It's amazing how one can get use feeling hurt. Wolfram can't even recall most of his happy times he and Yuuri had shared. Every time he tried to remember, all that flooded back was that painful night when his heart was shattered to pieces. The blond thought he had locked those feelings away. He was able to serve his king; he was able to look him in his eye without feeling the painful clenching like that night. If someone would have asked the blond before his patrol debacle if he was fine with Yuuri being with another, the blond would have replied yes. But now it was different. Yuuri had effectively brought back all the feelings the blond had so desperately tried to lock away. The last several days of watching over Yuuri reminded Wolfram how things use to be. The blond watch over his king, watch his smiles, hear his laughters, he sometimes even saw the love in those eyes directed at him again. It didn't help either that they started to share a bed again. Wolfram remembers feeling his warmth, having his breath tickle his neck, all brought back the memories they had shared for the last five years. Now if you asked the blond if he could let Yuuri go, the answer would be resounding no.
The sunset is beautiful tonight the blond thought to him. The dying sunlight painted the surroundings in shades of orange, yellow, and gold. Wolfram's heart almost seems calm and tranquil letting him forget for a moment the black hair king. The calm was suddenly broken by twigs snapping. Reacting like a soldier, his hand automatically reached down for his sword, ready to draw if danger appeared. He recognized these voices. It was them. He moved his hand away from his sword; he didn't want them to think they had startled him. Wolfram got up, straighten himself up, making sure to mask any pain that crept into his heart. He turned to face them.
"Hi Wolfram, What are you doing here" his king asked.
The blond did not reply to Yuuri's question. Yuuri's companion observed the two quietly.
"If you will excuse me Heika, I have some business to attend to."
"Wolfram, please don't call me that."
"It's only appropriate."
The black hair king looked at the blond with regret and remorse in his eyes. Ignoring what he saw, the blond walked away from the two.
"Yuuri is it really all right to let him go like this. Make this right."
"I am not letting him go; I already lost him when he saw us that night. No matter what I do, it can never erase that memory for him. Wolfram will forever remember that I tainted the love that we had."
"You really should talk to him. I can still see that he cares for you. I'm so sorry, Yuuri, this is my fault. If I never came into your lives, you two will be still happily engaged."
"Don't blame yourself; if there is someone at fault, it's me. I was glad that Wolfram accepted me back into his life for a little while. Now, all I want is for Wolfram to be safe and happy. Just seeing him everyday is enough for me."
Yuuri's heart clenched painfully in his chest thinking that he had lost his love and his reason to live. Tears streaked down his face. Seeing the sorrow that she has cause, she clasped her arms around his shoulder and held onto to him for comfort and allows him some comfort, no matter how small it is.
When will you see it is not your fault? Yuuri please let go of your guilt and tell him you want to be with him. Once you let go of your guilt, you can finally tell me what I dread to hear for so long.
Walking down the corridor to his room, Wolfram was spotted by the light brown hair soldier. Before Wolfram was able to reach his room, Conrad stopped him. Those beautiful emerald eyes suddenly shifted downwards. In little more that a whisper, Wolfram asks, "when will this pain go away?" Acting upon instinct, Conrad slowly embraced his baby brother, tenderly stroking his hair to offer what relief he can. Wolfram desperately wanted to push him away, but found that he needed comfort more than he would ever want to admit. Conrad was relieved that Wolfram did not refuse his embrace. After several minutes have passed, Wolfram gently pushed himself away from Conrad and walk into his room. Before closing the door behind him, Wolfram look up and meet Conrad understanding eyes, and voice a Thank you. Conrad, returned a gently smile of understand to the blond prince.
"Rest well Wolfram."
Rays on light coming through his window woke up the slumbering prince. Wolfram flung his blanket off and readied himself for another day. Wolfram's attention of diverted to the door when a soft knock was heard.
"Wolframs are you awake?"
Throwing his usual blue navy jacket over his nightgown, Wolfram opened up his door. He was greeted with a shy smile from Greta.
"Greta, what brings you here in the mourning?"
Greta hesitated with her response.
"Umm, would you be joining us for breakfast this morning?"
Greta knew it was taking Wolfram to long to answer, her quick mind offer her father a gently push.
"Greta would like you to join us. You been busy lately, I hardly gotten to see you."
Wolfram stared at those brown orbs, not wanted to disappoint her, he said yes knowing full well he should not be joining the group. Hearing the excited and happy squeal that came from her, Wolfram couldn't help but curve a little smile on his face.
"Greta, can you go to the dinning room without me, I need to freshen up a little."
"Of course," Greta said while happily bouncing out of the room. Before completely leaving, Greta turn around and mustered the sternest voice she can, Greta stated, "don't you dare try to get out of this and don't take to long." Wolfram smirked a little, and responded, "Yes my princess." Greta beam back the biggest smile she could to Wolfram. "I will let the others know." For that smile, I will endure the pain for you my princess.
All eyes turned to the blond when he entered the dinning hall. His usual seat next to Yuuri was left unoccupied. He knew that they are wanted him to sit there, but he stubbornly refused. Instead the blond situated himself between Conrad and Gwendal. Greta was the only one brave enough to voice what everyone was thinking.
"Wolfram you are in the wrong seat. You need to take your "rightful" seat next to Yuuri."
Wolfram eyes involuntary became large with the mention of rightful. Quickly the blond mask his own emotional outburst that has shown on his face.
"Greta that is enough," Yuuri said. "Wolfram is allowed to sit where he feels comfortable."
"No, he needs to sit next to you, you two should be together like before. Before she came and ruined everything."
Greta pointed a stern finger at Adelinda next to Yuuri.
"It is all her fault. You were the one who broke my family apart; you are the one that should go. Why do my fathers have to be apart, you are the one, you are the one."
Greta screamed at the top of her lungs. "You are the one; it's entirely your fault."
"Greta, Stop this at once," Yuuri voice came out harsher than expected.
"Why should I that "tramp" cause all of this."
Yuuri popped out of his seat and slammed both hands on the table.
"I will not allow you to insult out guest any longer. Greta, you will go to your room immediately. You will not come out until I say so. Is that understood?"
With tears flowing down her bronze face, Greta looked up at Yuuri, and screamed "I HATE YOU". With those three words ringing in his head, Yuuri anger deflated and sunk down into his seat once again. Everyone was stunned by the outburst made by the princess. Wolfram let out a sigh. He slide his chair out under him and started to walk out of the dinning hall. Before Wolfram completely disappeared, he turned around and addressed Yuuri.
"Heika."
Yuuri looked up. Wolfram heart clenched painfully seeing the distraught look on his king's face. He almost was afraid to say what he wanted to say. Swallowing his doubt, "Heika, is it worth it?" The blond turned the corner and headed toward Greta's room.
All attention returned to Yuuri. His head clasped between his hands. Wolfram's words cut deep into his heart. Is it worth it? Yuuri desperately wanted to respond, no it is not. Please forgive me and come back to me. I can no long bear the fact that you don't love me. Please forgive me. I never meant to hurt you. You are the reason why I live. Instead, all Yuuri can do was stare at Wolfram while he turned the corner and walked out. Yuuri felt a hand on his shoulder bringing him out of his stupor. Yuuri turned slightly around.
"Conrad."
"Heika don't blame yourself, Greta is just upset. She doesn't understand the complicated nature of the situation."
Conrad gently squeezed Yuuri shoulder once again to try to assure and comfort Yuuri. Yuuri stood up and apologized to everyone for ruin his or her breakfast and excused himself.
"Greta can I come in," Wolfram asked.
"Wolfram is that you?"
"Yes, Greta can I come in."
"Yes."
Greta was laying face down in her bed, her face stuffed into one of her many luxurious pillows on her bed, trying to conceal the tears flowing form her big brown orbs. Wolfram lowered himself next to Greta, gently stroking her curly locks.
"Greta, I know you are upset, Heika did not mean to be so harsh on you. But what you said earlier was inappropriate for a young lady of your standing. I know you are hurting, but I want you to understand, no matter what happens between Heika and me; we will always be there for you. We will not abandon you. You are too precious to us. Greta, please turn around and look at me."
The little princess quietly obeyed Wolfram's plea. Seeing Greta's tear stain and distraught face, made Wolfram want to take the women by the neck and throw her out of the castle. But end the in, the decision was not up to him. Wolfram lifted one of his porcelain hands and gently wiped the tears away from her face.
"Greta it breaks my heart to see you cry. Promise from now on, no more sad tears. I only want to see that face smile. These tears of sadness should be replaced to tears of joy. Don't be sad Greta, in the end things are the way it should be for me and Heika."
Swallowing the tears and hiccups that were on the verge of beginning again, Greta looked into her father's emerald orbs and made her opinions heard.
"That is where you are wrong. Yuuri is no longer Yuuri, Yuuri no longer smiles like he use to. Yuuri's smile doesn't reach his eyes even when he is on the baseball field. He lost his golden light. Wolfram is no longer Wolfram, Wolfram's eyes doesn't shine anymore either. They are dull, just like Huber's was. They are filled with sadness. I don't want to see you both sad, it makes Greta sad. I want my fathers to be happy again. Wolfram, please forgive Yuuri. Lets be the family we use to be. I want you to call Yuuri a wimp again. It made everyone in the castle smile. It made Gwendal, Conrad, Cheri, Yozak, and Greta smile, most of all it made Yuuri smile as well."
It broke Wolfram's heart hearing Greta's pleas for him to forgive Yuuri. Even with all the pain Yuuri cause, Wolfram knows his still loves Yuuri, but he can not trust Yuuri again with his heart. He had tried in the past only to get his hopes dashed and his heart smash to a thousand pieces. Even as head strong and stubborn as he is, the blond prince knew when to stop and let go. He knew it will take a long time for his heart to mend, but if he allowed Yuuri in once more and gets rejected again, Wolfram knew he will lose himself completely.
"Greta, I'm sorry, I know how much it means to you to see us together. But that is impossible at this time. Be assured Greta I will not leave you alone. At the moment Heika decided to adopt you, you became my daughter as well. I will see to it that you will get all the love you want and deserve. We will always be your family."
"Stop calling him that, Wolfram. His name is Yuuri."
Greta began her heart wrenching cries again. All Wolfram could do is hold her in his arms rocking her back and forth.
"Greta, I love, we all love you."
"Wolfram, please forgive Yuuri, please. I want the bratty, brash, loud, inconsiderate, papa back."
Wolfram smirked at the description of himself from his daughter.
"I know, princess, I know."
Sensing that Greta has finally calmed down, Wolfram tilted Greta chin up and stated, "Now Greta, you do know you have to apologize to her for the things that you said earlier right."
Greta lowered her head once again, and only nodded into Wolfram chest.
"Good that is how my princess should act. Greta, now it is you who should forgive Heika. You know he never meant to raise his voice at you."
"I know but Yuuri is such an idiot sometimes. Wolfram I know this is a lot to ask of you, but will you accompany me to locate her, please."
"Anything for you princess."
A small smile graced Greta's face. Wolfram was relived seeing the small smile again. Greta shifted herself out of Wolfram's embrace and got out of the bed.
"Wolfram wait here, I need to get freshened up. I probably look like a mess. I wouldn't want the daughter of Prince Wolfram von Bielefield looking undignified in front of that tra…, oh guest."
Wolfram smirked at her comment. Maybe she is growing up to me more and more like me each day. That isn't so bad, Wolfram thought to himself.
I few minutes later, Greta entered her chamber looking more that the cheerful 13 year old should look. Freshly wash face and a change of clothes.
"Papa Wolfram I am ready."
Wolfram pushed himself off of the bed a headed towards Greta.
"Greta, promise you won't do anything except apologize for your behavior earlier."
"Yes, Papa," Greta replied.
Making their way to the courtyard, Wolfram and Greta spotted a mass of long curly golden hair. Before long, the owner of the mass, turned around.
"Greta, Wolfram," Cheri greeted.
Greta took a hold of Wolfram's hand and led him to his mother.
"Greta, how are you feeling?"
"Perfectly fine, why you ask?"
"You were a little upset about earlier."
"After talking with Papa Wolfram, everything is straightened out."
Cheri glanced at Wolfram's direction and received a slight nod.
"Oh good, I'm glad. Greta I will be planting some flowers later on today, will you like to join me?"
"I would love to, but I have a couple of things to take care of first. Grandma Cheri have you seen Adelinda around?"
"Try the fountains. Thank you, I will see you later."
Greta again grabbed onto Wolfram's hand and led him to the fountains.
"This is where you been, Yuuri."
Yuuri turned around towards the familiar voice.
"I'm sorry; I needed some time to sort things out."
"I understand."
Adelinda walked over to Yuuri and sat next to him.
"So what did you figure out?"
"This isn't working. I'm sorry."
"Why are you sorry?"
"I know what I did that night took away something precious from you. I told you I will take responsibility for my actions. I have tried my best to make up for the wrong that I have done. I tried to make you feel at home. I tried my best to care for you, to even develop some feelings towards you, but in the end I realize the one I love and live for is him. Without him, I am lost. Seeing those eyes filled with sadness and pain is slowly killing me from within. I can't stand it anymore. My daughter is in pain because of me. She deserves better, he deserves better, you deserves better. I don't know how to fix this mess. He hasn't called be by my name since that night. All he calls me is Heika. Every time I hear that, my heart feels like it is getting stab with a knife. I miss him so much. I want to hold him again; I want to kiss him again. I want to see his emerald eyes shine with the brilliance they once possessed. I miss him so much; I am slowly dying without him."
Yuuri hands collapsed around his facing hiding the steady stream of tears flowing down from his midnight black eyes.
"But if I go after him, I will break my promise to you."
Yuuri that night was not your fault. The one at fault is Ingrid and my father. It is true you took me against my will, but in the end it was not you. I should hate you for what you did, but just knowing you were as much as a victim as me, I can not hate you. I thought I loved you, but that is not true either. You were my lifeline; you were the only thing I could hold on to. You saw me at my weakest moment in my life and cared for me. Because of that, I thought that I can rely on you for my well being. In the end, being attached to you like a lost child caused you more pain that I never intended to cause. Tell me what you really want Yuuri."
"I'm sorry Adelinda, you are not what I want or need. Wolfram is my heart. I need him back. I will do anything to win him back again. No I will get him back"