Hard Day’s Night [Sequeal to Hard Day's Work]
Title: Hard Day’s Night
Author: epsentinel
Characters/Pairings: Yurri/Conrad, Yozak, Wolfram, Mention of a lot of characters.
Word Count: 4,079
Rating: NC-17
Any Warnings: Again, a bit angsty.
Theme/Prompt being used: Yuuri x Anyone
Summary: Yuuri hasn’t been eating and Conrad hadn’t noticed.
Sequeal to Hard Day’s Work.
As the sun sank completely a wave of melancholy and weariness washed over the young Demon King. How long have I been here? Three, four years? So much has happened. I still have an accidental fiancé, but at least he doesn’t constantly call me names or accuse me of infidelities anymore. I have a wonderful adopted daughter who’s now away at a boarding school for noble and royal children. Whose idea was that? Oh, yeah. . .it was Gretas’ idea. She wanted to go. Suddenly the Maou felt very alone. Maybe I should make a trip home? But, no, Shouri is just getting his Maou-ship under control. He wouldn’t want me showing up and getting under foot. Yuuri rubbed his temples as a headache that had been plaguing him for days began to threaten to split his skull open. Why is everything so complicated? Ow, my head hurts. I’ll just lie back against the tree. Maybe that’ll help. The cool bark of the tree and the soft breeze that was blowing at that height did help a small bit to relieve the pounding in Yuuri’s head. He closed his eyes, hoping that the pain would go back down to a manageable level, as he began the breathing techniques he’d learned for baseball. As Yuuri slowed his breathing, he barely noticed that he’d fallen asleep. All he noticed was that the pain seemed to recede into the far corners of his head and it didn’t hurt to think anymore.
It had been hours since Conrad had watched Yuuri heading towards the kitchen. It had finally hit him as he soaked in the bath what was so unnatural. He looks thinner and there are dark circled under his eyes, like he’s not sleeping well. I should talk to him some more. Maybe he’s having nightmares. Conrad laughed to himself, or maybe Wolfram is keeping him occupied.
When Conrad had arrived at Yuuri’s door, he noticed a tray with untouched food on the floor outside. Conrad frowned, he was supposed to eat something. Maybe he fell asleep and this is his dinner. It is late. Conrad inspected the food closely and noticed it was of a bland quality. As if he has a stomach ache or is feeling ill. This definitely wasn’t sitting well with the solider.
Conrad knocked softly, but the response he got was not one he’d expected. Wolfram swung open the door saying, “Yuuri, you cheating wimp, where have…Conrad?”
Conrad’s stomach knotted, “Yuuri isn’t here?”
Wolfram shook his head, “No. I was going to look for him, but Gunter said he’d gone to the kitchen to get something to eat with you.”
Conrad nodded, smiling, “Yes, but he was probably distracted on his way to bed.”
Wolfram humphed, not noticing the pause in Conrad’s response, “Well if you see that wimp, tell him I’m not waiting up for him!” With that Wolfram slammed the door.
Conrad inwardly sighed in relief that Wolfram hadn’t seen the tray of untouched food. Silently he picked it up and carried it toward the kitchen. He had a few questions to ask and it would need to start in the kitchen.
After talking to the maids and Dakoskos, Conrad was ready to kick himself, and strangle a young King. How could we have missed this? Our King? Not eating? Wasn’t that a sign of illness and depression? Why hadn’t ~I~ seen it? Conrad was so lost in thought that when an arm came silently out of no where, the individual was thrown against the stone wall before the Captain could think.
“Whoa, Captain, it’s me. What’s got you on guard tonight?” Yozak’s usual humor leeched from his face at Conrad’s expression, “What’s wrong?”
Conrad opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Breathing deeply and releasing Yozak from the hold he’d been in, Conrad said, “Help me find Yuuri.” The strain in his voice in his next word made Yozak tense unconsciously, “Please?”
Conrad wouldn’t look at him. That’s not good. “What happened?” If it was something big, I would have heard about it before now. The alarms would have been sounded. There aren’t any plots. . .at least not any that could actually work. What’s got the Captain so riled?
Conrad swallowed and shook his head, “I don’t know.”
Nodding, “Walk while you fill me in, the little puppy couldn’t have gotten far without me knowing about it. I promise you that.” Conrad finally looked at him and smiled. Nodding, he filled the informant in on what he knew. “That’s not much to work with, but it’ll have to do.” Yozak shook his head, “Damn, how no one could notice when the King stops eating! I just don’t get it! How could we not notice our King had stopped eating for three days, possibly longer?”
Conrad’s face was transformed into something most of his friends and family wouldn’t even recognize, but Yozak knew it well. The person that stood before him now was the Lion of Lütenberg. Yozak shuttered, pitying anyone who got in his Captains way tonight. Darkly Conrad said, “I don’t know, but I plan to find out.”
“Where too, Captain?”
“You search inside. I’ll search the grounds. We rendezvous in half an hour at my chamber even if you don’t find him. If you do find him, you find me. And Yozak?”
“Captain?”
“No one knows until we find a sign of struggle. Got it?”
“Yes, sir,” Yozak nodded and sprinted off down a hall. Where could Heika have gone?
Conrad made his way to an outer garden and began to search the grounds, methodically. Conrad checked every place that he could remember Yuuri going to or exploring on the castle grounds. He’d even checked the small stream that ran thru the woods where he’d caught the young King napping to avoid a lesson from Gunter. Conrad smiled at the memory of finding a sleeping Yuuri curled underneath a tree. He had been sleeping peacefully, but I’d worried he might catch a cold. I should have woken him, not picked him up and put him in my lap to finish his nap. That was too selfish. Even if it did feel right. . .like it does every time I hold him in my arms. Conrads’ pace slowed as he almost reached tended parts of the castle gardens.
Conrad paused, eyes closed, as he felt his heart sink. Shinou, please just let him have returned to Japan. Please don’t let anything have happened to him. If anything happened to him. . .I don’t know what I would do if I lost Yuuri. A soft noise somewhere near by made the solider look up, his instincts on alert. Running silently thru the brush, Conrad headed towards the sound. It can’t be. But, oh Shinou, please let it be him! Conrad ran faster until he broke into a clearing. He stood still for a moment, trying to pinpoint the sound’s origin. He held his breath, straining to hear the soft sound, preying that it would repeat. He almost laughed in joy as he heard the soft snuffle of a sleeping Demon King. Looking up, he did laugh softly as he spotted the errant sovereign. Shaking his head and smiling to himself, Conrad began to climb the tree. You never change Yuuri, but that’s a good thing. Don’t ever change. Don’t loose that happiness within. I guess sleeping in a tree was preferable then sleeping with Wolfram, huh? As Conrad got closer to Yuuri, his thoughts focused more as he took a good look at his sleeping King. What he saw wiped his smile away. Getting a good position on a branch, Conrad studied the sleeping figure and his heart fell at the abject exhaustion he saw there. Yuuri was sleeping peacefully, but from the dark circles under his eyes it looked as if he could have fallen asleep anywhere. Conrad secured his position, holding onto the trunk of the tree and wrapping an arm around Yuuri’s waist.
Gently and softly so as not to startle, Conrad spoke, “Yuuri, wake up. Yuuri, it’s never a good idea to fall asleep in a tree. Especially not one that’s so high off the ground.” To his dismay all Yuuri did was place a hand onto his arm. He’s not waking up. This is not good! Gritting his teeth and adjusting his position, Conrad somehow managed to maneuver the sleeping body onto his shoulder. I could have done this easily a few years ago. I need to get back into shape.
“Captain?” Yozak’s hushed voice startled Conrad.
That man can be silent as the grave when he wants to be! The concern in his voice, however made Conrad smile, “He’s okay just asleep.”
Yozak’s laughing response made Conrad smile, “Did he pass out when he looked down or did you have to knock him out to get him to come down?” Conrad made no effort to reply; all he did was smile at both his and Yozak’s relief at finding Yuuri safe.
Conrad made a surprisingly quick trip down, considering he was carrying an unconscious Yuuri on one shoulder. When he reached the bottom, he gently put Yuuri down on the ground, cushioning his head so that it wasn’t actually touching. “Why didn’t he wake up, Captain?”
Conrad shook his head, “I don’t know.”
“He doesn’t look so good. Maybe I should get Giesla.” Yozak made movements as if to run for the castle’s physician.
“No. Not yet.” Yozak froze, “If he doesn’t wake in a few hours, then we’ll get her, but right now I think he just needs to rest in a bed, alone.”
Yozak snorted, “Yeah, the bratty Prince isn’t the easiest bed fellow. Poor Heika.” Yozak watched his friend and Captain closely. In a light, matter of fact way, he decided to push a sensitive subject; one he wouldn’t normally bring up even if no one else was around, “You know you should just tell Yuuri how you feel. He’s never going to marry that bratty brother of yours, but you? With you I think he’d be happy to accept any relationship you offered. Even one that led to marriage.”
Conrad didn’t respond, he just picked Yuuri up again, cradling him against his body like a child or a new bride and walked back to the castle. Yozak winced, knowing that it was a sour spot for Conrad, his feelings for the young Demon King, but if he didn’t take initiative sometime, he would end up alone, again. And I can’t see that happen, again. Yuuri’s not like Julia. I don’t care if her soul is inside him. He wouldn’t refuse you. He didn’t reject you, even when you disappeared and betrayed him. Can’t you see it in his eye? After everything you’ve been thru, trust yourself for once and open up to your Maou! Yozak sighed and blended into the background out of habit alone.
Conrad took a somewhat secret passage into his room. He tried to convince himself that his motives for taking Yuuri back to his own chamber had something to do with Wolfram, but Yozaks’ words kept playing in his head. I will not tell him now, Conrad sternly told himself, he is in a weakened state. It would be like taking advantage of the Yuuri! He shuddered at the thought, almost sickened by the idea of taking advantage of Yuuri. You’re too precious to me. I won’t let anything happen to you. “I will die to protect you.” Yuuri stirred, mumbling, “Yuuri? What Yuuri?”
Yuuri’s eyes fluttered open, unfocused and wearily, “You already did. Don’t do it again.”
Conrad overjoyed that Yuuri had woken, clutched him closer since he had yet to put Yuuri down.
Realizing what he was doing, Conrad fell back into his solider training, releasing Yuuri from the tight embrace and carefully placed him on the bed, “I’m glad you’re okay, Heika.”
“The name’s Yuuri. Shibuya, Yuuri. You named me, so stop with the Heika stuff. Do I have to make it an command?”
Conrad smiled at Yuuri’s bluntness, “No, Yuuri, you don’t. I just forget sometimes.”
Yuuri, eyelids heavy, tried to sit up and fell back against the bed confused, “I was outside. . .watching the sunset.”
Concern coursed thru Conrad, “Heika, Yuuri, when was the last time you ate?”
“Heh? Ate?” Yuuri shook his head, “I don’t remember. I had an apple a few days ago. I was going to eat, I was just so tired.”
As evidence, his eyes began to close, “Yuuri, you need to wake up and eat something.”
Yuuri shook his head, “Not hungry. Tired.”
Conrad, nearing his wits end, cradled Yuuri against him once more, “Yuuri, please, you have to wake up. After you eat, then you can sleep. Okay?”
Yuuri snuggled closer to Conrad’s chest, eyes closed, “Mmm.”
Loathe to leave him, but not wanting anyone to see him in this state, Conrad gently lay Yuuri back on the bed. Conrad took off his jacket and covered Yuuri with it. It’s not much, but it’ll have to do for now. “Yuuri, I’ll be right back. Okay?” A mumble was his only reply. Conrad sped down the deserted halls, avoiding being seen by the guard and anyone who might happen to be up at this late hour. He had no wish to be seen. Conrad made it to the kitchen where only a sleepy Dakoskos seemed to be tending the fire. Conrad nodded to the bauld man, “Dakoskos.”
Rising, he asks, “Commander, can I do something for you?”
Conrad smiled, “No. I’m used to raiding the kitchen. I’ve done it for years.”
Smiling in return, Dakoskos said, “I’m not as adept as some with cooking, but I could whip you up something if you’d like.”
Conrad chuckled, “Maybe if I’m still hungry later.” He paused, having loaded a tray with food, “Does there happen to be any soup or broth?”
Dakoskos smiled, “Actually there is. The Maou asked for some earlier so one of the girls made a big pot of it.” His face fell, “I’m just sorry he fell asleep before he could try any. I had some and it was great!”
Conrad smiled at the kind-hearted solider, “Maybe he’ll have some today.” Dakoskos seemed to brighten at that, “I’ll just get a bowl.”
Conrad left with a heavily laden try of all sort of food, two pitchers, and a large bowl of soup. I know he won’t be able to eat all this, but maybe he’ll eat more when he’s awake. He’s been working so hard these past few weeks, taking on so much responsibility. It worried me until it looked like he could handle all of the stresses, but this is no way to handle such a heavy work load. This will not happen again; not on my watch!
Conrad entered his room to see Yuuri curled on his side with his jacket clenched to his chest, his face half buried in the fabric. The sight made things low in Conrad’s body clench in response. Being careful not to spill anything, Conrad put the laden try on a bedside table. There’s no way to get around it, he thought resignedly and climbed into bed with Yuuri. Cradling Yuuri against him, Conrad gently woke his King, “Yuuri, it’s time to eat. Wake up. Wake up and eat, Yuuri.”
Yuuri’s eyes fluttered open, “Conrad?”
“Hi, bright-eyes, ready for some soup?” Feeling slightly foolish Conrad began to feed Yuuri as if he was an infant again or the invalid Conrad refused to see him resembling.
The more soup, bread, and milk Conrad managed to get into Yuuri, the more lucid he seemed to be. After half of the bowl of soup, a few good sized chunks of bread, and almost a whole glass of milk, Yuri began to protest. “No more, Conrad. No more.”
“Well, you must be feeling better.” Conrad helped Yuuri to sit on his own carefully, “Not too fast. We don’t want you to get sick after you just ate.”
Yuuri closed his eyes tightly; the room had begun spinning after he’d tried to sit up. Yuuri was suddenly very grateful for Conrad’s presence. “What happened?”
Conrad’s tone was frank, but Yuuri could tell the man had been severely worried, “You fell asleep in the top of a tree. Of course that was after not eating for several days; a very impressive way to kill yourself if you ask me.”
“Ki. . .kill myself? Conrad, what’re you talking about?” The usually calm, collected, smiling Conrad melted away completely before Yuuri’s eyes. There wasn’t just concern in his eyes--that Yuuri almost expected to see--there were other things, deeper and darker things hidden in the depths. Yuuri wasn’t dizzy anymore, panic and the adrenaline that comes with a fight or flight response had pushed it away. Yuuri struggled to get out of Conrad’s lap, but the solider held him tightly; almost tipping him back into Conrad’s bed. Finally, Yuuri stopped struggling; it finally dawned on him to use his voice. As he stilled, Conrad’s arms seemed to wrap around him in a more secure way. Another wave of panic washed over him, but he squashed it as he worked to say, “Co. . .Conrad. Let me go.” Yuuri wouldn’t, couldn’t look into his eyes, afraid he wouldn’t want to get away if he did.
“Why, Heika?” In Yuuri’s muddled state, he took the bait and looked into Conrad’s eye. His response died in his throat. Conrad continued, “Why should I let you go?” To Conrad’s own amazement his body was moving before he could figure out what he was doing. Yuuri gasped, one moment he’s being held tightly by the greatest swordsman in all of Shin Makoku and the next moment he’s suddenly being pinned to a bed underneath said solider.
“Con. . .” Yuuri’s attempt at speaking is cut off by a pair of passionate, yet gentle lips. As the kiss morphed from gentle and entreating to passionate and feeling, both men began to touch each other. Hands wandered as the experienced kisser first explored the Demon King’s mouth with his tongue and then the reverse.
Their bodies responding and their emotions high, how Conrad was able to stop, Yuuri could not understand. “Yuuri.” Their movements slowed, Yuuri groaning as their erections ground between them noticeably. “Yuuri, please?”
To his astonishment, he was able to stop when he heard Conrad’s tone of voice. Opening his eyes, he stared at his now and soon-to-be lover, “Wha?” Yuuri had to clear his throat, “What is it, Conrad?”
Conrad’s head fell to Yuuri’s shoulder, “We need to talk.” Conrad was trying to deepen his breathing, “Before this goes any further.”
It was Yuuri’s turn to hold Conrad to him, as the Prince tried to move away, “Why?”
Conrad laughed, “Foiled by my own actions, huh?” Conrad’s self-deprecating laugh didn’t reach his eyes and Yuuri’s hold tightened. Conrad smiled, and then settled back down onto Yuuri, “You really are comfortable. Did you know that?”
“No, I didn’t, but is that really what you wanted to talk about?”
Conrad sighed, “No, it isn’t.” Conrad raised himself up on his elbows, causing Yuuri to tighten his somewhat relaxing hold, “Don’t worry I won’t leave this position. I just wanted to see your face; your eyes.” Yuuri nodded and relaxed back a bit, “I need to tell you how I feel about you, Yuuri. But before that I need to know why you stopped eating for so long.”
The pain in Conrad’s voice and eyes made Yuuri’s gut clench, “I didn’t do it on purpose.”
Conrad’s eyes were blazing, “Why, Yuuri? Why did you nearly starve yourself to death?”
Yuuri’s eyes dropped, unable to hold up against the intensity in Conrad’s eyes. His mumbled reply had Conrad’s eyes widening, “What?” Conrad put a hand under Yuuri’s chin, guiding his face up, and yet Yuuri’s eyes wouldn’t meet his. “Please, Yuuri. Please tell me.”
Yuuri shook his head, sighing, but finally answered, “I got distracted. . .and upset. I can’t eat when I’m upset. When I wasn’t upset I was usually distracted, like this afternoon.” Yuuri looked up them, but only a quick glance before continuing to stare at an un-done shirt button. Yuuri was getting angry now, “I can’t keep a watch, coming back and forth like I do between Japan and Shin Makoku. I loose track of time. When everyone is together (and not under the stress of their jobs) we have dinners together as a family. Or when we’re out on an adventure someone always manages to get food. But with everyone being bogged down by paperwork, diplomatic missions (Conrad cringed inwardly as that jab was too close to home.), or being talked into one hair brained scheme after another no one has time; especially not me. I’m the Maou. I’m supposed to take on all this responsibility and never complain.” Hot tears began rolling down Yuuri’s face, “I just forgot.” He finally looked into Conrad’s eyes, “When I would finally remember to eat, I would usually be too tired and sleep was a priority. I needed it more.” His eyes fell again, “especially with Wolfram’s insistence on sleeping in my bed and his horrible sleeping acrobatics.” Yuuri’s face was priceless as he continued, “I may not have gotten as much sleep as I should have, but I tried my best.”
Conrad’s hand were wiping the tears away, “Yuuri, was it only paperwork that distracted you so much that you didn’t remember to eat.”
“No.”
Conrad kissed him gently, “You can tell me. I won’t be mad. I promise.”
Yuuri finally looked up, “You promise? Do you promise not to get mad at me or the other person?”
Conrad’s heart plummeted, blasting a hole thru his stomach. He took a breath and answered, “I won’t be mad. I promise.”
Yuuri smiled at him them, “It was you.” If Conrad hadn’t already been lying down, he probably would have fallen. Conrad couldn’t speak for a full minute as Yuuri continued, “You were training those new guards and Gunter and Gwendal had me doing paperwork the past week. I only just realized Gunter’s trick of adding papers while I’m distracted.”
Conrad laughed at that, “You caught him at that, huh?” Yuuri nodded, “Yeah, he used to do that to me and Wolfram, too. When I caught him, I just told him to stop, that the game was up.” A smirk appeared on Conrad’s face, “Wolfram burned the stack of papers, the desk, and threatened to roast Gunter as well.”
Yuuri laughed, “Yeah I can believe that. It sounds like something Wolfram would do when he’s pissed off.”
“I love your laugh.”
Surprise was written all over Yuuri’s face at the abrupt change of subject, but Yuuri hardly seemed to notice, “Huh?”
“Your laugh,” Conrad kissed Yuuri, “I love it.”
Smiling Yuuri couldn’t say much to that, “Hn.”
“And your eyes; I love your eyes.” Solemnly, Conrad delicately kissed each obligatory shut lid. “And your innocence; I love your innocence and purity. You’re always such a wonderful person. You always see the light in people; the light that shines deep within them. You make them want to build that light, to make it grow, and eventually show that light off to the entire world. . .but you are our world. You are our Maou. You are my world. . .and I love you with all of my being.”
Yuuri was crying again, but this time not in shame or anger. This time Yuuri couldn’t be more then simply happy. The one person he could always count on, the one person he trusted with more then his life or his soul, the one person he trusted with his very essence and every fiber of his being, the one person he loved beyond all others had just professed his love. Nothing could be better then this, except what came next.
Yuuri grabbed Conrad and began to kiss him with a passion that he didn’t know he had until that exact moment. Conrad smiled into the kiss as Yuuri’s eager hands started desperately trying to take his cloths off. Yuuri gasped into Conrad’s mouth when Conrad ground their hips together. Erections that had softened flared back to life at the renewal of interest. The coherent talking stopped, but the noise and expressions of love didn’t. Cloths went in all directions while hands wondered everywhere.
Author: epsentinel
Characters/Pairings: Yurri/Conrad, Yozak, Wolfram, Mention of a lot of characters.
Word Count: 4,079
Rating: NC-17
Any Warnings: Again, a bit angsty.
Theme/Prompt being used: Yuuri x Anyone
Summary: Yuuri hasn’t been eating and Conrad hadn’t noticed.
Sequeal to Hard Day’s Work.
As the sun sank completely a wave of melancholy and weariness washed over the young Demon King. How long have I been here? Three, four years? So much has happened. I still have an accidental fiancé, but at least he doesn’t constantly call me names or accuse me of infidelities anymore. I have a wonderful adopted daughter who’s now away at a boarding school for noble and royal children. Whose idea was that? Oh, yeah. . .it was Gretas’ idea. She wanted to go. Suddenly the Maou felt very alone. Maybe I should make a trip home? But, no, Shouri is just getting his Maou-ship under control. He wouldn’t want me showing up and getting under foot. Yuuri rubbed his temples as a headache that had been plaguing him for days began to threaten to split his skull open. Why is everything so complicated? Ow, my head hurts. I’ll just lie back against the tree. Maybe that’ll help. The cool bark of the tree and the soft breeze that was blowing at that height did help a small bit to relieve the pounding in Yuuri’s head. He closed his eyes, hoping that the pain would go back down to a manageable level, as he began the breathing techniques he’d learned for baseball. As Yuuri slowed his breathing, he barely noticed that he’d fallen asleep. All he noticed was that the pain seemed to recede into the far corners of his head and it didn’t hurt to think anymore.
It had been hours since Conrad had watched Yuuri heading towards the kitchen. It had finally hit him as he soaked in the bath what was so unnatural. He looks thinner and there are dark circled under his eyes, like he’s not sleeping well. I should talk to him some more. Maybe he’s having nightmares. Conrad laughed to himself, or maybe Wolfram is keeping him occupied.
When Conrad had arrived at Yuuri’s door, he noticed a tray with untouched food on the floor outside. Conrad frowned, he was supposed to eat something. Maybe he fell asleep and this is his dinner. It is late. Conrad inspected the food closely and noticed it was of a bland quality. As if he has a stomach ache or is feeling ill. This definitely wasn’t sitting well with the solider.
Conrad knocked softly, but the response he got was not one he’d expected. Wolfram swung open the door saying, “Yuuri, you cheating wimp, where have…Conrad?”
Conrad’s stomach knotted, “Yuuri isn’t here?”
Wolfram shook his head, “No. I was going to look for him, but Gunter said he’d gone to the kitchen to get something to eat with you.”
Conrad nodded, smiling, “Yes, but he was probably distracted on his way to bed.”
Wolfram humphed, not noticing the pause in Conrad’s response, “Well if you see that wimp, tell him I’m not waiting up for him!” With that Wolfram slammed the door.
Conrad inwardly sighed in relief that Wolfram hadn’t seen the tray of untouched food. Silently he picked it up and carried it toward the kitchen. He had a few questions to ask and it would need to start in the kitchen.
After talking to the maids and Dakoskos, Conrad was ready to kick himself, and strangle a young King. How could we have missed this? Our King? Not eating? Wasn’t that a sign of illness and depression? Why hadn’t ~I~ seen it? Conrad was so lost in thought that when an arm came silently out of no where, the individual was thrown against the stone wall before the Captain could think.
“Whoa, Captain, it’s me. What’s got you on guard tonight?” Yozak’s usual humor leeched from his face at Conrad’s expression, “What’s wrong?”
Conrad opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Breathing deeply and releasing Yozak from the hold he’d been in, Conrad said, “Help me find Yuuri.” The strain in his voice in his next word made Yozak tense unconsciously, “Please?”
Conrad wouldn’t look at him. That’s not good. “What happened?” If it was something big, I would have heard about it before now. The alarms would have been sounded. There aren’t any plots. . .at least not any that could actually work. What’s got the Captain so riled?
Conrad swallowed and shook his head, “I don’t know.”
Nodding, “Walk while you fill me in, the little puppy couldn’t have gotten far without me knowing about it. I promise you that.” Conrad finally looked at him and smiled. Nodding, he filled the informant in on what he knew. “That’s not much to work with, but it’ll have to do.” Yozak shook his head, “Damn, how no one could notice when the King stops eating! I just don’t get it! How could we not notice our King had stopped eating for three days, possibly longer?”
Conrad’s face was transformed into something most of his friends and family wouldn’t even recognize, but Yozak knew it well. The person that stood before him now was the Lion of Lütenberg. Yozak shuttered, pitying anyone who got in his Captains way tonight. Darkly Conrad said, “I don’t know, but I plan to find out.”
“Where too, Captain?”
“You search inside. I’ll search the grounds. We rendezvous in half an hour at my chamber even if you don’t find him. If you do find him, you find me. And Yozak?”
“Captain?”
“No one knows until we find a sign of struggle. Got it?”
“Yes, sir,” Yozak nodded and sprinted off down a hall. Where could Heika have gone?
Conrad made his way to an outer garden and began to search the grounds, methodically. Conrad checked every place that he could remember Yuuri going to or exploring on the castle grounds. He’d even checked the small stream that ran thru the woods where he’d caught the young King napping to avoid a lesson from Gunter. Conrad smiled at the memory of finding a sleeping Yuuri curled underneath a tree. He had been sleeping peacefully, but I’d worried he might catch a cold. I should have woken him, not picked him up and put him in my lap to finish his nap. That was too selfish. Even if it did feel right. . .like it does every time I hold him in my arms. Conrads’ pace slowed as he almost reached tended parts of the castle gardens.
Conrad paused, eyes closed, as he felt his heart sink. Shinou, please just let him have returned to Japan. Please don’t let anything have happened to him. If anything happened to him. . .I don’t know what I would do if I lost Yuuri. A soft noise somewhere near by made the solider look up, his instincts on alert. Running silently thru the brush, Conrad headed towards the sound. It can’t be. But, oh Shinou, please let it be him! Conrad ran faster until he broke into a clearing. He stood still for a moment, trying to pinpoint the sound’s origin. He held his breath, straining to hear the soft sound, preying that it would repeat. He almost laughed in joy as he heard the soft snuffle of a sleeping Demon King. Looking up, he did laugh softly as he spotted the errant sovereign. Shaking his head and smiling to himself, Conrad began to climb the tree. You never change Yuuri, but that’s a good thing. Don’t ever change. Don’t loose that happiness within. I guess sleeping in a tree was preferable then sleeping with Wolfram, huh? As Conrad got closer to Yuuri, his thoughts focused more as he took a good look at his sleeping King. What he saw wiped his smile away. Getting a good position on a branch, Conrad studied the sleeping figure and his heart fell at the abject exhaustion he saw there. Yuuri was sleeping peacefully, but from the dark circles under his eyes it looked as if he could have fallen asleep anywhere. Conrad secured his position, holding onto the trunk of the tree and wrapping an arm around Yuuri’s waist.
Gently and softly so as not to startle, Conrad spoke, “Yuuri, wake up. Yuuri, it’s never a good idea to fall asleep in a tree. Especially not one that’s so high off the ground.” To his dismay all Yuuri did was place a hand onto his arm. He’s not waking up. This is not good! Gritting his teeth and adjusting his position, Conrad somehow managed to maneuver the sleeping body onto his shoulder. I could have done this easily a few years ago. I need to get back into shape.
“Captain?” Yozak’s hushed voice startled Conrad.
That man can be silent as the grave when he wants to be! The concern in his voice, however made Conrad smile, “He’s okay just asleep.”
Yozak’s laughing response made Conrad smile, “Did he pass out when he looked down or did you have to knock him out to get him to come down?” Conrad made no effort to reply; all he did was smile at both his and Yozak’s relief at finding Yuuri safe.
Conrad made a surprisingly quick trip down, considering he was carrying an unconscious Yuuri on one shoulder. When he reached the bottom, he gently put Yuuri down on the ground, cushioning his head so that it wasn’t actually touching. “Why didn’t he wake up, Captain?”
Conrad shook his head, “I don’t know.”
“He doesn’t look so good. Maybe I should get Giesla.” Yozak made movements as if to run for the castle’s physician.
“No. Not yet.” Yozak froze, “If he doesn’t wake in a few hours, then we’ll get her, but right now I think he just needs to rest in a bed, alone.”
Yozak snorted, “Yeah, the bratty Prince isn’t the easiest bed fellow. Poor Heika.” Yozak watched his friend and Captain closely. In a light, matter of fact way, he decided to push a sensitive subject; one he wouldn’t normally bring up even if no one else was around, “You know you should just tell Yuuri how you feel. He’s never going to marry that bratty brother of yours, but you? With you I think he’d be happy to accept any relationship you offered. Even one that led to marriage.”
Conrad didn’t respond, he just picked Yuuri up again, cradling him against his body like a child or a new bride and walked back to the castle. Yozak winced, knowing that it was a sour spot for Conrad, his feelings for the young Demon King, but if he didn’t take initiative sometime, he would end up alone, again. And I can’t see that happen, again. Yuuri’s not like Julia. I don’t care if her soul is inside him. He wouldn’t refuse you. He didn’t reject you, even when you disappeared and betrayed him. Can’t you see it in his eye? After everything you’ve been thru, trust yourself for once and open up to your Maou! Yozak sighed and blended into the background out of habit alone.
Conrad took a somewhat secret passage into his room. He tried to convince himself that his motives for taking Yuuri back to his own chamber had something to do with Wolfram, but Yozaks’ words kept playing in his head. I will not tell him now, Conrad sternly told himself, he is in a weakened state. It would be like taking advantage of the Yuuri! He shuddered at the thought, almost sickened by the idea of taking advantage of Yuuri. You’re too precious to me. I won’t let anything happen to you. “I will die to protect you.” Yuuri stirred, mumbling, “Yuuri? What Yuuri?”
Yuuri’s eyes fluttered open, unfocused and wearily, “You already did. Don’t do it again.”
Conrad overjoyed that Yuuri had woken, clutched him closer since he had yet to put Yuuri down.
Realizing what he was doing, Conrad fell back into his solider training, releasing Yuuri from the tight embrace and carefully placed him on the bed, “I’m glad you’re okay, Heika.”
“The name’s Yuuri. Shibuya, Yuuri. You named me, so stop with the Heika stuff. Do I have to make it an command?”
Conrad smiled at Yuuri’s bluntness, “No, Yuuri, you don’t. I just forget sometimes.”
Yuuri, eyelids heavy, tried to sit up and fell back against the bed confused, “I was outside. . .watching the sunset.”
Concern coursed thru Conrad, “Heika, Yuuri, when was the last time you ate?”
“Heh? Ate?” Yuuri shook his head, “I don’t remember. I had an apple a few days ago. I was going to eat, I was just so tired.”
As evidence, his eyes began to close, “Yuuri, you need to wake up and eat something.”
Yuuri shook his head, “Not hungry. Tired.”
Conrad, nearing his wits end, cradled Yuuri against him once more, “Yuuri, please, you have to wake up. After you eat, then you can sleep. Okay?”
Yuuri snuggled closer to Conrad’s chest, eyes closed, “Mmm.”
Loathe to leave him, but not wanting anyone to see him in this state, Conrad gently lay Yuuri back on the bed. Conrad took off his jacket and covered Yuuri with it. It’s not much, but it’ll have to do for now. “Yuuri, I’ll be right back. Okay?” A mumble was his only reply. Conrad sped down the deserted halls, avoiding being seen by the guard and anyone who might happen to be up at this late hour. He had no wish to be seen. Conrad made it to the kitchen where only a sleepy Dakoskos seemed to be tending the fire. Conrad nodded to the bauld man, “Dakoskos.”
Rising, he asks, “Commander, can I do something for you?”
Conrad smiled, “No. I’m used to raiding the kitchen. I’ve done it for years.”
Smiling in return, Dakoskos said, “I’m not as adept as some with cooking, but I could whip you up something if you’d like.”
Conrad chuckled, “Maybe if I’m still hungry later.” He paused, having loaded a tray with food, “Does there happen to be any soup or broth?”
Dakoskos smiled, “Actually there is. The Maou asked for some earlier so one of the girls made a big pot of it.” His face fell, “I’m just sorry he fell asleep before he could try any. I had some and it was great!”
Conrad smiled at the kind-hearted solider, “Maybe he’ll have some today.” Dakoskos seemed to brighten at that, “I’ll just get a bowl.”
Conrad left with a heavily laden try of all sort of food, two pitchers, and a large bowl of soup. I know he won’t be able to eat all this, but maybe he’ll eat more when he’s awake. He’s been working so hard these past few weeks, taking on so much responsibility. It worried me until it looked like he could handle all of the stresses, but this is no way to handle such a heavy work load. This will not happen again; not on my watch!
Conrad entered his room to see Yuuri curled on his side with his jacket clenched to his chest, his face half buried in the fabric. The sight made things low in Conrad’s body clench in response. Being careful not to spill anything, Conrad put the laden try on a bedside table. There’s no way to get around it, he thought resignedly and climbed into bed with Yuuri. Cradling Yuuri against him, Conrad gently woke his King, “Yuuri, it’s time to eat. Wake up. Wake up and eat, Yuuri.”
Yuuri’s eyes fluttered open, “Conrad?”
“Hi, bright-eyes, ready for some soup?” Feeling slightly foolish Conrad began to feed Yuuri as if he was an infant again or the invalid Conrad refused to see him resembling.
The more soup, bread, and milk Conrad managed to get into Yuuri, the more lucid he seemed to be. After half of the bowl of soup, a few good sized chunks of bread, and almost a whole glass of milk, Yuri began to protest. “No more, Conrad. No more.”
“Well, you must be feeling better.” Conrad helped Yuuri to sit on his own carefully, “Not too fast. We don’t want you to get sick after you just ate.”
Yuuri closed his eyes tightly; the room had begun spinning after he’d tried to sit up. Yuuri was suddenly very grateful for Conrad’s presence. “What happened?”
Conrad’s tone was frank, but Yuuri could tell the man had been severely worried, “You fell asleep in the top of a tree. Of course that was after not eating for several days; a very impressive way to kill yourself if you ask me.”
“Ki. . .kill myself? Conrad, what’re you talking about?” The usually calm, collected, smiling Conrad melted away completely before Yuuri’s eyes. There wasn’t just concern in his eyes--that Yuuri almost expected to see--there were other things, deeper and darker things hidden in the depths. Yuuri wasn’t dizzy anymore, panic and the adrenaline that comes with a fight or flight response had pushed it away. Yuuri struggled to get out of Conrad’s lap, but the solider held him tightly; almost tipping him back into Conrad’s bed. Finally, Yuuri stopped struggling; it finally dawned on him to use his voice. As he stilled, Conrad’s arms seemed to wrap around him in a more secure way. Another wave of panic washed over him, but he squashed it as he worked to say, “Co. . .Conrad. Let me go.” Yuuri wouldn’t, couldn’t look into his eyes, afraid he wouldn’t want to get away if he did.
“Why, Heika?” In Yuuri’s muddled state, he took the bait and looked into Conrad’s eye. His response died in his throat. Conrad continued, “Why should I let you go?” To Conrad’s own amazement his body was moving before he could figure out what he was doing. Yuuri gasped, one moment he’s being held tightly by the greatest swordsman in all of Shin Makoku and the next moment he’s suddenly being pinned to a bed underneath said solider.
“Con. . .” Yuuri’s attempt at speaking is cut off by a pair of passionate, yet gentle lips. As the kiss morphed from gentle and entreating to passionate and feeling, both men began to touch each other. Hands wandered as the experienced kisser first explored the Demon King’s mouth with his tongue and then the reverse.
Their bodies responding and their emotions high, how Conrad was able to stop, Yuuri could not understand. “Yuuri.” Their movements slowed, Yuuri groaning as their erections ground between them noticeably. “Yuuri, please?”
To his astonishment, he was able to stop when he heard Conrad’s tone of voice. Opening his eyes, he stared at his now and soon-to-be lover, “Wha?” Yuuri had to clear his throat, “What is it, Conrad?”
Conrad’s head fell to Yuuri’s shoulder, “We need to talk.” Conrad was trying to deepen his breathing, “Before this goes any further.”
It was Yuuri’s turn to hold Conrad to him, as the Prince tried to move away, “Why?”
Conrad laughed, “Foiled by my own actions, huh?” Conrad’s self-deprecating laugh didn’t reach his eyes and Yuuri’s hold tightened. Conrad smiled, and then settled back down onto Yuuri, “You really are comfortable. Did you know that?”
“No, I didn’t, but is that really what you wanted to talk about?”
Conrad sighed, “No, it isn’t.” Conrad raised himself up on his elbows, causing Yuuri to tighten his somewhat relaxing hold, “Don’t worry I won’t leave this position. I just wanted to see your face; your eyes.” Yuuri nodded and relaxed back a bit, “I need to tell you how I feel about you, Yuuri. But before that I need to know why you stopped eating for so long.”
The pain in Conrad’s voice and eyes made Yuuri’s gut clench, “I didn’t do it on purpose.”
Conrad’s eyes were blazing, “Why, Yuuri? Why did you nearly starve yourself to death?”
Yuuri’s eyes dropped, unable to hold up against the intensity in Conrad’s eyes. His mumbled reply had Conrad’s eyes widening, “What?” Conrad put a hand under Yuuri’s chin, guiding his face up, and yet Yuuri’s eyes wouldn’t meet his. “Please, Yuuri. Please tell me.”
Yuuri shook his head, sighing, but finally answered, “I got distracted. . .and upset. I can’t eat when I’m upset. When I wasn’t upset I was usually distracted, like this afternoon.” Yuuri looked up them, but only a quick glance before continuing to stare at an un-done shirt button. Yuuri was getting angry now, “I can’t keep a watch, coming back and forth like I do between Japan and Shin Makoku. I loose track of time. When everyone is together (and not under the stress of their jobs) we have dinners together as a family. Or when we’re out on an adventure someone always manages to get food. But with everyone being bogged down by paperwork, diplomatic missions (Conrad cringed inwardly as that jab was too close to home.), or being talked into one hair brained scheme after another no one has time; especially not me. I’m the Maou. I’m supposed to take on all this responsibility and never complain.” Hot tears began rolling down Yuuri’s face, “I just forgot.” He finally looked into Conrad’s eyes, “When I would finally remember to eat, I would usually be too tired and sleep was a priority. I needed it more.” His eyes fell again, “especially with Wolfram’s insistence on sleeping in my bed and his horrible sleeping acrobatics.” Yuuri’s face was priceless as he continued, “I may not have gotten as much sleep as I should have, but I tried my best.”
Conrad’s hand were wiping the tears away, “Yuuri, was it only paperwork that distracted you so much that you didn’t remember to eat.”
“No.”
Conrad kissed him gently, “You can tell me. I won’t be mad. I promise.”
Yuuri finally looked up, “You promise? Do you promise not to get mad at me or the other person?”
Conrad’s heart plummeted, blasting a hole thru his stomach. He took a breath and answered, “I won’t be mad. I promise.”
Yuuri smiled at him them, “It was you.” If Conrad hadn’t already been lying down, he probably would have fallen. Conrad couldn’t speak for a full minute as Yuuri continued, “You were training those new guards and Gunter and Gwendal had me doing paperwork the past week. I only just realized Gunter’s trick of adding papers while I’m distracted.”
Conrad laughed at that, “You caught him at that, huh?” Yuuri nodded, “Yeah, he used to do that to me and Wolfram, too. When I caught him, I just told him to stop, that the game was up.” A smirk appeared on Conrad’s face, “Wolfram burned the stack of papers, the desk, and threatened to roast Gunter as well.”
Yuuri laughed, “Yeah I can believe that. It sounds like something Wolfram would do when he’s pissed off.”
“I love your laugh.”
Surprise was written all over Yuuri’s face at the abrupt change of subject, but Yuuri hardly seemed to notice, “Huh?”
“Your laugh,” Conrad kissed Yuuri, “I love it.”
Smiling Yuuri couldn’t say much to that, “Hn.”
“And your eyes; I love your eyes.” Solemnly, Conrad delicately kissed each obligatory shut lid. “And your innocence; I love your innocence and purity. You’re always such a wonderful person. You always see the light in people; the light that shines deep within them. You make them want to build that light, to make it grow, and eventually show that light off to the entire world. . .but you are our world. You are our Maou. You are my world. . .and I love you with all of my being.”
Yuuri was crying again, but this time not in shame or anger. This time Yuuri couldn’t be more then simply happy. The one person he could always count on, the one person he trusted with more then his life or his soul, the one person he trusted with his very essence and every fiber of his being, the one person he loved beyond all others had just professed his love. Nothing could be better then this, except what came next.
Yuuri grabbed Conrad and began to kiss him with a passion that he didn’t know he had until that exact moment. Conrad smiled into the kiss as Yuuri’s eager hands started desperately trying to take his cloths off. Yuuri gasped into Conrad’s mouth when Conrad ground their hips together. Erections that had softened flared back to life at the renewal of interest. The coherent talking stopped, but the noise and expressions of love didn’t. Cloths went in all directions while hands wondered everywhere.