SweetHeaven: Thank you for the wishes, I hope your new year has started well ^_^ Mine has been good so far.
There's another reason to a "sudden" change in Yuuri's feelings. It will come in the next chapter (if I finally sit down and write it). I think it will make things even more dramatic and complicated (as if it's not enough already XD
Wolfram is cheapening their friendship indeed. He was trying to forget Yuuri, all the bad times, all the good times, everything. Every relationship brings us something, teaches us something, but there are different ways to deal with a rejection. While some manage to stay friends and accentuate the good things, others cross the person who has been the reason for pain out of their lives and move on as soon as possible as if nothing has ever happened. That's probably a less mature way to deal with it (but that's what I do), and that was Wolfram trying to do with Yuuri. From my own experience, I can say that cutting the connection abruptly and completely works much better than holding onto some lingering feelings. Two months and it's completely over. People are different, of course. If it were real life, I imagine that Wolfram would have been over Yuuri at about the same time when he and Eldara kissed in the stable :)
Yes, Yuuri was just throwing a tantrum, one of those that Wolfram used to throw, haha He wouldn't have persisted if Wolfram and Eldara were really in love. It was very obvious, however, that they weren't. Even to such a dumbhead as Yuuri XD
Oh yes, in Wolfram's place, I would run from Shin Makoku as fast as possible. Too bad he can't run or even walk XD
Some more Conrad and Yozak's relationship in this chapter. I think most of it or probably all of it will be cut since it's sorta a threesome. Not exactly, but, in any case, there are three naked men in there XD Yup, drama, drama, lots of it.
Gdzwolfram: Happy New Year to you as well :)
Yuuri is indeed super cheesy. I think he's a hopeless romantic and very traditional in his views of courting, which can be both a good and a bad thing, haha
I am still thinking how to develop Eldara and Gwendal's relationship further and how it's going to be and how long it's supposed to last.
Sharlette: I like a determined Yuuri a lot and hope that soon he will stop being so pushy and will appear more mature. I hope you soon have more time to write and read :)
elle: enjoy :)
alguien22792: Oh, Gwendal is no saint. The opportunity was there and he took it. He loves seeing Eldara subdued (is he, though?).
I love making Yuuri suffer as it seems some kind of justice for what he has made Wolfram to go through. Very immature of me, I know XD
Guest: Indeed, boldness and persistence are probably the only things Yuuri can rely on at this point.
xxxxxxxxx
Disclaimer: I don't own Kyou Kara Maou! – It belongs to its respective owners. This fan fiction is not a commercial project, and I'm not making any money from writing it.
Warnings: yaoi (male x male), violence, swearing, angst, drama. Wolfram-centric, out of character, original character.
Summary: With Yuuri's upcoming birthday, Wolfram makes his decision. Where will it lead him and what is to become of them? Should eventually be Yuuri x Wolfram.
A/N 1: Yuuri – 18 years old. Wolfram – 21. Eldara – 32. Halea – 20. Athara – 18. Gwendal – 54.
A/N 2: Greta doesn't exist.
A/N 3: European/American/Japanese standards all at once depending on the plot requirements.
A/N 4: A tendency to ignore the anime/manga and supplement the story with my own imagined facts.
A/N 5: Season III is not taken into consideration, except for the fact that Wolfram's uncle exists.
A/N 6: The umlaut in Gunter's name is a bother.
A/N 7: This chapter contains a sex scene. To comply with FanFiction net's policy, I cut it. If you want to read the scene, go to AdultFanFiction org or ArchiveofOurOwn org.
Bloom
by chayron (lttomb yahoo com), beta-read by Anonymously Awesome
Part 48
By the time Wolfram got up, it was almost breakfast. He had struggled to fall asleep and when he finally had, he hadn't rested well due to the chaotic state of his mind. Two days had passed after his and Yuuri's last conversation. The king hadn't approached him anymore, giving him space to think. The "space" was almost non-existent since Yuuri kept sending both intense and concerned gazes his way. That hadn't helped Wolfram regain his balance much.
The blond washed his face and neck in the bowl on the dresser. Drying himself with a towel, he looked at the mirror. His face was too pale; the skin under his eyes bluish and puffy from a lack of sleep. He took a hairbrush from the dresser and brushed his hair. It needed cutting as it nearly reached his shoulders. He had always worn his hair longish, but now it was just getting in the way. He wondered when he had become oblivious to his usually impeccable appearance. There were just too many things going on.
Wolfram put the brush away and limped over to the wardrobe. He didn't need help dressing anymore but it still took him longer than usual. He threw a shirt on then got his uniform off the hanger before sitting on the bed in order to pull his trousers on. After that he buttoned his jacket, took another look at the mirror and limped over to the door to get his crutches from beside it. Just as he had gotten comfortable on them, there was a knock on the door. Wondering who it could be at this time, Wolfram gave them permission to enter. It was one of the maids, Darum. She was carrying a small bouquet of flowers, and a vase.
"Good morning, Your Highness," she greeted cheerfully while Wolfram was leaning on his crutches, staring at her in confusion.
"Good morning," he answered. "What's this?" He watched the maid quickly walk into the room. She stopped at the desk, placed the vase on top and started arranging the flowers.
The maid turned to him. "His Majesty sent them," she said, smiling brightly. "Spring flowers. Aren't they beautiful, Sir? Tulips and daffodils. His Majesty wishes You a good day, Sir."
Wolfram averted his eyes from her face to the flowers in the vase. He thought about sending them back, but there wasn't much sense in that. Yuuri would just pout and try to talk him into accepting them. The king's gesture was irritating Wolfram with its blatant obviousness and persistence. They were only flowers, but the insistent courting felt unpleasant. He hadn't even given Yuuri a clear answer. Obviously, the king didn't care.
"Thank you. You may go now," Wolfram said when the maid finished arranging flowers and stood aside, waiting.
Wolfram left his room right after the maid did. He visited the bathroom and joined the rest of the household at breakfast table, greeting them as he entered. He was aware of the expectant look the king was giving him. Wolfram ignored it. Yuuri had sent him a gift and now expected immediate feedback. Wolfram decided that the king was obviously convinced that all it took to win him over was showering him with presents. Pathetically naïve.
Before breakfast Gunter informed Wolfram and Eldara that they were expected in his study after the meal. They were going to discuss the termination of their engagement. The cancelations had been sent out already but there were bound to be a few people who would not receive them in time and would arrive. They had to plan for those cases. Normally, it would have been taken care of by Gunter alone, but he and von Voltaire had decided that the culprits' involvement would compensate for at least some of the problems they had caused. Both the duke and Wolfram had agreed that it was only fair.
Breakfast passed quickly, everyone enjoying their meal. As Wolfram was leaving the table, Yuuri's patience snapped.
"Did you receive the flowers?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you."
The king had obviously expected something more and wanted to add more, but Wolfram turned around and hobbled away on his crutches.
The curtains were wide open, and Wolfram's chair was pushed as close as possible to it without hindering the barber. They had kept the window itself closed though, as Wolfram thought that he might get cold in the breeze while having to sit still.
Snippets of blond hair fell into his lap as he absent-mindedly watched them land. The barber had made an effort to start small talk about the beautiful spring weather, but Wolfram didn't feel like maintaining the conversation, so now they were surrounded by silence. An occasional sound from the yard could be heard when the guards would laugh at something or shout out orders. Behind the door, in the corridor, Wolfram heard someone's steps and then the maids' giggles. They were obviously sharing the latest gossip.
There was a knock on the door and, grateful for the distraction, Wolfram called them in. Without turning his head, he looked at the maid who entered.
"Yes?"
She gave him a warm smile. "His Majesty is asking whether Your Highness would like to join Him for a cup of tea down in the garden."
Wolfram grunted. A few more hairs fell down onto the towel drawn over his lap. He stared at the flowery tapestry on the wall in front of him.
"Your Highness?"
"Yes, tell His Majesty that I'm busy right now. I will join Him in an hour if He still wishes for it."
The maid bowed quickly and excused herself.
"Is the length at the front all right, Sir?" the barber asked, holding out a mirror in front of Wolfram.
The blond took a look and nodded. "Yes, it's fine." He turned his head this way and that. "The sides still look too puffy, though."
"Yes, I will fix that, Sir."
The barber put away the mirror and took up the scissors and comb again.
Sometime later, someone knocked but, instead of the maid that Wolfram had expected to see, his brother appeared. Conrart entered the room and then became aware of the barber's presence. His steps faltered.
"It's alright," Wolfram said, "he's about to finish."
The barber nodded. "Yes, just a few more minutes, Sir."
Not waiting for an invitation, Conrart walked over to the sofa and seated himself. He wasn't really certain how to start the conversation and whether it wouldn't make Wolfram irritated. His brother might think that he had come here to gloat. He hadn't, he was genuinely concerned about Wolfram. Unfortunately, that concern had the potential to annoy the blond even more.
The silence was interrupted by another knock on the door. Now it was the maid Wolfram had expected.
"Your Highness, His Majesty says He's looking forward to the tea," she said with a quick bow.
"Yes, thank you."
She left, and Conrart gave his brother a curious look. "Since when are you sending messengers to each other?"
Keeping his head still, Wolfram rolled his eyes. "Since this morning apparently," he said, pointing at the vase on the table in the middle of the room.
Conrart glanced at the bouquet of flowers and recognized it as the one he had seen one of the maids picking up in the morning. So this was where it had gone.
His brother didn't say anything, and Wolfram thought that maybe he hadn't understood what he had meant. The small smile on Conrart's face, however, proved that he knew very well what his brother was talking about. The blond suppressed a sigh. He and Conrart hadn't spoken since the time he had announced the termination of the engagement. He had probably come to say how pleased he was with the outcome. Wolfram felt his mood nose-diving.
The barber finally finished and left. Wolfram offered some stewed fruit to Conrart, but he refused.
"Is there something you want?" the blond asked, sitting down on the sofa next to the older man.
A particular look of bored annoyance filled his brother's eyes, and Conrart shook his head. "No, I didn't come here to gloat and say 'I told you'. I just want to know how you're doing."
The blond felt a little embarrassed. He had an urge to answer that he was completely fine and close the topic but he wasn't completely fine. Quite far from it.
His brother was quiet, and gave him a reassuring smile. "Now there's at least one thing less to worry about."
Wolfram leaned back into the sofa with a sigh. "I wish it were true."
Conrart ventured a guess, "His Majesty?"
Wolfram let out another mighty sigh. "Yes, His Majesty. But you have known, haven't you?"
Conrart nodded. "Presumed. He has become very sensitive to everything that concerns you."
The blond shrugged apathetically. "I wish he had been sensitive back then."
There was a lot of irritation in his brother's voice, and he was obviously angry. There wasn't only that, though. Conrart gave him a searching look. "You don't like it?"
Wolfram opened his mouth then hesitated and closed it.
"I promise it will stay between us," Conrart assured him.
Somewhat embarrassed, Wolfram shrugged. "Ah, no, it's not that. It's…complicated. I like it and I hate it. It angers me that he is able to brush everything off that happened in the past so easily. Well, it hasn't been easy for me. I had to overcome a lot, and he suddenly disregards everything and wants me to do the same. How can I? I don't even know if it's not some kind of whim of his! He kept telling me that he didn't like men, and now suddenly he is alright with them. I don't get it. Honestly, it pisses me off how he's so laid back about everything! It's like this is a game to him!"
"I'm certain that it's not like that," Conrart said. "He's…"
"Yes, you're always on his side."
Conrart suddenly looked hurt. Wolfram felt guilty and ashamed.
"I'm sorry, that was uncalled for," he apologized.
Conrart was quiet for a few moments. "It's true that I support him," he said then, "but you are my brother. I only wish the best for you."
"I know. I'm sorry," Wolfram repeated. "I vented my frustrations on you."
"His Majesty… I don't think He's laid back. He's probably doing His best to appear so. He…" Conrart trailed off for a moment. "He comes from a completely different world, with different rules, different expectations. I'm certain that His Majesty had to overcome some of His worst fears to be able to voice His feelings for you. You will have to overcome yours to accept them."
"I don't know if I want to."
Conrart nodded. "Yes, you'll have to decide whether it's worth the outcome you could hope for. I just think His Majesty is not as confident as he pretends to be if that's what annoys you most."
"He makes me feel as if I am thrown back in time again, back into that endless loop of desperation and frustration. He makes me feel…bare, unprotected… It's like I'm reverting back to my old self. I don't like that feeling. With Eldara it was different. I felt mature, safe."
Conrart wondered how anyone could feel safe around von Ashira but didn't voice his thoughts. "Wasn't it because you two didn't put any expectations on your relationship? And…excuse me for saying this, but it wasn't it also because you entrusted the initiative to him: the more experienced person?"
Wolfram thought for a moment. "Maybe," he said finally. "Maybe that's why." Conrart was probably right. It was strange how, while having good insight and seemingly giving good advice, he himself was stuck in a weird and, most likely, unwelcome relationship.
Wolfram looked at the mirror and gave himself a critical appraisal. His reflection still looked somewhat pale, but there was nothing to be done about it unless one wanted to use rouge. Wolfram didn't. His new hair-cut looked wonderful and Wolfram slid a hand over his hair, content. Smooth and soft. Splendid. His uniform was pristine, not a speck of dust as far as he could see.
Contrary to his flawless appearance, he was a mess inside. The conversation with his brother made him reevaluate some of his views, and it only led to another bout of confusion about what he really wanted and felt.
Wolfram took his crutches and carefully descended the stairs. He turned towards the dining room then opened the door and stopped in the doorway, surprised. The table was set for six people, and five of them were already present, his seat being the only empty one.
Yuuri stood up to acknowledge Wolfram, and the blond's eyebrows rose. The king felt his cheeks heat up. He motioned to the empty seat and Wolfram walked over to the table. Wolfram didn't know what kind of face he was making, but it caused Yuuri give him a knowing look as if he was wondering whether he was disappointed that they weren't alone.
The blond leaned the crutches against the edge of the table and, with Gwendal's help, sat down. He reached down for the teapot at once. Conrart passed him the sugar while Gwendal pushed the large plate of cheesecake closer to him.
"Thanks."
Wolfram felt irritated and he could tell that everyone could sense that he wasn't in the best of moods. He poured himself a cup and added some sugar. The tea consisted of a variety of herbs: chamomile, thyme and a few others that Wolfram wasn't able to identify, which gave it a pleasant smell. It tasted good and he continued sipping for a while, listening to the conversation around the table. Cecilie and Gunter were discussing which summer flowers would be best to plant in the front yard. Conrart and Gwendal were making arrangements for a spar in the afternoon. They kept on talking about what needed to be improved in their techniques. Any other time Wolfram would have enthusiastically joined in their conversation, but now he didn't feel like it.
The king watched the blond pouring himself a second cup. He found it amusing to see that Wolfram hadn't expected to find others here. He had done that intentionally. Why exactly, Yuuri wasn't certain. It was either so as not to appear too pushy or check how Wolfram would react to other people here instead of only him. It was probably both. Wolfram, though, was angry, and Yuuri couldn't tell why. Everything he did seemed to irritate Wolfram. He felt that he was steadily losing points. Since Yuuri didn't believe that he had ever accumulated many of them in the past, it was a scary feeling.
"So, Wolfram," Yuuri said, forcing a happy smile, "what were you up to today?"
The cup in the blond's hand faltered. He gave the king an apathetic look. "Well, I had my hair cut."
Minus fifty points.
Yuuri's smile thinned. He hadn't noticed. Indeed, Wolfram's hair was shorter and less bushy. He looked even more handsome if that was even possible. He should have noticed and complimented Wolfram as soon as he had entered the dining room.
"It suits you," Yuuri said hoping that the admiration was showing on his face.
Wolfram rolled his eyes and shoveled more cake into his mouth. Yuuri's face was encouraging him to continue and, after swallowing, he did.
"I intend to watch my brothers spar." He turned to them. "If that's alright with you."
Conrart nodded while Gwendal shrugged indifferently.
"Can I come as well?" Yuuri asked.
Not certain whom he was asking for permission, the three men met each other's eyes. It was Wolfram who was compelled to answer.
"Suit yourself."
It didn't appear to be much of an invitation, but Yuuri suppressed the feeling of uneasiness and contented himself by answering with a nod.
At some point everyone returned to their business, and Wolfram was left alone at the table. Brooding, he stayed in the dining room for about twenty minutes then went upstairs to his room to relax. The climb required quite a lot of effort, but he knew his leg needed the exercise.
Blinking, Wolfram sat up in his bed. He had fallen asleep. Yawning and rubbing at his eyes he looked out of the window into the darkness. A pang of guilt shot through his chest – he had missed his brothers' spar. Yuuri had been waiting for him. Well, it was not as if they had made a promise, was it?
ooOoOoOoo
Naked, from the armchair at the curtained window, Karela watched Yozak and Conrart having sex. The bed was only about two meters away, all the candles on the bedside cabinet lit, so he was able to fully enjoy the view.
If you want to read the following sex scene, go to AdultFanFiction org or ArchiveofOurOwn org.
Conrart was a remarkable man, and Karela did feel attracted to him. There were, however, severe restrictions when it came to that. Consciously or not, Yozak was very possessive of the man. It seemed to be more of an unconscious thing as Yozak had never voiced any complaints or preferences. He actually even avoided talking about it. There were no problems if Karela touched Conrart in Yozak's presence, he even tolerated them kissing. When Karela, however, had pushed Conrart down for the first time, it was Yozak who ended up having sex with the brunet. Karela hadn't thought much of that back then but the scenario kept repeating itself with Yozak getting in between them. He soon had learned that he was not allowed to fuck Conrart. Conrart didn't seem to be keen on breaking the unwritten rule either. There was, no doubt, something off with their relationship. Karela couldn't help but feel more and more annoyed with both of them.
ooOoOoOoo
It was unusually quiet at the breakfast table. Wolfram rested his crutches against the table and sat down while casually mentioning that he had fallen asleep yesterday and apologizing for it. He doubted anyone believed him, but the explanation dissipated most of the ominous mood.
They finished eating and soon started drifting apart to take up their daily tasks. Wolfram motioned for von Ashira to stay. Eldara rounded the table and sat down next to him. Just before leaving, the king cast him a discontent look, but the duke pretended not to notice it.
"So how is it going with Gwendal?" Wolfram asked him once they were alone in the dining room.
"Uh." Wolfram's frankness made Eldara feel somewhat awkward. "I think it's going. Only I don't know whether forwards or backwards. Maybe sideways?"
Wolfram chuckled. "As long as you two are having fun."
Eldara thought about it. He certainly was. He hoped von Voltaire was as well. He didn't expect their relationship to last. It wasn't going to. The thing between them was probably not something that he could call a relationship either. It would probably turn into something similar to what he and von Sedera shared. That would be good enough.
Eldara noticed Wolfram giving him a curious look. He laughed softly. "This is not the strangest affair I've ever had."
Wolfram snorted. "Certainly not. Fucking a married man then the brother of the man you like, and now your ex-fiancé's brother. I wonder what's next."
"Uh, it certainly sounds bad when you put it into words."
"As if you're surprised by that."
Von Ashira sighed. He wasn't. "And how are things on your side? I hear you stood His Majesty up yesterday?"
Wolfram rolled his eyes. He waved his hand as if to dispel the unpleasant topic. "I just fell asleep."
"Really?"
"Yes."
Von Ashira was giving him a doubtful look, and the blond waved his hands about again. "Everything's annoying me. I don't want to deal with this. As soon as I am able to ride, I'll be returning to Lesa Fort."
"So you're running away."
"Yes, I am. And I don't think it's a bad thing. I am fed up with this. I want some space to think."
"What if he doesn't let you?"
Wolfram gave him an incredulous look. The thought had never occurred to him. Certainly, Yuuri was against him leaving, but to order him to stay…
"What if he chases you?"
"Ehm…" Indeed, Yuuri had become much more insistent than Wolfram had ever believed he could be. "I won't let him."
Eldara chuckled. "I actually hope you will. That would certainly make things interesting."
"Always ready to make fun of other people's misfortune."
"Oh, just don't lie that you're not pleased by his attention. I can see perfectly well that you are."
Wolfram glared at him. Then his features softened. "Is it so obvious?"
"Yes, it is."
Wolfram pursed his lips. Yuuri's attention did please him, there was no use denying it. The fact remained however, that he found the whole situation more annoying than pleasant. He sighed again.
"Why weren't you at the tea party yesterday?"
The sudden change in topic made the duke blink. He thought for a moment. "Tea party? When was that?"
Wolfram rolled his eyes. Yuuri had purposely left Eldara out. No surprises there. "I see," he said. "Come with me today in the afternoon for a tea break with His Majesty."
Eldara gave him a bored look. "Can you spare me from taking part in your punishment games?"
Wolfram's eyebrows rose. "You're one to talk. This is only a fraction of what you owe me for your machinations."
TBC