Wow…how rotten is my work schedule? I have class 4 days out of five, two clinical rotations, as well as my regular job of four twelve-hour shifts a week. I think this semester can officially be described as a complete nightmare! Ugh. Anyway, here we are in Chapter eight, where…less happens than I thought would, and yet, more happened that I thought would…strange, strange. Lemony warnings right up front, so, you know…skip if you need to and all that. I'll answer reviews right after my nap, though now that I've finished this chapter, I've read them…by the way…Nova, your review was anon, and that's ok, but seriously…how sneaky are you!! You weren't supposed to guess that Conrad might have some interest in Gunter's Mom…Hmph. I admit, I was a little piqued at that, but, considering that my room-mate has been singing "Gunter's Mom has got it goin' on…" all day, I really shouldn't be surprised. Ok, so, have I thanked you for your reviews? No? Well, I am now…they are wonderful and really keep me going as I trudge through work and school. Thank you so much! So, here we go with Chapter 8, ready? Good! See you at the bottom of the page…
The Twelfth Treasure of Shin Makoku – A Fairy Tale
The eve of battle is often described as the calm before the storm. The very air is charged with electricity, a sense of anticipation and bloodlust washes over the more feral of the combatants, while a need to reaffirm the bonds of love drives those for whom the battle itself is as undesirable as the prospect of death. An experienced mazoku knows that the loss of companions and comrades in war is inevitable, for any victory comes with a price. A wise mazoku, however, knows that those losses alone negate the conquest—for there are none victorious in battle and the spoils of war are rotten, fetid offal.
As though a great hourglass had been upended, the sands of which now trickled relentlessly through to the chamber below, the demon-king and his beautiful lord felt the press of time as a crushing weight. Beneath the gentle glow of the beautiful moon, the lovers set aside worry and concern, for in times to come neither wanted to remember what could be their last night together as anything other than their time. There would be time enough, under the brilliant light of the sun, to practice, to prepare, and to meet the evil that would come with the darkness.
--O.o.O—
Chapter Eight: The First Time Doesn't Have To Be Perfect, Really, Broken Cookies Are Still As Sweet…And You Can Bake More.
Is sex dirty? Only if it's done right—Woody Allen
The only unnatural sex act is that which you cannot perform—Alfred Kinsey
Anatomy is destiny—Sigmund Freud
--O.o.O—
Studying had never been one of Shibuya Yuuri's favorite past-times. However, as he sat in the middle of the bed in the room he'd been given in Heyerdahl, he found himself absorbed in the small book Gunter had lent him. At first, he'd been a little disappointed that he couldn't spend time after dinner and the subsequent conversation with his lover, in private, but Gunter's attention had been commanded by his younger brother, and Yuuri understood the importance of that. So, instead, he had returned to his own room, stripped out of his clothes and slipped into his robe. Closing his eyes, and concentrating he had been able to catch just the slightest hint of Gunter's scent on the fabric, from their cuddling that afternoon, and thinking about that brought both a smile and a blush to the young king's face. After a few minutes, though, thinking about Gunter scent led to thoughts of Gunter's person, which led to thoughts of Gunter's kisses, which led to thoughts of Gunter's body…and Yuuri found himself uncomfortably aroused and even more anxious than before. In order to calm himself, therefore, he had reached for the book, and concentrated on learning about the courting customs of Shin Makoku.
He read, first, about gifts. It seemed that courting gifts were common among the Mazoku beginning from the time a demon wished to show romantic interest in another demon until a marriage, if any, was consummated. Apparently, women favored giving and receiving gifts of jewelry, small weapons, magical objects, pets, and household items—not like appliances or anything (and Yuuri remembered the year his father had presented his mother with a new blender on her birthday and how close they'd come to losing their house when Shibuya Miko's temper was loosed.), but more like pieces of art, or sculptures. Men, traditionally, gave and received gifts of weapons, keepsakes, tokens of affection and remembrance, personal items and items they crafted themselves. Yuuri considered Gunter's gifts to him, and they certainly seemed to fit the bill.
He learned, also, that it is not traditional in Shin Makoku to give engagement rings. It is proper custom to present a woman with a necklace, after the slapping has been accepted, while for men it is normal for the recipient of the slap to be given a bracelet. Yuuri filed away the knowledge for future reference.
Courting, according to the book, was a way not only for a suitor to show his or her interest in someone, but also the means by which families were introduced to one another or ties strengthened. It seemed that many marriages were still arranged in the demon culture and taking a period of time to get to know your future, or potential spouse, made a great deal of sense. Yuuri already knew that an engagement could be broken by sending a formal letter of dismissal—as he had done with Wolfram, but engagements could also be broken by one party presenting the other with a shattered mirror.
There were, also, traditional actions and duties that a courting couple performed. The court-er was encouraged to groom his or her intended—by way of hair-dressing, bathing, and assisting with dressing as appropriate. Pre-marital sex was neither forbidden, nor encouraged, and seemed to be left up to personal preference. Also, the person pursuing, in this case Yuuri himself, was expected to present his intended's family with tokens of his desire to become a part of their family by way of gifts, and by spending time in their home if at all possible.
As he thought about it, Yuuri realized he had unwittingly performed some courting rituals already—he had bathed with Gunter (really, best not to think about that right now), he had taken care of his hair and washed him, even, so that would count as grooming, he thought. He was staying in Gunter's house, but this was not an official visit to the family of the man he was wooing, so, clearly he was going to have to come back when all of this turmoil was past…
Yuuri broke off in his thoughts, the remembrance of the wraiths cooling his ardor quickly. What exactly were those creatures that were hunting the man he loved? He wanted answers now, he was not inclined to wait, but the morning would come soon enough and with the rising of the sun, he also anticipated news from Gwendal. Conrad and Yozak had been in contact with his General. A reply should arrive by morning.
Yuuri put his book aside and stretched out on the bed. He regretted not asking Gunter to come find him when he was finished. It was…disquieting…this sense of loneliness. Realistically, he knew, that he and Gunter had only been a couple, at least acknowledged by themselves if no one else, for a few days, and yet, Yuuri felt as though the love he had for the tall, beautiful demon lord had existed forever. And perhaps, in some way, it had. He blushed, feeling embarrassed, by all the years he'd spent keeping Gunter at arm's length, uncomfortable with the emotional man's outbursts and dramatic antics. Perhaps some part of him had always known of Gunter's feelings, at least in a small way, but he just hadn't been ready until to now to acknowledge or accept them.
Yuuri closed his eyes, an image of the man he loved so much floating across his mind, bringing a smile to his lips. Gunter had been waiting for a long time—waiting for him to mature, waiting for him to end his engagement with Wolfram, waiting for him to come to terms with the affection he felt for his knight, Conrad. When Yuuri thought of his Nazukeoya, he still experienced the warm rush of love that he'd always felt for the handsome captain. Conrad, his ideal man in all things, was certainly his first love, and even now he couldn't quite classify him as a mere friend. He was a friend, yet more so. He was a lover, yet not at all, since save one, perfect, heart-healing kiss, he'd never had any romantic contact with Conrad at all. Something had always blocked them, he supposed—whether it was his youth, or Conrad's reticence; his embarrassment or Conrad's over-developed sense of honor—Yuuri couldn't say for sure. It was, he supposed, a question of timing. He loved Conrad, equally as much as he loved Gunter…but he just couldn't bring himself to cross those final, physical barriers with his protector that he was willing to leap, cut down, or simply destroy to get to his adjutant. It still hurt him to think of Conrad's confession. The last thing he wanted to cause the man that was, still, the most important confidant in his life was pain. He closed his eyes and wished, fervently wished, that his knight and soldier would find his contentment, his happiness and joy—and that Yuuri himself would be there to see it. The strangest thing of all was that no matter how Yuuri envisioned his future, he could no longer conceive of it without both Conrad and Gunter. That might make him selfish, he supposed, but he would find a way to make everything work between them…there had to be a way, he was sure of it, and time would make everything clear.
Sighing, and turning on his side, Yuuri let his mind drift. The sensation of Gunter's lips whispering over his skin tugged at his insecurities, reminding him of his lover's desire, and he gave himself up to it. He had never experienced anything like Gunter's passion. Understanding his adjutant's temperament better, and why he behaved in the way he did had opened a door in Yuuri's heart. It really was very simple…he wanted Gunter to be happy. He loved the way the mazoku smiled at him, the way it felt when his long, lavender hair draped over his own skin when Gunter's body was pressed to his. He loved the gentle touch of Gunter's hands and the heat of his soft skin. When he'd first met the kind-hearted man, Yuuri thought that Gunter wasn't quite masculine. He knew better now. He knew a lot more than he did when he first came to Shin Makoku and it was clear to him that while his own parents had done their best to raise him without concern for the preferences of others, his social molding that had taken place on earth had shaped his perceptions—and it had taken time for him to see past who others thought he should be and accept himself for who he actually was.
And who was that…? He asked himself, smiling. Well, at present he was very much a man in love…with someone he desperately wanted to see right at that moment. The responsibilities that came with being the Maou of Shin Makoku were simply a part of his existence. Making time for the people in both worlds was also something he juggled. Giving his time and attention to those in need was something he felt was a privilege, not just a duty.
But, just then, what he really wanted was the time and attention of the man he loved.
"Where are you, Gunter?" he whispered, running his fingers over the sensitive skin still marked by his lover's teeth. "I want you…"
Selfish? Perhaps. But Yuuri drew his fingers down his chest, remembering the path Gunter's mouth had taken that morning and felt the flare of desire ignite underneath his fingertips. How was it that he could go from comfortable to breathless in the space of a heartbeat? He didn't know, but he suddenly felt heated and restless—his mind supplying him images of his body twined with his lover's. He wanted Gunter—he knew enough of desire to recognize that much, but every time he'd been close to the man he loved, something intervened. He knew that Gunter wanted him just as much, but he also knew that the older man was waiting for the right time. Yuuri was…flattered, yes, but at this point his body ached so badly he would have been happy if Gunter threw him down on the stone floor of a barn and had his way with him there. There was something to be said, yes, for stoking the fire of love—but this was becoming ridiculous.
Frustrated, hot, and wanting, Yuuri gave up on trying to rest. Every time he closed his eyes, he envisioned Gunter over top of him, touching him, stroking his skin and kissing him with a passion that made his bones weak. He left his bed, standing up so quickly that he felt a little lightheaded. It was late, as near as he could tell, very late, and maybe Gunter was back in his own room…? It certainly couldn't hurt to check. An image of Gunter in his bed flashed in Yuuri's mind—the man's lovely pale skin, his nimble fingers dancing over his own skin, tormenting himself the way Yuuri had done just moments before, made the young king's heart beat erratically. That was it. He was going to find out. Pausing only long enough to search through his bags, it took only a few minutes for Yuuri to find what he was looking for. He pocketed the small item—the first of his own courting gifts for Gunter. It wasn't much, but it meant a lot to him and he'd had it for as long as he could remember…and it had traveled with him throughout space and distance, between worlds. He hoped Gunter would like it, and…if he needed an excuse to search out his beloved, then what better reason than to give a present?
The hallways were quiet. It seemed the inhabitants of Heyerdahl were either sleeping or occupied in their rooms, because Yuuri met no one on his way to Gunter's chamber. Standing outside the door, he leaned his forehead against the wood, his heart still pounding in his chest, and tried to catch his breath. Being young and healthy, Yuuri knew plenty about being turned on, but he was almost itching—he craved his lover that much.
Without warning, the door opened, causing Yuuri to lose his balance, but his relief was instantaneous when Gunter caught him in his strong arms.
"Heika," Gunter breathed in his ear. "I've been calling to you—and you came."
"Was that you…or was it me?" Yuuri asked, feeling dazed as the intensity of his desire sharpened the moment he felt Gunter's arms around him.
"Both, perhaps," Gunter whispered, leaning down to kiss him, even as he pulled Yuuri into his room.
Yuuri reached up to twine his fingers into his lover's long, silk-rough hair, pulling the taller man closer still, returning his kiss with all the love he felt. Gunter shifted, reaching one arm out to close, then lock the door.
"I know it's not the greatest timing," Yuuri said, pulling away from Gunter's mouth and leaning into his embrace, "but I really don't want to…I don't want to stay away from you tonight. I know tomorrow is important—"
He quieted when Gunter pressed a finger over his lips. "You don't have to say anything, Yuuri. Tomorrow will come and no one can stop that. Tonight belongs to us, if you wish it."
"I do." Yuuri nuzzled his cheek against Gunter's bare chest.
"Then come with me, Yuuri. No shadows, tonight, no fears—only love."
Yuuri felt Gunter take his hand, and he followed his lover, feelings strangely disconnected, his entire being focused on the look of love and desire in Gunter's eyes. There was something surreal about what he was feeling, even though he wanted Gunter so badly he couldn't express it. It was like being a movie, he thought, the way it felt when he hit the mattress, and Gunter's hair falling against him, making a curtain in the moonlight so all Yuuri could see was his beautiful face. It seemed so easy, to touch and be touched, and yet he had no idea what he was actually supposed to do—he mirrored Gunter's actions, thrilling every time his hesitant caresses elicited a moan or growl from the demon lord. It was perfect, in every way that Yuuri could imagine, kissing Gunter, touching him, feeling achy and shy and bold all at once, wrapping his legs around the tall man's waist, arching up against his body—everything was magical. Until Gunter reached between them and molded his hand around Yuuri's throbbing erection.
The Maou erupted instantly into the hardest orgasm he'd ever experienced. His vision darkened, and his mouth opened in both horror and ecstasy. It wasn't supposed to happen like that…was it? Yuuri felt his cheeks flame with a mortified blush. He lost his grip on Gunter's shoulders and fell back against the bed and dragged a pillow over his head.
"Yuuri?" Gunter said, his voice husky, still. "My love…? Why…what's the matter? Have I hurt you?"
Yuuri shook his head, but refused to come out from under his pillow. "No," he said, the feathers muffling his voice but doing nothing to assuage his embarrassment. "I…Oh, God…Gunter, I'm so sorry…"
He tried to move his legs, but he felt Gunter's hands clamp around his calves, keeping him pinned right where he was, then he felt his lover's fingers relax. Gunter's hands slid, with tantalizing slowness, up his legs from his calves to the tops of his thighs, then over his hips and up his sides. Yuuri shivered a little, his skin still tingling from his earlier climax. He resisted at first, then relented as Gunter tugged at the pillow.
"Look at me, Yuuri," the tall adjutant commanded, in a voice Yuuri had only heard in his dreams. This was not his soft, gentle Gunter—this was his strong warrior.
"I can't believe I did that," Yuuri said, turning his head to the side after meeting Gunter's gaze for only a moment.
"Look at me."
Yuuri took a deep breath and looked into Gunter's eyes. The expression he saw there, the complete devotion, the desire, the love all held within his demon lord's passion-darkened eyes stole his breath.
"Yuuri…don't ever turn away from me. Why are you so upset?"
"Because…it's not supposed to be like that," he whispered.
Gunter's hands stroked over his chest, his fingertips drawing trails over his skin. "What is it supposed to be like, then?" the older mazoku asked, shifting so that his body came over Yuuri's like a blanket.
"I…I don't know, but…all you did was touch me, and…well, then I just…but it felt good, and I love you so much, Gunter!" He finished in exasperation.
Gunter moved again so that most of his weight was held on the arm that rested near Yuuri's head. He bent his head and nuzzled Yuuri's neck, making the young king sigh. "So," he whispered in Yuuri's ear. "You want me to be upset that my touch caused you such pleasure? I should be disappointed because my lover can't hold back when we're together?"
Put that way, Yuuri blushed again, but it had nothing to do with embarrassment.
"Do you like the way I touch you here?" Gunter asked, stroking his hand down Yuuri's stomach.
"Yes," he said, arching up against Gunter's palm despite his earlier confusion.
"And here?" Gunter asked again, his hand following the curve of Yuuri's hip to settle against the small of his back and pull him closer still.
Yuuri moaned softly, unable to answer coherently.
He felt Gunter's hips shift, beginning to rock against his. He could feel the hard evidence of his lover's desire push insistently against his thigh, and he bit his lip. Gunter continued his explorations, and his questions, bringing Yuuri quickly back to the brink of madness, and the younger man stopped thinking about his reaction and concentrated on the sensations his lover's body brought out in him. Above all else, Yuuri realized, regardless of his prowess as a swordsman, magician, or scholar, Gunter was first, and foremost, a teacher. And with words, gestures, kisses and touches, the beautiful man taught Yuuri what it meant to love another man in every way. He didn't know how much time had passed, but when Gunter finally pushed into him, joining them together in the most ancient of rituals, Yuuri felt, beyond the discomfort and strangeness, completely fulfilled.
He clung to Gunter's shoulders, their lips alternating between loving kisses and whispered words, until he let go of his reserve and let his emotions take over. Then he felt a wave of love, desire, and primal satisfaction course over him. His eyes flew open, sought Gunter's and locked gazes. It was the philter, he knew it—felt it—that locked their souls together, and those guards that Gunter tried so carefully to maintain broke down completely. There was no need for words between them now. Yuuri could feel Gunter's every emotion—his need to protect, to cherish, to adore, and to show Yuuri the depth of his constancy. Yuuri felt all of that and more, and knew, too, that his own desires were washing over his lover, telling him every hidden feeling Yuuri had suppressed for months, as he'd fallen in love with Gunter even before he knew of such a thing as the Von Kleist filter.
"Move with me, Yuuri," Gunter whispered, his breath harsh against Yuuri's ear.
The young king matched the rhythm of his hips with his lover's, their bodies sliding together in a dance older than recorded time. It didn't matter that Gunter was possibly over three centuries old and Yuuri was younger than three decades, their souls knew each other, and love is created afresh for every couple. Yuuri gasped, breathing becoming even more difficult as he felt himself reaching that crescendo again, this time his body responding to Gunter's hand in a much different way. He could feel every muscle in the taller man's body strain, and saw a small sheen of perspiration appear on Gunter's pale skin, making him glow in the moonlight.
"You are the most beautiful man in the world," Yuuri whispered, awed by the loveliness of his precious Gunter. "I love you so much."
"Say it again," Gunter growled.
"I love you, Gunter," Yuuri vowed, whispering his declaration over and over again as Gunter moved against him faster, harder, until he froze above Yuuri, his body taut as a wire as his orgasm tore through him. The intensity of Gunter's feelings slammed into Yuuri with the force of a storm, pushing the young man into another climax of his own.
Panting and shaking, Yuuri wrapped his arms and legs around his lover and just held on, waiting for the shockwaves to pass through him. He slipped out of his mind for a little bit, not too long he thought, but when he came back to himself, Gunter was stroking his hair and pressing soft kisses to his lips. When he felt Gunter's shoulders shake a little, he nuzzled the taller man's neck, still not really able to command his own tongue. Gunter understood though, and rolled gracefully to his side, pulling Yuuri with him, tucking him into the long curve of his body.
"Gunter?" Yuuri whispered, snuggling closer to the mazoku's warm, damp body.
"Yes, my love?"
"Why is there such a thing as war…when people could be doing this all the time?" he asked, still stunned that he could feel quite like this.
His lover's laugh made him smile. "I don't know, Heika. Perhaps because not everyone is as lucky to have a man like you—and their disappointment turns them into warmongers?"
"Are you…happy?" Yuuri asked, his smile fading just slightly.
"Yuuri…" Gunter said, opening his eyes and looking down at him with a sleepy expression. "I am more than happy. I've never, in all my long life, felt anything like what I feel for you."
"I love you," Yuuri whispered, yawning before he could stop himself.
"I love you, too," Gunter said, his voice gentle and solemn. "Now, I think we should sleep a little, don't you? I know I should, for decorum's sake, escort you back to your own room, but, I've decided to be selfish. Stay with me, Yuuri?"
"Dynamite couldn't blast me away from you." He muttered, pillowing his head on Gunter's arm. "Sleepy, Gunter…staying with you."
"Good. Sleep well, my Heika. Tomorrow you can tell me what dynamite is."
"Night, Gunter."
Yuuri closed his eyes, his blood thrumming to the beat of Gunter's strong heart, and let sleep come to him. Besides, who knew…he might even see Gunter in his dreams.
--O.o.O—
Gunter Von Kleist opened his eyes to see the first rays of the sun begin to creep into his window. In the grey half-light, Yuuri-heika's handsome features were a study in light and shadow, all the more attractive for his expression of contented repose. Gunter traced the line of Yuuri's jaw with his fingers, shifting to bring the younger man closer to him, cuddling him close to his chest. The Maou sighed softly in his sleep and nuzzled his cheek against Gunter's arm, finding the spot most comfortable to him. Casting his mind back only as far as a few weeks before, he would never have guessed he'd be here, in his home, the man he loved in his arms and in his bed. Perhaps, he thought grudgingly, he actually owed Wolfram a thank you. His torment, after all, might have gone on indefinitely had it not been for Wolfram's behavior that sparked the Maou into action.
Gunter knew his own reputation well enough. He knew that he was viewed as effete, even passive, and the truth was he was not concerned with how anyone else saw him, except for the man currently sleeping in his arms. Long before he had served in the capacity as teacher for Gwendal, and Conrad, too, Gunter had been in service to the Maou. There was very little he didn't know about warfare and violence. Shinou knew he'd seen more than his fair share, and now the prospect of the ancient evil that had consumed the souls of his family members for generations was, once again, at his door. Before Yuuri-heika had arrived in Shin Makoku, Gunter had waited. It was his duty to wait, to serve, to advise, to dance attendance on the will of the Maou. But, damnation if he hadn't felt old. Not even old, but positively withered and ancient. There was no one, after all, with the possible exception of Odell Wincott—and he rarely came to Blood Pledge Castle after the Lady Julia's death—who understood even a portion of what Gunter had seen in his long, long life. There was his mother, of course, but even a demon as forward thinking and progressive as Gunter still didn't discuss everything with his own mother.
So, if he had felt isolated. If he had felt used up, worn out, maybe even a bit forgotten—like a once favored book collects dust on a library table when new, more exciting tales come along to take its place—there was good reason for it.
Until the first time he saw Shibuya Yuuri, boy-king of the demon nation.
Gunter had anticipated the arrival of new Maou since before the time that Shinou himself had revealed his plan. He could feel the years passing with increasing speed, and though he grieved, deeply, when Julia Von Wincott died, the loss of someone so close to both him and his adopted daughter was devastating to put it lightly, he could not help but anticipate what it would mean to Shin Makoku when her soul was imparted to the young man who would be Maou. He had raised and trained Conrad Weller to act as not only the new king's guardian, but as his very sword, and his stalwart shield. He had prepared the castle, and learned as much as he could before the arrival of the new Maou. Gunter had prepared. He was ready. He was ready for anything…almost.
He hadn't been prepared to fall in love with Shibuya Yuuri the moment he saw him.
Love, after all, though very close to his poet's soul was not something he had ever truly envisioned for himself, and certainly not in the form of a scared young half-mazoku, not yet an adult, possessing one brilliant mazoku soul. He remembered the nights he had lain awake in his bed, staring at his ceiling, trying to puzzle out the confused jumble of his feelings. No. Conrad was meant to love the Maou—and he did, passionately and with a devotion that had seen the young king safe through many dangers. Wolfram…well, that was something Gunter didn't anticipate, but, he had vainly endeavored to accept the situation. But…himself? No, he was never to have felt anything more than a paternal affection for the young Maou. He was to be adjutant, as he always was—advisor and counselor, teacher, tutor and confidant. So, yes, he would love the new Maou as he had loved every previous Maou—his loyalty to king and country had never been in question. But…fall passionately, romantically, irrevocably in love? Well, that was something all together different.
And yet, it had happened, and by every strange twist of fate, his love was returned to him. That, itself, was the greatest miracle of all. Foresight, precognition ran strong in the Von Kleist family—as did all the magical arts. His mother, in particular, was very gifted as was his sister. Gunter had never thought himself to be particularly adept, but, he often had flashes of insight and a way of knowing what would happen before it did. Still, he had never seen this coming. He pulled Yuuri closer still…his wonderful, noble, sometimes still very silly, magnificent king and ardent lover. Gunter didn't ever want to let him go.
"Good morning," Yuuri whispered, bringing Gunter out of his thoughts.
"Good morning, Heika," Gunter said softly, slightly surprised that Yuuri had awakened without his being aware. "Did you sleep well?"
"MmmHmm," The Maou said, stretching and wriggling against Gunter. "You?"
"Yes," he replied, leaning down and ghosting a kiss over Yuuri's mouth, testing the younger man's reaction to intimate touches after the previous night's events. Would Yuuri be shy, or comfortable with him now?
Yuuri reached up and ran his fingers through Gunter's hair—his eyes were clear, bright black and apparently there would be no embarrassment in the morning light. "Is there ever a time when you don't look so lovely?" the king asked, smiling. "Even in the morning you look perfect."
Gunter could feel himself blushing. He wasn't used to receiving such gentle compliments from the king, though he'd always longed for them. "You look good enough to eat," he replied, taking the chance to hide his pleasure by nipping Yuuri's neck. The Maou's sharp gasp and clenched fingers against Gunter's back made the older mazoku purr with happiness.
"As much as I want to make a feast of you this morning," he said, easing back and returning Yuuri to a less enticing embrace, "I'm afraid I overslept and consequently so did you. We're expected in the library, soon."
"It's not like you to oversleep," the Maou said, looking up with a now concerned expression in his eyes. "Are you feeling all right? Is anything wrong?"
"No, Heika," Gunter replied, grinning. "I was just…a little tired when we went to sleep last night. Might have been that exercise before bed…"
"Oh!" Yuuri said, his cheeks warming with a blush that was so adorable Gunter just had to scoop him up in his arms and kiss him again.
It took Gunter another quarter hour to sufficiently demonstrate to the king the depth of his affection, the process by which they actually made it out of bed, into their robes, and to the bath lengthened at each step by the interruptions posed in the form of kisses, caresses and decidedly lascivious nibbles. Just before they were ready to leave his chamber and enjoy a nice, morning soak, Yuuri stopped.
"Heika? Are you all right?" Gunter asked, reaching out his hand as if to pull the king toward the room containing the tub.
"Gunter," The Maou said, pulling his hand from his pocket. "I…I brought this last night, but, well, we were too occupied for me to give this to you—I…I hope you like it…"
Gunter felt his brows draw together in confusion. The king had brought him something? He held out his hand, this time palm up, and Yuuri carefully put something in his fingers. The adjutant stared down at the oval, gold object. It was lovely, though he didn't know what it was, but it looked like…a heavy locket? The chain was clearly not meant to go around a neck, though, it was a simple, gold length of chain. He felt slightly embarrassed, the way he always did when he was ignorant of something.
"It…It's very handsome, Heika," he said, quietly. "But…I don't know…what it is."
"Oh! Right. I'm sorry, here, look." Yuuri said, taking the metal from his hand. Gunter suppressed his instinct to snatch it back. He didn't really care what it was—but Yuuri had given it to him and he didn't want anyone else to have it. Not even Yuuri. He shook his head. That made no sense at all.
He watched, though, as the Maou released the catch on the side, the locket springing open to reveal a convex glass under which was a dial with numbers. "It is…a timepiece?" he asked, hesitating in case he was incorrect.
"Yeah," Yuuri said, smiling and nodding. "I've always kept it with me—my dad gave it to me, and it was his dad's before that. It's been in my family a really long time, and it always helped remind me of home, especially when I first got here. I want you to have it now, Gunter."
"Heika!" he breathed, amazed the younger man would give him something so precious.
"It's really special to me," the king whispered, shy now as though he thought maybe Gunter would reject his offering. "It's not really grand or anything. It's just a pocket watch, but—"
"Yuuri," Gunter said, looking between him and the watch, holding the piece very carefully in his fingers, almost afraid he might break it. "It's the most wonderful, thoughtful gift I've ever received. To know that this…family heirloom that means so much to you is something you would entrust to me makes me feel…I don't know what to say. Thank you, Yuuri…thank you."
He couldn't help it. He tried to blink them back, to hold his breath to prevent them from flowing, but the tears came all the same. Instead of blushing and begging him to stop crying, Yuuri merely leaned up and brushed Gunter's tears with his fingers.
"I'm so glad you like it," the king whispered. "It means a lot to me, yes…but a watch, no matter how important, will ever mean more to me than you do. I love you so much, Gunter."
Gunter pulled his king and lover flush with his body, resting his cheek against the top of the younger man's head. Yuuri's hands were stroking up and down his back and he could hear the maou's murmured words of comfort, but his tears simply came faster. He had thought, truly thought, that it didn't matter if Yuuri-heika ever courted him. Why should such an old, arcane ritual matter in modern Shin Makoku—but it would seem that he was a traditional demon after all, and receiving such a precious gift from the man pursuing him made Gunter's heart melt. Apparently, he did want to be courted after all.
--O.o.O—
If Conrad Weller had entertained any doubts as to where the Maou had slept the previous evening, they evaporated at the entrance of what he now, in his mind, referred to as The Royal Couple. Neither Gunter nor Yuuri looked different—they were each just as tall as they'd been, respectively. Yuuri's eyes and hair were still as black as Gunter's were violent. They didn't touch any differently, speak differently, or wear anything differently than they had before…still…Yuuri might as well have been wearing a sign reading: Gunter and I made love last night. And for his part, the adjutant, for as long as Conrad had known him, had never exuded such an air of calm, protective strength. No, it wasn't visible, but there was an aura extending from Gunter, surrounding the young king, that gave warning to every male within a thousand leagues—this is my mate. Conrad glanced at Yozak, but the spy was standing at the window, staring out across the distance and whatever occupied his thoughts left no room for the two who'd just come into the library.
"Heika! Gunter!" Adalric said, jumping up from his seat. "Where have you two been? The good food's almost gone and Alese is being super stingy this morning—she didn't send the second tea pot!"
"Do…do you need a second teapot when the first one never seems to run dry?" Yuuri asked, curious.
"The second teapot traditionally has hot chocolate, heika," Gunter explained.
Conrad watched as the two men filled plates and poured coffee into cups, their movements indicating as much as a passionate kiss might have, the depth of their relationship.
"Conrad," Yuuri asked. "Did you sleep ok? Is everything all right?"
"Yes, Yuuri," he said, opting to spare the young man their Nazukeoya game. "I've been reading these books, though, and I haven't found very much to help us."
Yuuri walked over to him, handing him the coffee he'd just prepared. "Drink this, yeah? You'll feel a little better."
"Thank you, Yuuri," Conrad said, surprised. The king flashed him a smile, then sat down next to him. Conrad's confusion only grew. Gunter made no objection, in fact the beautiful adjutant also sent him a glowing smile, then turned his attention to several old volumes stacked on the side table. It seemed that the two men had solidified their relationship to the point that jealousy had no place between them. Conrad sipped his coffee and wondered—were they really that sure of one another?
They spent the next several hours, all of them save the lady Alese who was elsewhere, reading and discussing what they found in the ancient Von Kleist family journals. Suddenly, during the talk about the emergence of the wraiths in the Von Kleist lands, Yuuri stiffened beside him. Before he could say anything, Gunter was already next to them.
"What is the matter, heika?" Gunter asked.
"Do you have a copy of Martyn's Ten Guides to the Outdoors?" the Maou returned.
"Of course, Heika," Lady Von Kleist replied, getting up from her chair and searching through one of the shelves. "Which volume, do you know?"
"Volume six, please."
Lady Von Kleist retrieved the requested volume and brought it to the king. She perched on the edge of Conrad's chair, leaning over him slightly to watch as Yuuri flipped through the pages, quickly, found the one he wanted, then ran his finger along the text until he stopped.
"Here," he said. "Listen. The manifestations of great evil that were recorded in the third age of Shin Makoku have been traced back to the great conflict involving the Original King. It is said that where there is light, there must also be dark, therefore the shadows will always walk among us. The creatures that dwell in shadow must always, therefore, spring from a combination of dark and light…"
"Yes, heika," Gunter said, nodding. "It's as I told you, the wraiths are the antithesis of our family's power, but we have co-existed for centuries."
The Maou shook his head quickly. "I know that, Gunter. But, the wraiths are the shadows, right? Just listen…Where the light chases away the shadow, still the darkness will remain just out of sight. The cunning nature of evil demands that it work without discovery. Therefore, in order to hunt and destroy creatures such as the Gomphus, which is the only shadow creature safe for children below the age of fifty to hunt, the primary bait by which the Gomphus can be lured is the fatted offspring of a human couple aged less than six months."
"I don't understand what hunting a small shadow creature like the Gomphus has to do with the shadow-wraiths, Heika," Adalric said, scratching his head. "I mean, I've caught Gomphi before…"
"Did you use a human baby as bait?" The Maou said, his expression appalled.
"Of course not!" the boy replied. "I used a goat. Anyway, my point is that those creatures are small, almost completely non-threatening."
"Maybe, but they're still shadow creatures. And despite the fact that using a human as bait is barbaric—and Conrad, don't let me forget to make that against the law if it isn't already, how disgusting!" the Maou exclaimed. "Still, the point is that the book says that the shadow-creatures themselves aren't the real problem. My question is…the wraiths are the manifestation, right? So…what power is causing them to move and act in the first place?"
"Gunter…?" Conrad asked, looking to the tall mazoku who was still staring at the king.
"Heika…?" he asked. "When did you…read Martyn's guides?"
"You gave them all to me at Christmas-time last year, Gunter. I was done before new years. I was hoping, actually, that some time this year, we could all go on a little safari—there's a lot I learned about in the books that I want to see for myself. Though, I can totally skip the Gomphus hunt."
"Once this problem is solved, Heika, I would be glad to arrange such an outing. I just can't believe you read them all…"
"Gunter!" Conrad said again, this time with more force. "We need to focus. I think Yuuri makes a good point. What is the origin of these shadow creatures—does anyone know?"
"I…I do."
Conrad looked up to see the tiny figure of Lady Alese framed in the doorway. Gunter's younger sister was staring at her hands, her fingers twisting together as she obviously sought to calm herself. Gunter started to reach out for her, but…Yozak beat him to it, appearing at the young woman's side and giving her one of his friendly, companionable grins.
"It would really help," the tall spy said, putting his hand lightly on her shoulder and guiding her to a chair, "if you could tell us what you know, my lady."
Conrad noticed that Yozak had chosen a chair that would keep the Lady Alese somewhat obscured by other furniture, and it made sense. The shy young woman would freeze completely if she had to be the center of attention. She gave a small, almost non-existent half-smile to the orange-haired man, her eyes widening a little before she returned her gaze to her feet.
"Before Papa died, I heard him talking to another lord—but I don't know who it was. I heard him say that it was wrong for that lord's family to curse ours the way it had, because we were all Mazoku together. I remember that the other, yellow-haired lord laughed at Papa and said that the Von Kleist's were nothing but sorcerers and deserved to die consumed by magic. Then he said something that always seemed so strange to me until now…he said…as long as there is breath in me, I will curse your name and haunt your family. Unlike you, I will never die because no one would ever know it was me."
"When did you hear this, my daughter?" Lady Von Kleist asked softly.
"Some years before Papa died." The young woman whispered. "I…I was so afraid, but when I asked Papa about it, he said I didn't have to worry, that he would take care of everything. But…Papa, and Ehren and Elke were killed and Gunter nearly killed, too. I…I…it's my fault isn't it?"
The young woman burst into tears, her sobs plucking at the heartstrings of everyone in the room, not just Conrad. He watched as Yozak took hold of her shoulders and used his body to shield her from the surprised stares of her family and their guests.
"Of course it's not your fault," Lady Von Kleist said, hurrying around the back of the sofa to put her arms around her daughter, so that the girl disappeared between her mother and Yozak. "You were only a little girl, and Papa was a very strong, confident man, Alese. You did as you were told, and now that you have remembered, you have done the right thing by telling us what you saw."
"I'm sorry, Gunter!" his sister cried, her tiny hands fisting against Yozak's back. Conrad could only watch as Yuuri took his lover's hand and gave it a squeeze, urging him to say something.
"Alese," Gunter said gently. "It's all right. You've done nothing wrong. Nothing at all. I'm very grateful you remembered, because now we know what to do."
Conrad looked sharply at his former teacher. The man already had a plan, he could tell by the expression on his face. His voice was steady and sure. "I will need your help though, little sister, if you are up to it?"
"Y—You want my…help?" she asked, clearly surprised, her voice muffled against the tall spy's shirt.
"Yozak," Gunter said, softly. "I will need several different herbs from Alese's garden, I wonder if you could accompany her and gather them together. I'll make a list."
The lavender-haired lord quickly wrote on a piece of paper and handed it to the red-haired half-mazoku.
"I'd be honored to assist you, Lady Alese. Would that be all right?"
"O—Ok."
Lady Von Kleist stepped back, giving her eldest son an approving smile. Yozak continued to use his large frame as a shield to give the young woman some privacy as he guided her from the room. Conrad felt another little tug at his heart strings. It would appear that he was about to lose another love, but this time…he had no complaint at all. He'd known Yozak for almost his entire life and there was nothing the two of them hadn't shared or experienced together. So, his best friend had fallen for the shy, timid Lady Alese…? He wouldn't have thought it possible, but he knew the set of Yozak's shoulders, the silent language of the man's body, and every motion indicated that if he didn't already love the beautiful young woman, then he would before much time passed.
"What are you planning to do, my son?" Lady Von Kleist asked when her daughter was safely out of the room.
"I'm going to use the ritual to call to the wraiths—"
"But, Gunter!" Adalric exclaimed.
Gunter held up his hand to forestall another outburst from his younger brother. "I do not intent to begin the ritual, Adalric, so calm yourself. However, based on what Yuuri-heika has remembered from the book, and Alese's information, I think it safe to say that if we want this curse to be ended, then we must get to the source of the wraith's power and destroy it."
"I wish Murata was here," Yuuri said softly. "He has memories older than yours and yours, too, Lady Von Kleist. Maybe he could help."
"Perhaps we have the next best thing," Conrad replied, looking at the window as four separate pigeons settled on the sill. "It would seem we have word from Gwendal. I wrote to him in the last village we stayed in, and Freda-dono allowed me the use of one of your pigeons, Gunter, yesterday shortly after we arrived. There may be welcome news, therein."
"Freda-dono?" Gunter asked, arching a brow and staring at Conrad steadily.
"Yes, though just Freda would have been just fine, Gunter." His mother answered before Conrad could. "We have never stood on ceremony in this house and I am not going to begin at this late date. Besides, I entertain some hopes that many things might change, now that Yuuri-heika is here. After all, I wouldn't mind at all…if his majesty called me Mother."
"Mother!" Gunter gasped, his cheeks flaring red.
"What's the matter, my love?" she asked, smiling at him, holding her hands together in front of her chest. "After all, do I not see a new adornment to your regular uniform? Is it wrong for a mother to hope that after all these years her son is being courted by a worthy man?"
"Mother, please!"
Conrad had never seen Gunter's face quite so…purple. It contrasted a bit with the lighter shade of his hair. Still, the soldier couldn't help smiling. Yuuri was still sitting near him, looking rather like a trapped animal. Conrad covered Yuuri's hand with his own and gave it a squeeze.
"There's really no need to be so shy, Gunter," his mother said, laughing now. "I think it's wonderful that you are so happy. In fact, I really do think it is about time, my son. I'm so delighted for you, really, that I'm not even going to chastise you for forgetting to put your privacy spell in place last night. The entire house lost sleep, I'm sure…but you were happy, and that's what matters. Your father and I, well, once, when we forgot…"
"Not another WORD, Mother," Gunter shouted, pinching his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose in a gesture eerily reminiscent of Gwendal.
"Well, as you please, my darling. But, you must remember that life goes on, even in the midst of the darkest times. Love is never anything to be ashamed of, and you should both re,member it." Lady Von Kleist embraced her son, and then turned to embrace the Maou as well. "Now, Conrad, Adalric are you busy just now? There is much to do, of course, before this evening, but perhaps you and I could take a walk while Yuuri-heika and Gunter go over those pigeon mails? I'm sure you will both want time for sword practice, too, right?"
"I would be pleased to accompany you," Conrad replied, giving Yuuri one more reassuring hug, then standing. He offered his arm to Gunter's mother, admiring her ability to lighten the situation and walked with her, and a giggling Adalric, out of the library to give Gunter and Yuuri some peace.
The early afternoon sun was warm, the breeze refreshing, and Conrad let himself enjoy the feel of it on his face as he stood, some time later, on the balcony overlooking the lawns of Heyerdahl. Freda-dono stood beside him, content as he was to simply enjoy the moments of respite before the coming night. He watched as Adalric sparred with Yozak, noticing how the young mazoku's fighting style resembled his older brother's, though the boy was clearly inexperienced. Lady Alese was sitting nearby, quietly sorting through her basket of herbs. Gunter and Yuuri were watching as well, from beneath the shade of a tall tree, the young maou nestled against the beautiful lord's side. Every so often, Gunter voiced encouragement or a slight correction to his brother's movements, and Yozak was clearly holding himself back—allowing the young man to practice without embarrassing him.
"It is not an easy thing to witness, is it?" The lady next to him said, quietly.
"No," he replied. "Yozak told me that it would be better if I didn't watch at all."
Conrad didn't know why, but he felt very much at ease with Freda-dono.
"All love is beautiful, Conrad," she replied. "It hurts to watch, of course, when your own heart is engaged, but, a true heart finds joy in the happiness of those he loves."
"I am not…unhappy. Not now. I have my place in Yuuri-heika's life."
"Indeed, you do. Gunter has written to me often of the special relationship you share with the Maou. You must know that he would never try to take that from you."
He nodded. "I know. I admit, I was jealous, and perhaps am still in some ways, but Yuuri is happy, and Gunter, too. I've known Gunter my whole life, and Yuuri from before the time he was born. I love them both."
"And that emotion is requited, of that, I am sure." She turned to him, her smile in place but her eyes were serious—her teasing manner gone. "We are an earthy race, Conrad, a lusty race. I know we hide it well, especially the nobility—it is as though by denying ourselves or concentrating on the darker aspects of life that we seem to think we can deny the more primitive part of our natures. Mazoku…half-mazoku…it hardly matters. We are drawn to one another, because of the very passion that beats in each of our hearts. I think I understand something of your loneliness, and if I could offer you just one piece of advice, I hope you won't be offended when I say that patience is nothing to be ashamed of, but neither is giving yourself permission to enjoy your life. My own husband, the children's father, had been very much in love with my elder sister. They were engaged to be married, but before the ceremony, she became quite ill and died. As was the custom, back then, a match between Lord Von Kleist and myself was arranged. I wasn't happy about it. Who wants to be a replacement for the love of someone's life? From Gunter's letters, I suspect Yuuri-heika understands that better than anyone."
Conrad stared, shocked. "I…I don't think of him as Julia's replacement," he whispered.
Freda-dono's smile was gentle and kind. "Of course you don't…but how long do you suppose it took him to realize that? I suspect he thinks on it from time to time, still. For myself, it took my husband nearly fifty years to come to an understanding with me. It wasn't easy, for either of us, but we matured into friends, first, then…without my even realizing how it happened, we were passionate lovers. The result of which was five children and very likely many, many more had be not been taken from me. I only say this to illustrate a point—that despite our very long lives, we all still seek the same thing…love, commitment, companionship. Lust does fade, or is kindled elsewhere, but the love you share with the Maou will never be other than it is now—constant and true. Gunter's devotion to him, albeit he's never truly said it outright to me, is just as deep as your own."
"I know it is. I really am happy for them both."
"Then be happy for yourself, too, good knight," She said, reaching up to touch his face. "Whatever happens in the next hours, I don't believe the three of you will ever be truly separated."
"I hope you're right," he said quietly.
"I am."
"It would seem, though, that my friend has set his heart on your daughter. I don't suppose you have any insight there?"
Gunter's mother cocked her head to the side and regarded Yozak as he continued to spar with Adalric. "Ah, those two. It will take time, because my daughter is unfamiliar with the desires of her own heart, but they will be happy—and have many, many orange-haired children with violet eyes. The poor little loves, what a combination."
"Are…are you serious?" Conrad asked, confused.
"Oh, yes," Freda-dono said simply. "I've seen Master Gurrier in my dreams many times. The future is uncertain, of course, and there are many paths those two may yet choose, but, if they don't fight fate, they will be happy together."
Conrad stared at his best friend and…seemingly former lover. The man was laughing, in the middle of parrying a thrust from Adalric, when his mighty sword began to glow as orange as his hair. Suddenly, a burst of light shot out from the blade, knocking Adalric across the lawn, and sending Yozak off his feet to land in the pond several yards away. The tall spy came up spluttering and coughing. Conrad watched as lady Alese laughed, her giggles tinkling merrily like bells. The she quickly covered her mouth with her hand and blushed.
"I see my sister has enhanced your sword, Yozak!" Gunter called. "That is a powerful amulet you have on your grip…you will want to learn to control it."
The spy stood up, soaked to the skin, with green fronds draped over his hair and sticking to his clothes.
"As you see," Freda-dono said, smiling indulgently. "Even timid Alese is trying to do her part. For all our warring ways as Mazoku, Conrad, we are only truly powerful when we are protecting the ones we love. But, you already know that, don't you?"
He didn't answer. There was no need. Instead, he moved a slight step closer to the lovely woman at his right, and let his fingers slide over the balustrade to rest over hers. She radiated peace and Conrad let himself bask in it. There was a time for bloodshed approaching, but for now, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the company of a beautiful woman was more than enough.
--O.o.O—
Once, a long time ago, two armies began to march toward each other. The first, made of noble demons and brave soldiers—the second made of shadows and spirits. It was prophesied in times of old, that should those two armies ever meet, the earth itself would turn red with blood and neither army would survive. The young demon-king, having fought so hard, already, to reach his beloved and return his demon lord to his rightful place at his side, had only one chance to stop the destruction of those he loved most. But, time and death ride shoulder to shoulder, and no battle has ever been fought in Shin Makoku without bloodshed…
And…I STILL haven't gotten to the big, ugly battle scene, and you know what…I might not even get to it tomorrow. It depends how long it takes me to handle Shori and Wolfram as well as Gwendal and the Sage. But, from what I'm thinking in my head at present, we should be about wrapped up at Heyerdahl soon…then, of course, there's what comes after. This fic is going to take forever…giving RH888 the Gwendal stare…yeah, sure…just a lil pervy fic…right. Hmph. OK, well, as to the above lemon…I know many of you have read my other stuff and just a note on that…I can write porn, and everything but I tend to choose not to do so. First, I reckon it's not postable here, but even if it was…and this is not to say that I object to porn because I like laughing as much as the next girl…it's just that writing for the KKM community, well, the way I keep envisioning these characters doesn't leave a lot of room for senseless pounding. Any animal/human/sentient being can fuck without a reason, I just find there's more to be said by not saying it all straight out sometimes. So, if it's not Peeeeeeeeervy enough ahem…my apologies. (I'm really just kidding, but I have to tease RH about that). As always, thank you so much for reading, and I'll be posting up something by tomorrow. I work all weekend at the hospital, so, after tomorrow's update, possibly something by next Thursday. I'll let you know when we are close to wrapping up. Thanks again, and I'll be seeing you…SN