Chapter 2:

Three days earlier…

"Wolfram?"

"Huh?"

"Can I ask you something?" The little brown-eyed girl asked the man sitting across from her. She had been staring out the carriage window for the past three hours building up the courage to ask a simple question that had been irritating her for some time now. She'd had many chances to ask beforehand, but it seemed that no matter how many times she would ask, she always got the same response, and though she maybe young, she wasn't stupid and even though the people around her accepted the answer, she could not.

The man across from her peeled his eyes off the timeless road. He had been so lost in thought that he had almost forgotten the little girl was there. She had spent the past three weeks with him at his family estate. It wasn't often that she would visit, but he would always make sure that he would see her at least once a month for a few days. He had arranged to drop her off at his brother's estate so she could travel with him to the castle.

"Of course Greta, what is it?"

"I know you said that it works out better for you to live at Bielefelt estate, but how come you really don't live at the castle anymore?"

"Greta I- well the Bielefelt estate is my family home too, you know? It is where I belong. Plus for the work I do, I needn't be at the castle anymore."

"But I thought the castle was your home? With us?" She wanted to ask more but could already feel herself tearing up; she didn't want to make a scene. She didn't know why, she just felt broken inside. She avoided his eyes as they bored through her because she didn't want to make him feel guilty. She just wanted to know what this all meant.

He studied the girl across from him. She had grown since they had first met almost four years ago, but she was still small. She was wearing a beautiful blue and white dress puffing out to her knees. It brought a smile to his face as he remembered her saying that now she matched him and his blue and white uniform. Her curly brown hair held a matching white rose that he had found in the garden for her; she was a beautiful little girl. But his heart felt as if was being stung repetitively by vicious bees as he saw her eyes seemingly carrying more pain these last few months. He worried about her. She had already been through so much, lost so much, but he wasn't sure what he could do in order to lift that burden from her.

"Greta it… it isn't like that. I love you, just because I am not living there anymore doesn't mean that changed. Nothing could change that, okay?"

"I know… but then doesn't it make sense that you live with us? Yuuri said that home is where the heart is; that as long as he is surrounded by the people he loves then he is home." Her voice carried hope, but her stomach carried doubt, so her eyes avoided his as she stared back at the approaching castle that would drive her towards one father, while tearing her from the other.

"Oh, he did?…Greta…I-" The carriage came to a stop before he had to explain further. He could see the girl's heart breaking before him. He now understood why she was avoiding his eyes, but he didn't know how to say the words to fix the wounds he feared he had caused.

She jumped out of the carriage before she could be disappointed anymore. She knew she had been the one who had started the conversation but now a part of her was regretting it as it meant confronting the emotions she felt inside that she didn't understand.

Wolfram felt drained, he certainly wanted to promise the world to the little girl however he wasn't certain he could keep that promise. With a deep breath he forced himself out of the carriage hoping that perhaps he could say something to put her heart at ease. Greta had already started walking towards the steps of the Voltaire estate but before she could ascend them Wolfram managed to catch up.

"Greta!" He grabbed her left arm and turned the girl around. Kneeling down to her level and ignoring the calls and looks they were receiving from Gwendal and Gunter, he spoke in a soft voice.

"Hey… don't think you can escape so easily. Look at me." He held both her small hands in his waiting patiently for the girl to turn her head and look at him properly. He could see she was holding back tears and it just added to the guilt he was feeling. He knew there was more she wasn't saying, but he didn't know what to do or say that would heal the wound that he had created, so he just did the best he could.

"That's better… now I know things are different with me living at the Bielefelt estate, but it doesn't change anything. I am still here for you Greta; we all love you very much. Understand?" He smiled as bright as he could in the hopes to cheer her up. But inside he felt he had lost the meaning of a true smile.

She gave a little smile in return and they shared a hug. They pulled apart and he kissed her on the forehead before taking her hand and leading her up the steps towards the others. They all greeted each other, then Gunter and Greta led the way towards the heart of the mansion.

"Is everything okay?" Gwendal asked in a low voice as he and his younger brother followed a few meters behind.

"Yeah, she just… she will be okay… just do me a favour and keep an eye on her?"

"You know, you could come with us, that way you could keep an eye on her."

Gwendal narrowed his eyes towards the younger man as they walked, but Wolfram merely avoided eye contact and avoided his judgement.

"I can't."

Further down the halls Greta's mood lighten as she saw her adoptive father accompanied by Murata and Conrad coming towards them.

"Yuuri!"

"Greta!"

Wolfram stopped dead in his tracks as he watched Greta jump into Yuuri's arms, and everyone greeted the Maou and his Holiness in their return to this world. He felt himself go pale and his brain began to fog with irrational thoughts of panic, confusion, anticipation, excitement and then anger. It was a muddy mess of emotions experienced in less than a few seconds but it wasn't a feeling that was uncommon of late when he was in the presence of his Majesty.

"Hey Wolfram! It has been a long time since you have greeted us on our return!" Yuuri called out. He was already dressed, suggesting that he had in fact been at the estate for a while now. Wolfram snapped himself out of his thoughts and reluctantly moved towards the group. Wolfram couldn't help but feel like he might have been left out on purpose.

"Your Majesty, your Holiness, yes I guess it has been a while… how are you?"

"Your Majesty? Oh please, don't you start doing that." Yuuri replied. He was glad to see the other man, it had been a long time, almost eight months since he had seen him, and even before then he doesn't remember spending any real time around him. He could feel his annoyance towards the situation starting to bubble up. He was pretty sure Wolfram was avoiding him, but he couldn't understand why. Well actually, he guessed he did, but he also thought, that situation had been sorted out a long time ago between them. He thought they were fine, peachy in fact.

"You're the Maou! This is how you are meant to be spoken to! Only you would-" He cut himself off as he realised he started to argue with him once again, he promised himself he wouldn't do that anymore. Why did he have to always been so hot-headed?

Yuuri let out a small smile at the other man's angered face. It had been a long time since he had seen it, and he couldn't help but enjoy the sight.

"Only I would what?" He said raising an eye-brow in amusement.

"Never mind."

"Naww, I've missed you Wolfram." He said casually as they started to walk down the hall. A few years he might have hugged the other man but Yuuri felt now he didn't have the luxury.

Gwendal, Gunter, Conrad and Murata shared glances, they all were well aware of how long it had been since the two younger men saw each other, let alone spent any time together. They had a feeling that Wolfram was avoiding Yuuri on purpose. None of them quite wanted to say it out loud, but they were beginning to worry about the two. They had all noticed changes in both men since the official dissolution of their engagement. And when they heard Yuuri had decided that he would come to Gwendal's estate to pick up Greta, their curiosity reached a high point; they did not interject when they were told not to inform Wolfram of his decision. It seemed that his Majesty was quite aware that he was being avoided.

Wolfram felt his face brighten at Yuuri's words, and cursed himself at how easily his words still affect him. They had spent so much time apart, how could he still feel this way? It infuriated him more than anything.

"Well, since we are all together and this seems to be a rare occasion, lets have lunch!" Yuuri said brightly.

"Umm, yeah, actually I should get going…"

As the group walked towards the gardens, each felt the heaviness of Wolfram's words hit them. It wasn't just Yuuri who was feeling the distance the man had put between them, but his brothers and friends were indirectly feeling the effects. Wolfram was just never around anymore. It was rare to see him, and when they did he would only stay for a brief moment. Without him around it seemed the castle was quieter. No one was around to pick at the small things, to fuss over every decision made. He was known as a bit of a brat, but he brought something special that none of them quite appreciated until he was gone.

Conrad and Gwendal had never felt closer as a family than when they were all under the same roof. When Yuuri joined their lives they all started to take greater care towards each other. Realising that family is a work in progress, so if they just tried, they would be able to make the most of what they had. It seemed that they had finally reached a better place together too, when things had started to fall apart again. They had found life enjoyable now war with the humans was no longer in the immediate picture. For a few joyous years things had never been better for them.

Yet the years seemed to drag on for Wolfram, and slowly he began to withdraw from them once again. He was closing himself off, and acting in a way they were not used to. They both regretted not saying more when he officially left the castle. They both didn't know how to approach their younger brother when the engagement fell through. It's not that they didn't see it coming, it was pretty clear to everyone around them that the arrangement wouldn't last. It wasn't that they didn't believe that the pair couldn't be a couple either. It is just that they felt they were both too clueless to what they really had. They were both still young, both probably not ready. Yuuri seemed to have no clue what he wanted; he didn't even seem to be aware of the other man's true feelings. Wolfram seemed to be painfully aware of what he wanted, yet too afraid to ask for it. Perhaps it was doomed from the start. Either way both brothers regretted not being more watchful, regretted not reaching out to their younger brother as soon as they noticed a change. They both weren't sure what they could have said to him, but perhaps saying something was better than doing nothing at all. Perhaps if they did try things would have been different?

"You just got here, don't be stupid. Having tea with us isn't going to take all day you know." Yuuri had become pushier over the years, it wasn't a bad thing; it was just something natural for someone who was expected to lead a kingdom.

Wolfram's eye twitched at the comment, he so badly wanted to chew Yuuri's ear off about being called stupid, but he wanted to save face more. To keep a distance from the man by being a good soldier who wouldn't do that.

"Yuuri is right. You just got here so your men and horses will need to rest anyway. Plus we all haven't seen you in a long time so it will be good to see how you have been." Cornrad added with his usual calm smile.

Wolfram felt a tiny hand slip into his almost catching him off guard. "Please Wolfram, won't you stay and have tea with us?"

He regretted looking down at the young girl beside him. If she wasn't there, then he could try harder to get out of tea, but he couldn't bear to disappoint her again. He felt that perhaps he was disappointing a lot of people lately.

"Gee, you all sure are pushier then I remembered. But okay, I guess I could spare an hour or so."

Wolfram's suspicions about this encounter being a set-up was only confirmed when he saw a table already set outside with a perfect amount of places.

Even though it was a perfect sunny day, Wolfram's nerves were still on edge. He was anxious to leave this place, he wasn't exactly sure why. He figured he couldn't keep avoiding everyone for the rest of his life, but he just didn't want to be doing this now.

They sat around a round table filled with colourful cakes, sandwiches and tea. Wolfram sat between Greta and Gwendal, with Gunter sat next to him, then Murata, then Conrad and Yuuri who was also on the other side of Greta. It was strange to be all sitting together after a long time apart, Wolfram almost felt as if things hadn't changed at all. A part of him wished that perhaps they hadn't, but they had, and he was the one to blame for that.

Table talk consisted of the typical duties that needed to be carried out and updates on how the kingdom had been doing since Yuuri and Murata had returned to Earth. The blonde man tuned out after the first few minutes of talking, he didn't feel the need to contribute, and instead he played with the food on his plate while his mind wandered off into a distant memory that still left fresh scars.

In a dark empty room sat a lonely young man deep in thought. He sat in a desk chair close to a giant window. He wondered how strange it was that outside the world seemed so calm when in his heart he felt like it was dissolving into dust. He felt his ears bleeding from the silence of the room as his lungs seemed to scream invisible noise. His hair was bright as yellow dandelions but he blended into the dark shadows as if he was nothing but furniture belonging to the owner of the room.

The owner of the room, whose own hair was black as the night, stood out as if he was sunshine itself, had finished celebrating his 18th birthday. He had danced until his feet protested and talked until his voice wore out, yet he was content with how the night turned out. After his fourth glass of wine and the ballroom was almost bare, he had decided it was time to retreat for the night and head to his room. Upon opening the door he noticed the young man sitting by his window.

"Wolfram! I almost didn't see you there, what are you doing in the dark?"

"Yuuri, hi. I was just waiting for you, actually."

"Oh yeah, what's up? Actually where did you even go before? I hardly saw you tonight!"

Deciding to leave the lights off and letting the moonlight from the outside shine in, Yuuri made his way to stand across from the other man. He wore his usual black attire, while Wolfram wore his usual blue pantsuit and white long-sleeved top, minus the blue jacket and weapons. He had decided to leave those in his own room. He looked unusually casual and messier than he normally did; Yuuri thought it was a strange sight. Actually seeing Wolfram in his room was a strange sight of late, it seemed that he had stopped sleeping in the same bed as him without any discussion a few months back. Yuuri thought that maybe he should say something, but he didn't know quite what to say, nor did there seem to be any appropriate time to mention it.

He noticed a letter the blonde was holding in his right hand,-; he was fiddling with it on top of the desk table while still staring out the giant window. Yuuri briefly turned his head to see what the man was looking at, but found nothing but a clear night sky overlooking the kingdom.

"Oh yeah, sorry I was distracted… I had a lot to think about. Did you have a good time?"

Yuuri looked back at the man to find that he had put down the letter on top of the table and now gave his full attention to him.

"It was great actually! I got to catch up with Lady Flynn, Mr Hyscliff and his daughter plus a few others. They all seemed to be doing well."

"That sounds great. I am glad you had a good time." Wolfram's eyes wondered again, he wanted to pull away, he wanted to abort his plan, but he knew if he didn't do this now then he wouldn't be able to live with himself. He knew that it would just be more of the same pain if he didn't change whatever this was between them. He needed something to change, for better or for worse; he did not care anymore, just as long as it was a change.

Yuuri felt the silence setting off warning bells within him. He was beginning to worry something was wrong, he had felt that time was leading to this moment; he just wasn't sure what this moment between them was just yet.

His voice but a whisper cut through the air between them, "Wolfram…Are you okay?"

Wolfram looked up into the other man's eyes, finally deciding it was time to act. He stood and closed the distance between them stopping inches away from his face. They were the same height so their eyes meet perfectly without strain.

Yuuri's eyes widened and his cheeks burned as he felt the breath of the other man so close to his face. He was too stunned to move, the look in the other man's eyes were so intense, they seemed to convey heavy emotions that he didn't know how to interpret. He wondered what was behind those eyes. What was it that was plaguing his friend's mind?

Wolfram opened his mouth to reply, to say all the words he had spent so long preparing, yet nothing seemed to form. Instead he found himself acting in desperation, he would let his body talk for him, and then, then he would know.

He watched the lips before his and moved to his target. In one quick motion he brought his left hand to grip behind Yuuri's neck, while his other found itself gripping his waist. Forcibly he kissed the man in front of him. His mind was racing with worries that blocked all sensation of the kiss; all he had to know-, all he had to feel-, was any kind of response. Any response that would let him know if he was wasting his time or not. But his heart was already prepared for the worst as he felt the other man clench onto his shirt and push him away.

It was sudden, unexpected, and Yuuri didn't know what was happening. He acted reflexively pushing him away. He didn't mean to hurt him but he could see from those green eyes that seared through him, that he had done just that. Was this the end?

In a whisper the green-eyed man spoke, "I'm sorry…I just had to know. It is okay. You don't need to say anything… I think I finally understand."

"Wolfram… I-"

"No Yuuri, don't. Just listen." Wolfram's eyes stared with intensity and determination. All Yuuri could do was stare dumbfounded at the other man, he gave a small nod in understanding.

"I think we have both known for some time now that this can't go on. It isn't anyone's fault, I know that now. It isn't fair to either of us. So as of now I am ending the engagement, it is all written in that letter I left on your desk."

Wolfram put up his hand to stop Yuuri from interrupting him. He took a breath in and continued, hoping to get out everything he wanted to say before exiting the room and hopefully finding some closure.

"We both want different things and I don't think we can find that while we hide behind this engagement. This isn't like last time I ended it, this isn't because of some political motive or family agenda. Don't worry, this won't change much. We are still friends and I'm not going to stop protecting you or serving the kingdom. This won't affect my duties and won't affect what a great king you are becoming. I believe that with my whole heart, it is your destiny."

But really the only reason behind the decision was the fact that it was an unrequited love. It was tearing one apart, yet it was easier to pretend that it was no big deal. That they were still friends and it would be okay. He knew that if he said more he would have guilt Yuuri into something he wasn't ready for, something he may never be ready for. And the truth was Wolfram wanted to be fought for. He wanted to be wanted, he wanted to be wanted so badly. Whether they were engaged or not, it shouldn't affect that, he was either wanted or not. If they were meant to be, then in his mind it should have happened by now, yet they had never shared a true kiss. He had slept in Yuuri's bed too many times to count, made it perfectly clear he was ready to give himself over completely, but still he was barely acknowledged. Why did he let himself love someone like that? Why wasn't he more careful?

Letting the silence wash over them, they continued to stare at each other openly, allowing their thoughts run their course. Yuuri's body had turned to stone, he felt he couldn't move, he could only watch. Watch as he did nothing as the other man left. He managed to whisper the other man's name as he left the room but all he heard was "Don't worry Yuuri, it will be okay."

"Wolfram! Hey, Earth to Wolfram?!"

A voice startled Wolfram from his unwanted memories.

"Oh, sorry Yuuri. Could you repeat? I kind of dazed out for a moment there."

"I could see that. What were you thinking about?"

"Um, nothing important. What were you saying?" He continued to study the different cakes on the table while he listened.

"Okay…well you are going to have to return back to the castle before we set sail to Big Cimaron for the trade negotiations. And seeing as Greta's birthday is coming up this week the sooner the better."

Dropping his fork he was playing with and looking up, finally giving his full attention, Wolfram replied, "What? Why? I mean of course I will come for Greta's birthday, but I don't see why I am needed for the trip to Big Cimaron."

"Because besides Gwendal who will be watching over things at the castle, I want all my trusted advisers there. You know, to make sure I do say or do anything stupid." He replied with a bright smile.

"Honestly Yuuri, you have been Moau for over four years now, surely you aren't that much of a wimp to still need babysitting all the time!"

"Wimp? Wow I haven't heard that insult for a while now. What is with all this complaining and trying to get out of everything? You know it wasn't that long ago when you would insist on coming everywhere with me, and now you can barely spare a minute for tea!" He was speaking with his light-hearted casual voice, but the truth was it was anything but light-hearted.

"That was different, I had to, and I am not! All I am saying is, just because you are such a pathetic wimp I don't see why I have to be dragged across the ocean to human land. I mean boats and I don't get along that well, and if I remember correctly you were constantly saying if I felt sick then I shouldn't come."

"You are! It's not that different and I'm not a wimp! Is it so wrong to want my friend who I haven't seen for months to want to spend some time together? You said everything would be okay but ever since that night-"

"Enough!" Wolfram managed to cut Yuuri short, slamming his hands against the table and standing up before Yuuri had the chance to spill the beans of that night.

"There is no need to be bringing up ancient history Yuuri! You're so infuriating!" He'd never told anyone of exactly what happened, and he really hoped Yuuri hadn't either. It wasn't something he wanted them knowing. The conversation had become heated fast, both had tried to keep their emotions in check, but it seemed that they were both holding back some resentment towards the other.

"Stop! Stop it!" The fight drained out of both men as they heard the little girl next to them scream. She was holding her eyes closed willing herself not to cry.

"Greta…" Yuuri said while planting a supporting hand on her shoulder.

"Greta… I'm sorry… You know me. I get a little carried away sometimes. We didn't mean to yell, right Yuuri?"

"Right. I'm sorry too Greta."

Looking at the scene before him he knew he had already lost. He'd lost the moment he was asked to go. They all knew he couldn't directly disobey the king, and even if he wasn't the king, Wolfram still had this overwhelming need to do as the man said. He mentally cursed himself for such a pathetic existence.

"Fine."

"Huh?"

"Fine, I will go wimp. I mean someone has to stop you before you spill anymore of the kingdoms secrets, I am pretty surprised you have made it this far. I mean-"

"Wolfram…" Gwendal warned his younger brother. The other men at the table had decided to keep out of the conversation until now. Most figured it was probably a good thing for the two of them to get some of this out. All were grateful that His Majesty managed to get the younger man join them on the trip.

"Great! You know I was expecting that to be harder, Wolf I think you had gotten softer." Yuuri said with a smile.

"WHAT!?"

"Wolfram!... Let it go." Conrad said this time.

"Your Majesty might be wise to do the same." Gunter added in, feeling a headache coming on. Perhaps he should consider getting out of their trip to Big Cimaron, he thought he should remember to ask Gwendal about that later.

"Nah let them go. I haven't seen them fight in ages!" Murata said with slight amusement.

Wolfram bit his tongue before re-taking his seat. He couldn't believe how much he had spoken back, 'so much for being a good solider and blending into the background', he thought.

"It is good to see you are getting some entertainment out of this Murata." Yuuri deadpanned.

"Excuse me your Excellency, your Holiness, you Majesty, Wolfram this just came via pigeon post." A man dressed in one of Bielefelt uniform, much like Wolfram's uniform, interrupted the group.

"Is it…?" Wolfram asked. The man nodded in reply. All irritation from the previous conversation vanished as his attention piqued with seriousness towards the news.

"How did they know where I was?"

"Umm-"

"Actually, never mind. Thanks Lucas. I will take a look at it in the carriage. Get everyone ready, we are leaving."

"Wait, what is it? Why are you leaving so suddenly?" Yuuri spoke, suddenly feeling strange at the sudden change in atmosphere.

All men around the table listen intently to the sudden news.

"It's nothing I can't handle. But I have to get going."

"Still, if you have to leave so suddenly then it has to be something important right? Maybe we can help?" Yuuri's irritation was rising by the second. His fists were clenched to the side of him, he was doing everything he could to resist the urge to stand up and confront the man physically. He felt like he was a child trying to compete with siblings for his parent's attention.

Wolfram avoided eye contact with anyone directly, he had a feeling he would see nothing but disappointment from them. He didn't know if he could handle any more of it.

"No. I wouldn't say it was important enough to warrant the Moau attention, it's probably nothing. It is just something I shouldn't leave unchecked."

"Wolfram." Gwendal interjected before Yuuri had a chance. He waited until his younger brother turned his head towards him, giving him his full attention. Wolfram was uncomfortable, as lately he felt he couldn't look any of them in the eye without betraying his feelings. He wondered if they could see right through him. He wondered if maybe a small part of him wanted them too, which is why he knew he had to avoid all chances where that could happen. But it seems that his brother was taking none of that.

"Yes?"

"Are you sure you don't need any assistance?"

"Yes."

"Very well, we won't hold you up then. I trust that if you do need assistance you won't hesitate to contact us."

He nods his head in confirmation towards the older man.

"I will be off then."

"See you in three days then." Conrad reminded his younger brother in a calm flat tone.

Wolfram nodded his head again, then proceeded to briefly say good-bye, kissing Greta on the top of her head, he turned and walked away from the table.

Review? Thoughts? Anything you want to see happen? Any tips to improve my writing? Anything that bugs you or you like?:)

Also thank you to my friend Felicity for being my beta-reader for this story! :)