issm's A/N 1: Before going onto the story. I would like to thank all those who reviewed. Thanks a lot. Your feedback was truly inspiring and simply forced us to write more and do our best. If you don't mind, I might as well go onto saying that this is one of the fastest update from me, thanks to you vehement encouragement. I don't know if it is true or not but I'd like to delude myself thinking that. Usually, I take months...sigh.

Now continuing onwards...

Ennalight: Thank You for going through all they trouble of leaving a review at every chapter. Since you've only recently started with this fic, I welcome you and hope you'll like our work enough to stay with us longer.

Cielshadow17: Thanks for the awesome review. It was refreshing. I tried to deliver the conversation at Yuri's and yozak's end as fast as I could. I hope you'll like it. Sorry if it took longer than you expected and thank you for staying with us for so long. I hope the trend will continue irrespective of the faults with us.

Anyways, I know no one is interested in my blabbering. So, lets just skip it and go ahead. You all wanted to know what's happening at Yuri's side, so here it is now. Enjoy!

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Chapter 22

Slowly taking a deep breath, Yuri gathered his courage and turned to Yozak with determined eyes. He had a lot of things that he wanted to say, wanted to know the answers of so badly; but he guessed that he'd go with Yozak's idea and first of all voice, what had been bothering him regarding Yozak for so long, out loud.

"What do you think of Co-." he mumbled.

Yozak felt confused. "What was that?" He eyed him wearily.

Yozak wanted to get into Yuri's mind as soon as he could. He was dying to know the mystery but he thought to let the young boy control the conversation and not rush him. So, he simply stood silent, observing his king as he fidgeted, obviously contemplating on how to start with this conversation.

Yuri knew what he had wanted to ask but for some reason, when he tried to voice it out loud, all that came out of his mouth was an embarrassing squeak. Yozak didn't seem to get his question. However, the slight caution in Yozak's tone hadn't escaped Yuri. Maybe that was what made him go over the entire thing in his mind and he realized what he'd about to say.

He felt embarrassed. He'd yelled at Yozak indignantly before and was now suspecting him of foul-play against him. That too without any proof. A certain red hue overshadowed his face and his head hung in shame. He felt nauseous. His stomach felt as if in knots, his heart-beat pitching up to an impossible level, he badly wanted his yearning to have his doubts disappear.

However, he couldn't bring himself to ask it straight out. Not only would it be highly embarrassing but will deeply hurt Yozak as well if his assumptions were wrong. But it was something he, so badly, needed to know and no one can tell him other than Yozak. Well, Conrad was there but he wouldn't dare risk hurting him. Not more than he already had. So, he thought to change the tactics. He changed his question in order to flow with the tide and wait for the answers he was longing for, a bit longer.

He voiced the first question that came into his mind. "Why did you bring Wolfram here? And don't lie. He said it himself that you both came together."

"Oh!" Yozak exclaimed, finally realizing what was wrong with Yuri. He had roped Wolfram into his plan and had not told Yuri anything about it. Considering the recently broken engagement, Yuri must have been thinking that Wolfram was here to take revenge and the fact that they both came together must have branded him as traitor as well. Wolfram, overacting and being too bratty, wasn't helping any, if what he saw at the table was anything to go by.

'Oh! So that's what I did wrong.' Yozak realized. Now everything, Yuri's outburst and every one of Yuri's accusations became clear to him in an instant. Well all but one. But he had a lot of time to figure that out.

'Better get on with explaining what's at hand.' Yozak thought.

"Ah bocchan! I guess I, now, know what's wrong."

"You better because I want explanations. And lemme tell you, one mistake and I'll make you sorry." Yuri replied with furiously blazing eyes.

Yozak, suddenly, felt wary. He had known his king to be very intimidating at times, but he had never encountered such an occasion to be on the receiving end of that fury, until now. He was a bit scared but, currently, also felt a huge pride in the young man he called his king. This was his hidden face, the hidden royalty in his being that made him Maoh of all mazoku, capable of disarming the most courageous of men and make them taste dirt with no more than a well-aimed glare. Neither Conrart nor Gwendal were nearly at the same level at being authoritative. And all this without even trying. He couldn't even imagine what would happen if the maoh started using his talent and power unconditionally and without mercy. The entire world would fall into his feet, he was sure.

But Yuri won't. It was simply not in his nature to do so. And Yozak was eternally thankful for that. He didn't want to witness that hell.

Gulping the sudden unexpected lump in his throat soundly, he said, "Heika! Don't worry. I'll be perfectly honest with you, you know that. Or you don't believe me anymore?"

He said all this very cautiously. An angry Maoh was never a pleasant sight, even more so if it happen to be an angry and monstrously powerful Maoh, yet to be beaten by anyone. He knew he was treading on the thin ice but, hell, the risk had to be taken.

He thanked Shinou for when Yuri replied, he sounded much calmer as he said, "I do please continue."

"Then please let me explain." Yozak took his chance and began narrating his tale. "First of all, I need you to understand that Wolfram is on our side."

Yuri looked skeptical. "That's impossible. Perhaps you don't know but he's furious over this entire episode and looking out to kill me. You knew he would be like that. Everyone knows he'd be like that. I can't understand why you brought him here regardless?"

"That's where you're wrong. He is not furious at you...ok, maybe a little furious...ok, maybe a lot furious, but he most certainly is not looking out to kill you. He's here to help me."

"Help? My foot. You didn't saw that extent of his rage when he saw me sitting there with Conrad, not to mention holding hands. He absolutely wanted to kill me. I could even see fire shooting out of his eyes. He even disregarded Conrad as his brother once again, just because of me. And they were just starting to mend their bond." Yuri's voice cracked. "You don't know anything! You weren't there to see or hear any of that!" Yuri was positively livid now, his eyes watery again.

Yozak sighed. His hunch was right. Wolfram, most definitely, went overboard. This was going to be difficult to heal.

"Heika!" Yozak began. "What you saw or heard was just a performance. And an overly done but very convincing performance at that. No wonder you are thinking in this manner."

When Yuri continued to give a confused look, Yozak rushed to clarify.

"You see, Heika, I knew how much you wanted to be with taicho. I knew it ever since taicho left for Big Shimeron and we thought that he was dead."

Sadness crept into Yuri's eyes so Yozak cleverly rushed further. "I saw it in your eyes...the raw longing for his well-being, unshakable determination to believe that he was alive and the unbearable haplessness, the pure happiness to actually find him alive and unending patience to wait for him even when everyone thought that he was a traitor."

Yozak knew this was hurting Yuri, but this had to be said. "I remember it as clear as if it happened just yesterday, how furiously you fought for his honor and protected him from everyone who lost their faith in him including Gunter and the ten nobles. You stood up for him even though every hope was extinguished and everyone else gave up on him, much preferring to punish than trust him."

"But even more than that, I've seen love." Yozak continued uninterrupted. "..raw, unconditional love in your eyes for him, so pure that you even preferred to endure the unbearable pain and haplessness without saying a single word back then, when you thought that Conrart was in love with that girl, who was nothing more than an important asset for us to spy on Big Shimeron and was needed to extract information. Hell, you even tried to help him in acquiring her just because you thought his happiness was in her. He never truly felt the same as he showed to everyone else and was just using her. But I know, I've seen how much it had hurt you...watching Conrart in her arms and chasing after her like a lovesick puppy. And you knew nothing of his true intentions. I'd admit it was nothing less than pure sacrifice, pure love. I'd so much wanted to tell you, to release you from your torment, but it was supposed to be a secret." Yozak saddened. "I wish I could've told you earlier than when you found out." (*1*)

Yuri was contemplating, lost in his memories.

"That was when I knew for sure that you are the only one for him. It's embarrassing to admit it but I didn't believe in you at first as you must've guessed from my actions in Van de Veer Island when you first came here. But slowly, time showed me promise in you - a promise to be an excellent king. So, I started following you unconditionally. The more I understood you, the more I started liking you. But that feeling always remained confined to a brotherly way. I thought Conrart also meant it in that way when he first mentioned to me that he liked you. And I was utterly flabbergasted to find out that I misunderstood him. That he never meant it in that manner. That you were something more than a mere brother."

Yozak could see Yuri listening very intently now.

"Initially, I thought he was just deluded by the past of your soul. But then-"

"But he is, isn't he?" Yuri interrupted unexpectedly. "He just likes me as a brother and king. Even that day, he kissed me just because he caught a glimpse of Jul-"

Yuri gasped and quickly covered his mouth with both his hands as he realized what he'd admitted. Burying his face in his palms in mortification. Yozak smirked bemusedly as he saw his king's reaction. Oh he'd known all that before. What good was he as a spy if he couldn't accomplish even that? But Yuri's reason saddened him. This was something he couldn't help with no matter how much he tried.

"No need to be so embarrassed or secretive with me, Heika. I know about it already."

Yuri just stared at him confusedly and Yozak smirked.

"Well, you can't really expect the most cunning, intelligent and best spy Shin Makoku has ever seen to remain ignorant of that little fact...especially, if it concerns my best friend and my most favorite bocchan, can you?" He tried to jest.

Yuri gave a faint smile. "I-I guess not. But you can't tell anyone." he interjected hurriedly.

Yozak was quite amused at the young kings reaction. Why bother hiding it when he was all but ready to acknowledge what he had with Conrart publicly? Yet he decided not to voice it out. Sigh. 'Such are the marvels of a virgin.' he thought. His young liege almost made him want to be a virgin once more and experience these wonders himself...almost. But we all know, he's more intelligent than that. But then back to his serious self in a moment, he continued as if his thoughts never interrupted him.

"No. You're wrong. He doesn't see her in you. You've just somehow deluded yourself into thinking that."

"But-"

"No buts, Heika. I know him more than you do. At least in regards to his inner workings. I know it for sure that your earlier assumption is totally baseless. That being said, would you please let me continue. I am trying to say something."

Yuri nodded.

"So, as I was saying I thought that he loved you as a brother but when I found out otherwise, I was scared."

Yuri looked at him in confused wonder before Yozak continued wistfully. "I have seen him go through a lot in his life, Yuri."

Yuri was stunned with the sudden change from Heika or bocchan to his real name. Yozak never called him in that manner. Now, he knew for sure that Yozak was absolutely serious and was, maybe, saying something that he'd never tell any other soul easily or truthfully. He listened carefully, savoring and treasuring every single word of enlightenment.

Yozak eyes were sad, some unknown emotion shimmering in those blue depths. "He has suffered a lot, both physically as well as mentally. I've seen him drenched in blood several times, unable to move and too tired to breathe. But he's a strong man, he never gave up and when he tried to, I pulled his leg down in as best a way as possible. You know already what it was like before you came here, don't you?" Yuri just mutely nodded. "Everyone hated the guts of people like us, half-breeds - born of both sides yet belonging to none. No one bothered what happened to any of us. They felt our blood was like soiled water, meant to spill. So, they made us do every that thing that they, themselves, wouldn't dare do."

An unbearable tightness was creeping into Yuri's heart now, making it difficult to breathe.

"Thankfully due to Conrart's inheritance and Lady Cheri's influence (whatever remained of it), both he and through him I were saved from many of the horrors of life, saved as the last option but an option nonetheless. However, that didn't save us from being treated in the same way as others. Also, unfortunately, what Lady Cheri's influence saved us from was somehow always compensated due to the life at court and nobles. Stofel didn't helped either. He was dead against us and encouraging to others, as if they needed anymore help in that department." Yozak finished with distaste.

Yuri could almost feel his eyes water by now. "So many times I saw him suffer in the battle grounds alongside him. But he never broke. I made sure he didn't. But that guilt of not being able to save him from all this altogether was even greater. He was a noble, he ought to have been treated as one. But somehow that very fact was always turned against him and he was made to suffer even more." Yozak was brimming with anger, his own eyes glassy. "I understood the politics pretty well even in my childhood years, having experienced its impact personally and all too unfairly."

Yozak took a deep breath.

"Conrart was dead on for protecting everyone even though they treated him like a hog. They took him for granted and played with him like a toy. He was physically strong but I know, mentally, he was just like a child. All that hurt him, I could see...everyone could see yet did nothing to ease it. Even his own mother, though loved and sympathized with him deeply, did nothing to stand up for him, her own son, against his own brother, let alone for the rest of the half- mazokus. Don't get me wrong. I respect Lady Cheri but, still, I think she didn't fulfill her role as a mother properly."

Yozak took another staggering breath and tears were already flowing out of Yuri's eyes silently.

"Some people tried to show their compassion for us, some even vowed to stand by us but we all recognize a false pretense for what it was. All of them disappeared the moment trouble started hovering over them. All of the people avoided us like a plague. We hoped that maybe someday this would change. But that was long from happening. For Conrart, I thought that maybe if he associated himself with more people, maybe, he'd find reprieve. You know he was very scary before you got here and so different from now." Yozak added as an afterthought. "He used to stay away from everyone locked in his room only. I guess maybe I was the only one lucky enough to be able to see or even talk to him. And even then he wasn't much hospitable."

"I tried all sorts of tricks to make him more socialized but alas none of them worked. I thought that maybe if he could love someone that maybe... Then came Julia." Yuri's eyes widened at the mention of that name. He felt pangs of jealousy.

"I don't know what happened then. But somehow Conrart changed. He seemed more happy and light-hearted. Whenever he returned after seeing Julia, I could sometimes see a small smile on his face. Sometimes, he even talked about her. But other than that he was more or less the same."

Yozak looked at Yuri and quickly sensing his question, answered immediately. "I can't tell you what was between them because I don't know." He saw Yuri's eyes drooping with disappointment.

"I'll admit that initially I thought that maybe he loved her. But, maybe, I was wrong. She was gorgeous, kind, compassionate and all things good and loved people for who they were but...I don't know, something changed between them as the time passed. They remained in a very friendly, yet, safely polite manner, always following the propriety. And of course, there were many other complications. I am sorry, but that particular question cannot be answered by anyone but Conrart. We could only speculate. Conrart never spoke about it, not even senselessly drunk or by any other means, so I simply stopped bothering him about it."

Contemplating something, Yozak continued, "When I finally understood the meaning of love later in my life, I took time to look back at the mysterious relationship that surrounded Conrart. I think, I now understand that I was probably mistaken. Maybe those were just the signs of a platonic relation or maybe just the happiness born out of having someone who finally understood him and was not a half-breed herself. I'm not sure exactly. Besides, Julia never loved him in that manner. She was highly respectful of her engagement and followed propriety to the boot. Her eyes were only for Adelbert...my personal opinion of course. It is all too confusing so we all just satisfied ourselves with the knowledge that she was someone very very dear to Conrart, even Adelbert accepted that, but no one was ever sure exactly what. Maybe that's why Adelbert was always so jealous of him and protective of her."

He looked at Yuri, who was busy digesting all the new information. "You'll have to accept that fact as well if you're to go anywhere further." he warned Yuri. Yuri just looked at him for a moment and simply nodded.

"I've never had any problems with Conrad's past love life." Yuri replied. "I just don't want him searching for her in me when we're together. I never want him to forget her. I know that's not possible. Besides, she's not here anymore so I have no need to be jealous of her or scared of Conrad switching to her. But-"

"Don't worry he'd never do that. And I know he sees you for you and not her. Trust me." Yuri simply nodded.

"But that still doesn't mean that he wants me." Yuri stated sadly. Yozak just stared at him.

Silence prevailed for a long time, both of them lost in their thoughts until Yozak broke it abruptly causing Yuri to snap to attention.

"You know when she died he was totally broken. Physically from the battle and mentally from the bad news. He was clearly suffering and I couldn't do anything for him even though he did so much for me. So, I decided to become Conrart's protector from there on."

"When I found out that he had something akin to love, romantic love, for you..." Yozak continued. ." ..I discouraged him vehemently, through words through actions, everything. I did everything I could to keep you two apart, even acting as his lover in front of you and doing everything to make sure you believe it...as inconspicuously as possible in front of Conrart, of course." (*2*)

"What?" Yuri almost screamed. "So, you mean you're not...I mean...weren't...I mean..."

"No." Yozak replied easily. "I've never been his lover. Never, not even before you came here. I consider him as a dear brother. All that was just a show to make sure you stayed away from him. Nothing more."

"B-bu-but why?" Yuri stuttered.

For some reason, Yozak thought, Yuri looked uncomfortable. Ignoring it, Yozak answered nonetheless.

"As I said before, I had taken it upon myself to become Conrart's guardian. He had suffered a lot in his life and I intended to never let him feel the same pain that he felt when Julia died. When I noticed that he'd developed strong feelings for you and nothing could be done about it, I was horrified. I'd come to respect you as a king, but I still thought that you were too young. You hadn't had any experience in love and I hadn't wanted to take the risk of having a young boy declare his undying love for Conrart only to back off when he realized that it was just a fantasy of his or a passing phase. He was already too deep for you. That sort of thing would've devastated him. I thought that keeping you two separate was the answer. If you never made any promises and maintain your distance and thus not tempt him, then Conrart would be fine and endure it all with a smile and never push it due to propriety. So, I decided to take things in my own hand. But that was just to ensure his safety. It was nothing personal, Heika." Yozak apologized.

Of course Yuri understood and so he nodded. "It's all right. I understand. I am not mad at you. But let me tell you, Conrad is not a fantasy of mine nor a passing phase. I'd never hurt him in that manner."

"I know." Yozak replied. "Otherwise, I wouldn't be here trying to get you two together. I care too much for Conrart to indulge in your whims, even if you are the king, if I wasn't sure that you meant what you said." Yozak's eyes softened then, "Ever since you came into his life, I've seen Conrart change a lot...for the better. Now, he's more happy and cheerful and overall more content with life. You helped him get his lost prestige and self-importance back. That in itself was almost an impossible task, no one was able to do it before no matter how much they tried, but you did it. Don't ever underestimate yourself, Yuri. You most definitely are good enough for him, much more than anyone else I, ever, knew of. Don't doubt yourself."

Yuri eyes were reflecting wonder and disbelief.

"It's been a long time since I thought negatively of your relationship and it had been a very slow progress to reach to this point but you've earned it. You've proved the truthfulness of your words several times over and over again in the past few years and it's only on the basis of those facts only that I believe you and that's why I am here to help you. Trust me I would have never encouraged you two and, in the process, jeopardized Conrart's welfare if I was even a slightest bit unsure as to whether it would work."

However, Yozak's words didn't receive the same reception as he expected for Yuri eyes dropped down and he seemed sad when he mumbled, "But it's not working."

Yozak sighed, "How can you say that even after all that I've told you? Trust me bocchan, I pride myself in being the only one who knows Conrart's inner working, other than you that is and in some manner even more than you, and I know for sure that he loves you. He's just not sure how to show it."

"I so much want to believe you." Yuri replied. "Trust me, I do. But I can't see things your way. I've seen the aloofness in Conrad's manner. He just doesn't want me, he's just indulging me. And I feel so bad...even more so now after hearing you. I don't want him to sacrifice his happiness just to indulge me."

Sighing, Yozak closed his eyes and massaged his brows. His young liege is much more adamant than he knew him to be. This was going to take longer than he'd expected.

"Maybe nothing is meant to happen between us. I think you should stop wasting your time here."

"No. Did you forget I pledged to see to Conrart's happiness and I know where it lies. I won't leave you alone easily."

Watching the sad look on Yuri's face he continued softly, "Alright. I've told you my reasons, now you'll have to tell me why you think that Conrart doesn't want you."

Yuri seemed to think it over. For a moment it felt that he won't open his mind to Yozak. Just as Yozak was going to prod further, Yuri spoke softly, "You know I kissed him, right?"

Yozak simply nodded.

"Well after he came to get me from the temple, we kissed again or more like I kissed him." Yozak seemed a bit surprised, he but didn't commented further, waiting. But Yuri didn't seem to be speaking anytime soon so he prodded, "Did something happened?"

"No...I mean yes, I mean..." Yuri stuttered. Taking a deep breath to calm himself as well as a certain red threatening to overtake his entire face, he tried again.

"Actually, yes something did happen but not in the way I wanted it to be." Yuri said trying to hide his disappointment. "Conrad simply froze. He didn't respond at all. He looked disgusted."

Yuri was positively sad now. His entire body language, from head to toe, was screaming his distress. Yozak felt like his own heart was breaking at observing Yuri's dejected posture.

Yuri seemed lost in thoughts for a while.

"Well at that moment...when he first kissed me, I was almost convinced that he loved me, maybe even wanted me. But then after the switching ceremony, he was upset with the fact that no one told me it could have been dangerous and even when I…" Yuri blushed darkly and muttered softly, ." ..and even after I actually kissed him, and told him that if I hadn't done it then I'd never get to kiss him again, he..." The closed his eyes hoping to hide his mortification and despair. The rest went unsaid.

Despite how softly he said it Yozak heard it anyway. He wouldn't be the best spy in Shin Makoku if he didn't have sharp hearing. "What did say?"

Yuri sighed, "Nothing. I told you, he just looked surprised or shocked. Disgusted would be a better word."

Yozak sighed. "Is that why you think he doesn't love you?"

Yuri sighed, "No. It was... I even asked him to take me on a date to help me heal my not so broken heart-" The rest was left unsaid as Yuri face fell again.

"And, what was his answer?" Yozak asked anxiously.

At that tears poured down Yuri's cheeks once more. "He didn't say anything and has never said anything about it. He didn't even speak to me all the way to my room. And then too, just said goodnight and left as if nothing had ever happened. He didn't even mention it, not once. He's never mention it, no matter how many hints I leave. Sometimes, he even tenses just being in my presence. I waited patiently for so long, did so much to make him notice me but he never does. What was I supposed to think? I took it as a no."

Yozak glared off to the side. 'I cannot believe Taicho did this. Even after our discussion over whether the boy loved him and his own feelings, he had not even replied when the boy clearly asked him out. How stubborn or oblivious could you get?'

Then he looked at Yuri. "Listen bocchan, I happen to know for a fact that Conrart does love you, you just have to trust me. He's just too good at hiding his true feelings. Unfortunately, I have no way to prove his real feelings clearly to you beyond any doubt. No one can except you, Conrart and time. Relationships are confusing in that manner. I've not been too serious with anyone, so I can't explain it to you properly, but I can tell you this much that people in love always face terrifying things such as doubt and seek answers. But not all of them find them because they don't ask the one who they should. This leads to failed relationships. However, some lucky people find them and lead a happy life." He looked at Yuri directly in the eyes before saying the next words, "I've tried my best to let you see that Conrart do love you. But, to be honest, I can't be sure. No one can. And even you will never find out if you two don't talk about it straight forward to each other."

"But if he confirmed that he didn't loved me. I couldn't bear it." Yuri said terrified. Yozak's heart almost broke but he replied anyway, "Then, wouldn't it be better to know it now than 10 years down the line?"

At this Yuri looked up sharply at which Yozak interjected quickly and earnestly, "Although, I don't believe it will lead to that in your case."

Yuri seemed to think about it for a moment before looked up at him, wiping his eyes, and saying, "Really, you think so?"

"I am absolutely sure." Yozak answered. Then, he smirked, "He's a stubborn mule, he probably didn't responded to you because he is shocked at the turn of events. I must admit, even I would be if I was in his place. He probably thinks your kissing him is a way to seek comfort. And, maybe, that's why has been keeping his distance. He wouldn't want to jeopardize your position or reputation."

Yuri frowned, "Why would he think that? Especially after I asked him out?"

Yozak shook his head, "A part of him wants to believe your just a little kid who doesn't know a thing about love. While another part, though that part understands that you're not really seeking comfort, is afraid. Part of it stems from Julia. He was really close to her. I don't think he was ever in love with her. I think a part of him did love her but I'm not sure if it was romantic. Even dead drunk, I could never get him to tell me. But another part is afraid of ruining you."

"How can he ruin me?" Question marks practically hung over Yuri's head.

"He believes because he, unlike Lord von Bielefeld, has no title and is nothing more than a simple half-breed swordsman that he doesn't deserve you. That if you were to get together, first the ten nobles would never allow it, then the controversy from the people. Both ones who support it but most whom would reject it. He's afraid you'll get hurt and I think a small part of him thinks you'd care about all of this and reject him when things got tough. But really, I think it would be the best if you talked to him about all this yourself."

"What?" Yuri was appalled. "Never! I don't care if he doesn't have a title like Wolfram. Hell, if I cared about that sorta stuff I'd have never agreed to leave Wolfram in the first place. As for the ten nobles, if they don't like it tough they'll just have to bear it. I know Waltorana is Wolfram's uncle and all but he'll have to deal with it. Who I chose to date or even marry, whether that be Conrad or not, it has nothing to do with my ability to serve as Maoh and absolutely none of their business. They were once willing to follow me even though I had lost all my maryokou, so if they can't handle it then that's their problem. Besides, what does being a half-breed have to do with anything? I'm a half-breed and from another world at that. So if the people can learn to accept me, then they will eventually learn to accept whomever I chose to date or eventually marry whether it's Conrad or not will be for us to decide."

Yozak smiled, visibly relieved, "That's what I tried telling Conrart for ages, but he wouldn't listen to me. Maybe you'd get through to him, huh? Now clean up your face and go back in there and make him yours."

Yuri smiled and nodded.

Yozak was on the ninth cloud. His plan finally seemed to be a success. He knew all Yuri really needed was reassurance that Conrart didn't really reject him and he'd be fine. He just hoped that Wolfram succeeded in his job as well.

Both he and Yuri started walking towards the door when suddenly Yuri turned around with a some-what troubled look on his face and rubbing his foot on the floor as if he wanted to say something or more like ask something, something very personal. Yozak sweat-dropped at that look but stayed silent waiting.

"Ah-." Yuri continued. "I mean-...that is..."

Yozak took pity on him. "It's alright Yuri-Heika. Ask whatever you want to. You know I give advice to, even, Conrart...even the most embarrassing ones if you know what I mean." Yuri flushed red which amused Yozak to no end. He was jesting, of course, but hadn't said anything false. After all, he and Conrad were long term friends and had found themselves into many embarrassing situations and, even, shared the most intimate thoughts. But Yuri must have known that, he having more or less the same relation with his holiness. Even so, that was not a reaction he'd expected. It made Yozak suspicious as well as more curious of Yuri's next question.

Yuri blurted out suddenly. "Is Conrad virgin?" And waited with tomato colored face.

Yozak could do nothing but blankly stare before bursting out with laughter - stomach aching laughter. "Is that-Is that what's-what's been bothering you ever since-since I told you I was not his lover?" He wiped a tear from his eye.

Yuri still mouth clamped dumbly nodded. "I-I thought that you were lovers and I couldn't help it and weird thoughts came to me about you and Conrad being together-I mean-in that way and- I couldn't do anything to shut it out and I was so embarrassed and also angry at you and I never wanted you two near each other and-"

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Calm down bocchan." Yozak commanded then spoke very seriously, "First of all, no Conrart and I have never been intimate. I couldn't even think of it. He's like a brother to me. I'd never do anything like that to him, nor he me. We both are very close together but not that close. You shouldn't even think like that." Yozak finished almost sounding hurt.

'Great.' Yuri thought. 'Now, I've hurt him'.

"I'm so sorry Yozak but I just couldn't help it. I actually thought that you were together and I thought that I'd be natural. I'm so ashamed-" A steady hand on his shoulder stopped his rambling tirade, however, and he looked up to see into kind, understanding blue eyes. "It's all right." Yozak said. "I absolutely understand. Don't feel too guilty about it."

"I am truly sorry, Yozak. I shouldn't have assumed things."

"And I said it's absolutely alright. You don't have to apologize. I understand how possessive one can get when in love. And as I said earlier I won't take anything to heart within this room and so I keep my promise. But if it makes you feel any better, your apology's accepted." Yozak smiled warmly. "However, you must know that Conrart's not a virgin. Even if he's never been in a serious relationship before, it still doesn't mean that he'd never had urges if you know what I mean. And not knowing his future in advance hadn't helped any either. I mean if he'd know that one day he'd meet someone like you, I am sure he would've waited." Yozak winked making Yuri go several shades of red.

Still, Yuri, on hearing this beamed and said, "Thank you Yozak. I'll keep that in mind and I love him regardless. And don't worry I'll never let that knowledge hinder my judgments regarding Conrad ever. After all, I am a man too. I understand."

Yozak smiled, "I am glad to know that."

"You're a very good friend, Yozak. I'm glad to know you."

"Me too bocchan. Me too. Come on now let's not keep Conrart waiting any longer."

Yuri nodded and both left the room together. Yuri straight to his table with Conrad to complete an incomplete job and Yozak back to his secret table with Wolfram, to see the happy ending...or beginning. Yozak looked around the room once more before leaving. Two sad faces entered it and two very happy faces were leaving. He couldn't believe such a repulsing place could be so lucky in the matters of the heart. Come on, who would've thought that one of the most complicated mysteries of the heart in this century will be solved sitting next to the pot in a public restroom. Yozak shook his head in amusement before abandoning it all-together. Maybe he should come here more often...for thinking, of course. Who knows one day he may find someone of his dreams while contemplating here.

Yozak stopped for a moment before saying slowly, "Naah!" And continued on to his destination.

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Conrad was getting restless. 'What's taking Yuri so long?' It been about ten minutes since Wolfram left and it was becoming hard to stay here and wait. The pull to the restroom was just too much.

Just as Conrad was preparing himself to get up and check on Yuri, he saw the subject of his thoughts moving steadily towards him. Yuri looked decidedly more happy than he had when he left, when he slide in across from him in his seat, although a bit shy. Conrad felt a certain happiness flood his heart and at that moment something was suddenly released from strains in his heart.

"Um..." they both said out together and laughed amusedly at realizing their timing.

"You say first." Conrad offered.

"Well." Yuri looked nervous. "It's just that I wanted to say that..."

With determination, Yuri blurted after a few moments, "I love you!"

Conrad seemed shocked at the sudden outburst but controlling himself started saying something but was beaten to it by Yuri.

"And I mean it. I even called off the engagement just because I was so serious about you. Trust me, I've considered the complications and I'm not scared of them. I'll never back off of you. Especially not because of some boisterous nobles or due to anything that future might hold for us." With an almost desperate expression, as if trying to make the man across from him understand, Yuri grabbed the other's hand over the table and said, "Conrad, you know that you understand what I'm trying to say but you never said anything. Please, talk to me."

Yuri sounded almost needy. Conrad berated himself for becoming the cause for such pain to Yuri. Of course he understood everything. He'd understood right from the start but he'd not put his knowledge to a good use and had, in turn, inadvertently ended up causing suffering on both Yuri's as well as his part. He meant to correct it all now.

Squeezing the smaller hand in his hands in a comforting gesture, he successfully made Yuri speechless before speaking. "Yuri, I am so sorry. I've been such a fool and have ended up causing so much pain to both you as well as myself."

Yuri was listening with baited breath. Conrad slowly leaned forward and with a serious face, spoke in hushed tones, "I love you too, Yuri!" Yuri's face beamed with unhidden joy. Tears sprung into his eyes.

Conrad wiped a tear from Yuri's cheek before continuing, "I always have but I guess I wasn't able to make myself face the truth. It was wrong in so many ways...so many reasons for why I should keep myself away from you, at least romantically. It wasn't until Wolfram made me see the reason that I-"

"Wolfram?" Yuri interrupted. He looked guilty and terrified.

"Ah! Well, yes." Conrad replied. "Look Yuri, you must know that Wolfram does not hate you for anything. He's even forgiven you. It was actually him who talked to me when you're gone. It's thanks to him that I cannot deny or hide my true feeling for you anymore."

"Yuri, I love you so much." Conrad said earnestly.

Yuri was shocked to silence. He couldn't believe it. Wolfram was not angry with him. He even went so far as to open Conrad's heart for him. It seemed too good to be true.

"I-Is that really true?" he asked in a daze.

"Actually, yes." Conrad comforted. "Although, I think he still expects to talk to you sometime later. He might even keep acting angry." Conrad thought that it was better to warn beforehand. "But don't worry. He doesn't hate you, that I know for sure."

Yuri couldn't believe his luck. Was this really happening? "I don't know what to say?"

Wolfram actually forgave him. He doesn't blame him for getting him trapped in a marriage. Yuri felt a very heavy burden lift off his shoulders. His heart felt at peace and a hidden happiness bubbled in his chest. Of course, there's still that encounter with Wolfram to come but that wasn't his main focus right now. He was just too happy to hear what he heard and in relishing in the mixed emotions.

"I was so scared." Yuri continued after a moment. "I thought I lost him for sure. I didn't want that. I was even more scared because I thought you are disgusted with me as well. I didn't know what to do."

"Shh!" Conrad stopped Yuri from getting lost in the sad memories. "I'd never be disgusted with you, Yuri - my love. I just love you too much for that."

Yuri was about to say something but Conrad stopped him.

"Don't say anything, Yuri. We'll get a lot of time to talk things out later. I just want to enjoy this evening with you knowing that I love you and you love me back. I've yearned for this day to come to pass for so long."

"I am so happy. This is like a dream come true. I love you Conrad."

"I know and I love you too." came an earnest reply. Yuri simply sighed in happiness everything else conveniently forgotten.

"Conrad, you're sure you want to be with me?" Yuri asked suddenly unsure.

"I've never been more sure of anything else, Yuri. I can't tell you how much I want you. I wish I'd had the courage to grab this happiness before. I hope you'll forgive me and still want me."

It was said so earnestly and with such intensity that all of Yuri's doubts fled and he replied, "You'll never have to worry about that. I'm going to stick to you like glue, forever."

At that Conrad flashed a handsome smile that made Yuri week in the knees. "I'm glad." he replied. Looking at each other, both sat in companionable silence before Conrad broke it once more.

"You were much more confident and cheerful when you returned. I assume that would be Yozak's courtesy?" Conrad, suddenly, asked.

Yuri was reminded of their conversation again. He blushed a little before replying, "Y-Yes! I talked to him about a lot of things. He's a really nice man."

"I agree." Conrad replied. "You know, I think, we'll have to thank Yozak and Wolfram later on for their efforts."

A small 'Yes' was all Yuri could say before Conrad flashed him a dazzling heart-felt smile that melted his heart. This gave Conrad an adorable sight of a beautifully blushing Yuri and he fell in love with him all over again.

Both of them just kept staring silently into each other's eyes, their heart content - at peace, marveling at as well as relishing in what they saw reflected in the endless depths of the mirror to the other's soul. They didn't even realize when the grip of the two hands grew tighter, or when the distance between them slowly reduced until no gap remained.

Both were suddenly brought back to their senses by a thunderous and roaring applaud that spilled all over the place, deafening every other sound. It was only then that they realized that they'd kissed...in full public view and that people were clapping, whistling and shouting comments for their king and his lover. Both flushed from embarrassment and quickly bowed an apology and thanks to everyone, leaving some money on their table before abandoning the establishment together, arm in arm, quickly...highly embarrassed but very very happy.

xxxxx

When Yozak had reached their table, Wolfram was already settled there, looking irritated.

"What took you so long? Couldn't you even placate a kid? Even I was faster than you."

"First of all, Yuri-Heika is not some kid." Wolfram raised an eyebrow. "OK, maybe he is. What I meant was he misunderstood things and so couldn't be placated. Secondly, he had just too many questions. Thirdly, it wouldn't have taken half as long as it did if someone's over dramatic over the top acting hadn't complicated things." Wolfram just humped and looked towards the other table. Yuri and Conrad seemed to be talking. "Besides it all went fine in the end. I was able to open up his mind a bit and change his perspective. So, how was your talk with your brother?"

Meanwhile, Yozak's mind ran back to the time when Yuri asked if he had had sex with Conrart. His stomach almost lurched. 'Honestly, where that kid got his ideas from? I don't even want to know.' He shuddered.

Wolfram was eying him strangely. "Fine. Very good actually. What's it?" Wolfram asked.

"Nothing." said Yozak quickly.

Wolfram shot him a death glare.

"It's just a question that Yuri-Heika asked me." said Yozak, trying to finish the conversation. Apparently, quite not so.

"What did the wimp asked?" Wolfram was curious.

"Nothing of importance."

Wolfram raised another brow. "Then, why are you trying to hide it?"

Yozak was almost irritated. "Can't you just ignore it?"

Wolfram's expression smoldered at such a reply and his eyes blazed as he replied threateningly, "No. Spit it out otherwise I'll follow you to the end of the world AND burn all of your dresses to crisp."

Yozak swallowed at the threat. He knew Wolfram was very adamant and will most definitely make his threat true without any regret should he falter. 'Better be honest than be sorry.'

"He asked me if I have ever had sex with Conrart."

Wolfram seemed shocked and made a disgusting face but quickly hid it before going back to watching the love-birds who seemed to be impersonating statues rather well. He was a lot more uncomfortable now for a curiosity suddenly burned his chest. "They are back to becoming statues. Looks like all of our efforts went to waste." But he was rather unsettled as he asked this.

After a while, getting fed up of his behavior, Yozak asked, "What's it, now?"

"Well-" Wolfram seemed uncomfortable. "Well, did you?"

Now it was Wolfram's turn to be on the receiving end of the death-glare.

"Why does everyone think that I live only for warming everyone's bed I know of?" Yozak asked angrily.

"Alright. Alright. I get it. I am sorry." Wolfram replied looking sheepish.

Suddenly, the entire room erupted with a very loud applause. Both looked around to see what was happening, only to find both Yuri and Conrad lip-tied. Both smirked at the scene and Yozak said, "There's the answer to your earlier question."

Both congratulated each other on the successful execution of their plan as they saw the embarrassed couple, practically, bolt for the door.

xxxxx

However, in all the excitement, no one noticed a certain hooded figure watching the entire scene with an evil glint in its eyes.

"Hmmm." it said quietly. "Master will most definitely want to know about this." The evil smirk went unnoticed in the joyous mayhem.

x-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x-x-xx-x

issm A/N 2: OK! So, this was the latest chapter. I hope that you liked it. Finally, Yuri and Conrad are together. That just means more fun in future. Well, let's just wait and see what happens.

(*1*) - This situation is my own created. At some point of time, a girl comes in Conrad's life through some means. Yuri thought she and Conrad were dating when in reality she was an informant. Yozak had tried to seduce her to get her to turn on her bosses and give up the location of some murdering gang of Big Shimeron. They were possible assassins and her brother, Yozak found out, was in league with them. When Yozak was stuck out he told Conrad that he should try. Conrad didn't want to but this information was vital and so he tried to rope her and she was all over him. Of course it looked like they were in love when really Conrad was only acting. This might be a nice story some other time but right now is irrelevant so you'll hardly find any explanation to it in future chapters.

(*2*) - This is another situation created by me where Yozak, sometime in the past, feigned to be Conrad's lover in front of Yuri, only to make sure Yuri get the message. Of course, poor Conrad hads no idea of the reason behind his friends weird behavior that day even till date.

Once again, reviews are most appreciated and also encourage us to write more. Till next time, see ya!