Acceptance and Denial

Chapter Seven

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There were two kisses actually.

The first was just a tentative touch of the lips, trying out the possibilities. It was a rather quick peck with either boy pulling away gently to look into each other's eyes. Each tried to savor the taste that lingered there.

The second kiss was to no longer to taste. Instead, the second kiss was to feel and everything seemed to move into place. Wolfram deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue in slowly. Yuuri accepted his offer and tasted the other boy in the same manner. At the first contact of tongues, Yuuri sighed through his nose and pushed against the other boy. Wolfram laid flat on his back on the dirt and wrapped his arms around the double black boy, keeping him in place.

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His first kiss was with a boy. Yuuri thought that it wasn't as bad as he was raised to believe. In fact, it wasn't bad at all. The kiss had been bittersweet: a silent promise to the unknown and an affirmation of the past. But it severed most of the uncertainty. That's what's important.

"Your Majesty, it's time to wake up." Conrad gently tapped on his face.

Yuuri blinked, then smiles as a soft light filtered through the canvass then. "Thank you, Conrad. I'll be right out."

The older man displayed his signature smile and closed the flap to the king's tent.

Yuuri rubbed his eyes and stretched. He noticed his fiance sleeping soundly next to him and felt content. He laid on his stomach and put his weight on his elbows. He did this to look at the sleeping blond. Taking a mental photograph, Yuuri inched his face closer, memorizing every curve and dip of the prince's face.

Wolfram felt warm breath on his face. Smiling, he said, "Good morning." He turned on his side, facing Yuuri. His eyes kept closed.

"We have to get up." Yuuri said softly.

"I know." Wolfram sighed. "I'm suddenly wondering why we have to even go on with this."

The double black boy pouted a little, "We're going to meet with her and fix things through."

"I was scared."

"What?"

"I was really scared during my stay in that cell. I was already accepting my death when you came along."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not that, Yuuri. You see," he opened his eyes to look directly at the king, "I was scared, yes. But come to think of it, I was dying for you."

"Wolfram."

"If you weren't my king, I would have accepted the very same fate."

Yuuri's eyes teared. "Thank you for loving me so much."

"Yeah, I do."

"I--"

The blond cut him off. "I don't want you to say it if you're uncertain. I'll wait for that day. It may never come. But as of now, this is enough."

Yuuri smiled and rested his forehead on the blond's. "You're too good for me."

"I sure am."

Yuuri closed the space between their lips in a quick kiss, "We should get going."

Wolfram nodded. "The sooner we could get home, too."

"Yes. Home. Ours."

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"I'm waiting, Yuuri. I have been waiting." Lady Kastumi whispered to her reflection as she brushed her long black mane, her dark eyes determined.

"Finally, my life will be fulfilled."

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"Hey, Conrad, how far are we?" Yuuri called to his soldier leading their group.

Conrad smiled at his godson, "Just over the hill." He then stretched an arm to point to the direction. They continued their journey atop their horses to Lady Katsumi's lair after having a quick breakfast from where they set camp.

The King nodded. He tried recalling the list he intended to ask Lady Katsumi. "Why?" is on the very top of his list. Why would she inflict so much pain to someone she didn't know? Why would she hurt others so much?

All he knew is that she tortured his fiance and guards to get his attention. She could have just gone to Covenant Castle and request an assembly with him.

Why go to such life threatening extremes?

Why go through all that?

He suddenly felt a warm hand around his. When he looked up, Wolfram was looking straight back at him. "Thank you." The King said.

"Relax, Yuuri. We'll be okay."

"You used to be so impulsive. You would have attacked first."

"I blame your influence on me."

"You're welcome."

"Your Majesty," Conrad announced. "We are here."

Wolfram tightened his hold for a second before letting go.

TBC

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Author's Note: Please don't kill me just yet. More to come.