Characters: Wolfram/Konrad
Warnings: Angst ahoy!
Spoilers: 27 – 31
A feeling of dread crept over Wolfram as he moved closer and closer to the upstairs bedroom of his older brother. His hands were sweating and he shook slightly while reaching for the doorknob. He swallowed nervously before knocking and opening the door. "Weller? Can I come in?"
Konrad looked from the window and over to the door in surprise. He hadn't expected to see Wolfram. His little brother had been avoiding him like the plague since he'd returned, which he couldn't really be upset over. The gods only knew what had gone through Wolfram's mind when Konrad had been found. He'd heard of what had happened to Yuuri, and how Wolfram had traveled over half the continent to search for him.
Konrad had to admit to himself, especially after all this long isolated rest, that he had been more than infatuated with Yuuri. He wouldn't call it love, because he didn't think it was genuine on his part. He did love Yuuri, he was like a son to him, that he was certain of. But he had to question his decisions on Yuuri more than once. Did he do what he did because of Yuuri himself, or because Yuuri held Julia's soul within him? In a way, Yuuri WAS Julia. He exhibited the same tendencies towards peace that she had, which was what had his mind confused on their relationship at times.
But he couldn't deny the fact that Wolfram loved Yuuri deeply and completely. He'd grown to enjoy watching the two together, though there were times that Wolfram's attitude made him want to kick his little brother in the ass. Though he was quite sure that wouldn't go over well with Wolfram. Shaking his head of his strange thoughts, he beckoned to Wolfram to come in.
Wolfram did just that, holding the sack he carried behind his back. He set it down near the foot of the bed and walked over hesitantly to his brother. He sat down on the edge and looked at Konrad for along time without speaking.
It was Konrad that broke the uncomfortable silence between them. "I'm glad you found him, Wolfram."
"You are? Why?" Wolfram immediately asked, on the defensive. He berated himself for his harsh words. The last thing Konrad needed was him badmouthing him.
Konrad didn't take it that way, however. "Your love is stronger than even I realized little brother. Yuuri is lucky to have you around. You center him like no one else can and he needs that."
"But what about you?" Wolfram couldn't help but to ask. His brother had always seemed to know Yuuri inside and out without even trying. The whole thing had always driven him crazy, since he wanted to be that close to Yuuri. It didn't help that he didn't really understand much from Yuuri's home, whereas Konrad did. But he suspected there was something else that made Konrad knowledgeable about Yuuri.
"What about me? You are his fiancé, Wolfram, not I. I am his friend, nothing more," Konrad looked out the window and gave into a deep melancholic sigh. "He told me what happened. You saved his life and showed your true feelings to him. Did he turn away when you did that?"
"No…" Wolfram admitted, remembering how he'd helped Yuuri from the cliff and the words he'd said. He'd meant then with all of his heart and had been overjoyed when Yuuri didn't reject them.
"Of course he didn't," Konrad said, sitting straight up. He'd made his decision and as painful as it was, he knew it was the right thing to do. He couldn't keep trying to make Yuuri into a replacement for Julia. Julia was gone, though her soul survived in Yuuri. But Yuuri wasn't Julia and the sooner he realized that, the sooner he could get on with his life. "You and Yuuri will do good together, Wolfram. He needs someone like you to help him up when he falters. With the way I am now, I cannot protect him. I leave that to you."
Touched, Wolfram looked down at his clasped hands that lay in his lap. He reached out and took Konrad's hand and squeezed. "Thank you…brother. I will do my best and make you proud."
"Too late. I already am," Konrad winked and Wolfram snorted. Coming to his feet, Wolfram pulled out something from the sack he'd brought in.
Konrad arched an eyebrow upwards, curious. He then laughed and shook his head.
Wolfram grinned and setup the small tree he'd brought with him. "It's boring in here, you need Winter Festival decorations! If you feel up to it later, I'll take you down to the ballroom and you can watch the children decorate."
"I think I would enjoy that," Konrad said, watching his baby brother move around the room and put up the decorations. He'd lost a great deal when he'd lost his arm, but he realized now that he'd also gained a great deal. Losing his arm was more than worth the look of love he now saw in Wolfram's eyes.