Chapter 7

So, let's get to my favourite part... Well, maybe second favourite :

Yuri stood at the castle gate, his head hanging down, his gaze sternly onto the floor, unfocused. He seriously doubted in the rightness of his decision. He never wanted to hurt Wolfram.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his right shoulder and looked up to the man it belonged to. „Conrad..." he muttered.

„Don't worry. It's never wrong to stick to your true feelings." Oh, and who again is that saying to me? Yuri thought bitterly. He raised his right hand to nuzzle Conrad's on his shoulder shortly. Though, he was happy to have him at his side.

He needed a break. And a place where no one could disturb him. A warm bath would be fine. But being alone will just pull me down even more.

Yuri looked up into his soldiers hazel eyes. „Conrad, I need a bath. Would you mind joining me?"

„Sure not," the captain agreed.

Conrad sat down into the hot water that engulfed his body pleasantly. He sighed. What a day. And it isn't over yet. Anyway, he couldn't help but be way too happy about the way things had recently turned out.

He could see Yuri's shape through the steam. The boy was sitting there, very crestfallen, and stared into empty space, somewhere deep into the water. He wanted nothing more than to comfort him, and he could think of hundreds of ways to do so, but Yuri seemed like he just wanted to have a little peace for himself, to think about the latest happenings. So Conrad held himself back, as always, pushing his filthy thoughts aside. He silently thanked Shinou for the royal bathroom, where they could sit in quiet, the door was locked, and no one would disturb or interfere, like it would have been in the public bath.

So the soldier decided to sit in silence and wait for Yuri. The king would take the word first if he wanted to talk. He watched the boy carefully. They had all the time they wanted, so he didn't want to rush into a conversation. Right now, Conrad just wished he could hug Yuri firmly to show him that everything would be all right.

After some time passed by, Yuri covered his face in his hands and rubbed his eyes.

„I can't believe that I really did this, Conrad," he said sadly. „I mean, breaking Wolfram's heart. I never meant to do such a cruel thing and I have so much pity on him right now. And I can't help him. Even on earth, I have never been in a similar situation, you know, I have never had a girlfriend or something like that."

„Don't worry, you did nothing wrong in any way. And he is a grown-up man, he has to handle this himself. You are not responsible for him! If you would've lived on like this, it would have become more and more difficult to break off the engagement, and it would have become even worse for Wolfram. If you have no feelings for him, then what you did was just fair, to him and to yourself."

Yuri looked at him, his eyes glaring blunt, no smile on his face. Conrad's heart hurt at seeing him like that. He felt his hands twitch, he wanted to do just something about it. Just to help the boy.

„You don't have to feel bad about it. Please, Yuri," the soldier said slowly, using Yuri's name on purpose, which made the latter – he couldn't believe it – blushing and looking away, „you made the right decision. That Wolfram is hurt was not preventable. But it wouldn't be fair to lead a relationship with him if he was the only one who had real romantic feelings."

It was hard enough for Conrad to be serious. He was too joyful to lead such a conversation. But he also understood Yuri, and his feelings towards Wolfram.

„Conrad, you don't... understand the whole matter. The point is, I only realized this engagement had been running for way too long because I... well..." he cleared his throat, his face deep red now, „I am in love with someone else. And that is the worst. It's just despicable." He looked outside the window, embarassed.

The soldier was hit hard with these words. This could mean so much... maybe he loves a girl, maybe another guy, or – me. Or not me. But now we're basically back at the start. Again, a sharp pain in his heart. How much could he dare to hope that it was him?

„But you didn't tell him, so it's fine. You needn't tell him everything. And that is nothing you have to be ashamed about," he answered, swallowing heavily.

Yuri's eyes locked with his once more, but he still didn't get it. If the boy who sat very nervous in front of him, had some kind of plan or not... What was the true meaning of all this... Conrad was confused.

The black-haired king bit his lip. „But I feel like having cheated on him."

„You weren't even leading a real relationship with him. So why should having feelings for another person be cheating on him?"

„I know, I know it all, but I still feel bad about it, I can't help it," Yuri seemed desperate as he covered his face once again.

Conrad didn't want to look at him in this state any more, he couldn't bear it. So he reached out his arms, pulled Yuri close and just wrapped his arms around the boy's shoulders. Yuri seemed surprised, but quickly rested his head at the taller man's chest. Almost snuggling into me, the latter thought delighted. He enjoyed the touch of the boy's body very much. In fact, maybe a little bit too much.

The soldier closed his eyes and counted silently for ten seconds to pass by before doing anything. He needed to calm down.

„Conrad..." he heard the king's voice from below his head.

„Yes, heika?"

„Conrad!" the voice was slightly angry now, though a little bit amused. He got it. But Yuri had taken the bait.

„Yu-ri," he responded, allowing his hand to caress the boy's hair, softly running his hand through the jet-black strands.

He felt the small body in his arms taking a deep breath, before speaking again. It was nothing more than a whisper.

„I am afraid. Very afraid of tonight. I have to sleep all alone in that big bed that I used to share with him-" the small voice broke.

Conrad held him tight to his body, chosing his words carefully. „Yuri, you know I'll always be there whenever you need me. May I offer you to spend the night at my chamber? If that would help you?"

Silence.

Did I go to far? The few seconds between his question and Yuri's answer seemed like a half eternity.

„I'm sure it would... If you really don't mind?"

The captain just shook his head. Now, he couldn't hide the smile on his face any more. This day was too wonderful for him to be true.

A little bit short, I know, but this is just the first part of that chapter. I had to split it, because I thought it was too long - therefore, you may expect a quick update ^^

Please review if you liked it!