PG, snapshot drabble, takes place during early/middle series. Spoiler-free. Pretty much harmless, overall. ;-)
With Warmth
It's a wonder he hasn't drowned yet, Yuuri reflects as he sits up. The water he has ended up in is only knee-deep but he is soaked, has water in his eyes, ears, nose, his shoes are slippery and his clothes are heavy and clinging to his body. What misery--why did he have to travel through water of all things, why not something less wet?
"You look like a drenched cat," Wolfram kindly informs him, betraying his own presence, sitting by the fountain.
Standing up, Yuuri wades through the water towards where Wolfram is sitting. He studies his surroundings as he does, notices that he has--for once--ended up in familiar territory; in one of the fountains at the Blood Pledge Castle. "Hello, Wolfram."
"You're late," Wolfram huffs, crossing his arms before his chest. "I was told you would arrive an hour ago."
"Sorry." Yuuri sits down beside Wolfram, thanking everything holy that it seems to be a good day in Shin Makoku; the sun is shining brilliantly and the stone edge of the fountain is warm. Glancing past his companion, he notices some towels lying folded on the other side on Wolfram. Yuuri reaches over his lap to grab them.
"Hey! Be careful! I'm getting wet!" Wolfram brushes at his clothes uselessly, but he doesn't seem to mind all that much. His temper is never quite as bad as usual when Yuuri is newly arrived.
Only listening with half-an-ear, Yuuri glances around with curiosity as he dries his face and hair. "Where's Conrad? And Günther?" He can't help it, those two always come to greet him. It's worrying when they don't.
The way Wolfram snorts is somewhat comforting. Seeing the corners of his mouth tug upwards even more so. "Anissina is trying some new invention on Günther--"
"Oh." Yuuri nods his understanding, wincing with pity.
"--And Weller didn't make it back in time. He's been investigating something in the village."
"Oh," Yuuri repeats, a little more disappointed. "I see."
Wolfram snorts and stands up, handing Yuuri the one remaining towel. "We should go back."
"Mm."
His clothes are uncomfortable and cold; Yuuri is looking forward to change. But, he smiles at Wolfram's back as he jogs to catch up. It does feel nice to be back.
end