Disclaimer:I do not own KKM!
Author Notes:Yeah! I managed to update as promised. This chapter doesn't contain much plot advancement other than the last bit. Information about the next chapter will be at the end of the story. Thank you for the 100 reviews, 48 favs and 75 follows. So enjoy! Read and review!
Review Replies:
Aurelie:Thanks for the review! Since I don't know many other languages I am just going to assume you said, 'Good idea.'
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I thought about how there are two kinds of secrets: the kind you want to keep in and the kind you don't dare let out-
Ally Carter
Chapter 14: Of Disastrous Dates and Drag Competitions
Wolfram remembered the time when he found out that Conrart was a half breed. A mixture of sadness, horror, disbelief, shock and ultimately anger had set in. He was very young at that time.
He had thought that he was now immune to that kind of emotional shocks but when he saw Sara and Yuri together he got the same kind of shock- though of a lesser kind- he had when he found out about Conrart.
Staring at them laughing with each other happily he idly noted how good they both looked together. They looked happy.
But slowly the shock and disbelief began to wear off and anger began to take its place. His fists slowly clenched tightly as he took note of the hand that held Yuri's. That dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach was walking a bit too close to HIS Yuri.
But with that came a realization. He couldn't do anything about it. His fists automatically unclenched as he blinked. What could he do about it? He was no longer Yuri's fiancé- nor friend- so there was no way he could march over to them and demand an explanation.
Yuri was wearing his usual red dye and brown contact lenses. Wolfram knew that there would be a few soldiers following them to make sure that nothing happened to them.
As they passed near to him, he turned to face the stall. There was no way he wanted to face both of them now. Not when they were enjoying and he was completely conflicted. He knew that the little girl wannabe would take complete advantage of the fact that he was unsettled to make a claim on Yuri if only to anger Wolfram further.
He stared at the rotting wood of the stall door trying to ignore the fact that the man he loved was with the person- if one could call him that- he hated the most.
Glancing behind him he noticed that they both had gone quite a distance away from him. He sighed in relief. It looked like luck was finally on his side.
(Little did he know what all he would be forced to go through)
"It's over..."
Blinking, he stepped back as William emerged from the stall. He was clutching his stomach as he staggered out. It was by pure reflex that Wolfram went forward to steady him. He was beginning to feel bad for William.
Wait. What?!
Wolfram froze as he thought about it. He was actually feeling bad for William. The person who had broken his trust not so long ago. It was true that William deserved everything he got but Wolfram was not that cruel.
He could feel sympathy weaken his heart as he asked, "Are you alright?"
William smiled weakly. "Somewhat." Straightening up William's gaze sharpened. "But you don't look all that good." Wolfram snapped his head up in surprise not even bothering to deny it. How had William known?
And the most surprising thing was that Wolfram actually answered him. "Yu- His Majesty and the King of Small Shimaron just went past here. I was just surprised to see them together."
For a moment William frowned and opened his mouth to say something. But he immediately closed it and glanced at both the ends. "Which way did they go?"
"Why?" Wolfram asked dreading the answer. William looked at him for a moment as if making a decision.
"Let's meet up with them. It will be a fun double date!"
And so any sympathy that Wolfram felt for William went down the drain.
"No." It was only one word but it was firm and that was all it needed to make William frown. "I don't want to."
"Or are you afraid too?" Wolfram gaped at William. How was William able to read him so perfectly? Wolfram made a mental note to find out if William had taken mind reading training in the years he had been away.
"I am not afraid of anything." Wolfram snapped after a moment of silence.
"Then let's go!" William declared.
Wolfram eyed William carefully. Was this another one of William's plan? To hurt Wolfram as much as he could by making him to stay near Yuri? But for that he should know that Wolfram still had feelings for Yuri. What if he knew?
Wolfram didn't answer and kicked a stone moodily. This is the appropriate time to remember the saying: All things have the tendency to go wrong at the same time. And together with Wolfram's and William's dual bad luck things only seemed to be going worse.
The stone went sailing through and air and hit a cow. A four horned cow.
The cow roared and came running towards Wolfram with all its four horns gleaming in the sun.
(Though cows were normally very docile animals they react violently when attacked. They stay close to the city and sometimes venture into it.)
Wolfram could've easily scared it away- after all animals are afraid of fire- but Willy boy had to jump in the middle. Actually even William could have chase the cow away due to his sharing the same kind of Maryuko with Wolfram but people tend to forget about basic facts like that when faced with these kinds of situations.
"I will save you."
This reminded Wolfram of the incident at the Castle and he smirked. If this rescue was anything like that... The cow came speeding towards them and William stood between Wolfram and the force rushing towards them. Then William stepped forward and raised his hands.
For one moment Wolfram thought that William might be using his fire powers. But he conveniently forgot something about cows.
Fun fact about cows in Shin Makuko: They do not like blue. At all.
It didn't help that Williams face was gleaming blue and so was his now glove-less hands. Wolfram had changed out of his usual clothing and worn the same variation of his uniform that was more purple than blue.
Needless to say they were soon running away from the bull. From the corner of his eyes Wolfram could see people staring curiously at the odd couple who were as fast as they could from the cow. People who were in their way rushed to get out of it. No one wanted to be trampled by a cow.
"Mama why is that cow chasing those people?" A child asked curiously as he looked at the two people running away from a cow.
His mother briefly looked up and deeming it as uninteresting focused her attention back at her task. "They say that animals can sense people who want to hurt them. Maybe they tried to molest it or something." The casual tone she was using made it seem like she was talking about the weather.
"But isn't forced molestation of animals not allowed?" The child asked his eyes widening.
"Yes, it isn't allowed. They could always ask the animal politely but some people don't like to ask an inferior species for that kind of things. They like to take it themselves." It was clear that this was not the kind of conversation that a mother was supposed to have with her child but since it was Shin Makuko... It wasn't all that surprising.
'It does make a good scene.' Shinou thought as he observed the show from his place on the rooftop of a house. 'It seems like they were never meant to go on a date.
Wolfram, scanning for an opening saw one and took it. He quickly jumped to the side and his landing was cushioned by a patch of grass after the row of shops came to an end. Unfortunately William didn't think like that and continued to run away.
Wolfram just looked after William as he faded at the distance.
"Your Excellency!" He immediately turned and found himself looking at the middle aged woman who had barged into his life and demanded to help him.
"Where is your date?" The twinkle in her eyes clued Wolfram that she knew and witnessed exactly what happened.
"Running away from a cow." He replied calmly like it was an everyday occurrence.
"You are not helping him?" Jennifer asked an amused smile on her face.
"He is a very brave and courageous soldier." In the background a series of (very girlish) screams could be heard. "What brings you here?" He focused on the woman. Despite everything he had to remember that this was his mother's friend and her friends were as devious as her.
"I just came for some souvenir shopping." Jennifer held up the empty basket she was carrying. "My sons come here all the time and yet they never bought anything for me." She sighed sadly. "That's why girls are better. Boys no longer care about their Mothers when they grow up."
Wolfram sweat dropped. Those ideas reminded him of his own mother.
"Anyways did you know that Yu- His Majesty and the cute boy also are here? I heard that His Majesty was moping around," At that she gave a significant look at Wolfram, "So Sara-Chan asked for a tour."
Wolfram just stared at her. Sara-Chan? He resisted the urge to sigh.
"I saw them. They were happy."
"Happy?" Jennifer raised an eyebrow.
He didn't say anything.
She sighed. "I thought we were over this." She glanced at him.
"Isn't it obvious who's going to win?" Wolfram asked.
Jennifer had had enough. Folding her arms across her chest, she tapped her foot. "It's not about winning or losing. And if does come to that you are the one who will win." She declared.
"And why is that?" Wolfram tried to keep the sardonic tone out of his voice.
"Because you are fighting with the power of your heart. They might be trying to get Yuri with their tricks but you are trying with your whole heart. And that makes all the difference."
Wolfram just stared at her stunned. Again, she had said something that touched him deeply. He looked down. It was true though wasn't it? Everything he had done for Yuri until today, it was done just out of love for him.
"I guess you are right." He admitted rather grudgingly.
"Then go." He looked at her confused. "My job was to make you understand and it's done. So now I will continue my shopping." Wolfram smiled and nodded. He gave a small wave and proceeded to walk towards where William had disappeared.
"That was a very nice speech Mama-san." Murata remarked as he came to stand beside her.
A small smile appeared on her face. "Just stating the truth." Then she looked sideways at him. "That's the reason you actually agreed to be reborn again and again right?" The smile transforming into a grin at Murata's surprised look and she continued, "Love can be a powerful motivator."
Turning on her heel, she made her way towards one of the shops to look for some souvenirs to take back with her. Murata just stood there staring after her.
"What did she say?" Shinou appeared on Murata shoulder and was looking curiously after Miko.
"Nothing. Just... Nothing." The befuddled look on Murata's face was replaced by a gentle yet amused smile. Shinou didn't look convinced but dropped it anyways.
"By the way my Sage..."
OooO
Meanwhile, the old antique shop looked the same from the outside. Though on the inside it looked like a clown house.
Different kinds of antiques were colored in different kind of colours. Some were pink, some were blue and others green. The common thing between all the colours was that all of them were eye blindingly bright.
Unfortunately, the antiques were not the only things that were coloured.
Gwendal's long grey hair was now a clash between blood red and hot pink with streaks of his original grey. Conrart's had turned highlighter yellow (not the normal blonde one) while Yozak's normally orange hair had turned silvery white. He was the only normal one. Kind of.
"Anissina! What the hell was there in your invention?" Gwendal snapped, staring at horror at his reflection on a nearby mirror that was half splashed with colour.
Anissina, who was miraculously the only one without any kind of stain on her dress let alone her hair, waved her hand dismissively. "It is a failed invention now. It should have shot a tranquilizer dart at William." But instead it had blasted (as usual) and coated everything with colours.
Clothes, hair or bald heads.
The owner with a bald head now had a very shiny purple head. He looked completely miffed but didn't dare say anything. He had recognized the people in his shop. Or more frankly, he recognized that person.
Poison Lady.
And she did seem dangerous as books suggested she was. There was no way he was opening his mouth. If she was able to do this much damage without even lifting a finger what would she be able to do if she... He shivered. This was one thing he didn't want to think about.
Everyone glowered at her.
Except Yozak who was inspecting his appearance in the window. "I think I look quite fetching in this." He turned and winked at Conrart who was behind him.
Conrart's lips twitched upwards but upon seeing Gwendal's glare he coughed and decided to keep quiet.
"Fix it." Gwendal demanded.
"No can do. It will take at least 2 days for it to fade away." Anissina was inspecting one of the antique saffron in colour and therefore missed the horrified looks of the owner, Gwendal and Conrart. Yozak didn't seem to mind his new hair colour.
"Anissina... "Gwendal growled.
She sighed and turned towards him. Glancing at the other two companions she grabbed Gwendal's arm and pulled him to the side. "Gwendal. I understand that you are worried about Wolfram but this is a bit too much."
Gwendal blinked before retracting his hand from her grip angrily. He wasn't angry at her for her accusation but he was angry at himself when he realized that the accusation held a ring of truth to it.
"I can't help it..." He turned his head to the side.
Anissina shook her head. "I can sympathize with you but I don't think Wolfram needs your help. He is a fully grown Mazuko and a soldier to the boot! He can take care of himself." She lectured him. But her gaze softened when she noticed the concern he held for his brother.
"We are not going to pull anything else on them." Before Gwendal could protest she continued, "Let's just return to the Castle. Please."
Anissina's use of the word 'Please' shocked Gwendal into silence. He stared at her for a moment trying to determine whether she was serious. Noticing the hand that was lightly placed on his, he took a deep breath and nodded reluctantly. He had to admit that Anissina had a point.
She grinned. It wasn't an evil grin or a pleased one. It was the rare one that she nearly never displayed. He smiled back.
"If the little lovers reunion is over shall we get going?" An amused voice asked.
The dysfunctional childhood friends snapped her heads towards the source of the amusement and saw Yozak and Conrart standing side by side with similar smirks on their faces.
Gwendal could feel his cheeks heat up a bit. Glaring at them, he swept past them and made his way out of the shop.
"Looks like someone is embarrassed." Yozak sang delightfully.
"Gurrier?" Anissina sweet voice cut in. Yozak sweat dropped. The only thing more dangerous than a plotting Anissina was a sweet one.
"You are going to be my gui- I mean test subject for the next 10 experiments that doesn't utilize Maryuko." Yozak whimpered and Conrart gave him a sympathetic look.
With a last superior smirk she went out behind Gwendal.
"What did I do to deserve it?" Yozak moaned loudly.
"Maybe you shouldn't have teased them." Looking at Yozak's downcast face, Conrart sighed. "Maybe I can bail you out from it." The wide grin that brightened Yozak's face made Conrart own lips twist up into a smile.
"I knew I could count on you!" Yozak declared as he pulled Conrart towards the exit of the shop. Conrart just shook her head and followed without protests.
The only person left in the shop was the poor shopkeeper. Moaning about the fortune it was going to cost for him to fix everything, he made his way to the front counter. He stopped in surprise at the small pouch sitting innocently on the counter. Opening it, he found enough gold coins to fix everything plus extra.
He found himself smiling at the gesture.
Looks like they might not be so bad after all.
OooO
Wolfram came upon the scene of William clinging for his dear life to a big old tree. Wolfram wanted to question how William got so top when the tree was gnarled and twisted without any kind of proper grip. Not to mention its height.
The four horned cow was standing under the tree and -even though Wolfram didn't believe it- glaring at William. People was staring at them curiously though no one dared to venture too close to the cow in case he lost interest in his original chase and decided to go behind more easily available targets.
Wolfram pursed his lips trying not to smile. Venturing near the cow he conjured a small fireball. Approaching the cow he waited until the cow noticed him and more importantly the fire. It didn't take long before the cow was whining before turning and running away.
Extinguishing the fireball with a flick of his wrist, Wolfram focused his attention towards William. William looked exceedingly grateful. The gratefulness soon turned into bewilderment as he tried to figure out the way to get down the tree.
After a few minutes of struggle his hands slipped and he fell down in an undignified heap. The bright blue face of William turned purple with embarrassment. His neon pink hair was attracting more attention than he was comfortable with.
Quickly clambering to his feet, he glanced at Wolfram and both of them silently agreed to get out of here.
"Oh my! What's going on here?" Wolfram felt many tiny cockroaches crawling over his body. Clenching his fist, he forced a smile on his face and turned to face the dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach.
"Nothing you have to worry about." Wolfram's tone was so sweet that it could have rotted ones teeth or given anyone diabetes.
"Wolf! I didn't expect to run into you." Wolfram glanced at Yuri and carefully schooled his expression into a pleasant look.
"I am currently out with my date."
They all turned to look at William. Wolfram tried not to grimace.
William was in a bad condition would be an understatement. His neon pink hair was tangled and matted with a bit of mud. His robes had cuts and tears nearly everywhere. His body was bright blue in colour that disorientated anyone who stared too long. And there was the slight sheepish and embarrassed look on his face.
"I know. Murata told me." Was that edge in Yuri's voice his imagination? Wolfram decided to go with that. "What happened to him anyways?" Sara and Yuri were both peering curiously at William's condition. Wolfram was not going to be the one to explain anything.
"Someone pranked me." William growled glaring suspiciously at Yuri.
Yuri blinked in surprise. "Pranked?"
"Poor guy." Sara shook his head. "Did you find out who did it?"
"No I didn't. But I will. And that person will wish he was never born." Wolfram had to roll his eyes at the over used dialogue. Couldn't William be a little bit more original?
"You must be enjoying your date." Sara smirked. Wolfram narrowed his
eyes. "Don't mind us. We will leave you now."
"Why don't we just join up?" The other three turned to look at Yuri. "It can be like a double date." Wolfram wanted to wipe that stupid (but
cute) smile from Yuri's face but more than that he wanted to go into the decrepit stall and empty all his stomach contents. He was glad that even Sara looked displeased with that idea.
"That's a great idea." If looks could kill than William would be dead thousand times over.
"Sure why not?" Wolfram eyes widened as he looked at Sara. He had assumed that the cockroach was as opposed to the idea as he was if not more. But at the (definitely evil) smirk on his rivals face he realized that the girl wannabe would chose to embarrassing him over being alone with Yuri.
He remembered Jennifer's words.
You fight with the power of your heart.
So putting on a smirk, he nodded and said, "It will be fun."
The dark and misty restaurant they had entered for lunch was on the less occupied area of town and Wolfram wasn't surprised. This place was starting to raise Wolframs' alarm bells. But the looks on his companion's faces made him shut his mouth quite firmly.
"What a... Interesting place." Yuri muttered. Wolfram was about to nod his head in agreement before he was reminded of the fact that Yuri was no longer his fiancé and he was supposed to be ignoring Yuri.
So instead he took the chance to study his surroundings.
The little of them he could see at least.
A random scattering of tables and chairs, all with candle lights. The tables were covered with white cloth and so were the chairs. The place seemed more like a nightclub that Yuri had taken him on Earth than a restaurant. The only thing that was missing was a disco ball and dancing people. Light music played from somewhere.
And then, out of nowhere, a waiter appeared. His silvery white hair and brilliant blue eyes held Wolframs interest. He was sure that he had seen the eyes somewhere. Holding a tray in one hand, he bowed low and winked at Wolfram.
No one noticed.
Wolframs eyes widened. It couldn't be...
"Out on a date? Or rather dates?" Yozak's blue eyes were twinkling. "Why don't you go and meet Madam Zara?"
"Madam Zara?" Yuri questioned while Wolfram tried to figure out what was going on.
"Our relationship counselor. Or future predictor." Yozak explained.
"There is no harm in going there. It will be fun." Sara smiled and looked at Yuri for conformation. Yuri shrugged and nodded.
"Are you people coming too?" Wolfram glared at the other blonde who was smirking at him.
Challenge accepted.
"Sure. Why not?" Wolfram agreed and took one look at William. He was staring at Wolfram with a thoughtful expression on his face. Wolfram raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Nothing." William quickly turned front.
"Come with me." Yozak turned and went off to the side where a small door was located.
They followed him into a chamber. The only source of light came from nthe flickering candles on the walls and the silvery orb in the middle of the room placed on the table.
"Come." They jumped. Wolfram was tempted to use his Maryuko to light up the place but he was sure that it wouldn't be appreciated. As their eyes adjusted to the darkness he could see a woman (at least he thought it was a woman) sitting on a chair in front of the orb.
Wolframs attention was captured by the towering beehive like hair on her head. It perched precociously like it might fall at any moment.
"Sit." The voice was whispery.
Sara was the first one to obey.
'He is used to these fortune telling creeps in Small Shimaron.' Wolfram thought remembering the time they had met those creepy twins. Sara pulled Yuri along with him.
William glanced at Wolfram before taking his hand and heading over to the two remaining seats in front of the fortune teller.
Wolfram took the corner seat- he refused to sit side of Sara who had strategically made Yuri to sit in the other corner while he himself sat in the middle- and William sat next to Sara.
Wolfram found it odd that there were four seats instead of the usual two. This was another indication that this was all a set up. But as long as it was in his favor he didn't mind.
"What is that you seek?" Her face was hidden by a thick hood. Even her hands were covered with gloves. Wolfram had a sneaking suspicion that 'she' wasn't a woman. He glanced at Yozak who had retreated to the corners of the room nearly melted with the shadows.
"About out relationship." William replied tightening his hold on Wolframs' hand. Realizing that he was holding hands with The Devil he quickly snatched his hand back. William glanced at him speculatively but before Wolfram could think much about it he turned back to face Zara.
The woman stilled for a moment before raising her hands and rubbing the orb. Misty white smoke began to fill the orb. After a lot of Hmms and Ahhs she retracted her hands and looked at them or at least Wolfram thought she was looking at them. It was hard to tell with the cloak and all.
"You both are a disaster in making. Whenever you both come together disaster will follow. Bad luck shall stalk your path." She stated in an ominous voice pointing at Wolfram and then William.
They both stared back at her.
Then William blinked. "Well maybe..." He hesitated slightly and Wolfram had no doubt that he was thinking of today's disasters. But he slowly shook his head and asked, "But wont true love conquers everything?"
Wolfram felt an overpowering urge to slam Williams head on the nearby
wall. Or better yet, hit his own head on the wall. But then he wouldn't
get to listen to Sara and Yuri's fortune.
"Love should be present for it to conquer the obstacles." William flushed and looked down. Wolfram resisted the urge to smirk. And here it was conformed that William had no love towards Wolfram.
"No problem. Maybe Wolfram doesn't love me now but I swear on Shinou that I will make him love me." William declared sending a look of pure adoration to Wolfram. Wolfram was grateful for the semi darkness in the room as he was sure that there was an expression of horror on his face.
Someone coughed. "Should we continue?" Yuri. Wolfram glanced to the side trying to catch a glimpse of Yuri. He had noticed the slight irritation in Yuri's voice.
'Is he jealous?' Wolfram couldn't help but wonder.
"Oh yes!" The woman amiably agreed before saying, "You both are like ice cream and sun. Not a very good combination." She tilted her head to the side as if studying the couple. "It's better if you stayed away from each other."
She turned towards Yuri. "And you already have your loved one."
Sara stood up and slammed his hand on the table. "Nonsense. I and Yuri might be soul mates for all you know."
She calmly looked at Sara. "Maybe you both are soul mates. But that doesn't necessarily mean that soul mates always fall in love with each other. They might keep each other happy but that's it." Zara stood up. "This is session is now over. Please make your way back out." And with that she turned and disappeared into another room attached to the chambers.
For a few moments, they all sat in shock trying to process what actually happened.
"This is worthless. Small Shimaron had much better 'relationship predictors'." Sara seemed to have calmed down though he still glared at the door the woman had gone through.
Wolfram grinned. This went better than he had hoped or expected. Except for Williams declaration at least.
"Well sirs! I hope you enjoyed it. Would you like to take part in a competition?" And Yozak was back. Luckily for him no one actually recognized him. Not even Yuri.
Yuri spoke up. "What kind of competition?"
"A very enjoyable one." If the grin had been on any other persons face Wolfram would have taken the words at face value but since it was Yozak... He felt scared. Very scared.
And with good reason too.
"Follow me please." Wolfram would have hightailed it out of here if William hadn't gripped his hand and pulled him along.
He just hoped his dignity would be left intact by the end of this date.
OooO
After half an hour of being pushed in a room all Wolfram could do was stare in horror at himself in the mirror. The last time he was so embarrassed was when he and Yuri had sneake- attended the ball in Shimaron.
He had been in woman's clothing then.
That day he had sworn never ever to even touch a piece of woman's clothing for as long as he lived. But fate was (as usual) against him. So here he was decked in the exact replica of Yozak's dress albeit in green colour ('To match your emerald eyes!')
The makeup was a whole other story.
He felt more like a cake and less of a soldier by now. They had slathered a very, very generous amount of blush-on on his cheeks.
"You are too pale dear!" The makeup artist tutted when he had tried to protest.
And so here he was feeling less manly than Greta.
Stepping out of the room he steeled himself for a round of laughter or teasing. (He didn't step out of the room by himself. He was pushed out.)
But he had to stop himself from laughing out loud at the appearance of his companions.
Sara was wearing a kimono. A light purple on that matched with his eye
glasses. It occurred to Wolfram that the only place a kimono would be available was on Earth. It just confirmed all his suspicions of the Sage too being involved in this. The dirty, dirt, dirty cockroach looked even more girly- if that is possible- than Wolfram.
Yuri on the other hand was wearing a maid outfits like the one he had been forced to escape in while Stoffel had kidnapped him. It also had stockings.
But it was William that held Wolframs' attention. He was clad in a deep red ballroom gown that stuck to his skin. If he had been a girl the dress would have been revealing and would have clung to all his curves but unfortunately he was a man. His hair had been dyed highlighter eon green that wad somehow much more eye catching than the original neon pink.
With the combination of his blue skin, green hair and red dress he looked like Christmas came early.
Yuri and William looked disgruntled but Sara looked completely at ease. It made Wolfram wonder how many times that girl wannabe had worn girly clothes for him to be so in ease in it.
Wolfram smirked. At least he was not alone in this.
"Wolfram! You look stunning." William came forward despite his discomfort. Unfortunately he seemed to forget the fact that he was wearing 4 inch heels and promptly tripped in them. Luckily for him Wolfram managed to catch him before he could crash on the ground.
But that led to a compromising position of him straddling Wolfram against the wall.
Wolfram thanked Shinou that he hadn't been forced to wear such high and thin heels. He was squashed against the wall by William. He would have pushed William off him if he had been able to move.
"Wolf!" Suddenly William was no longer in front of him and was replaced by worried brown eyes. Blinking, Wolfram noted that the contact lenses were very realistic.
"Are you fine?" Shaking himself out of his stupor, he took note that it was Yuri (YURI!) who was staring concernedly at him while Sara was steadying William. Wolfram realized that it was Yuri (YURI!) who had pushed William off him.
For the first time Wolfram was actually thankful for the fake blush that was covering his cheeks because he was sure that his real blush would be brighter than the fake blush.
"I am fine Your Majesty. Thank you for your concern." Wolfram replied coolly. It wouldn't do to show his happiness. He could do a victory dance when he got back to the safety of his room. He was supposed to act detached.
"Oh ok." Yuri backed off and looked strangely upset at Wolframs cold behavior.
"William, are you ok?" Wolfram knew that he was probably overdoing it but he wanted to take full advantage of the situation. So...
Capitalism ho!
"Yeah I am fine. Sorry for that... "Wolfram helped to steady William.
William clutched Wolfram shoulders tightly. Wolfram chanced a glance
at Yuri. He was staring at them with narrowed eyes.
Wolfram managed to hide his smug smile by turning around to face William. Looked like Jennifer's plan was working. Slowly but surely.
"What are we supposed to do?" Sara's smooth voice cut in.
They all looked at each other. Yozak was nowhere to be seen. One of the makeup artists came to them.
"Will you please make a line and go one by one through these curtains?" Wolfram was starting to have a very bad feeling about this. Even the others seemed nonplussed by this.
"I don't think..." Yuri protested but was quickly shushed. With no other choice, they quietly followed the woman to the curtains.
She turned and gave them a bright smile. "I hope you are ready!" Then she proceeded to push Sara towards the curtain. He stumbled before straightening up and proceeded to part the curtains, passing through it gracefully.
He was followed by Yuri and then- after a little hesitation- William.
Wolfram didn't go. He really wanted to just go back to the room and change back into his clothes. As he contemplated his chances of success, the woman who had asked them to go onto stage sneaked up behind him.
"I hope you are not thinking of running away." Wolfram jumped.
"No of course not!" Wolfram put a huge fake smile on his face. Though
the woman was a whole feet smaller than him and had a sweet smile on
her face, he was not inclined to get on her bad side.
"Then go on!" She ushered him towards the curtain. So taking a deep breath, he went through it. Only to face a crowd. A very excited crowd who was screaming encouragements for him to continue walking.
Walking on the cat walk.
On a very long cat walk. His companions too were in front of him and he was sure that they too had a flabbergasted expressions affixed on their faces.
Though it did look like the restaurant they had entered, the few scattered tables seemed to be far behind as compared to the rabid crowd.
Wolfram spotted a sign above their head and paused to read it.
"Shin Makuko Annual Drag Contest"
"Hey beautiful. Wanna make a stop by my room?" A drunkard leered at him grabbing the bottom of his dress. Gritting his teeth, he stamped harm on the fingers of that man.
"Gurrier!" Wolframs growl was drowned by the cheers of the excited patrons surrounding the cat walk.
OooO
After 1 excruciating hour of parading on the cat walk, they were finally let free. The cunning woman had blocked the path they had come from and the only other way was from in between the customers. One thing they all agreed was not an option if they wanted their pride, dignity and innocence to be intact.
All the customers (boys, men and a few girls) were leering at them even when they had worn their original clothing.
At least everyone was already seated.
"This is the worst day of my life." Sara declared dramatically taking the seat on the corner table they were able to acquire.
"I don't think anyone would disagree." Williams's voice was dry. By far this date was a disaster. He had been painted in a different colour, his hair was dyed, he had spent most time in the toilet, had been forced to dress in drag and to wear heels.
"Can we have lunch now?" Yuri moaned leaning back on his chair.
"I will order." As Wolfram waved towards a waiter for ordering, William caught sight of something (someone) that made his blood freeze cold. What was he doing here?
He stood up abruptly and his chair crashed to the ground.
Everyone stared at him.
"What's wrong?" Wolfram questioned.
With a strained smile on his face, (that made him look constipated again) he shook his head. "Nothing. Just need to go to the toilet."
Wolfram's expression turned into poorly disguised disgust as he studied William. "Again?" He asked quietly making sure that his other two companions couldn't hear.
Nodding, William made his way towards the rest rooms without waiting for an answer. William found him standing there.
"What do you think you are doing here?" William snapped, pulling the person deeper into the shadows.
"I just came to check on your progress." The mocking voice nearly made William to lose his cool. But he remembered what was on stake here and managed to calm himself down.
"I can take care of myself." He hissed angrily.
"Yes, I could see how well you were taking care of yourself today." The amused tone returned to the voice. William flushed, turning his face into purple, as he glared at his own personal devil.
"I told you I will get the job done didn't I?" He hated the slight pleading tone in his voice. "Just give me some time."
"If you hadn't been so foolish all those years back you would've gotten everything I needed by now." The person's voice has turned unbearably cold. William kept quiet. Though he would never admit it to anyone this person was the only one he was truly afraid of.
"I will do it now. Just… give me some time please." He begged.
The person's cold grey eyes bore into William's pleading ones before he nodded and turned away. "I need results by the end of this month." He walked away.
William sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He never thought it would all come to this. But he would do it.
This was the only way left now.
A/N: I hope that this was a satisfactory chapter since the next update will most probably be in the first week of October. It will be from Yuri's (Third) P.O.V. Plot is going to thicken. Stay tuned and don't forget to review!