"Left?! What do you mean, he left?!" Wolfram's voice rose an octave.
"You heard me clearly, Wolfram," Gwendal replied.
"How could you allow him to leave at such a dangerous time?!" she fumed. She whirled around and started looking for her coat.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to follow him. Heaven forbid what may happen to that kid," she answered.
"He's in a safe place," Gwendal said in a stern voice.
"At this time? There is no such thing as a safe place, brother."
"He left for Earth."
Wolfram stopped dead on her tracks. "He went back to Earth...?"
"Yes," Gwendal confirmed.
Wolfram shook her head. "So much for getting so freaked out..."
"Wolfram... did he really ask you to marry him?"
Wolfram sighed. She knew this would happen sooner or later. "Surprising, isn't it?"
"Yes, very. But I was even more surprised that you rejected him."
Wolfram faced him and narrowed her eyes. "What's to be surprised about?"
"You always went on about not hurting his pride, remember? What you did wasn't exactly too kind on his pride."
"Brother, I think you know very well that I will not get myself involved in a political marriage," Wolfram said.
"Oh, so you're saying that your pride comes before his?" Gwendal asked.
Wolfram kept a straight face. She would never fight her brother.
This time, it was Gwendal's turn to sigh. He pulled out a roll of parchment from his pocket and offered it to Wolfram. "His Majesty left this for you."
Wolfram eyed the letter and considered burning it.
"He insisted that you read it," Gwendal said, seeing right through her.
'Then I'll just take it and burn it when you leave,' she thought.
"Wolfram..."
"Okay, I get it," she said. She took the parchment in her hands and turned towards their bed.
"I'll be leaving now," Gwendal said. He turned for the door and stopped midway. "You know, you should really consider his feelings," he said then left.
"What do you mean, consider his feelings?" Wolfram whispered. "There's no feelings to begin with."
She placed the parchment on the bedside table and got ready for a bath.
~LoveIsntEnough~
Wolfram re-entered the room, wearing her bathrobe and drying her hair with a towel. She sat on the bed and glanced at the letter. She contemplated things about burning it or just throwing it away.
Of course, this wasn't the first time that Yuuri had left her alone. Nor was this the first time that she doubted he would ever come back. But this was the first time that he would try to explain himself, no matter how wimpy the reason is, so she grabbed the letter and pulled the thin ribbon binding it.
"Oi, Wolf. I know what you're thinking. And you're wrong. I'm not abandoning you.
I was never asking for a political marriage. That's not what I want. I want to get married to you, okay? You got that? What? You don't believe me? I know. That's why I left.
No, I am not being a wimp. And I am not being a coward. I'm just looking for something that'll help me convince you.
There's something I need to tell you. Not here, but in person. I'll be back. Wait for me."
Wolfram finished reading the letter and couldn't help but smile and blush. She covered her mouth with the back of her hand and lied down. "I've been waiting for ages, you idiot. Hurry back."
"My feet hurt," Yuuri said.
"I'm hungry," Murata replied.
"How can girls do this?"
"What, you mean shopping?"
"Yeah."
"It's a gift. A talent."
"Right..."
They have been mall hopping for hours, and have entered every jewelry shop there is. Still, no ring had met both of their expectations.
"We should be bar hopping, not mall hopping," Murata complained.
"Count me out," Yuuri said as he looked at a baby blue chiffon dress. It had cuff sleeves with a nice brown belt along the waist. Judging by Wolfram's height, it would be just be an inch or two above her knees.
"I'm taking this," Yuuri said to the saleslady.
"An additional gift?" Murata asked as he waited at the counter as Yuuri paid for the dress.
"This color best suits her," Yuuri replied as he signed the receipt and thanked the cashier.
They left the boutique. "Well, at least you got her something," Murata said.
"We can't stay here any longer," Yuuri reminded him.
"What? Are we still going to look for a ring?" Murata asked.
Before Yuuri could respond, two girls approached them. The taller one had her hair dyed brown with highlights of pink. She wore hazel contact lenses and light make up. The smaller of the two, was all natural with black hair and light brown eyes and very light make up. They were both pretty.
"Hey," the tall one said. "Um, me and my friend here are kind of alone... we were hoping you two could accompany us?" She had her eyes on Murata while the small one was making these cutesy expressions on Yuuri.
'What?' Yuuri thought.
"I'm Nana," the tall one continued, eyes still fixed on Murata.
"Hey, Nana-chan. I'm Ken."
"This is Yumiko, she's pretty shy," Nana explained.
'That's obviously not the case,' both Yuuri and Murata thought.
"You are...?" Nana said with a coy smile to Yuuri. He saw the girl named Yumiko flutter her eyes.
Yuuri smiled. "I'm engaged."
Murata smiled as well, obviously trying to contain his laughter. "Sorry ladies, we're kinda looking for something to get for his fiancee. Fancy seeing you."
The girls were clearly disappointed, but they managed to fake a smile and said, "hope to see you boys again," before turning around with a scowl on their face.
"Let's head home. We left before explaining things properly to Mama-chan," Murata said after he laughed his ass off.
Yuuri nodded. He was really tired and his stomach was growling.
They rode a taxi back home and Murata still giggled every now and then.
"What the hell is so funny?" Yuuri finally asked.
"Nothing, nothing," Murata said. He looked out the window and started laughing quietly.
"Murata..."
"It's just that you're so hopelessly in love, Shibuya," he finally admitted.
Yuuri rolled his eyes. The taxi stopped and Yuuri handed the driver their fare.
They entered the house. "Dad and Shori's still not home, huh?"
"Yuu-chan? Ken-chan?"
"We're home," both boys said.
They explained everything to her and Yuuri got a breath-taking hug.
"Awww, Yuu-chan! My Yuu-chan is such a big boy now!"
"Mom... can't... breathe..."
Miko loosed her hug a little. "Call me Mama, Yuu-chan."
"Mama-chan, could you help us? We need a ring for Yuuri's re-proposal," Murata explained.
"A ring? Oh my. Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she said and hurried up the stairs. She returned with a velvet box in her hands. The box itself was gorgeous. "This ring has been passed down generation after the other. I'm handing it over to you, Yuu-chan," as she said this, she opened the box, revealing the most beautiful ring Yuuri had ever seen.
It had a thin silver band, with small silver buds circling around it, that served the purpose of looking like vines. The band split on top, covered with small diamonds, with a small flower on either side, leaving space for the the light blue stone that sat on the middle, outshining every piece of jewelry they have seen. Simply put, it was gorgeous.
Yuuri took the box and stared at it, awestruck. "M-mom..."
Miko smiled, proud of her son. "Call me Mama, Yuu-chan," she said and hugged him again.
"Thanks Mom, really. It's perfect."
Miko pulled back and grabbed his shoulders. "Well? What are you still doing here? Go get her, Yuu-chan."
Yuuri nodded and ran upstairs, Murata trailing behind. He got a resealable plastic bag for both the dress and the ring, doubled it for safety, and removed his shoes. "Come on, Murata!"
"Coming!"
"Thanks a lot, Mom! Love you!"
"Be sure to invite us to the wedding, Yuu-chan!"
With the ring safely sealed along with the dress, they dived down the small tub, back to Shin Makoku.
"Shibuya, slow down," Murata said as they both changed into clothes they reserved near the baths so they wouldn't have to walk around dripping wet.
Yuuri put the box in his pocket. "See you later!"
"Wait! We still have to plan things!" Murata called out. Knowing that Yuuri wouldn't listen, he just chuckled.
Yuuri ran to their room, he checked if Wolfram was in, and safely slid in. He hid the dress inside the closet, knowing very well that Wolfram didn't even give that spot a second glance.
He left and headed to Gwendal's office to report back as promised, but saw an unexpected visitor. Waltorana von Bielefeld.
"Ah, Heika, you're finally back," the man greeted.
"Waltorana," Yuuri greeted back. "This is quite an unexpected visit."
"My apologies, Heika. There were just a few things I wanted to confirm with you, so I granted myself a visit. I hope I am not being a bother," he replied.
"No. Of course not. Let's have a seat, shall we?" Yuuri offered. He glanced at Gwendal and the royal adviser nodded. The three of them took their seats around the table.
"Heika, I'll get straight to the point. Is it true that you offered my lovely niece a wedding proposal?"
Yuuri didn't need to think twice and answered right away. "Yes, I indeed have. I sincerely apologize if it might have seemed that I was evading you, as her family."
"No, not at all. Her decisions always come first. I would like to give you our blessings, from the whole Bielefeld family, in behalf of Wolfram's father."
Yuuri blinked. "Huh? Oh, I mean, really? You know, I did get rejected..."
Waltorana chuckled. "But it does not seem that you are already giving up, does it?"
"What? Oh, of course not!"
"That's the spirit," Waltorana said with a smile. "Now, we only have a few conditions, me and Wolfraine."
"Yes?"
"Do not hurt her," Lord von Bielefeld said with a serious look on his eyes. "Do not let her think that she is alone. Always be there for her. And I think you know what the last one is."
"He's back?" Wolfram asked Lasagna.
"Yes, Your Excellency."
"Where is he?" she asked.
"He is currently having a meeting with your uncle, Lord Waltorana von Bielefeld, and Lord Gwendal."
"Is that so?" Wolfram said and headed to Gwendal's office.
'Why would uncle come all the way here? Could it be that he had heard news about the proposal?' Wolfram thought.
She stopped and was about to knock on the door when she noticed that it was slightly ajar and that she could hear the conversation going through.
"I'm guessing that you do know that we can use this wedding to our advantage?" she heard Waltorana speak. "Not only does this make your dynasty stronger, but it will encourage other countries to be a part of our alliances."
"Yes, I am very aware of that," Yuuri answered.
Wolfram couldn't hear anything anymore. Was this it? This was what Yuuri was talking about? Not a political marriage, huh?
She stayed frozen in her spot, and didn't notice Conrad arrive.
"Wolfram?" he called.
Wolfram snapped out of it. But it was too late to turn around. Yuuri had pushed the door open, revealing a broken Wolfram.
"Wolf, it's not what you think," Yuuri said as he tried to reach her.
She jerked her arm away and stared at him. She ran for it.
"Wolfram von Bielefeld, listen to me," Yuuri roared.
Wolfram spun around to face him.
"Why the hell are you running away from me?" Yuuri asked.
"Because I don't want to hear any of your bullshit!"
Yuuri gritted his teeth together. "You... you better listen to this, you insensitive woman, because I may not be able to repeat this as much as you would like," Yuuri started.
Wolfram was stunned. She stared daggers at him before she was able to respond. "How dare you call me insensitive?"
"Because you freaking are! YOU STUPID, INSENSITIVE WOMAN!" Yuuri screamed.
That did it. She didn't even give him a warning, and threw a fireball at him. Yuuri swiftly dodged, having years of experience, and ran to her. Yuuri had his sword on the ready, and Wolfram barely had the chance to draw hers. Yuuri didn't have the intention of fighting, he just wanted to disarm her since he knew he wouldn't stand a chance against her. He swung his sword with all the power he had, and sent hers flying. He then grabbed her arms, turned her around, pinned her wrists at her back, then let out the breath he was holding.
He honestly thought he was going to get killed.
"Let me go," Wolfram said. This was the kind of voice she used when she wanted to kill someone so badly.
"Not until you agree to hear me out."
"I am not hearing any of your crap."
"That wasn't a request. That was an order," Yuuri said with an equal force in his voice.
Wolfram hesitated. That was a direct order from the king himself. If she were to disobey...
"Let me go," she repeated. Yuuri knew that she wouldn't run away anymore, so he complied. She didn't move an inch. "Speak."
"Are you planning to talk to me like that?"
"I'm not talking to you. I'm merely going to listen."
Yuuri didn't argue anymore. He figured that her pride was a bigger obstacle than her sword.
"Listen to every detail, alright? I want you to hear me out up to the very last word," Yuuri instructed. When he didn't get a response, he decided to just continue. "Wolfram, I thought I was dense, but I didn't know you could be denser."
Wolfram didn't react. She had silently agreed to hear until the very end.
"I mean, are you stupid? Are you seriously that stupid? Did you really not notice anything? Didn't feel anything? Nothing at all?!
"Or were you just trying to avoid it? Did you know how I felt and just wanted to ignore it? I don't think so. I'm guessing you really are just insensitive.
"Wolf, I know that this is my fault after all. I always shunned you away. I always denied you. I always ignored your feelings. I always found excuses to run away. I... I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all that. But can't you see, Wolf? I'm becoming the man I never wanted to become! I'm becoming selfish!
"I want all your attention. I want you always by my side. I want to hear all the words you say. I want to always be in the same step as you. I don't want you out of my sight. I want to do the things that would keep you here. I want the things that would keep you mine. I want all your love."
Yuuri grabbed her shoulders to make her face him. She was crying.
"I'm sorry," he whispered to her. "I'm sorry."
Sobs. Wolfram was practically breaking down in front of him.
"Wolf, I love you. I love you. I love you, Wolfram. I love you."
More tears. Harder sobs. Her knees buckled and they fell on the floor, Yuuri hugging her to him. "Wolfram, are you listening? Wolf, I'm really in love with you. I really love you, Wolf. I love you."
Yuuri kept on repeating this words over and over again. "I know that you wouldn't be able to believe me right away, Wolf. But at least give me a chance. Give me a chance to prove myself. Wolfram, marry me," he said.
He pulled back and reached his hands in his pocket, pulling the box out. He opened it and took her hand, sliding the ring on her finger. "Marry me, Wolfram von Bielefeld."
Wolfram squinted her eyes and looked at the ring. Her visions was blurry, but she could tell that it was beautiful. She couldn't believe all this. She still had doubts. But for once, she wanted to spoil herself. She nodded weakly.
Yuuri pulled her up into his arms, carrying her bridal style. He kissed her forehead, letting her cry into his shirt. "Cry all you want, Wolfram. Tell me all the things you've held inside."
And Yuuri carried her all the way to their room, ignoring the stares everyone gave them. No announcement was needed. Everyone saw the ring that was securely fitted on her finger.
A/N: I know what you're all thinking... "FINALLY."
Finally indeed! Cheers! God. I myself don't know how I was able to do that. Finally... finally!
So yeah. You get the wedding you want. Happy? I hope you are because I surely am!
RukisLeech: Well, there you have it! Mama-chan was certainly the help Yuuri needed XD
YuuRam4eva417: As Yuuri had said, Wolfram can be so dense at times XD
soulxspirit125: I loved writing that part XD
Awww come on, people! Don't tell me you didn't like that! :(
Just kidding. Tell me everything you want. Reviews are more than appreciated!
See'ya guys next week! Until then, keep on rolling!
PS: If you wanna know how the dress and the ring looks, check my profile. I'll be posting a link to the photos I found on Google.