true?" When Omi didn't answer he asked again a bit firmer, "Is this true?"

Omi looked up, "Yes...I wanted to be with you..." he blushed and looked away, "you know how I feel about you..."

"You said you didn't love me."

His head snapped up and he actually glared at Schuldig, "I don't! Good thing too or last night would have really hurt me!" He huffed and picked up a pawn, "Yohji, come finish the game," he threw the piece at his back.

Schuldig looked down at where the pawn landed and watched as it rolled around unevenly. He didn't know what to make of what Omi just said. He had heard his tears in the morning, though the other had tried to muffle the sound against the pillow. He had hurt him...so did that mean...

The noble looked up, "I don't know what you want me to say Omi." When the other didn't answer he suddenly felt irritated. He snapped his fingers and the guard came to attention, "Escort him back to his prince!" He pointed at Yohji, "I need to speak to Omi alone, you can stay outside in the hall when you get back," he instructed the guard.

Omi snapped his head up, "I don't want to talk to you!"

Schuldig cocked a brow, surprised and amused by Omi's outburst, "Goodness little kitten you should be feisty more often."

Omi huffed, but still blushed and looked away as Yohji stood. Yohji strolled over the the guard then with one glance back at Omi he sighed then stepped out the door.

Schuldig walked over to Omi and touched his chin with this index finger and directed him to look up, "Omi..." he breathed, "you know what you are. How, in many things, you have no say."

Omi whispered, "Yes, I have not forgotten my place," his bright blue eyes slid away, "I am sorry for my earlier outburst."

"No need to apologize, I liked your passion," Schuldig smirked briefly, "Never the less, back to the issue at hand. You are not the only one in a position of helplessness. I may be a noble, but even I have to answer to someone higher than myself."

"You were summoned by the prince," Omi ventured, "he sleeps with you?"

"Yes," Schuldig answered with a nod.

"You do not like it?"

"Um...well..."

"Then it is not the same," Omi jerked his head away only to have his jaw caught and squeezed tight.

Schuldig forced Omi to look back at him and his expression was that of anger, "How dare you! Do not assume that just because I enjoy it it means I am not still a captive! You are mine Omi, I bought you, but I am sure you enjoy it every time I am inside of you! Whether it be mouth or ass you love it! Still though," he narrowed his eyes, "I own you."

Omi was trembling in anger and hurt and even a bit of fear. He closed his eyes, "Yes...like I have said before," he opened his eyes and they were edged with tears, "I have not forgotten I am nothing but property to you."

Schuldig made a sound of disgust then pushed Omi away harshly. The younger fell from his chair onto the floor and he looked back in surprise. Schuldig looked down at him and said, "I have no choice but to go to him but believe me when I say this. Even now in my anger I mean it," he knelt so he could look Omi directly in the eye, "If I had the choice I would have been here with you last night. Take from that what you will," he stood, "I have people to see, I shall be back in the evening," and with that he walked across the room and threw open the door.

Omi adjusted himself so he was sitting cross legged on the floor. He was a bit numb, Schuldig looked so scary in his anger, but still a grin came to his face. He was pretty sure he and the noble had just engaged in a lover's spat. And you couldn't have one of those if there weren't feelings involved. The noble may not love him (and truth be told he actually didn't feel love either), but something was growing between them and Omi couldn't help but feel hope blossom in his chest.