By Kelly

Johan pivoted and swung his arm around, hitting a post. I have to get stronger, he thought, kicking the side of the post. He brought all his strength to his fist and rammed it hard against the bar, trying to imagine that it was Yubel. Blood trickled down his knuckles as Johan panted.

"You two have a week to prepare for the tournament," Haou explained.

Johan caught his breath and repositioned his body. Johan wasn't wearing his usual clothes. Instead, he wore all black, revealing how strong and well-built he was. I need more strength to make sure that Yubel doesn't marry Judai!

"Johan ...?" came Judai's meek voice. Johan turned to the prince standing there, blushing slightly. "Is it all right if we practice together?"

Johan eyed the prince and smirked when he noticed the way Judai was staring at him. "Sure. That is if you can pay attention," he teased, winking at his friend.

Judai's blush darkened. How can I when you're displaying your body like that?The prince thought and mentally smacked himself for having such perverted thoughts. Johan wasn't too far off when it came to having perverted thoughts around the prince. Everyone adored Judai and wanted to be like him. On some level, the prince was aware that people had lustful looks in their eyes. Judai shivered at the thought of people thinking that way. Aren't you that way, too, when it comes to Johan? Judai cringed at the thought.

Johan blinked several times when he realized the prince hadn't left his standing.

"Judai ..." he called out, walking up to the prince.

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Yubel yelped when thrown across the room and landed hard on the floor with a dull thump. Haou walked up and stared down at the dark-haired prince. Yubel tried to glare, but Judai's brother stared intensely, so he didn't.

"You need to stop thinking about Judai at the moment," Haou pointed out. Yubel glared at him. "You're letting negative emotions cloud your judgment!"

Anger flashed across Yubel's eyes. "I'm not! I don't understand why you want me to stop thinking about him! I love Judai, and we will be together!"

"You'll have to defeat Johan first, and so far, you're doing a sloppy job. If you can't even touch me, how will you win against Johan?" Haou pointed out, helping Yubel to his feet.

Yubel wrenched his hand free. "I'm not going to give up," he said. "I'll make sure that the filthy kitchen boy loses."

Haou narrowed his eyes. "Is that his name, or does he have a real name?" he asked, trying to get Yubel to say Johan's name. The dark-haired prince growled. Haou chuckled and shook his head. "Okay. I get the point. You hate his guts."

Johan stepped back after Judai struck him. "Not bad. You've been practicing. I can tell," he commented, rubbing his side.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" Judai asked, getting to his feet after being pushed back hard.

"I should be asking you that."

After Johan agreed to practice, they went at it for an hour, Kicking, punching, and staring at each other occasionally. The prince went after Johan, ready to kick him, but the kitchen boy saw it coming and blocked the attack. Johan lightly shoved Judai back, and Judai stumbled and landed on his butt. Judai was a bit surprised when Johan managed to use his leg to make Judai lose his balance. Johan smirked, grabbed Judai by the shirt, and kissed him.

"I hate it when you do that," Judai muttered. He licked his lips, and a taste of sweetness was at the tip of his tongue because it made me want more.

Amusement flashed across Johan's face as he crouched down and leaned in. "Are you sure?" he murmured, "I could tell you liked it." His tongue darted out and licked Judai's neck. The prince stiffened, and his eyes widened for a moment. He shivered when he felt Johan's tongue against his sweaty skin. Why would he - unless ... Judai pushed Johan away and got to his feet.

"That's good. You were paying attention," Johan commented, getting to his feet. "Some people will do that to catch you off guard."

Judai nodded, still trying to forget the sensation of Johan's wet tongue licking the sweat off Judai's skin. It made the prince shiver at the feeling of wanting more of Johan's touch - a soft and loving touch.

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Haou sighed and blocked another attack that Yubel made with his sword. Haou looked annoyed; he knew something was happening with Yubel's mental state.

"Why aren't you fighting back?"

"I am! You have better skills than I am!" Yubel muttered.

Yubel wanted to avoid admitting that Haou was intelligent and attractive.

"That's because I practice more than you do," Haou said. He was now pointing his sword at Yubel's throat. "And if this is how you fight to protect Judai ... then I don't know how you will keep Judai safe from harm."

Yubel flinched and stepped back. Haou had a point. Haou backed away and put his sward way in its holster.

"But .. but I do love Judai!"

Yubel tried to convince himself that he was strong enough to protect Judai. The one thing that Yubel was unaware of was that Haou was attempting to win Yubel's heart.

To Be Continued ...