A/N:
Finally! The next chapter is up! :D
Well, I'm not too sure how you guys will receive this but I kinda enjoyed writing this chapter. I just hope it's not too OOC or whatever.
I'll shut up now. Haha!
Enjoy!
Hahaue - mother
A muscle in Wolfram's jaw twitched in response to Yuuri's lame greeting. It was all he could do to keep his mouth shut and stem the torrent of angry words clamoring against his teeth to be set free.
The guilty look on Yuuri's face didn't make things easier. In fact, his fussing and fidgeting only served to fuel the glowing sparks of suppressed anger Wolfram was desperately trying to keep in check.
The blonde Mazoku mentally counted to ten, allowing him time to rein in his growing temper.
"Good morning, Yuuri?" he managed to question, his voice somewhat a cross between a growl and a soft purr.
"What's so good about the morning? Pray, do tell." Wolfram queried with thinly veiled sarcasm.
Before the double black could respond, a high pitched squeal reverberated within the confines of the room.
"Wooooooolllllfffffrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaammmm!!" Greta shrieked with irrepressible glee as she launched herself at her second father.
Wolfram caught the flying child effortlessly in his arms and twirled her around high in the air. The scowl on his face melted into a loving smile upon hearing her girlish giggles.
After one last go-around, he clasped Greta to his chest tightly then held her slightly away from him and grinned.
"Hello princess, did you miss me?" He asked teasingly.
If possible, wide brown eyes grew even wider. "I missed you this much Wolfram." Greta answered simply, extending her tiny limbs as far as she could.
The corners of her mouth turned down in a small pout and she went on to complain, "You were gone for so long… and we were all so worried. Yuuri was worried too, you know."
She shook her head and looked at him sternly, "Don't ever leave us again ok?"
Wolfram chuckled and gave her a quick hug once more. Dropping a soft kiss on her forehead he murmured, "Alright Greta, I promise not to make you worry anymore." He replied quietly, not quite addressing her 'don't ever leave us again' comment.
Greta beamed widely at him, and proceeded to regale him with tales of her exploits while he'd been away. The dining hall echoed with the sounds of Greta's tinkling laughter and Wolfram's melodious baritone. The depth of their affection for one another was obvious in the animated faces they both displayed.
Yuuri watched the interaction between father and daughter and his heart constricted painfully. The reserve he could sense just beneath Wolfram's cheerful demeanor was like a thousand daggers piercing his soul.
He was the reason for the shadows that dulled Wolfram's beautiful green eyes…
He was the cause of the melancholy twisting perfect lips into that which was nothing more than a semblance of a smile…
He was the source of the sorrow that engulfed the proud prince's spirit...
It was all his fault, for being both the wimp and coward Wolfram had repeatedly accused him to be.
The intensity of his thoughts made Yuuri unconsciously bite down on his lips, fiercely enough to draw blood. A solitary drop welled upon its fullness and the faint smell of rust drifted in the air.
Wolfram swung his head swiftly in Yuuri's direction. His eyes narrowed with concern upon noticing the tiny bud that stained his mouth crimson.
"Yuuri?" Wolfram asked sharply.
Belatedly he realized that Wolfram and Greta were staring at him oddly. It was only then that he felt the stinging sensation on his bottom lip and wiped at it impatiently. His fingers came away tainted with a narrow streak of red.
"Eh?" He cried out in mild surprise.
"Yuuri, you idiot!" Wolfram yelled suddenly, at the same time advancing on the double black with heavy and purposeful steps.
"What's with that stupid 'eh'?" he demanded angrily.
Too shocked by the outburst, Yuuri could only stare mutely at the irate blonde.
"And don't you think that wide-eyed obliviousness is getting pretty old," he gritted out irritably.
A strangled noise escaped Yuuri's throat. "Wha… wha… what are you talking about Wolf?" Yuuri stuttered jerkily.
"I'm talking about your penchant for acting dumb, just to get out of tight situations, wimp!" Wolfram snapped back.
"My WHAT?!" Yuuri exploded in outrage.
"You heard me. Do you really want me to repeat it?" Wolfram countered back nastily.
Wolfram watched Yuuri's face turn an alarming shade of purple and was horrified by the hurtful words that came pouring out his lips unheeded. It was as if his mouth had a mind of its own and decided to go on a rampage.
"It's so typical of you to run away when things get messy or complicated," he continued in biting tones.
He closed his eyes once more and prayed for the strength to go forward on the path he had chosen. Opening pained eyes, Wolfram looked into Yuuri's stricken ones.
The confusion Wolfram etched in the maou's face was a cold shower that doused the emotional flames consuming him.
That's right, he thought bitterly. This stupid wimp probably doesn't even know why I'm angry.
In a heartbeat, the rage that was running rampant through his body came to a shuddering stop. The only thing he felt was a blessed sort of numbness.
Wolfram raised a trembling hand to his temple. "You shouldn't have come after me, Yuuri Heika." He ended tiredly, turning away to face the window.
What a foolish man you are, Wolfram mocked inwardly. Did you really believe Yuuri came chasing after you to shower you with declarations of undying love?
That's just how Yuuri is… he'd do the same for Conrad— Gwendal even. It's not like you're special or anything.
And that's just how you are...
"Pathetic," Wolfram whispered to himself softly.
"Wo… Wolfram?" Yuuri asked hesitantly. He heard the quietly uttered word, not quite understanding, but somehow sensing that something important was going on.
It was strange but Yuuri had a feeling that should he miss out on the hidden nuances in his fiancés words and actions, he'd regret it forever. So he remained mute, staring at the golden head that he had come to love more than life itself.
Wolfram stood by the window; his back turned away from the maou. He refused to turn around. If he looked into the familiar darkness of those beloved eyes, he'd surely lose all resolve to set Yuuri free.
"Please let me go Yuuri," Wolfram requested evenly.
"You know more than anyone how precious you are to me." He went on quietly.
"And it's not just because you were my fiancé," a small chuckle escaped the blonde's lips. Now that's a surprise, it seems I haven't forgotten how to laugh…
"It's because of you, of all the things that you are." Wolfram stated simply.
"This is going to be cheesy and if you dare repeat a single word of this to anyone I swear I'll castrate you, wimp!" he threatened grimly before continuing.
"You've brought hope to this land… and peace. The people," Wolfram inhaled deeply, letting the heady scent of summer fill his nostrils.
"Have something to believe in again-- the strength of their King. A King who does not merely rely on the power of his sword, but on the ripples of change his each act of kindness brings forth."
He lifted his face and towards the shining light allowed the sun's warmth to wash away the sadness gripping his soul.
This is how it should have been from the start. Everything else was just a pipe dream.
"So you have to let me go." Wolfram said abruptly. "We should have ended this farce a long time ago."
"Anyway, cheer up, wimp. It's not forever. Plus it's not like you'll never see me again." Wolfram managed to say more lightheartedly than he thought possible.
"I promised to stay by your side for always didn't I?" Wolfram demanded arrogantly.
"You know I never go back on my words. For as long as there is breath in my body, I will protect Yuuri Heika," he vowed solemnly.
"That's what friends are for right?"
Thank God for that. He managed to spit out the question without faltering. This is great. You're doing absolutely wonderful; Wolfram thought, cheering himself on.
Just a little bit more.
Don't let your mask slip.
Don't allow your smile to crack.
Just a little bit more.
Don't let your guard down.
Just a little bit more.
Then you can cry. Cry for all that was, and for all that will never be. And once that's done, maybe you can have a fresh start.
You have to believe that you can begin anew.
Wolfram finally gathered the courage to turn around, a grin firmly plastered on his face. "Now we're done with all that sentimental bruhaha, I'd like to ask your permission. I've always wanted to travel the world but my duties have kept me chained to the castle."
"May I go on a short trip, Heika?" Wolfram queried cheerfully. "Maybe I can accompany hahaue on one of her love cruises."
"Who knows, I might even meet someone interesting eh?" He said teasingly, though the words echoed hollowly in his ears.
Eh?
Wolfram realized that Yuuri had not made a single sound the entire time and after his rather long-winded monologue, the sudden silence was deafening.
Wolfram blinked and focused his gaze on Yuuri, whose head was bowed low. Upon closer inspection, he noted that the double black's hands were fisted tightly at his sides. His knuckles were a stark white against otherwise slightly tanned hands.
"Erm… Um… Yuuri? What's wrong?" Wolfram asked almost timidly.
Yuuri raised his head to look into the face of his beloved, tears streaming from the corner of eyes.
Still the crystalline liquid could not conceal the swirling pools of darkness that was Yuuri's eyes; which were rimmed with a fire of unparalleled fury.
Eh? What's with this scary look?
Wolfram never once imagined that he'd live to see that expression on the maou's face, in fact he fervently prayed that he never would again.
They stood unmoving, and Wolfram found that he could not tear his gaze away from those fierce eyes.
He gulped audibly. Oh right. This was what others feared. Wolfram was so used to calling Yuuri a pasty-faced wimp that he had forgotten one vital point.
Wimp or not, Yuuri was the Demon King. And apparently, somehow, he had unwittingly woken a savage beast.
"Erm, I don't have to go on a vacation if it upsets you this much Yuuri." He joked lamely, trying to defuse the prickly situation.
If possible, Yuuri's stare turned even more glacial.
Wolfram squirmed under his fixed gaze. He was about to blurt out something hideously inappropriate when Yuuri finally spoke.
"Wolfram."