Here's my second one shot of Yuuram. That's right folks; it's a type of shounen-ai / yaoi writing here so if you're not interested in boy x boy love then I insist you go back. I do not own Kyou Kara Maou so please enjoy this fan-written work.

Song - A Million Reasons, Stellastarr
Slightly edited (female to male) to fit context of writing.

Subtle Feelings Return

When the shadows washed away
I was painting larger ones
Larger than the canvases
the canvases I can't believe

The idea of returning Shin Makoku has only appeared during those lonely nights of attempting to fall asleep. It hadn't been that long since the goodbyes and returning to a normal life. How was he supposed to know that these kinds of things weren't for the better? The entire time, he did take on the role of Maou for the Mazoku seriously, but always felt a little odd having to travel back and forth between worlds. In the end he made the choice of returning to his regular life, playing baseball and enjoying the simple things in life. It's something he wanted to do; could he foretell that he could miss them so much?

It wasn't only Conrad Weller that appeared in his thoughts. He'd appear every once in a while he'd look over his necklace with remembrance of all the events that had taken place: the small talks over the bright starry night sky, the late night catching the ball and the talks after battles, the way he gained so much strength from him, so much confidence in himself. Conrad was someone he was never going to forget. Neither would Gwendel, Gunter, Greta or everyone who he got so close with. He would never forget any of the memories. He would cherish them forever.

But there was still one other who seemed to penetrate his mind more often than the others, appearing in the middle of baseball games and during his dreams. A flash of his bright blond hair had appeared before another flash of his girly pink nightgown that he proudly wore to bed every night had always appeared right before Yuuri drifted off to sleep. Yuuri always found himself thinking of the Pretty Boy right as he fell asleep every night since he came back. If he didn't, he would have difficulties getting to sleep. Avoiding it grew as a huge problem for those early morning wake ups. He couldn't risk another late anymore and accepted he needed Wolfram for that.

But was that all?

As much as he would deny the right for marriage between the two, Yuuri still felt close to Wolfram. He knew they had a type of relationship he would never have with anyone else, that what they had was one of a kind. He wouldn't bother searching for another, even now that he had to chance to meet pretty girls without hearing Wolfram's cries and pleas, the things he would say. Every time he would grow some courage to finally talk to one, he would hear the nagging from the back of his mind.

Another girl, he would say with a sharp tone in his voice, indicating a sign of anger and distress. You're engaged to me, wimp! Stop looking at them! Double crosser! Two timing! Wimp!

Yuuri would end up thinking about their engagement just as the girl would pass by him only leaving a faint scent of a sweet perfume. He'd tell himself their engagement was false, something he can just move on with.

But when it came down to it, he always found himself wondering if Wolfram was alright. If he was taking care of their child? He wondered if he was treating Greta properly. He even wondered if he was more moody than ever now that coming back to Shin Makoku was nearly impossible. The many memories that he shared with his so-called fiancé had always filled his dreams pleasantly. The heart-aches, the good moments, everything, there was nothing that escaped his dreams. He began feeling a little upset when he realized that it was never going to happen again.

And I can't understand when things turned gray
I'm not who I was in the morning

He was just getting ready for his baseball game when it happened. Standing alone in the bathroom, glaring at his hidden anxious expression, giving his self speeches of encouragement. Basically he was getting rowdy and prepared, full of excitement, for his game. He pushed the tap and began to run some water. With a splash of cold water against his face, he knew he was ready to do his best. All the hours that he practiced would not go to waste.

It has almost jumped up from behind him, grabbing his two shoulders and bringing him back for one more time.

Finding himself in the usual predicament, Yuuri got up and attempted to whip some of the water from his soaked clothes. "Great," he snarled as he glanced around. "I'm in the middle of no where. At least it looks sort of familiar; kind of like the third time I came here... No maybe it was the fifth. Well, something like that anyways."

He started heading in a direction which he practically picked at random, hoping that he'll come into a small town any time soon. He was in luck for it only took about a couple miles or so. He glanced around the little town. The smell of freshly baked pies and breads had filled the air as the people passed by him, nodding in acknowledgement. "At least it still looks the same. I wonder how long I've been gone for."

His feet began to ache; he had forgotten the feel of these long walks through the towns. He wondered how far Blood Pledge Castle was.

It must have been closer than he assumed, it didn't take that long to fall back once again with Gunter lying on top of him, shouting Majesty over and over again. Gunter was practically crying out of joy as Conrad just stood there waiting to help his Majesty up.

"Welcome back your Majesty. Though…" pausing for a short minute. "I thought you couldn't come back."

With Gunter on the side, nagging something about the baseball clothing he was in, Yuuri responded. "I thought so too, but here I am. I was right about to go to my baseball game… Then it came out of no where. As usual."

Conrad smirked a bit. "Come, we'll get you some clothing."

"Thanks."

And there's a million reasons that I'd like you to stay
Tried to utter the words while you're falling

Once again he stood up, only wearing a towel, struggling with whether he really wanted to swear that pair of underwear. He knew he would end up being conquered by it and just give it up. He slid the black bikini underwear up and put on his formal uniform they had. Once he was finally ready to leave, he took one last glance around his bedroom. The pajamas that he had left there weeks ago, probably months for the Mazoku, had been left alone. As much as he wanted to know why, he just shrugged it off as nothing big.

The room had been left alone the entire time, he was sure of it. He recalled making his bed the very morning and tossing his pajamas on the side. He remembered that he pushed the chairs only maybe a couple centimeters away from the table and well his dresser, it was obvious no one touched it. Had no one came into his room while he was gone? And if so, why? He wanted to know.

"The place looks the same." He stated as he closed his door, looking up at Conrad and Gunter. "It's like no one has been in it."

"Well that's the room for the Maou. No one else is allowed to be in it…"

"True enough. And how's Greta and the others?"

They began walking down the corridor as they continued their small talk about where everyone was. It seems that Gunter was very sullen when Yuuri had left but turned back his usual old self after a couple weeks. He continued going over the paper work and seeing what was there to do next. Conrad, along with his older brother Gwendel, continued their work in the Demon Army, doing their work when it was needed. It also seemed that Wolfram was like Gunter in a way, randomly sullen then angry, snapping to himself, causing small problems. He would randomly think of Yuuri, and then suggest that he's simply a wimp.

Conrad did not forget to mention to Yuuri that while he was gone, Wolfram wasn't only just sullen but quiet. For a while he wouldn't respond to anyone's questions, comments, or statements. He would just stand there and blink every once in a while. And when he did respond, he would act coldly towards them. It had lasted a while but then somehow he returned to normal. He continued taking care of Greta, randomly taking her out to play.

"Where… Uh, is he with her now?" Yuuri asked.

"Yes. He said something about playing with a ball or animals. I can't really remember."

"Oh." A short response came from Yuuri's lips. There was a mixed sign of distress and relief in his voice. He wasn't certain why he had felt this way.

Letting out a sigh, he continued walking along with his companions.

"Hungry, sir?"

"Not really. I had a big breakfast back home." Home, that's where he's suppose to be right now. He's suppose to be knelt down, ready to catch that ball. But that wasn't where he was. It shouldn't have mattered. He's here in Shin Makoku with his old friends. He should relax and keep in with the stories, but why did he feel suddenly feel so sullen and alone. "How... How long have I been gone?"

"A couple months, maybe four or five."

Of course it would be that long, he sighed. It's no wonder Wolfram was so upset. I'm a little glad that he's back to his normal self... Normal self? That's not true. He knew that Wolfram wasn't exactly someone who really puts their official work and business force. Yuuri felt kind of disappointed that Wolfram was like that for only a couple weeks. The doubt of the same sex relationship was there. He needed to know.

I run out the bedroom
Cause I can't really breathe
A recurrent fear of being tied down

Without mentioning a reason, he shouted his apologizes to the two of them as he ran off out of Blood Pledge Castle. Questions began to pour into his mind, filling him up with thoughts of doubt, reason, wonder and mischief. Was he going to go back home, back to the normal life he had began only weeks ago? Was he going to be stuck there for a long time? Would Wolfram bring up their engagement? Would they end up getting married, even with all his own pleas not to? Maybe Wolfram had forgotten all about Yuuri and moved on. No way, he thought to himself. Was Wolfram really back to his regular old self?

That was the only thing that worried him. But how could he prove it? Even if he's being more professional, it could only mean that Wolfram ended up maturing over the months. It wouldn't prove much but aging. Was there another way? Yuuri knew he could do a single thing to see if the real Wolfram would pop out at the given time, but he wondered if he was a little too harsh. Maybe it was the only way.

Within the sky was a mixture of bright aqua blues to midnight blues, with a faint tint of a light green near the bottom. The scenery was just as he remembered it. Healthy trees with a nice tone of greens mixed in their leaves and a nice breeze that cooled down their bodies. They were pretty easy to spot out among the small crowd of children with their parents. He approached them with caution as the one followed behind him. Yuuri knew that in the small towns, he would attract attention so it seemed to had worked out perfectly for him. Somehow he felt a little low but it was too late to do anything: they had spotted him.

Running towards him, her purple headband with the yellow pink flower had untied itself, fluttering in the hair, she jumped and hugged her new father. Yuuri lifted her up and embraced her tightly.

He glanced in his direction. He did look the same. The same blue military uniform he was wearing showed off every curve and muscle he had. Yuuri could tell that Wolfram had lost some weight, it seemed pretty obvious to him but oblivious to every one else. His blond hair had grew only half an inch longer but one thing remained. Wolfram was still the pretty boy Yuuri knew. Maybe there was more of a difference in his personality?

"Has mommy been taking care of you?" He asked with a huge smirk on his face, nuzzling Greta. Giggling, she had responded with a nod and nuzzled him back.

They had come up from behind him, placing their hand on his shoulder.

Wolfram glared but didn't react. In reality, he was used to another pretty girl being attracted to Yuuri. This time he would just continue to watch what happened next as he approached them. Yuuri watched his movements, waiting to see the response. He glanced back at the female. Beautiful as always, with long brown hair with the perfect figure. He wondered if Wolfram would shout, plead and call him a wimp; it was the reaction which he wanted to see.

Wolfram placed his hand in front of his mouth and gave our a huge yawn. He sighed as he approached the three of them. "Hi Yuuri," he said in a calm manner. Shifting his eyes from Yuuri to the female, he gave a quick glare. "Welcome back."

Stumbling over his words, he finally sorted things out and responded with a subtle hello. "You've been taking care of her?"

"Of course I have. She's our daughter."

"We're not married yet..."

"I know that." He glared once more at the female who directly tugged on Yuuri's sleeve. "Who's this?"

Yuuri had forgotten all about the woman beside her. "Oh, uh, her?" he was feeling a little silly. He adjusted his arm, still carrying Greta. "She said she knew where you were... Brought me here. "

"Uh huh."

A faint blush appeared on his cheeks, he must have known what Wolfram was getting at. Even though Wolfram showed traits like his old self, it wasn't completely there. "It's not what you think, Wolfram. She just brought me here, that's all."

And I would like to blame it on the artist in me
But there's no one there, so that's bullshit
I'm going through girls
And pushing through crowds

"I don't know what you're talking about," he let out a sigh. "Anyways, did you want to spend time with Greta alone? I've got some business to attend to so I wouldn't mind."

"Uhh, but I, um." Why was he struggling for words? Why did things feel so different? Yuuri figured that Wolfram was just putting on an act in front of Greta, showing that he's strong. That's all it was, an act. "I guess so, but I wanted to, uhh--"

"I've got to get back to the shop." She had interrupted the two of them. Saying she'll be off now, she waved goodbye and continued walking back with Wolfram.

Yuuri stood there blankly with Greta on the ground, pulling on his clothing, saying she wants to play a game.

As the evening came along, he told her that it was probably getting late and they would head back for a bite to eat. She snickered and grabbed his hand. Hand in hand, they walked back to the Blood Pledge Castle where they found the nervous wreck Gunter waiting.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! You're finally back, we have important work to do."

Yuuri picked up Greta and let out a huge sigh. "It's always so busy here, isn't it?" Along with that came a mocking face of distressed. Greta giggled a bit. He swung her in his arms then dropped her lightly on the ground.

"No time for that, Gunter." Replied Yuuri with a firm voice. "Where's Wolfram? I've got to see him."

Handing Greta over to Gunter, he said that she was hungry and should be fixed a meal. Gunter understood and went off to do his duty, nervous pleads and whines along. He headed straight into the castle and found Conrad. Conrad shook his head at the question of his whereabouts but suggested he might be in his office with paperwork. Yuuri thanked him and continued along his way. Going through militarily guards and random maids in the halls, he finally arrived at the office. He opened it slowly to reveal an empty room with papers flooded all over the desk. He glanced around in awe, scratched his head, and continued his search.

Stopped a couple of maids and asked them. They didn't know about it. He stopped some more guards and random strangers and asked them again. Still, no one knew where he was.

He sighed. It was getting late. He must of had searched the entire house over and over again for hours. It seemed there was no end to the search due to the fact Wolfram seemed to be missing. He collapsed on the ground, his head against the cold cement. "Wolfram... Where are you? Maybe you went back to your castle. Why would you, you belong here." Then it had hit him. There was only one place where he didn't search.

And he knows I'm looking for him
And I'm going through hell
Through the darkest sides of myself
I only want what I can't have

Yuuri already knew what waited for him behind the closed wooden doors separating them. The only thing that wasn't certain was whether he was already fast asleep in his bed or waiting to yell, shout, and make another unpleasant scene. Desperately hoping that his body was covered and he would be able to hear sound muffled sounds from his mouth, he quietly opened the door. Peeking in, he glanced around the bedroom looking for any kinds of signs of activity. There wasn't anything out of place. Even his tossed pajamas on the edge of the bed hadn't been disturbed at all. He was beginning to think Wolfram hadn't been here; was it really safe?

He wasn't exactly ready to pop into his own bedroom. Nor did he want to stand there all day. The best choice was to determine exactly what the lump which is spread across his bed and under his covers. It didn't resemble much of a body; it didn't resemble much of anything. He let out a long sigh, feeling slightly unintelligent, worrying about simple things. Simple things? It wasn't as if Wolfram was just another person to Yuuri. That wasn't the case. Like all the times Yuuri would declare, the marriage was just a mistake, an accident. He didn't want to go with their customs, he didn't want to marry someone like Wolfram-- someone of the same sex.

It seemed to be so ordinary to everyone else but a little uncomfortable to him. What would his parents think if they found out that he was actually interested in another male? No, there was no possible way that was going to happen. If interest had strike his mind, he would push it aside. If any unwanted feelings suddenly appeared, he would just try with all his might to get back to his normal life, even if it was for a couple days. That way, he wouldn't be around Wolfram too much and soon just drop those feelings. That was his plan. It wasn't exactly bulletproof but it would have to work.

Another sigh escaped from his mouth. He slowly stepped into his bedroom, wondering what would have happened if Wolfram was here. He could just picture it now: Wolfram standing up straight with both his hands on his hips ready to explode at any minute. He would be able to see both a look of pain and anger in his eyes when he entered the room. It wasn't something oblivious to Yuuri, anything like that would have hurt him. Why did he do it?

Had he done this before? If so, how many times? Was it on purpose or by mistake? Did he really disregard Wolfram's feelings altogether and just went along with everything? The answers weren't exactly clear to him but he did know that he had done this before; many times before. It wasn't the first time he seen that expression placed on his face. A hurt expression mixed in his short-tempered fiancé's eyes. He couldn't bear with that-- No, it wasn't the time to feel empathy. Wolfram was another guy, he'd get over it.

Why did it bother him so much then? No, no, stop that. Yuuri shook his head as he closed the door behind him. With his fists clutched on the side of his legs, feelings were suppressed. Now was the time to get into bed and forget all about it; nothing more than that.

His legs felt heavy as he slowly slumped across the room to his large bed. Undoing his buttons, he let his black school pants slid down to his ankles as his pajama pants were picked up. Raising his legs he slipped into his pants. Within another minute or two his shirt was already tossed to the side. Yuuri dropped face first onto his big bed to only hit another's

Run ahead
don't wait up
Just run ahead
don't wait up

He concealed his shriek with astonishment. Wolfram was there the entire time, he couldn't believe it. Now did he wake him up? Wide awake, he lifted up the sheets and revealed his relaxed body. Wolfram looked like he wasn't angry anymore. He looked peaceful, so refined as he slept. Impossible, it had to be impossible. There was no way that Yuuri could think that Wolfram, as he slept there quietly, looked even more attractive than ever. Though he knew that should be true, a touch shouldn't be that bad right?

He wanted to touch the revealing skin. Why did Wolfram wear that pink night gown to bed? Did he think it was amusing to torture Yuuri every day with it? Torture him, that's all it did. At first it was simply shocking that Wolfram even had it. It started to grow on him. He found himself imagining Wolfram in it every once in a while as he tried to sleep in his bed back home. It felt more natural to see it. If he didn't think about it, he had some difficulties getting to sleep. Though that suggested something along the terms of being interested in Wolfram, he just shoved it off as a type of remedy for a 'home sickness'.

It could be true, that's what he told his self every night.

Now he was in a bad predicament. He wanted to touch him. He began shaking his head and collapsed onto the bed.

"No. No, no, no." He told himself in a firm restricting voice. "I shouldn't do this. It's impossible."

He groaned and complained some much, scuffing and mumbling underneath his breath. A few cursed words slipped from his mouth. His fists tightened as his mind stormed around inside, coming up with different reasons why this shouldn't be allowed. Wolf should have his own bedroom. He shouldn't sleep with me, it's not normal. He could sleep in my room... Only if he slept on the ground! His eyes began to feel weak as he continued ranting to himself. No, we'll stick with the idea of another bedroom-- Wait a minute, he has his own house! He should go there.

Shaking his head one more time, trying to escape his droopy eyes, he decided maybe he could pick him up and bring him to another room. He got on his knees and looked at him one more time. His eyes traced among his broad shoulders down to the pink night gown. They followed his arms placed promptly against his bear legs all the way down to the covers still managing to show a slim finger. He swung his body back to face the opposite direction and groaned once more.

He covered his eyes as he lay on his back. "I can't pick him up when he's so peaceful like that but I can't take another night of this. Maybe I should just pick another room, save all the trouble."

Once again he started mumbling random ideas to himself of what he should do. Jumping up, a tug on his pants leg had brought him back; he glared at the dumb-folded half-asleep boy who stood up before him. His body stood paralyzed to Wolfram's unconscious looks. Yuuri watched him as he slowly opened his mouth wide to begin. "Come... to bed... Cold... alone." With the random muffled words coming from his mouth, he collapsed back down on Yuuri's lap.

Cause I'll follow you there
Follow you there
I'll follow you there
Follow the ocean

It wasn't time to shriek and wake up everyone in the castle, to wake up the boy who laid on him. Without noticing Yuuri's hands traced along the side of Wolf's face and started to play with his soft blond hair. He must of guessed there was nothing to do about his hard-headed fiancé, accident or not, there was no way of getting out of this. It was long ago when he accepted the fact that they'd be sleeping together until the divorce happened. Scuffing, he knew it wasn't going to happen-- the royal marriage was final. The glee in Wolf's eyes had settled inside of his heart, he would hate to ruin that.

"Yeah, coming." He slowly lifted his companion up into a more comfortable position.

Sliding out of the covers and onto the floor, he went to switch off the lights. Sliding across the floor and back onto his bed, he laid side by side with Wolfram. Noticing the rustling from the blanket, for a minute it only seemed natural to pull him closer. A wrap around the arm and a sudden slide closer to his body, he could feel his hot breath and the beating of their hearts. I've been in this situation so many times before, he though to himself, why do I feel so nervous now?

Stretched directly across the bed, he had came up with some real firm conclusion which he would admit to himself. It was true, there was no other way. He wanted to make Wolfram jealous. He needed Wolfram to be jealous. He knew if he didn't react, then all the feelings he had felt for him once upon a time had disappeared within those months. He found himself wishing that Wolfram would just act normal, freak out on him about that girl from earlier, and call him a wimp. Why wasn't it happening?

He shook his partner awake.

"Why aren't you angry?" The frustrated boy shouted in fury. "I was with some girl, you didn't even bring up the engagement. You didn't even call me a wimp! What's wrong with you?!"

"Why are you getting mad at me?" Wolfram sighed.

"You don't care? Is that what it is. I come back, I might end up leaving tomorrow and you act like it's nothing to you." He grew more furious. His true feelings had been revealed for the first time and Wolfram was only there to watch. "If you don't care, why are you in my bed? I searched the entire castle for you, but nope, you're in my bed."

"You don't want to sleep together?"

"I never did!" That's a lie, he told himself.

The true Wolfram was finally awakened. He would not hold back now. "Oh shush it, wimp. You shouldn't be with another girl. Even if you leave, you should stay away from all girls. You're getting married to me. Me!"

Follow you there
follow the ocean
the road's not far way

Wolfram grabbed the shoulders of Yuuri and pulled him closer; they were both entangled inside a passionate kiss Wolfram had been holding back the entire time. They broke up, leaving Wolfram pushing and Yuuri remained silent. Wolfram continued in a low voice. "Besides... You're the one who left us."

He looked the other way. Wolfram scuffed out air then began to explain. "I thought I was never going to see you again, Yuuri. Then you just appear again out of no where. I was shocked, I'm still shocked but that doesn't mean my feelings have changed or anything... I love you, you wimp. --- And I'm not going to let go of you, we're getting married and that's final."

Glancing back he noticed that Yuuri was smiling with a small amount of water in his eyes.

"Why are you crying now. You're the one who two-timed me!"

"I didn't," he stopped in his tracks. "mean to... I, uh, Wolfram?"

"What is it?"

"I don't want anyone else..." he said softly. "I only want you. I love you too."

"About time." Pulling Yuuri closer to him, he embraced him tightly and refused to let go so fast.

Within the night there were small kisses, along with long passionate entanglements of their two tongues. The hot breath against each other's bodies had filled the room with humidity. As their bodies grew hotter, their actions became more severe. Yuuri's fingertips traced along Wolfram's body from his lips down to his small stomach. He licked around the belly button and slid his tongue up to his small pink nipples and bite him. Wolfram face grew flushed with excitement, he laid back savoring every single feeling and touch. His hand slid down and began groping Wolfram. The night was filled with pure bliss, almost ecstasy.

When he awoke the next morning, Wolfram was laid on his arm, embracing him during the night. Still asleep, he looked around and noticed something. A small blurred figure stood in front of the two of them. "Mommy and Daddy are sleeping together!" She shouted with a snicker as she began jumping on their bed.

I only want
I only want him today
I only want what I can't have
I only, I only want him today
I only want what I can't have