Yuuri popped out of the fountain at the shrine, wavering a bit but managing to stay on his feet. He heard Murata land beside him and immediately removed one arm from the death grip he had on the bundle he had pressed to his chest and gave him a hard shove. "You mean it could have always been that easy?!"

"Heh heh, well…" Murata replied, rubbing at the back of his head.

"Yuuri!"

He turned with a smile, shifting the bundle to one side and squatting down to scoop his daughter into a one arm hug. "Greta! I missed you!"

"I missed you too!"

Yuuri looked up behind her, but only Conrad was standing there. His stomach dropped. "Wolfram didn't come?"

"He decided to wait outside, Your Majesty."

Yuuri frowned at that, not sure how to take it. Greta tugged on his sleeve and motioned him closer so she could whisper in his ear. "Papa Wolf's been really sad since he came back. He tried not to let me see, but I could tell. I tried to cheer him up, but nothing worked!"

"You're a good girl, Greta." He assured, squeezing her tight as his stomach fell further. "It's my fault. But I'm going to try and fix it, okay?"

"Okay."

Yuuri planted a kiss on the top of her head as he stood back up. "You. Hold this." he said, shoving the heavy package into Murata's arms and making the other teen squawk. "And you," he said, tapping Greta on her head with his finger. "Make sure he takes good care of it."

Greta looked at the bundle curiously as Yuuri climbed out of the fountain. "What is it?"

"Presents for your Papa."

"I have a change of clothes for you, Your Majesty." Conrad said but Yuuri shook his head.

"Thanks, but I'll be right back for them." he said, already heading for the archway. Conrad gave him what he thought might be an approving smile.

The horses were off to the side and Wolfram was still mounted, looking out over the city. Yuuri paused for a beat, trying to figure out what looked off. Wolfram's was the only horse with saddle bags and they looked stuffed. Yuuri was pretty sure he saw a rolled up travel cloak behind the saddle.

Ice gripped his chest. Was Wolfram leaving? He rushed forward with a spark of panic now. "Wolfram!"

The blonde jumped in the saddle before turning and looking down at him, green eyes wide with nervous surprise. "Y-Yuuri..."

He hadn't had the horse take off by the time he reached him, so he grabbed his boot clad ankle. It was really the only part of him he could reach to cling to. The comforting warmth was harder to feel through the leather, but it was still there and Yuuri exhaled. He wanted to ask about the packed saddle bags, but wasn't sure he was brave enough for the answer. Wolfram was staring down at him like he was worried Yuuri would attack him and it made Yuuri's heart ache. "Come down here, would you?" he asked softly, tugging gently on his foot.

Wolfram swallowed hard but slowly dismounted. There was a tension to his movements that was ten times worse than the night before the Shrine and Yuuri hated it. He was bracing himself. Once both feet were on the ground, Yuuri pulled him into a hug. Wolfram's whole body tensed, arms coming up to Yuuri's chest like he was going to push him away. He didn't, so Yuuri hugged him tighter.

"I'm so sorry, Wolfram." he whispered in the blonde's ear. "I didn't want to leave. I was so angry with Murata-" he cut himself off with a shake of his head. That could be another story at another time. It wasn't what was important right now. "I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt you like that." Wolfram was still tense against him, so he pulled back just enough to cup his face in his hands. Green eyes looked like cracked ice again, like Wolfram was trying to keep himself guarded and failing miserably. "There wasn't even anything for Ulrike to heal." Yuuri said, petting Wolfram's cheeks with his thumbs. "I had apparently done it myself when I went Maoh. Everything that morning was all me."

"It- it was?" His voice sounded so small and he'd started trembling. Yuuri hated seeing him this way. His brave, fiery Wolfram this vulnerable and scared. It was worse than the look of terror he had had after Yuuri had been hurt.

"It was." Yuuri said, pressing a kiss against Wolfram's forehead. "And I still mean all of it."

The last of the ice seemed to be falling away and, like before, his eyes were turning glossy instead. "You don't hate me?"

"No, never."

"You're not going to send me away?"

Something in Yuuri's gut clenched. That's why he came with his bags packed? "You really think I'd do that to you?" he asked, eyes pleading for Wolfram to forgive him. "I'd be a mess without you. I'm just a big wimp."

Wolfram gave something between a startled laugh and a sob before squeezing his eyes shut and shaking his head to dislodge Yuuri's hands. "You are such a jerk!" he shouted, hitting Yuuri's chest with the side of his fist. Yuuri was so thankful for the return to anger that he just wrapped his arms back around him and took it. Wolfram was still stiff as a board and hit him again. "Do you have any idea-" His voice cut off in an enraged sob, tears slipping out from his still closed eyes.

"I have an idea." Yuuri whispered. "But it was probably even worse than I could imagine."

Wolfram hit him several more times, he'd probably have bruises. "Gah! I hate you!" he shouted before collapsing against him. "How dare you do this to me. How dare you!"

Yuuri just held him tighter, so thankful that he was finally letting him actually hold him, even as tears joined the general wetness of the shoulder of his shirt. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm the absolute worst." Wolfram weakly hit him again before giving up and wrapping his arms around him. Yuuri made them sway slightly as Wolfram continued to shake against him. Yuuri buried his fingers in golden hair and rubbed at his scalp. Wolfram melted against him, gradually beginning to calm.

"That's cheating." Wolfram finally mumbled.

"Probably." Yuuri agreed. "But it makes you feel better, right?"

Wolfram didn't deem that worth a reply. "You really want me?"

Yuuri pulled Wolfram back up so he could cup his face again, thumbs wiping away the last few tears. "I really, really do." he breathed. Even with red rimmed eyes and a tear streaked face, Wolfram was still the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He started forward, determined to finally keep his promise-

"Yuuri!" Greta's voice rang out, making him stop short. "Mr. Murata put Papa's present on the ground!"

Yuuri's shoulders slumped as he looked back to see her hanging out of the archway. "Thank you!" he said, giving her a smile. "I'll be back to beat him up for it in a minute!"

"Kay!" She replied cheerfully before heading back into the courtyard.

When Yuuri turned back, Wolfram had straightened again and was wiping his eyes on his sleeve. "I have a present?" he asked, sounding excited despite himself.

Yuuri grinned. He had just known Wolfram would be the type of person who liked gifts. "Yeah, want to come see?" he asked, sliding his hands down Wolfram's arms to take his hands and starting to pull him back toward the shrine. "I apparently have another excuse to beat up Murata."

"Another?" Wolfram said, looking a bit startled.

"I was really, really angry." Yuuri shrugged before releasing one hand so he could turn around and walk properly, happy Wolfram was willing to follow him.

It turned out Murata had just set the bundle on the edge of the fountain so he could change, so Yuuri couldn't judge him too harshly for it. He still gave his shoulder a light punch, though, more to make Greta giggle than anything else.

"What is it?" Wolfram asked as Yuuri changed, lifting the rather bulky and heavy square package that was wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap.

"I'm not just going to tell you." Yuuri complained, toweling his hair. "I mean, it's not anything crazy, but…" he hadn't been able to stop thinking about Wolfram the entire time he'd been back on Earth, and he hoped the gifts might make up for leaving, even if it was just a tiny bit.

"We should get back to the castle, Your Majesty." Conrad said, making Yuuri look over in concern.

"Why? Is something going on?"

"No, not exactly. But Gwendal did suggest that he may come to escort you himself to ensure you didn't get lost along the way."

Yuuri grimaced at that. It certainly didn't make him hopeful for having any free time to spend with Wolfram. "I guess it's unavoidable, really." He sighed, ruffling Greta's hair as she came to take his hand.

"Can I ride back with you, Papa Yuuri?"

"Eeeh, I don't know if I'm confident enough to take a passenger with me." Yuuri said, looking at Wolfram who was now hugging the bulky package to his chest. "What do you think?"

Wolfram tilted his head, regarding him thoughtfully. "You'd probably be fine back to the castle, but if you're nervous about it I can take her."

"Better go with that for now, Greta." He said, looking back down at his pouting daughter. "Sorry."

Wolfram ended up with Greta, and Conrad ended up with the package since it was decided it'd be easier to transport unopened. Once at the castle, Yuuri was immediately accosted by Gunter, which felt even more awkward after what Wolfram had told him. But he wasn't really sure how to extract himself from the situation, either, so he hoped Wolfram wouldn't be too upset.

While Gunter seemed to be his normal, excitable self, Gwendal felt exceptionally stern. Once Gunter had finally released him, Gwendal simply said "Come with me." and started down the hallway.

"Eh? Right, okay." Yuuri looked back at Wolfram and gave him an apologetic look. He had hoped there might be a little bit of time, at least, before he was dragged off. Wolfram just sighed and waved him on with one hand while steering Greta down another hall with the other. It was such a precious domestic moment that Yuuri desperately wanted to step back and bask in it.

"Your Majesty." Gwendal said, and it sounded like an order.

"Right! Coming!" He said, giving Wolfram a last small smile before turning and hurrying after the taller man.

Yuuri closed his bedroom door and collapsed back against it with an exhausted groan. Gwendal had held him captive until the clock had struck midnight, but Yuuri had determinedly not complained. It had occurred to him about an hour in that this might be more than a punishment for slacking off. Wolfram was Gwendal's adored baby brother as well, afterall, and Yuuri was sure his time away hadn't been easy. He wasn't sure he could ever make up for the pain he was sure he'd caused Wolfram, but he was determined not to complain about his penance.

Wolfram was sitting on the bed, hugging the still wrapped gift to his chest. The fact that he was still in his dress blues made worry twist in Yuuri's gut. "You haven't opened it yet?" he asked, locking the door before heading over. He didn't want any more interruptions.

"I thought I should wait for you." His voice was quiet, still sounding unsure. How did he draw his usual, confident Wolfram back out? Though, seeing him so vulnerable was probably a privilege of its own.

Once he reached him, Yuuri reached out and ran his fingers over Wolfram's cheek. "You're still dressed?"

Green eyes looked away from him. "I… haven't been sleeping here."

His worry gripped his chest hard. "Why?" He knew Wolfram had always slept there, even when Yuuri was back on Earth. It was his way of proving that he was Yuuri's Fiance and belonged there. Had his leaving been enough to convince Wolfram to break off the engagement?

"It… made the nightmares worse." Wolfram said, tilting his head down so he was talking into the plastic wrapping of his gift. "I'd wake up, and you wouldn't be here. And I'd be so convinced you were dead…"

Yuuri felt sick to his stomach and pulled Wolfram into his arms. It was awkward, since he was still standing and Wolfram was sitting cross legged on the bed, and holding the bulky package between them. But he was still able to wrap his arms around Wolfram's shoulders and his forehead ended up pressed against Yuuri's chest.

"It was easier," Wolfram continued, scooting a bit closer to the edge of the bed so his head was more firmly pressed against Yuuri. "To separate dreams from reality, if I was somewhere else."

So it wasn't enough to make them go away. How often did they come? "Where have you been staying, then?"

Wolfram shrugged. "My old room, mostly. With Greta a couple times. Gisela gave me a tea that helps, so I wouldn't scare her."

Yuuri ran his fingers through his beautiful blonde hair, guilt weighing heavy on his gut. "What about now that I'm back?"

Wolfram was quiet for a moment and it made anxiety build on top of the guilt. "I promised myself that I wouldn't push you any more, if you let me stay."

"Well don't do that!" Yuuri exclaimed, throwing his arms out wide. Wolfram sat back, looking up at him in surprise. "If you're not pushing me anymore, I won't be brave enough to do literally anything! I'm just a wimp, remember?"

Wolfram's jaw dropped as he gaped at him. Yuuri lowered his arms back to his sides and waited. Eventually green eyes narrowed ever so slightly and it was the first sign he'd had of normal Wolfram this whole conversation. His mouth closed and he pushed the package to the side, unfolding his long legs and stood. Yuuri didn't step back, which left them pressed against each other. "You haven't proved it yet." He said, a spark of challenge back in those gorgeous green eyes.

"Hm," Yuuri said, reaching up to cup Wolfram's face between his hands. "I haven't, have I?"

"You promised."

"I did." he said, vaguely wondering if he could wind Wolfram up enough to make the first move. He was legitimately nervous. He'd never kissed anyone before, not really. He'd practiced on his own hand, in the dead of night when he hadn't been able to stop thinking about that charged morning after he'd gone Maoh. But that couldn't possibly compare to actually kissing someone, right?

"Yuuri!" Wolfram finally demanded, hands fisting in the front of Yuuri's shirt and he didn't have the heart to tease him anymore.

They were the same height, and already so close, that it was pretty effortless to lean forward and press his lips to Wolfram's. Wolfram was so warm, pressed against him, and his lips were no different. They were soft as they moved against his own and Wolfram made a quiet little noise that sent a pleasurable shock through Yuuri's body. It felt like falling into the most delightful fire imaginable.

Wolfram's hands moved up his chest, one arm wrapping around his neck and the other hand burying itself in his hair. He felt him run his fingers over where his wound had been before. Wolfram pulled back slightly, just enough room to breathe. "You're really okay."

"Yeah." he confirmed, letting his forehead fall against Wolfram's. Wolfram's fingers rubbed along the base of his skull and he was more than happy to let him. It felt good and he was pretty sure it was a reassurance Wolfram's mind needed. Yuuri was there, alive and unhurt.

Wolfram looked up into his eyes and it was only then that Yuuri realized he'd been staring at his mouth. "You kissed me." he said, giving him a smile that was more smirk than anything else.

"I did." Yuuri smiled back. "I'm sorry it took me so long."

"Does this mean I'm allowed to kiss you now?"

"Yes?" Yuuri said, not entirely sure how he felt about the glint in those green eyes. But then Wolfram was pulling him forward with the hand on the back of his head, their lips crashing together again. Wolfram's tongue licked against Yuuri's lips and Yuuri's brain short circuited a bit. Then it was pushing into his mouth and Wolfram took a half step forward, pressing a leg between his own.

It was very suddenly all a bit too much. There were too many sensations and emotions and they were all swirling too fast for Yuuri to be able to catch hold of any of it. He used the hands still cupping Wolfram's face to pull him back with a gasp. Wolfram's face was flush and breathless and a heat in his gut was really wanting to know why he was stopping this. Wolfram's eyebrows creased and there was a spark of hurt in his eyes- "No," Yuuri said, wanting to dispel that emotion immediately. "That was- amazing. Just- fast?"

The hurt shifted to annoyance. "You said you wanted me to push."

"And I do!" he assured, petting his cheeks with his thumbs. "We just… need to find a balance. Between pushing and overwhelming."

Wolfram moved his hands to grab Yuuri's wrists, thumbs petting the back of his hands even while Yuuri pet Wolfram's cheeks. "You have to be the most frustrating person on the planet," he complained.

Yuuri gave him an apologetic smile. "I know. I'm sorry. This is all just really new to me. So everything just goes sorta nuts and I can't think straight."

"What's there to think about?" Wolfram asked, corners of his mouth turning down in frustration. "You're not supposed to think, you're just supposed to enjoy it. You did like it, right?"

"Very much." Yuuri was quick to assure and Wolfram's features softened. "But- that isn't how I want to do this. I've been so oblivious about everything when it comes to you. I want to be aware in the things we do. I want to be sure, when I touch you, there's meaning behind it. Not just- stupid virgin teenage hormones."

A blush had risen in Wolfram's cheeks, somehow different from the flush that was still lingering there. He looked down and away, teeth scraping over his bottom lip. Yuuri wasn't sure he'd ever seen him do that before and wondered what it meant. "I still think you're overthinking this."

"Maybe. But I gotta make up for lost time."

That made Wolfram snort and look back up at him with a smile.

"And I do still want you to push. Just… be willing to stop if I need you to?"

Wolfram reached up to cup Yuuri's cheek, eyes gentle and warm. "Okay."

Yuuri smiled, leaning forward and kissing him again, purely because he could. "Do you want to open your present, then head to bed?"

Wolfram bit his lip, glancing over his shoulder at the large king bed with uncertainty.

"We can go to your room!" Yuuri offered quickly. "I don't care where we go, as long as we're together."

Wolfram looked back at him with a fond smile. "No, it should be okay, with you here."

Yuuri tilted Wolfram's head down enough to press a kiss to his forehead before playfully shoving him backwards, laughing at Wolfram's offended squawk of "Yuuri!"

"Yes? He asked innocently, climbing up beside him. He returned his glare with a grin. "Don't you have a gift you're supposed to be opening?"

The glare shifted to something closer to a pout and Yuuri knew he'd won. Wolfram scooted back to sit more properly on the large bed before pulling the package onto his lap. "What is this wrapped in?" he asked, nose wrinkling as he turned the bulky thing over in his hands.

"Plastic wrap." Yuuri said, rubbing the back of his head anxiously. "It's to keep the water out. I… might have overdone it a bit." He'd gone through three large rolls. Wolfram huffed in annoyance at being unable to find a seam and it made Yuuri smile. "Just rip it."

"Is this how you give presents on Earth?" the blonde complained, taking Yuuri's advice and pulling on the plastic until it ripped. "This material is obnoxious."

"No, they're usually wrapped in paper, or in boxes." Yuuri smiled. "And it might be obnoxious, but it's good at keeping things dry till Murata helps me come up with some way to transport stuff."

Wolfram looked up from his tearing, eyes hopeful. "I'll get more presents?"

The adorable look made Yuuri laugh, wondering if this is what Wolfram looked like as a kid. He leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "Why don't you finish opening this one before worrying about the next?"

Wolfram huffed, looking back down to the bundle, his cheeks pink. "If you hadn't wrapped it so stupidly…"

"Do you want help?"

"No!" Wolfram angrily tore through the final layer of plastic and gave a victorious smirk. Yuuri was already imagining wrapping something entirely in duct tape just to wind him up next time. The plastic was pulled away and Wolfram started unfolding the heavy fabric. "Is it some sort of blanket?" he asked curiously.

"It's a weighted blanket." Yuuri said, feeling a bit nervous to bring up the nightmares again. "Weight seemed to help, when you started having bad dreams. So, I thought this might help when I'm not able to."

Wolfram paused and looked up at him, his expression hard to read.

"Next time I go back to Earth." He explained. "Or Gwendal snaps and keeps me locked up all night signing papers."

Wolfram gave a hum of acknowledgement and went back to unfolding. It made Yuuri nervous, not sure how it was being received. But then the last fold was opened revealing the three other gifts as well as the embroidery his mother had insisted on adding to the blanket cover. Wolfram blinked and hesitated, before picking up what probably seemed like the most recognizable thing to him- a leather wrapped spiral drawing pad.

"For your sketches!" Yuuri explained nervously when Wolfram just stared. "Look, see- you can fold it over. You can't really do spreads that way, but I thought it might be easier than holding the book open when we travel. And then the cover has slots for pencils and stuff." Wolfram was still just… staring so Yuuri rushed on, thoroughly feeling like he was babbling now. "And these are all colored pencils!" he said, picking up the metal case and using his nail to break into the plastic wrapping so Wolfram wouldn't be further annoyed by it. "I'm not sure if these even exist here, but they're supposed to be really high quality by Earth standards. That's what the sales person said, anyway. It's probably too big to really be a travel pack but…"

Wolfram set the sketch book down and took the pencils from him, popping open the metal case and running his fingers over the rainbow of colors. Yuuri thought that must be a good sign, but he still wasn't saying anything and his expression just looked kinda shell shocked. "Do you like them?" Yuuri asked, internally cursing at how small his voice suddenly sounded. It wasn't somehow taboo to give art supplies as gifts here, was it?! Murata hadn't said anything, but he was a jerk so-

"I…" Wolfram cut into his thoughts as he closed the metal case of pencils. "I was honestly expecting something dumb." He confessed. "Or something more for you that you were just saying was for me or… I don't know." he ran his fingers over the leather covering of the sketch book before picking it up again and hugging both it and the pencils to his chest, finally looking over at Yuuri with the smallest but warmest of smiles. "Thank you, Yuuri."

Yuuri smiled, letting Wolfram's expression and sincerity warm him and calm his nerves. He really liked them! Wolfram's smile widened in response and he leaned forward, placing a brief kiss to Yuuri's lips that flooded his body with butterflies.

"What's this one?" Wolfram asked, picking up the larger, hardback book.

"Oh! I got that one from the art museum!" technically Murata had paid for it, since it was way more expensive than the pocket money Yuuri had managed to save up. But Yuuri counted it toward Murata's penance. "It's a book about an Earth painter called Pablo Picasso. He did a bunch of paintings that reminded me of the one you made, so I thought you might like it!"

Wolfram flipped the book open to a random page, running his fingers over the glossy paper. "Yuuri."

"Hm?"

"...I can't read this."

Yuuri blinked before his eyes went wide. "Oh, shoot! I didn't even think of that!" he said, scooting closer to look over his shoulder. "Well- I'll read it to you, then. If you want." he said, already blushing at the offer. "And you can still enjoy the pictures."

Wolfram looked over at him with a fond smile. "Like Greta's bedtime stories?"

"Sure!" Yuuri grinned, glad Wolfram didn't find the idea silly enough to call him names.

"I'd like that." he said, leaning back into him as he closed the book and looked back down at the now uncovered embroidery. "... is that a lion?"

"Oh, haha, yeah." Yuuri said, rubbing the back of his head again. "Mom went a bit overboard. I was honestly worried she wouldn't declare it done before I got pulled back here."

"Your mother?"

"Yeah." Yuuri said, fidgeting anxiously and looking away from him. "I um. I told my family. About you. Sort of."

"You- They didn't already know?"

Yuuri was thankful Wolfram just sounded surprised rather than angry. "Of course not. They don't know anything about any of this." he said, waving a hand to encompass all of the Demon Kingdom.

"Why? I thought your father was a Demon?"

"Yeah, haven't been brave enough to ask him about that." Yuuri confessed. "He just seems so normal, you know? Nothing like everyone here. We're all just so normal- well, that might be a bit strong, mom's super quirky, but… I also don't think I've wanted to try blending the two lives, really. It's been nice, being able to go back there after all the craziness that can happen here and just… be a normal kid, you know?" he asked, looking back up at Wolfram.

Wolfram raised an eyebrow at him "Not really."

"No, I guess not." he said with a chuckle, looking down again. "You probably think it's wimpy, huh?"

Wolfram was quiet and it felt like confirmation enough. "But… you told them about me? Even with all that and… and not liking the engagement…"

"Er, well, I didn't go into any of that." he confessed. "It started with- with asking them what they'd think if I liked a boy." he said, feeling his face heat up again just as much as it had during the actual conversation. "I was kind of terrified. I didn't think they'd hurt me, or even kick me out like I've heard of happening. But, I was still scared they'd be, I donno, disappointed or something."

Wolfram's hand found his and squeezed. "What happened?"

Yuuri smiled a bit at the memory. "Mom got super excited and immediately wanted to know everything about you." She'd first asked if it was Murata, but Yuuri didn't see that going over very well. He'd still been mad enough at his friend to vehemently deny that, though in hindsight he supposed he couldn't blame his mother for jumping to that conclusion. Murata had bullied his way into the hospital to see him, afterall. "Shori started crying about me being old enough to be interested in anybody." he said, rolling his eyes. "Dad pulled me aside and told me they'd all love me no matter what. So, pretty good, all and all." he said with a slight shrug, squeezing Wolfram's hand back.

"Mom was really adamant with the questions, though. So I told her you were a long distance friend from online."

"On what?"

Yuuri shook his head. "An Earth technology." He said, not feeling up to trying to explain the internet. "But she wanted to know everything about you, so I tried to filter things into Earth stuff. I told her you were a Fire sign and liked art." he said, unfolding the corners of the blanket a bit to show him both a flame and a paintbrush. "I took a guess at your favorite animal, since it's the shape your fire takes and I wasn't even sure if there'd be an Earth equivalent for whatever it actually is. Apparently she decided to make that the whole focus, though, so hopefully you don't secretly hate lions." he said, peeking back up at Wolfram.

Wolfram shook his head, reaching out his free hand to run his fingers over the lion's mane. "Your mother is quite good with a needle." he complimented quietly.

"Thanks." Yuuri grinned. "I always thought she'd get along with Gwendal. She doesn't knit, but she does make stuffed animals sometimes."

"I- the lion," Wolfram said, still staring at the blanket intently. Yuuri wondered if he'd even heard the last thing he'd said. "And don't you dare tell him this!" He hissed, turning a heated glare on Yuuri so suddenly he flinched back. "I mean it, Wimp, not a word!"

"Tell who what?!" Yuuri asked, bewildered.

"Conrart!" Wolfram said, green eyes flashing. "Promise!"

"Okay, okay, I promise!" Yuuri assured, wondering what in the world Wolfram was about to say.

Wolfram glared a moment longer before slumping a bit and looking back at the blanket. "I don't really have control over what form my element takes when I use it full force. But it's said that it's meant to be something meaningful to the user. I… I denied the thought for a long time, and never admitted it to anyone but… My lion manifested near the end of the war. Just after Conrart had returned with the nickname 'Lion of Luttenberg' and then disappeared again on his mission from Shinrou. So I had always wondered…"

"If it was connected to Conrad?"

Wolfram started shifting, setting his other gifts aside and pulling the weighted blanket up over his shoulders before leaning back more solidly against Yuuri, who in turn pulled them both back so he could lean against the headboard. "Things were different, between us, before the war." Wolfram said softly, draping the blanket over himself carefully. "... a lot of things were different then. But Conrart and I were close. He'd always play with me while Gwen was too busy with his studies, and would take care of me while Mother was busy. Then the war started, and I was constantly hearing about all the horrible things the humans were doing. I hadn't realized Conrart was a half breed until I was repeating a rant my uncle had given and he just… told me. Looking all disappointed." Wolfram curled into himself a bit and Yuuri wrapped his arms around him. From the rants he'd heard from Wolfram since coming here, Conrad probably had reason to be disappointed, but he didn't want the story to be any harder for Wolfram to tell. It was something he'd been curious about since meeting the brothers. It had always been obvious to him how much Wolfram cared about Conrad, despite how he acted.

"...It was also when I realized Conrart's lifespan would be so much shorter than mine. It scared me. And then he got pulled into the fighting. He didn't have Majutsu like the Mazoku. I was so sure he was going to die. It… it felt so much easier to blame him, for being half human, then to face that fear. Both my uncles seemed to support my sudden dislike so it felt like it was… right. Kind of. That it was okay to take that easier route. And he- Conrart he never-" Yuuri felt Wolfram's breath hitch and tightened his arms, pressing a kiss to his temple.

"He changed during the war. I'd see him angry and then I started being scared of him. Which only made me blame him harder. I was there, the day he and Yozak returned from the Battle of Arnold. Covered in blood and barely holding themselves together. When he found out about Julia, he completely destroyed Brother's office. I wasn't supposed to be spying but- I saw. Then he disappeared. It was while he was gone that I mastered my elemental pact and the lion manifested for the first time. I always said something horrible when Mother mentioned missing him, but when the lion first showed up, I felt so… lonely. I should have been proud, it was a big accomplishment for someone as young as I was. But…"

Wolfram trailed off and Yuuri rubbed at his arm, vaguely aware that they were both still fully dressed. "Why do you still push him away, even now?"

"When he finally came back, he'd changed again." Wolfram said, dropping his head back onto Yuuri's shoulder. "He was a lot closer to what he's like now. But it was like he was play acting how he used to be before the war. Except he clearly wasn't the same person. And he kept his distance from me. And, even though it was my own fault, I hated it. So I'd say the most awful things to him to try and make him mad. Because, if I could prove he was the terrifying half breed I'd seen during the war, then I could keep on hating him. But he'd always just give me those placid smiles and not say anything and I hated that even more. So I figured, if he was just taking the abuse, then that must mean he knew he deserved it. That humans were lesser. That everything my Uncles had said about them and Conrart were true. Hating him was still easier than facing my fear of him, and of him dying. I think he knew that, so he let me. Because I'm nothing but a spoiled child."

"Hey," Yuuri abolished gently. "I don't think you're the same spoiled child you used to be. You've grown a lot, just since I've met you. You love me," Wolfram froze before looking up at him with wide eyes. "And I'm a half breed. You love Greta and she's a full human. It's okay for you to love Conrad too."

Wolfram blinked several times before looking back down at the blanket. "I… I have been trying, a bit, recently. It's just… letting him back in means facing how horrible I've been."

Yuuri hummed in acknowledgment. "That can't be easy, but… if his lifespan is really so much shorter, do you really want to keep wasting the time you do have with him?"

Wolfram tensed before sagging against him. "Since when are you so wise, Wimp?" he grumbled.

Yuuri grinned. "Do you like the blanket? Did it help?"

Wolfram looked up at him almost shyly.. "I- yes. It's… nice." he said, pulling the blanket up to his chin.

Yuuri smiled. "Thank you for telling me. About you and Conrad."

Wolfram's eyes narrowed slightly. "Remember. You promised."

"I won't say anything." he promised, smile warming. "But I think you should. He still loves you a lot, you know. He even kinda gave me the 'hurt my little brother and I'll hurt you' speech."

Wolfram's jaw dropped. "He did not!"

"Well, he didn't actually threaten to hurt me, and I don't think he would, but it was definitely implied he would be upset with me."

"Which, for you, is probably worse." Wolfram muttered, making Yuuri chuckle a bit.

"Probably, honestly."

"Wimp."

Yuuri pressed a kiss to his cheekbone before covering a yawn. Wolfram looked over his face before nodding. "It's late, we should get to sleep."

"Probably." Yuuri sighed. "But, we've had such little time together since I got back."

"But you'll be miserable tomorrow."

Yuuri groaned. "And I'm sure Gwendal has plenty more papers for me to sign."

Wolfram gave him a smile before folding the blanket off of himself. "Come on. We should change, at least."

And they did, Yuuri keeping his back turned to Wolfram, half out of habit and half out of nerves. There'd be a lot less clothes then when they'd cuddled half dressed down in the tent. He risked a peak over his shoulder to see Wolfram already in the pink nightgown and exhaled, unsure if he was disappointed or not. He was putting his presents away on his vanity with such a happy little smile that Yuuri thought his heart might burst. He definitely had to make this a trend.

It almost felt weird, snuggling close to each other under the covers after having spent so much time trying to make sure there was as much space between them as possible. "Yuuri?" Wolfram asked after he'd extinguished the candles and was laying across from him. Just a few inches closer and their noses would touch.

"Hm?" Yuuri asked, reaching out a hand to run up and down Wolfram's silk-clad arm, simply because he both wanted to and could.

"Before, you said…" Yuuri could just barely make out a look of frustration on the blonde's face. The ever elegant Wolfram not being able to find the right words was a fascinating concept. "You… you already know that I love you?" he said, giving a half flinch as he said it, like he expected Yuuri to pull away.

Yuuri frowned. Why was he so worked up over that? "Yes? You've told me so plenty of times. I just… didn't really believe it, before?" he said, and it was his turn to wince since it sounded so horrible.

Even in the dark, Yuuri could see Wolfram's eyes flash. "Did you think I was lying?"

For having just been surprised that Yuuri already knew, he certainly got offended awfully fast. "I mean, not exactly. I thought you were exaggerating, or just saying it because you took the engagement so seriously. Or meant it more like- like how I think Conrad loves me. As a King and a friend and someone to protect."

Wolfram's eyes narrowed. "I do love you like that, too."

"I know." Yuuri said, giving him a small smile that Wolfram didn't seem ready to receive yet. "Look, I was being very dumb for a very long time and was plenty happy to keep my head in the sand even when I started to get it."

"Why would you keep-" Wolfram started, confusion etched across his features before he shook his head and seemed to give up on figuring out the Earth phrase. "But, you know I mean it, now?"

"I've picked up on it a bit, yeah." Yuuri said with a small laugh.

"And- and it hasn't scared you away?"

Yuuri lifted up on his elbow a bit so he could lean over and capture Wolfram's lips with his own. It was probably still too chaste for Wolfram's tastes, but Yuuri tried to push as much emotion into it as he could. Wolfram made a soft sound beneath him, hands reaching up to grip at the collar of Yuuri's pajamas and Yuuri thought he might be succeeding in getting them across. And Wolfram's warmth was so inviting that Yuuri let himself sink into it. It really was like falling into a fire. He could almost see it, the flames licking at his skin. But it didn't hurt, there was nothing but love, safety, and comfort and it felt like he could curl up and stay here forever.

Wolfram made another sound beneath him, pulling him out of the vivid imagery. When he pulled back up he could feel Wolfram's panted breaths and smiled, any worries he had had about being a terrible kisser vanishing. "The main thing," he whispered, watching Wolfram's green eyes focus back on him in the dim light, "that the concussion did, I think, was let me realize I had already fallen for you, too."

Yuuri had had plenty of time to think about it, with a clear head now. He'd run through his thought experiment and even talked it through with Murata, once he'd deemed him worth speaking to again. He'd been hiding behind his same old objections to try and ignore how much bigger his feelings for Wolfram had become. Maybe it was a bit like Wolfram pretending to hate Conrad. It was just easier than facing the fear he had of change, of what other people would think of him. But, then he'd almost lost Wolfram, and realized how much his actions were hurting him, and how desperately he wanted him close, always.

Wolfram was staring up at him with wide eyes. "What do you mean?" He asked and it sounded like a whispered plea.

"I mean I love you, too."

Wolfram sounded like he was choking on air. "Say it again." He demanded.

Yuuri couldn't help his smile. "I love you."

"Again!"

"I love you!"

"Again! Again!" Wolfram demanded, a note of desperation in his voice as his fists twisted the fabric of Yuuri's night shirt.

"I love you!" Yuuri said, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "I love you," the other. "I love you." His forehead. "I love you." His nose before pulling back up. Wolfram was trembling now, tears in his eyes catching the small bit of light coming in from the windows. "I love you, Wolfram von Bielefeld."

"This has to be a dream." Wolfram gasped out. "I was convinced you were going to banish me this morning!"

"Yeah, well, I guess you're allowed to be the stupid one sometimes."

Wolfram smacked him hard in the chest and Yuuri retaliated by giving his side a good pinch.

"Ow!" Wolfram cried, flinching away.

"See? Not a dream."

Wolfram glared at him, reaching down to rub at his side. "You're lucky I love you."

Yuuri grinned. "I really, really am."

Conrad didn't come to get him for their morning run and Yuuri had mixed feelings about it. On the upside, he got to sleep in after his late night of paper signing and intense discussions with Wolf. It also gave him more time to cuddle with the happily sleeping blonde, which was definitely a plus.

But, on the other hand, it felt like it had been forever since he'd spent quality time with his godfather. He'd been so glued to Wolfram's side after Hilvera, he felt like he was neglecting his relationship with the man a bit. And he couldn't help but wonder if skipping the run was Conrad's way of punishing him, like Gwendal's obsessive paper signing.

That was where he'd been all day again. Watching Wolfram wake up had been a lovely, slow affair of gentle touches and kisses until Gunter had come to fetch them. Then he'd spent breakfast listening to Greta with rapt attention as she caught him up on everything he'd missed in her life while he'd been gone. Gwendal pulled him away as soon as the plates had begun to be cleared. He didn't even get a chance to kiss Wolfram's cheek.

And so he'd been held captive, the maids bringing up a small spread for lunch. Yuuri diligently refused to complain or try to sneak off, doing his best to understand each sheet of paper and listening to Gwendal's explanations. The clock ticked closer and closer to dinnertime and Yuuri had just resigned himself to working through another meal when the office doors slammed open to reveal an irritated Wolfram.

Yuuri blinked at him with wide eyed surprise as the blonde took in the room before fixing his glare on his brother and storming over to the man's desk. "You can't be serious, Gwendal!" He growled. "There is no way any of this is pressing enough to make him miss four separate meals!"

"Wolf," he tried, but could immediately tell he was going to be ignored. "It's fine…"

"I've arranged for food to be sent up." Gwendal replied.

Wolfram growled, slamming his palms down onto the desk. "Keeping him away from me isn't going to make me any happier!"

Yuuri flinched. So Wolf had guessed this was a punishment too.

Gwendal matched Wolfram's glare with one of his own. "Not everything has to do with you." He said heatedly.

The two just glared at each other for several long moments and Yuuri was just about to try and defuse the situation when Wolfram growled "Don't make me bring in the reinforcements."

"Reinforcements?" Both Gwendal and Yuuri asked at the same time.

"Greta!" Wolfram called with a hint of a smirk.

The girl poked her head in the door, eyes already big and pleading and locked on Gwendal. "Please, Uncle Gwen! Can we please have Papa Yuuri back, just for a little while? I've missed him so very much!"

Yuuri could see Gwendal's face twitch even as he stared at his daughter in shock.

"Just- Go." Gwendal finally grunted.

Wolfram and Greta's faces broke out in identical victorious grins and Wolfram pulled Yuuri out of his chair and out the door before he'd finished processing what just happened.

Greta broke out in giggles, skipping down the hallway in front of them. "Did I do good, Papa Wolf?"

"You did very well." Wolfram replied as he pulled Yuuri along by the hand. "You can even have extra dessert."

Greta cheered and Yuuri shook his head. "I don't know how I feel about you teaching our daughter to be so…" manipulative felt harsh for his adorable little girl, but he wasn't sure how else to describe it.

Wolfram snorted. "Please. That part was her idea." Yuuri baulked at that. "And you!" He pulled them to a stop and jabbed a finger into Yuuri's chest. "Why were you being so wimpy! You could have just declared yourself done for the day and left!"

Yuuri winced and looked away from him. "There's a lot to catch up on."

"Liar."

"It's not a lie!"

"It isn't the truth, either." Wolfram said, dropping his hand to cross his arms angrily. "Did you not want to come to dinner?"

"No, I did!" He was quick to assure, looking back up at him.

"Then why?"

Yuuri sighed, deflating a bit and looking away again. "I deserve it."

Wolfram blinked. "What?"

"Oh, come on." Yuuri said, scratching his head in irritation. "You figured it out too. It's Gwendal's way of punishing me for hurting you."

"Yuuri…" the anger was gone from his voice and his hands reached out to turn Yuuri's face back toward him. "You don't deserve to be punished."

"Yes I do." Yuuri insisted. "I broke my promises. I hurt you. So badly you thought I was going to kick you out!"

Wolfram winced at that but rubbed his thumbs over Yuuri's cheeks in a comforting way. "But you didn't mean to. And you're here now. That's all I care about."

Yuuri looked away, just with his eyes since Wolfram's hold on his face was firm. The guilt in his gut felt overwhelming.

"Hey," Wolfram said, forcing his face into Yuuri's line of sight. "Your guilt isn't going to make the past go away. You letting Gwen keep you locked away isn't going to make me happy. If you feel bad, then make up for it with more time, not less."

Yuuri swallowed hard but nodded. "That makes sense."

"Of course it does." Wolfram said, straightening.

"Are you two going to kiss?" Greta asked, making both of them jump a bit.

Yuuri smiled, suddenly feeling a bit mischievous himself and deciding to humor his daughter. After all, how strange had it been for her to have never seen her fathers kiss? He reached out, tangling his fingers in the blonde hair on the back of Wolfram's head before pulling his Fiance into an embrace. He was vaguely aware of a squeal from Greta, but was much more preoccupied with the way Wolfram melted against him. The kiss only lasted a moment before Wolfram was gently pushing him away, face beet red. "Y-Yuuri…" he scolded weakly.

"Hm?" Yuuri asked with a too innocent smile.

"My Papas are the cutest Papas in the whole wide world!" Greta declared before hugging both their legs.

Yuuri looked down at her with a smile. "We are, huh?"

"Mm! I love you both so much!"

"Hm," Yuuri said with a fake show of thoughtfulness. "You're not getting a third dessert."

Greta pouted up at him. He didn't think that was what she'd actually been after, but she also didn't deny it so he laughed and scooped her up, even though she really was getting too big to be held and he probably wouldn't be able to manage it for long. "We love you, too." he said, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"We do." Wolfram agreed, kissing her other cheek. "Very much."

Greta gave a giggle of pure happiness and Yuuri felt so content that he just wanted to stand in this moment forever. Then his stomach gave a loud growl, breaking the moment and sending Greta into a whole new fit of giggles.

"Come on, Wimp." Wolfram said, sounding amused and using a hand at the small of his back to get him moving again. The hand stayed as Greta babbled to them about the cake she had heard was going to be for dessert as the small family headed down to dinner.