Wow, I meant to finish this chapter and upload it last night, but we ended up with a housefull of guests. Then there was KKM to watch (my friend is only as far as episode 50), Call to Duty to play, and when I looked up it was 3am, and I had to drive to my parents' house this morning. I know, all excuses, eh? But, I do post the chapters just as soon as I write them (hence the grammatical errors), so thank you for your patience. And thank you so much for your reviews, I will answer them before I start Chapter 7 tonight. Thank you for hanging with me during this story. So, finally--I don't own KKM, but I channel Gwendal when I'm pissed off. And now, without further ado--Chapter 6.
Yuri woke to sun streaming through the window and falling over his face in a bright shaft of light and warmth. There was a heavy weight over his legs and he shifted, still groggy, trying to dislodge it. It took him a moment to realize the weight was Conrad's right leg over top of his own. He forced his eyes open. He felt so tired. It seemed that every time he had really settled down to rest, Anna was doing something else to Conrad—all night long. He didn't remember everything, but he recalled she gave his knight more medication for his fever, started another bag of fluids, and shifted the tall man's position. He yawned and tried, carefully, to extricate himself from beneath Conrad's body. He really, really had to use the bathroom.
"You're awake, Heika?"
Yuri stood up, stretching, and looked across the room. Gwendal was sitting at the desk, his knitting needles making soft, ticking noises as he methodically turned yarn into something that might have been a piggie, but Yuri hesitated to say anything—he wasn't very good at identifying Gwendal's creations.
"Good morning, Gwendal. Yeah. I'm tired though. Where's Anna and Gunter? They were here when I fell asleep last night."
"She will return shortly. Gunter has gone to bed. We are trying to sleep in shifts. My mother will come in a few hours—if you would permit, Heika?"
Yuri scratched his head. "Of course, Gwendal. Why wouldn't that be ok?"
"Your majesty has the final say in these matters now."
"Oh. Right. I understand." Yuri didn't understand at all, of course, but it was too early for really thinking. "I'm going to get cleaned up and then it will be time to give Conrad a bath, according to Anna's notes—right?"
"Yes, Heika."
When Yuri returned from the baths—a little damp, but dressed in fresh clothes, Anna was leaning over the bed. The doctor was wearing a different set of scrubs—a pair of plain, white trousers and a pink top that was decorated with little Winnie-the-Poohs and buzzing honey bees. She had a stethoscope pressed to Conrad's chest, listening.
"Good Morning, Heika," she said as she finished. How did she always know when he was there, Yuri wondered.
"Good Morning. How is he?"
"Fever is still too high and I don't like the sound of his lungs. He has crackles in the lower bases. Come here and listen."
Yuri took the stethoscope from her hands, and she helped him put it in his ears the right way. She had him listen to her lungs first, then placed the stethoscope against Conrad's body. As she moved the bell to different locations, Yuri could hear something like air rushing, then a sound like rice krispies in milk. She took the stethoscope back and slung it around her neck.
"I heard it," he said. "But what does it mean?"
"He has fluid in his lungs. It's not uncommon, but it certainly isn't good. We'll reposition him, and watch for signs of pneumonia. It would be really good if he'd wake up and I could get him out of the damn bed."
"What should I do?"
"Well, Dad said you are getting ready to give him his bath. That's good. I've given him his medication already, hung fresh fluids and emptied the catheter bag for you already. Do some range of motion exercises with his arms and legs. Other than that, just change his position every couple of hours, and be with him. Those wound dressings need to be changed at lunchtime—ok?"
Yuri nodded and moved to get started with Conrad's bath.
"Dad, I've got to go to the infirmary for a while. Gisela has her hands full. Can you refresh my memory—how long do I have here before time shifts again on earth?"
"At least two or three more days from what we've calculated based on Heika's travels."
"Ok. Thanks. Chin up, Yu-chan. You're doing great. I'll be back. BTW, totally cute puppy, Dad. I really like it." Then she was gone.
Yuri accomplished Conrad's bath, though he suspected he took much longer than Anna would have done. He couldn't help it, though. He found himself embarrassed and blushing as he smoothed the damp cloth over the skin of the man he loved—bathing was an intimate act, or at least it seemed to be so now. He had been in the baths with Conrad a hundred times, but, then all he had to do was admire the man at a distance and catch little peeks at his beautiful body when Conrad was washing himself. But this…well, this was different. As he washed the soldier's too warm, too pale skin all Yuri could think about was how fragile the man looked. Unconscious and vulnerable, Conrad would probably be appalled to know that he was being cared for in such a manner. After all, he had always been the strong one. It was Conrad who had always taken care of Yuri when the Maou took over, sapped his energy, and left an exhausted Yuri in his wake. How many times had Conrad undressed him, put his pajamas on and tucked him in bed? Countless. He had cradled Yuri through every rough spot—even when everyone around them, and every piece of evidence suggested that Conrad had betrayed him. Yuri would never forget the sight of Conrad, posed in front of him—arrows protruding from his body, but his sword never wavering. Even injured and outnumbered, Conrad had never let Yuri down. The boy took a deep, steadying breath.
"Let me do this for you, Conrad," he whispered. "Let me be your strength, the way you have been mine for all these years. I love you so much. I don't guess you hear me, but, I do…I do love you so very much."
"I think he can hear you, Heika."
Yuri jerked his head up, blushing. He had forgotten Gwendal was there. "What was that?"
The older man cleared his throat and paused in the middle of a row. "When I was…like this. I remember Gunter talking to me, and Conrad too. I can't remember exactly what they said—but I remember knowing I wasn't alone. I think you are doing the right thing."
"I don't always know what to say." Yuri confessed, exasperated.
"I don't think the words matter. Just speak from your heart. He knows you are there."
"I've never asked you," Yuri swallowed hard. "I know…I know that Conrad's father is dead, but, on earth if he was living, traditionally, I would formally speak to him, and ask for Conrad's hand. You're the eldest son…" Yuri trailed off, considering digging a large hole and burying himself in it. Could he have sounded any more idiotic?
"Are you telling me that you intend to make an honest man of my brother, Heika? Are you asking me for permission to marry him?"
Yuri nodded, unable to speak.
Gwendal finished the row he was working on, then placed his knitting in his lap. "The decision, ultimately, is Conrad's to make, Heika. However, I have been a witness to your affection and devotion to my brother, so, speaking as the head of the Von Voltaire family, I am honored to give you my approval. You may marry Conrad, if he so desires, with my blessing."
The formal words did something to Yuri's resolve. He didn't know he could ever feel so elated, frightened, and content at the same time. Gwendal approved! Now all he had to do was convince the man in the bed, as soon as that man woke up, that they were meant to be together.
"Just for your information, Heika. I would not have been so…accommodating had you asked me concerning Wolfram."
"I bet," Yuri said, turning back to his beloved Conrad and continuing his care, ending the bath with a very long chapstick kiss. He felt a little guilty stealing kisses like that, but his soldier was just too tempting and the fact that both he and Conrad now had the softest, plumpest lips in the castle was just a bonus.
--O.o.O—
Gunter Von Kleist was a demon on a mission. After waking, late in the afternoon, and choking down a few bites of food, he started looking for the young woman who was, currently, making his life miserable. He intended to have a word with Anna Von Voltaire. During their long night's watch over Conrad, she had systematically turned away all his attempts at conversation, rebuffed his every friendly advance, and basically said, without saying anything at all, that he was completely beneath her notice. It would not stand. He would not allow it. He was Gunter Von Kleist, adjutant to the Maou, godfather to the king's children, head of a family for pity's sake—and no little girl was going to snub him. Especially a little girl he'd rocked to sleep more times than he could count.
Anna was not, however, anywhere to be found. She was not with Conrad. She was absent from the kitchen, the stables, the library, and her room. So, he strode toward the infirmary with the grace of a large cat. He had her trapped now.
Opening the door to the infirmary, the stern lecture he'd prepared in his mind died before it could ever reach his lips. Anna was kneeling beside the cot of one the soldiers that had been seriously injured during the battle to subdue Conrad. His eyes flicked to Gisela, his own daughter. Her back was turned away, shoulders drawn in, and shaking. She was crying. He watched, frozen in place, as Anna tenderly reached out, after finishing her silent prayer, and closed the man's eyes with soft fingertips. She cradled the man's cheek with the palm of her hands for a long moment, then brushed his hair from his forehead.
"Anna, I'm s…so…sorry. I did what I thought was right." Gisela sobbed.
"You did everything possible, G-chan. This is not your fault."
"Still…I could have…"
"No, my friend," Anna stood and pulled Gisela into her arms and held her. "You did all you could do and more. Your father is here, sweetie—go to him. I'll inform his family."
Anna gently steered Gisela to the door, and guided her into Gunter's waiting arms. He shook his head. "I came to speak to you," he started, but stopped when she jerked her head up and glared at him.
"Your daughter needs you, Lord Von Kleist, not me. If you will allow me to pass? I have work yet to do." Then she was gone.
Gunter stayed Gisela for a long time, leaving only after she had drifted to sleep. He opened her door and almost ran into Gwendal. He looked worn, well, more worn than usual even for these past few days. They walked in silence for a few minutes, until they came to the covered walkway that faced the interior courtyard of the palace and Gwendal stopped.
"What is it?" Gunter asked.
Gwendal motioned to the walkway opposite. Gunter followed his line of sight and saw Anna, she was speaking to another woman who was holding an infant, and had a small child clutching at her skirts.
"That's…?"
"Yes. Brown's wife and children. I told Anna I would inform them, but she wouldn't hear of it. How's Gisela?"
"Sleeping now," Gunter replied, absently, his attention fully occupied with the scene before him. It was raining, a soft, steady rhythm of drops that turned the air silvery. He watched as Gwendal's daughter spoke to the woman, then held out her arms to cradle her gently as she broke down into sobs. He wasn't sure how long he stood there watching, amazed at the compassion the fiery young half-mazoku showed the soldier's wife. When the woman had gathered her wits slightly, Anna released her, then bent to embrace the child hiding behind the woman's knees. She accepted, as far as Gunter could see, the little one's furiously flailing fists with grace—allowing the child to beat out his anger and grief on her arms and shoulders. That was enough, he took a step forward, but Gwendal's hand on his wrist restrained him.
"Don't interfere." Her father said.
So, Gunter resigned himself to watching as the child, tired from his exertions, simply folded into Anna's embrace. She lifted the youngster and signaled for one of the guards. He could imagine the instructions she was giving him—most likely telling him to take them to some place quiet, see to their needs, give them privacy. She would also have promised to be available for anything the family should need. After having watched her with Conrad, and others, he already knew she would be that sort of healer.
Her head was tilted down as she came down the steps and started to cross the courtyard. Gunter pushed against Gwendal's hip, but the larger man didn't move. Anna tripped over a bucket, left there, he supposed by someone in a hurry and fell to her hands and knees in the mud. Before either of the men could move, she let out a howl of grief, shot to her feet, grabbed the bucket and hurled it through the air. The crash of glass made Gunter jump a little, but still, Gwendal didn't move. Oddly enough, it was Yozak's bright hair he saw, as the spy peeked through the broken glass of the kitchen window. Gunter knew the spy could move quickly, but he was surprised, still, when the generally cheerful man seemed to just appear in the courtyard. Anna was sitting in the mud, arms around her knees, rocking back and forth, soaking in the rain. Yozak looked like a courtly lover as he bent to one knee and extended his hand to her. Gwendal's daughter looked up then, at the man she'd grown up with, took his hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet, then a close embrace. The tall, red-haired man kissed the top of the young woman's head then drew her into the curve of his body and guided her back to the other side of the castle.
"What does he think he's doing? Gwendal, we should go to her."
"I don't believe so, Gunter." The grey-haired man sounded thoughtful. "Yozak may be just what she needs. Let them go."
"But, it's Yozak…and you know what he's like! This isn't right, Gwendal. I can't guess what she's thinking. What's wrong with this place?"
"It's not the place, Gunter. It's you."
"What do you mean!" Gunter sniffed and crossed his arms.
"You're jealous." Gwendal made no further comment, but left Gunter to his thoughts.
--O.o.O—
"Heika, you hands are so gentle. You are very tender with my son."
Yuri looked up to see Cheri-sama smiling gently, though sadly, at him. "I…I love him very much. I hope you don't mind…"
"Oh, no, Heika. While it's true that you and Wolfram would have made a beautiful couple, I have always lived by the motto that true love should triumph. My boys are all very fine men, but I've always worried about my Conrad the most. He has suffered because of me."
"I don't believe that!"
"Oh, Heika," she sighed. "He feels things so deeply, like I do. But that he should hurt himself so for love's sake—it breaks my heart."
"It's my fault," Yuri said quietly.
"Of course it's not. Why would you say such a thing?"
"I've never been honest about my true feelings for Conrad, until now and now it might be too late…and yet, I've always expected him to be there for me. I've demanded he give me every part of himself, and relied on him to be my pillar of support, but I've not been careful to return that loyalty. I don't deserve him, Cheri-sama. I never could. But…I hope…with all my heart…that he might want me anyway."
"Heika! We all love you—you're very special."
"No, I'm not," Yuri shook his head. "I make more mistakes than I do things right. I'm just a kid."
"You are the Maou!"
Yuri was surprised by her sharp tone.
"Don't make the same mistakes I did when I was Maou, Heika. You must believe in yourself. Consider everything you have learned, how hard you have worked. Love is the greatest gift any of us can give, and your gift is that you love us all. Don't be ashamed that you love my Conrad more than anyone else—if you had known his father, you would know that I understand. Conrad is irresistible, no?"
Yuri grinned. "Absolutely!"
Finishing with the dressing changes, Yuri began to gently work Conrad's limbs through a series of passive exercises to keep his joints loose and working—just the way Anna had showed him. A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," he called out.
"Heika, I've brought a tray with some lunch for you. How is Conrad?"
"Oh, thank you, Gunter. And he is…the same as this morning."
"Gunter! Is that….did Heika ask you to stand as godfather?" Cheri-sama squealed, clapping her hands together.
Yuri blushed as his adjutant's face took on a dreamy expression. Just how many children did the man think he was going to have anyway?
"Yes!" Gunter sighed, then he crossed his arm over his chest and turned to the previous Maou. "I shall protect your grandchildren with my life, Cheri-sama. I, Gunter Von Kleist have been entrusted by our wonderful Maou to undertake such an important role and I shall do my best—anything to please my wonderful Heika!"
"Really, Gunter. You don't have to be so dramatic," Yuri said quietly.
He finished with Conrad's legs, then moved up the bed to gently begin the same process with his arms. Looking at his beloved knight's face, Yuri thought his heart was going to stop. His lips, his beautiful lips were tinged with blue. "Gunter, come look at Conrad. I think something is wrong."
Gunter detached himself from his hug-fest with Cheri-sama and hurried to Yuri's side. His face sobered instantly. "No, Heika. Something is wrong. I will get Lady Von Voltaire and Gwendal."
"Fly, Gunter." Yuri ordered. "I can barely feel his breath."
--O.o.O—
Gunter slid to a halt outside of Yozak's door. The last time he'd seen Anna was in the red-head's company, and consequently the first place he went to look for her. At his knock, he heard a shuffling sound, and a sleepy, "Keep your pants on!", then the door opened to reveal a mostly naked Yozak. Gunter assessed the spy with a glance. He was wearing only his trousers, the top button undone and they were riding precariously low on his lean hips.
"What is it, your Excellency? Is it the Captain?"
"Yes. Where is Anna? She is needed right away."
Yozak yawned a little and stepped back, allowing the door to swing wide, keeping one hand on top of the door itself and the other stretched across the opening to hold the frame. "Looks like you're being summoned, sweetheart," he said, over his shoulder. Then he looked back at Gunter, his expression carefully blank.
Gunter craned his neck to see past the spy's shoulders—and when did he get such a broad chest? Gunter nudged the younger man who moved an inch, maybe two, to reveal Anna standing with her back to the door—her very naked back—stretching like a cat.
"Ok. I'm just getting dressed."
Gunter concentrated on breathing. Now was not the time to be staring. His eyes, though, betrayed him and strayed to the bed—the very rumpled and messy bed.
"Yozak, I'm taking a shirt."
"Top drawer," he called back, never taking his eyes from Gunter. "Was there something else you wanted, Lord Von Kleist? The girly knows her way to Conrad's room."
"I will escort her. You are not currently in condition to do so—considering your state of…undress."
"Mmmm," Yozak grinned. "You're probably right. I wouldn't want to steal the kiddo away from Conrad before he wakes up, after all."
"You are…you are…shameless!" Gunter gasped. "I thought you and Geika…?"
"No one's sporting any bruised cheeks yet, my lord."
"Ok, I'm ready." Anna said, ducking underneath Yozak's arm and stepping between the two men. Gunter watched as she turned, touched Yozak's cheek, then leaned up to press a kiss to the tall man's mouth. "Thank you so much. You're my hero—my sanctuary, you know that, right?"
"All in a day's work, Sexy." Yozak winked at her.
Gunter cleared his throat. Anna turned on her heel and pushed past him. "I heard you, Gunter-sama. I'm ready."
As he followed her down the hall, Gunter was having trouble ordering his thoughts. He was worried about Conrad, of course. And Heika's emotional state was also foremost in his thoughts, but the problem was the woman walking in front of him. He was sure her hips didn't normally swing in that fashion. She seemed loose-limbed, relaxed, and he refused to admit that he had a pretty good idea as to what she used to "blow off steam" this time. More troubling still was the way her hair fell, unbound down her back in soft brown waves—rather tangled waves. He was grateful as she tied it back even as she was walking. Unfortunately, that left him with a clear view of her back—even though it was now covered in white linen much too large for her elegant shape—he couldn't forget what that back looked like bare. He felt his brow furrow. This was not a good train of thought. What bothered him most, however, was the fact she looked almost edible wearing man's shirt…and that he was strangely angered by the fact it wasn't his.
"Did you hear me, Gunter-sama?"
He snapped out of his stupor at her peevish tone. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"I asked you what Conrad's symptoms are."
"He is not breathing well, and his lips were looking slightly bluish."
"That's not good," she muttered, and stepped up her pace to a full-tilt run. "Why didn't you say so immediately!"
"I…I…" Gunter huffed out as he ran after her. "I wouldn't have had to if you'd been where you belonged in the first place instead of cavorting with that…that…man!"
Anna skidded to a stop in front of Conrad's door. Just before she pushed it open she turned back to him. "I won't forget what you said, Gunter-sama. We'll finish this later."
When Anna stepped into Conrad's room, she left every concern behind her. It's the way she had been trained. Nothing was important now that didn't directly bear on her patient. She took one look at Conrad and didn't like what she saw.
"Ah, fuck. Heika—respirations?"
She modulated her tone as much as possible, sensitive to the frightened young king's temper. She knew she would need his help and she couldn't let him falter now.
"Less than five, Anna. What's wrong with him?"
"He's coding, or, rather, he would be if he was in the hospital. Did you give him any medications while I was gone? Cheri-sama, could you send for Daddy, please?" The last thing she wanted was her grandmother in the way. As much as she loved her nana, the woman smelled so flowery, Anna almost felt drugged and that's the last thing she needed at the moment.
"Of course, I'll get him right away. Take care of my Conrad."
"I will."
"I gave him the four milligrams of morphine, like you said to do, a little while ago."
Anna cursed under her breath for the millionth time, lamenting her lack of resources. It wasn't that she didn't love Shin Makoku—it was her home and there was no place in any world more special to her , but, being a demon in this place meant relying on magic and humans muddled by using their wits and what power they could gain with houseki. For half-breeds, like herself, and like Conrad, there was no real way to fit in. She had heard that things were changing since Yuri became the Maou, but, no amount of love in the world could alter the fact that she had no decent nurses, no crash cart, and no pharmacy right down the stairs. Earth was not a superior place—not by a long shot, unless you counted her Ferrari, which she loved, and medical advances.
"Can I help at all?" Gunter asked.
"Just stay the hell out of my way," she growled, grabbing her bag and slathering her hands with anti-microbial cleanser.
Anna grabbed her bag, trying to keep one eye on Conrad and searched through until she found the Narcan. "I am drawing up Narcan right now, Heika. It seems that four was too high a dose. This drug will counteract the effects of the narcotic. It's not your fault."
She removed the mittens from Conrad's hand, took off the gauze, and disconnected the IV. She probably should have started another site in his other arm, but she had opted for minimal invasion. She wondered now if it was a mistake. It was too late now, though, she thought as she wiped the IV site with an alcohol swab and then injected the bevel of the syringe into the port and started to push the medication. Just as she began the push, Conrad stopped breathing.
"Oh, HELL no, Weller—not a fucking chance!" She spat, finishing the injection. A quick check for pulse confirmed the worse. Conrad's was in full arrest.
"Heika—had first aid, CPR, anything?"
"J-Just CPR—a year ago."
"Get the pocket mask out of my bag."
Anna tried pulling Conrad out of the bed but he was just too heavy. She glanced up, seeing her father standing silent in the doorway. "Daddy," she shouted. Put a barrier under Conrad, make it like stone, give me something to press on!"
Her father, cool as always, held up his hand she could feel the resistance build underneath her patient. She started chest compressions, her world narrowing down to just this one task. Steady, even rhythm, concentrate on blood flow. She guided Heika through using the pocket mask, as she kept on with the compressions. "You've got it right, the bag's attached properly. Now, every time I say breathe, Heika, I just want you to squeeze that bag, evenly. Got it?"
"Ok," he whispered.
Anna concentrated on Conrad's chest, and kept half an eye on her now terrified king. He was pale enough that she worried he might become her next patient. "Now, you listen to me you stubborn jackass," she hissed at Conrad. "I am not going to let you do this to Yu-chan. So, you get your shit together and just start breathing—do I make myself clear, Conrad? I am damn well ordering you to cut the drama. You proved your point, all right. Now get the fuck over yourself and start breathing!"
Anna's arms were burning as she continued compressions, but she didn't trust anyone else to take over. It seemed to take forever, but, finally, Conrad choked, gasped and promptly vomited all over the inside of the mask.
"Take it off, Heika, and move back," she shouted, leaving Conrad's chest and using the tail of Yozak's shirt to clear the vomit away from her childhood friend's face. He was breathing. She checked his pulse, weak but growing in strength and steady. Pulling up another two milliliters of Narcan, Anna pushed the drug into his IV.
"That's right, asshole," she couldn't help but grin as Conrad's face began to take on a normal color. "I just took your Hjerteskaerende to school."
"Y…You resuscitated him!" Yuri said, wonder in his voice.
Anna looked up, her vision expanding again to take in the other occupants of the room. The king was staring at her, like she had just sprouted a second head, supported by both her father and Gunter in a sort of mazoku sandwich.
"I couldn't have done it without you, Heika," she said sincerely, smiling down at the Maou. Anna continued checking Conrad's vitals, observing him. "Daddy, you can remove the barrier now, gently. Let's let Conrad rest, and I think he'll just have to go without the morphine now."
She felt when her patient's body settled softly back into the mattress. His respirations were returning to normal and his heartbeat was strong and steady, the organ having resumed its primary function of circulation. Satisfied, finally, that Conrad was back amongst the living, Anna, motioned for Yuri to come close. She slid her arm around his shoulders.
"He is a very lucky man to have someone who loves him as much as you do, Yu-chan. You showed real grace today—strength and courage. You are everything a king should be and more."
The boy hid his face against her shoulder and she could feel the hot tears against her skin, but she pretended not to notice.
"I was so…so…scared," he hiccupped.
"I was, too." She said, because it was true.
"You didn't look scared—but you did look scary."
"I'll tell you a little secret about me, Yu-chan," she said rubbing the top of the boy's head with her cheek. "I don't like to lose. Besides, you are my king…and it's my duty as your loyal subject to obey your commands. You want this man to live, and it's my job to do everything in my power to bring that to pass. I was just lucky that Conrad is so stubborn as to be tenacious of life, that you are so brave as to act when called upon, and that I am, of course, amazing!"
The king giggled a little at her outrageous tone of voice, just the way she knew he would. "How are you feeling now, Heika? A little better?"
He nodded. "Would it be ok…I mean, can I…can I be with him?"
"Of course." She pushed him toward the bed. "But you know what…those sheets are a mess and we need to keep him clean so his skin doesn't break down. Hey, Dad, can you use a barrier to gently lift Conrad off the bed? I really don't want to teach his majesty how to change an occupied bed, ok?"
"I can do that."
"Good, I'm just going to get some linens. BRB!"
"BRB?" Her father's brows pinched together.
"Be right back," the king supplied.
"Oh. I see," said her dad. Though, she knew he really didn't see at all.
Gunter followed Anna out of the room, silent as a cat. He watched as she walked a respectful distance down the hall, ignoring the table that had been stacked with clean linens, only to slump against the wall and rest her forehead on her knees. He hesitated, unwilling to invade her private pain. Watching her swipe angrily at the tears running down her face, he felt like a bit like a voyeur. So, this is what she carried beneath all that brash bravado. She looked tiny against the looming stone wall, and Gunter's hands itched to pull her against him, but even he knew the gesture would not be appreciated. Instead, he turned his back and disappeared to the other end of the hall to stand at the head of the staircase. Anna Von Voltaire might well have rejected him as a friend—for what reasons he did not know—but he could at least protect her privacy. Maybe, he reasoned, it was all he could do.
He kept his silent vigil, shadowing her at a discreet distance, when she gathered the bed linens, then walked back to Conrad's room. He quietly removed his cape, as she handed the sheets to Yuri-Heika. He unbuckled his sword belt, setting it aside while she pulled the soiled sheets from the bed. He unbuttoned and slipped out of his shirt when her back was turned and she stuffed the dirty linens in the laundry bag. Without saying a word, he held out the shirt and dangled it near her shoulder.
"Oh, thanks," she said, without turning around. "Poor Yozak—Conrad owes him a shirt."
Gunter hadn't been able to identify it before that moment, but as she kept her back turned and slipped out of the spy's shirt and into his, some beast that dwelled deep inside of him stopped growling and began to purr in contentment. How very strange.
"Smells nice," she murmured. "Thanks, Dad."
He didn't correct her, but he spared a glance at Gwendal who was pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing. Before she turned around, he slipped his cape over his shoulders and drew the front together.
"Well, now that everything is ok here—Dad, it's time you and I took our turn to eat. Gunter-sama, are you ok here with Heika?"
"I would be honored to attend my beloved Heika," he replied, bowing his head.
"Yeah, I bet. I'm amazed that your eyes can still be such a light purple instead of dark brown. See ya."
She bounced out the door, and Gwendal followed, pausing only long enough to bend and whisper in Gunter's ear, "Next time, why don't you just piss a circle around her if you want to mark your territory."
--O.o.O—
"Heika…may I ask you a question?"
Yuri glanced up at his adjutant. "Sure, Gunter. What is it?" He shifted his position slightly so he could see both Conrad and Gunter, and still hold his beloved's hand—even with the mitten barrier.
"Do you think I'm sexy?"
"I…I beg your pardon!?" Yuri squeaked.
"Do you find me to be…attractive?"
Yuri felt his blush steam across his cheeks. He thought he'd covered all this Gunter already! "I…Conrad is right here! This hardly seems an appropriate—"
"Forgive me, Heika," the adjutant cut in quickly. "I am not asking with any unscrupulous intent. I am asking only…hypothetically, or rather, empirically. Do you think I am handsome, or do…other people?"
Yuri breathed a heavy sigh of relief, but didn't miss how the older man's eyes strayed to the door, then back to the desk where Anna Von Voltaire had made her portable office. So, that was it, eh?
The king considered the question carefully. He let his eyes roam over his advisor's tall, stately frame—currently cape and shirt-less since he'd divested himself of the cover after Anna left. Yuri ogled him, trying to think about Gunter from the perspective of a potential suitor. While he didn't do anything for the young king, he was well-formed, proportional, and sleekly muscled. He tapped his fingers to his lips as he appraised the man.
"Heika…you're making me feel like a lamb at auction."
"Sorry, Gunter," Yuri grinned, scratching his neck. "I just wanted to give you an honest answer. You're very beautiful. You were a famous super-model, even if only for a little while on earth, and you have tons of fans here, I've seen them glomp you…so…what's with the low self-esteem all of a sudden?"
"Do…do you think Yozak is…attractive?"
"Smokin'," Yuri sighed, just a little dreamily. He would never, ever in a million years dream of turning his heart away from his Conrad, but, there was no denying that the cross-dressing red-head had it going on!
"Smo…smoking? What does that having to do with anything?"
"Oh, sorry. It just means that Yozak is very hot, very very sexy."
"Oh. I see."
Yuri couldn't be quite certain, but he thought he might see tears in those gentle, violet eyes. "Gunter…please don't cry, ok? I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. You're pretty, I promise—really, really pretty! You're hair is really long, and lovely—no girl I've ever seen has ever had prettier hair. And you're sweet, charming, and…you've got a great personality!"
"Great personality," the adjutant sighed. "I'd rather be known as the sexy one."
"Look, Gunter," Yuri struggled for the right words. "Sexy is not easy to define. I think it's different for everyone. I mean, look at me. I'm not particularly attractive or anything, but a lot of people in this country have told me that I'm good looking—"
"You're gorgeous, Heika!" Gunter gasped out.
"Errrr…thanks. But, what I mean is…what I think is sexy isn't the same as what someone else might find attractive. For me, well, it's Conrad…everything about him. I love his eyes, and when he smiles the light reaches them and it's like basking in a summer sun. And he's so tall, and strong, and well, his body is amazing. But this is all my opinion—maybe someone else wouldn't feel the same way, but when I think of my ideal—what sexy is, the only thing I can come up with is Conrad. He's my measuring stick—for everyone else I meet, because no one could ever compare to what I feel for him. So, if you ask me who I think is hot, who I find attractive, who I find sexy, well, it's Conrad. I love him, of course, from the tips of my toes to the top of my head—but, I lust after him, too. But, you are very, very pretty, Gunter. Promise."
"You lust for me, Heika?"
Time simply stopped. Yuri felt like everything was moving in slow motion as he turned his head and looked down to see two warm, cinnamon-colored eyes looking up at him with recognition. He watched, transfixed as a soft, pink tongue swept over perfect lips.
"It's Yuri, Conrad. Have you forgotten, again?" Yuri asked.
"I could never forget…Yuri. Hi."
"Hi," Yuri whispered, leaning down very slowly, keeping his eyes trained on his soldier. He gently pressed his lips against Conrad's, his insides melting at the contact, and rejoicing when Conrad's lips molded to his own, returning the soft kiss.
"Welcome back," Yuri whispered against his love's lips. "I missed you."
Oh...do you hate me? Please don't. I know, Conrad's awake and I am ending the chapter right there. Gunter is suffering from the bite of the green-eyed monster, and Yozak just might be banging everyone in the castle--or he might not. Ah well, we'll resolve a few more plot lines next chapter and no doubt bring Greta home, too. Sniffing the air Is that lemon-scented febreeze, or just a whiff of the future? Thanks again, so so so so much for reading. That's the coolest part of all. See you next time!