Thanks to Sayonara-san and Meowzy-chan for your comments. :)
Timeframe: After the coronation, before Yuuri's return
Arguments
He was going to rip that belt straight from Gunter's hands. It had been a day since the coronation ceremony, and since Yuuri's disappearance, back to his own world. In all that time, Gunter hadn't spoken to him, or let go of the belt he had pulled off of his so called Majesty.
If one did not know what had happened, one would have guessed the young demon King had died, what with Gunter's attitude. It was beginning to wear on Gwendal's nerves.
Though, if he thought about it, the silences had happened the day before the coronation, and then Gunter had been cold and glaring. Gwendal had guessed at the time that it was because he had been left behind, by both his Majesty, and Gwendal himself. But the longer this went on, the more he wondered if that had been all it was.
Finally, irritated, he set down his pen, and got up. Moving to his long time lover, who was standing, moodily looking out the window, he reached over, and grabbed the belt from Gunter's hands before the other could react. Gunter made a noise of protest, looking to him with a glare. Gwendal merely stared back, waiting to hear a protest. It would be better then the silence, or the wailing over his Majesty.
"Give it back, Gwendal," he could almost see the pout wanting to come up with that tone of voice. Not whining, Gunter did not whine. Cry, be completely melodramatic, over the edge hysterical, but the retainer would never whine. This was more of an annoyed request.
"Not till you tell me what is wrong with you. The King was merely sent back to his world. We knew that would happen eventually. He'll be back later, when we have need of him," he stated gruffly.
"I know that," Gunter snapped, not reaching to take the belt back yet, "That's not what's wrong," his tone dropped a little, sullen, "at least, not all of it."
"Then what?" he was tired of this game, and his stormy gray eyes were showing just how tired.
Glaring once more. Gunter turned away, "You should know what's wrong. I still don't approve of your actions not too long ago."
There it was. Now it made sense. Scowling, he tossed the belt to his desk, before crossing his arms, "I did what was needed, and I got what was best for the country. It helped him finally decide to be our king, rather then hover over the idea, and I saved him."
"You put him into danger, and forced him to choose," Gunter rebuffed, not turning to him.
"I did what was best. We needed him to understand the situation, and now he does, to some extent. We don't need another weak and clueless leader. This at least proved he cares something about the people, which is a start," Gwendal returned darkly, anger growing now.
"You couldn't see that before?" sharp eyes were sparking as Gunter turned back to him, "Your observation skills are lacking if you didn't see that before. Especially with what happened at that duel."
"What I saw was the King within that child reacting. I have faith in what's in the boy, but not in that boy. He had no idea what he's dealing with, or how bad things could be, or how bad they are becoming. You and Conrad want to sugar coat this, but that's not possible. I will not sacrifice this kingdom again to another worthless, selfish monarch," his voice was cold, sharp, and tense. He could not allow it to happen again. It had taken so long to rebuild everything, and they had all lost so much...
Hard purple eyes softened to violet once more, as a slightly stunned look overcame Gunter's features. For a moment, they could only look at each other, before Gwendal continued, "You should understand that. You know me better then anyone. You know I would not do anything that would hurt this country, or our King. I just wanted to give him the reality of this. He's shown that he could be a good King, with time, but I can't trust a child. Not until he's fully ready to take on the burden we've had to bear."
"Gwendal..." Gunter seemed unable to say anything, for once.
"I know how concerned you are, for our Majesty, but you used to trust me more then this, Gunter. I know I failed before to protect things as well as I should have..." slender fingers pressed against his lips.
"Hush," Gunter's voice was soft, almost gentle, "You're right. I should trust you more. I should know your intentions better then anyone. I am sorry I doubted you," lips replaced those fingers, kissing him chastely, "I will do better, I will trust you like I should. You only want what I want in the end, for our country to be safe."
"I'm glad you finally understand," Gwendal said, the faintest smile coming to his lips as he leaned in to return the kiss Gunter had given him, deepening it this time.
