Whispers from the Rye. Chapter 5. Part 1
Series Title: Whispers from the Rye
Part Title: Chapter 5
Fic Rating: Nc-17 (Sex between men, Adult Language, Violence, Peripheral Character Death)
Chapter Rating: Nc-17
Setting: Post Season 2
Focus Pairing: WolframXYuuri
Side Pairings: Anissina/Gwendal, Greta/OMC, Conrad/Yuuri, SageXShinou, MurataXShinou, AU!Sara/Yuuri, OMCXOMC, OMC/past!Wolf, GiselaXFlurin, Yozak/Conrad
Author: somniumquiesco
Beta: kudouusagi
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Go back to the very beginning
Go back to the previous part
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Shou Shimeron
Capital Ring
Two weeks later
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Before he left his home Camilio made sure to kiss Rebecka goodbye. She had been so quiet. So lost since the others had come. Even though Camilio had yet to consummate his marriage to any of the other three women-- girls that His Majesty had given him, even though Rebecka knew he loved her above all things. The sparkle in her eyes had died.
His face slipped into a careful mask of indifference as he walked the pristine streets of the inner city. Blessed by the gods.
He nearly scoffed.
So far Camilio had been lucky. Lucky he had spent his youth blind so he could spend his adulthood pretending to be. Lucky that his pretty new wives were as interested in him as he was in them. Two were young enough to be his children, and were treated as such within the household, and Annette was sleeping with his neighbor. If Camilio was truly lucky, the man would have her pregnant soon and Camilio would never have to worry about raising suspicion by not performing his husbandly duties.
Because there was no way out.
Camilio had even allowed himself to think about it once. Running. But it was impossible. With his promotion there was no need for him to enter the second ring of the capital, let alone the third. Even in his younger days of preaching at Gatherings, he had only been past the walls separating the Second from the Third Class twice. Each time it was under the pretense of preaching the word of the gods to the most unfortunate of souls, and each time he had been accompanied by several guards. Even if he were to gain permission to do so again it would be impossible to take Rebecka-- his children-- Camilio could never bring himself to abandon them.
Nor could he bring himself to do anything that might put them in danger.
He knew it made him a coward. Hiding behind words and prayers that he used to believe in with all his heart.
It wasn't to say he had abandoned the gods completely, he still believed in their divine choice. Their selection of the Pure. The duty of the Pure to help those less fortunate.
But Camilio could no longer ignore that in recent years the Pure had fallen. Even along his walk to the central tower he passed them. Eyes wide, black, with the abuse of their gift. These Pure had not helped those less fortunate-- how could they when they were so lost in their own destructive pleasure?
Though Camilio could remember the way it felt to love everything about his position as Cleric, to love a future where everyone was as blessed as the Pure, Camilio could no longer feel anything but disgust, but fear for the world around him. A shining capital surrounded by disease, idiocy, and despair.
Despite his dark thoughts Camilio's careful mask remained intact as he made his way to the central tower.
He had received a personal summons from His Majesty this morning and so the quickness of his pace left him all but breathless as he climbed the winding stairs. At first, summons like this one had terrified him. But the more they arrived, the more strangely fond His Majesty became of him, the less Camilio feared for himself and the more he began to fear for their kingdom.
Upon reaching the top Camilio paused to place his hands in the basin. Water dusted with black. Camilio tried to catch his breath as he completed the ritual. An attendant arrived to escort him to the inner chamber sooner than he would have liked, and Camilio rinsed his hands in clear water and finished his prayer. Then he followed the attendant to His Majesty's quarters in silence.
He could hear the king shouting before he arrived.
The attendant left him at the door and Camilio took a deep breath before opening it. Even the foreknowledge that His Majesty was angry did not prepare him for what he saw.
His Majesty was wearing his dressing gown and little else, sleeve falling off his shoulder as he paced. His face was spotted red with rage as he yelled at his favorite guard, who stood, tall and impassive as ever, against the opposite wall.
"I should have killed that miserable cunt when I had the chance!" His majesty roared even as he slowed his pacing at Camilio's entrance. "They were supposed to kill him! Can no one follow the simplest of orders?!"
"Valesco had never failed before. There is no way for us to have anticipated--"
"Reyes, enough!" His Majesty snapped, before turning his attention to Camilio instead. It was then that Camilio noticed the formal document, crumpled in the king's right hand. "His Majesty Maou has invited me to his wedding to Belefield's Bastard." Every word was sharp. And then he paused, his voice fell to a whisper as he all but crumpled where he stood. Hair wild and covering his face as he sat on the floor. "We are done for."
Camilio swallowed. "What can I do, Your Majesty?"
"There has to be something..." His Majesty whispered without looking up. "There has to be."
After a nod of approval from the guard, Camilio stepped closer to kneel before his king. Still he dared not touch him. "We cannot be certain that they will turn to war. Did you not tell me yourself how certain you were of King Yuuri's favor?"
"None of it matters now." His Majesty hissed. "None of it. His husband will make sure of it. He's the only one who could ever tell Yuuri to do anything..." And finally the king looked up into Camilio's eyes. "You are this city's greatest Man of Faith. There must be something left... Something I haven't thought of... Camilio" Words fell away.
Camilio found he could hardly breathe. It had to be a trap. "There are many men with far more years-- higher ranked within the clergy--"
"Traitors all of them," His Majesty spat. "I had them dealt with this morning. No. They wished for me to fall. Wanted my place-- my birthright for their own. I cannot put my faith in those who wish me dead." His Majesty stood then, walking toward his guard. "Do you know what the men of higher ranks and years had whispered when my back was turned, DeLa Rosa? They thought to save themselves by offering my head to the demon nations as an apology. As if that would stop their fool's revenge." His Majesty scoffed. "The demons would tear this land apart before they retreat to their northern kingdoms. Lands of their barbarian gods with soil free from the houseki that so pains them." The king had reached his guard. Pressed his back against him as the taller man folded his arms around the suddenly frail looking child that was their sovereign.
"Then the true horrors will descend," His Majesty continued. "The Pure will be purged. A hundred hundred years of the god's chosen people will be so diluted by filth that they will be destroyed."
Camilio licked dry lips. Nodded. He pressed his tongue against his teeth to keep his silence. To distract himself from thoughts of how this never would have happened if His Majesty had not attempted to accelerate the will of the gods.
His Majesty smiled. "I knew I could depend on you, DeLa Rosa. Your family has served me well. Unexpectedly well in fact," he purred.
"I am glad, Your Majesty." Camilio bowed.
"Now, Camilio, take the day to think about what I have told you. Then I wish to hear your thoughts on what we might do to ensure the continuing legacy of the chosen."
Another bow. "Yes, Your Majesty." The Camilio turned and headed for the door.
"Dela Rosa."
Camilio paused.
"I needn't remind you of the fate of traitors?"
"No, Your Majesty," Camilio managed and escaped beyond the door.
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Caloria
Royal Palace
Later that evening
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Yuuri let out a heavy sigh as he leaned against the railing of his room's balcony. It was a beautiful night. A sky full of stars and a half moon. Yuuri's body was still warm from the bath, wet hair soaking the back edge of the nightshirt against his neck. The balcony faced the harbor, and even though he was too far away to hear the waves break against the shore, Yuuri could see the lines of ships bobbing in the moonlight.
Tomorrow they would finally be heading home. Anissina's Banana Boat would have been faster, but it was unfit for the journey after so long in human territory and so Flurin had insisted upon lending them a ship.
As kind as the offer was, it seemed like it had taken years for the preparations to be made instead of days. Of course, it hadn't helped that Flurin herself had gotten a cold or whatever it was. Gisela had said there was no need for concern, but Yuuri couldn't help but worry anyway. It was hard not to with how much time Gisela had spent treating her since they'd arrived.
This was to be Yuuri's third night in the royal guestroom. Alone in his giant bed.
Tomorrow seemed a long way off.
Yuuri frowned. This bizarre custom to keep him away from Wolfram was getting beyond ridiculous. It had been a month since he and Wolfram had done That and Yuuri had barely gotten to touch him since. Admittedly, Yuuri had gotten a bit better about restraining himself in public lately, but it was only because present circumstances left him with no other choice. That and his body had decided to start taking care of the problem on its own every so often while he slept. A solution that was more embarrassing than anything else. At least these last few days he had had his own room and was able to take care of himself before his body had to.
As if on cue the beginnings of an erection brushed against the front of his pajama bottoms. Yuuri was determined to ignore it.
He had received a very terse letter from Gwendal this morning, informing him and Wolfram that the date for their wedding had been decided and as such invitations had finally been sent. Thankfully, Gwendal hadn't mentioned anything about Yuuri's insistence that Sara be invited. He had already had enough of an argument about it with everyone else.
Yuuri had gotten so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice the movement on the balcony of the next room over until Wolfram's voice made him jump.
"Why so sullen, Wimp?" Moonlight played on pale skin and hair.
Yuuri flushed when he saw him, all too aware of how thin his pajamas were. How quickly his blood was rushing to make it worse.
Wolfram only smirked, coming to lean against his own balcony closest to where Yuuri stood. No more than five feet away, but separated by a drop of several stories. It was the first time that Yuuri had seen him out on the balcony-- something Yuuri had no doubt Wolfram had done on purpose to keep Yuuri from pondering the kind of thing he was pondering now.
How sure he was that he could make the jump.
Wolfram looked beautiful in moonlight. All the time really, but it had been so long since Yuuri had gotten to enjoy how good Wolfram looked in formal dress. The uniform Wolfram wore now was similar to what he had always worn back at Blood Pledge Castle, only black. Cravat shocking white and soft against the figure forming angles of stiff wool and shining silver buttons. Flurin had given it to him yesterday as an early wedding present, and Yuuri had yet to see Wolfram out of it since.
Yuuri licked his lips and smiled, moving as close as he could to Wolfram on his own balcony. "Miss you," he offered as a belated answer.
"Hhn?" Wolfram's smirk only widened as he leaned a bit across the gap. "You've been doing well though."
Yuuri gave a frustrated sigh and ran a hand through his half-damp hair. "It's so annoying!" He closed his eyes and shook his head. A useless attempt to cool his blood. When he opened his eyes again Yuuri had to gasp in shock. Wolfram was still grinning only now he was standing on his own railing, looking down at him. "Careful!" he gasped, but Wolfram had already begun the leap.
Yuuri could only stare dumbly as Wolfram made the jump, one foot landing on the stone of Yuuri's railing before he hopped down to the platform.
Wolfram barely had time to turn toward him before Yuuri had pounced.
Bodies crashed together and lips and teeth met in a desperate need for more and now. Wolfram's smell was everywhere-- his skin-- hands hot against his back-- already under his nightshirt. Yuuri whimpered into Wolfram's mouth, pushing closer and closer. Holding him so tight and forcing himself so close that soon Wolfram's back was to the wall and there was no where else for him to go. No escape.
Finally.
Wolfram was hard inside his uniform and Yuuri's cock was full and free inside his lose pajamas-- pressed up between the heat of Wolfram's flesh and the flat plane of his own stomach. They were so close. So close and all Yuuri wanted was more.
Wolfram's lips were so warm so soft-- hard-- yes against his own. Kissing him back as hard as Yuuri was. For a moment one of Wolfram's hands moved from Yuuri's back and his mind screamed for it to come between them. To touch him-- touch them.
"Wolf..." he begged against wet lips. He begged.
The hand moved to the back of his neck instead. Pulling at hair. Pulling until Yuuri couldn't kiss him anymore and he all but sobbed as Wolfram ran his tongue against his bottom lip. Just a taste. A tease.
"Patience," Wolfram breathed against his lips. "Shh..."
And it wasn't fair. Wolfram's eyes were as dark as his must be-- his cock as hard. Yuuri rocked his hips for emphasis. Watched Wolfram's face as he felt him twitch. "No," Yuuri mumbled. All he could even feel was his cock. The wet heat of Wolfram's mouth so close to his. "Can't."
Wolfram tightened his grip on Yuuri's hair until he squeaked. "Wimp." Another kiss. Hot and fast and no where near enough. "We're going inside." Then he pulled away.
Yuuri had no choice but to follow-- holding the damp bulge in the front of his pants self consciously as he went. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that Wolfram was so impossibly wantable while he simply wasn't. He looked at the ground. Worried his lip while Wolfram closed the balcony doors.
Yuuri refused to look up even as Wolfram approached. So close now that they were almost touching.
"Hey," Wolfram's voice was warm. A quick breath beside his ear. "What's the matter, Wimp?"
Yuuri wanted to glare. Instead he shivered as Wolfram hands touched his shoulders, trailing slowly down his arms, forcing them to his sides. Forcing Yuuri's erection to bounce free-- pointing embarrassingly between them. Tip barely touching Wolfram's still-trapped heat.
This time Wolfram shivered. His hands moved from Yuuri's arms, trailing up his sides. Down his back. Lower. Yuuri blushed, leaned his head forward to hide his face in Wolfram's shoulder. Let Wolfram have his way.
Even though Wolfram's hands were sure-- moved with purpose against his skin-- the buttons of his night shirt-- Yuuri could see, could feel the steady rocking of his hips. The brush of hard. Of heat. Soon Yuuri rocked against him, lost in the motion. Barely there. Without realizing his hands had moved to the front of Wolfram's pants. Thumbs rubbing, barely touching where Wolfram was so hard-- tucked up-- thick and hot and needing to be free.
Yuuri lost himself in the way that Wolfram's breathing changed as he ran his thumbs against him. Imagining every shape, feeling strength. Wolfram hissed when Yuuri's fingers found the buttons, found the wet soft slick where the head had escaped his formal underwear. Dark. Shining. So smooth as he let the pad of his thumb slide just barely against the head. Let himself feel the curves of it, the dip of the slit-- soft and hard and wet.
Yuuri whimpered. Seeing him-- touching him. Familiar and different and so much more. Yuuri rocked his hips until the still covered head of his cock pressed against Wolfram's shaft, sliding slowly up and down. Hardly touching at all. Just enough for the thin cloth to start soaking up the precome already dripping from Wolfram's full thick--
Another sound of want.
Wolfram. Yuuri was touching him. Looking at him. Slowly. Mesmerizing. A trance of touching. Of new.
They were the same height and yet there was so much different. Wolfram's legs were longer, cock higher, making him look even bigger than he already was. Making him look--
He blinked, shifted to look up into Wolfram's eyes.
A flash of wild green and wanting and Yuuri found himself pressed hard against the wall-- Wolfram's lips tight on his. And then Wolfram's hand was between them where it should have been all along-- tugging at Yuuri's pants until they fell, pooled at his ankles-- and then Wolfram was finally touching him-- touching them-- pressing together. Sliding hot and hard against hot and hard and the earlier surreal fascination that had swallowed him fell away and all Yuuri was capable of feeling was how very very good it felt.
Yuuri clung to Wolfram's back. Pulled him closer. Tried anything he could to get closer. Pushed Wolfram's pants down-- the click of metal on the floor as the weight of his belt did most of the work-- hands on the small of Wolfram's back-- lower as he pushed his fingers beneath too tight underwear to grab at flexing flesh while Wolfram rocked breathlessly against him.
And all too soon Yuri could feel it starting-- too late to do anything but break their kiss to gasp into Wolfram's neck as he came into his hand-- body jerking with each pulse of heat-- clinging desperately to Wolfram. This feeling.
Wolfram loosened his grip as Yuuri continued to rock slowly, lost, movement spreading his own come against him. Yuuri turned his head to see Wolfram's smirk of a smile-- so pleased with himself. Bottom lip caught on teeth.
His entire body was so warm. Wolfram kissed his nose, across his cheek-- neck. Warm and content. Sleepy. Basking in the attention he was finally being given, but then Wolfram stepped back.
Yuuri could feel his cheeks go hot. "I'm sorry... your hand..."
Wolfram half laughed as he walked to the basin of water on Yuuri's bedside table. "I wasn't going to let it get anywhere else."
"You mean your new uniform?" Yuuri stayed where he was, silent and blushing while Wolfram cleaned his hands and then tossed Yuuri a clean cloth of his own. Yuuri wiped away what was left and watched as Wolfram began to unbutton his jacket. He hung it on a nearby chair before bending over to remove his pants where they had been bunched around one ankle along with his shoes. Unfortunately Wolfram was facing him by that point and so Yuuri was unable to appreciate the view.
Still, his renewed desire to touch was impossible to ignore and Yuuri stepped out of his pajama bottoms, leaving them in a crumpled heap as he made his way to sit on the bed near where Wolfram was standing. Wolfram had adjusted his underwear so that he was fully covered again, but the stretching of cloth over his arousal was unmistakable. Black fabric pulling away from his body the slightest bit.
And Yuuri realized he was staring.
Wolfram raised an eyebrow and smirked down at him as he undid his cravat and slowly began unbuttoning his crisp new undershirt. If it weren't for the pink staining his cheeks-- his mussed hair and too red mouth-- It would have been impossible for Yuuri to muster the courage to reach out and touch him. Wolfram made it look so easy. He was so sure of himself. It made Yuuri feel like nothing more than a half-naked teenager with the stamina to match.
Despite these fears, Yuuri reached out to brush his fingers against the exposed jut of Wolfram's left hipbone, pulling him closer. "You haven't come yet..." he heard himself murmurer. Watched the blush spread to Wolfram's ears and his smirk falter.
Wolfram covered Yuuri's hand with his, shirt now open-- long line of skin cutting gracefully down his chest and stomach. "It's fine. I-- I don't need to." He gently tried to push Yuuri's hand away.
Yuuri only held him tighter. Pouted. Was he really so unwantable? But at the same time... Wolfram had wanted him for so long. It was so hard to remember but it was true. Had Wolfram changed his mind now that he had him? Now that Yuuri had proven himself to be so intimately incompetent. "Why?" he whispered, tearing his eyes from the exposed flesh before him to look up into Wolfram's eyes-- to see them closed-- bottom lip gone white where his teeth pressed hard against it. Brow furrowed. Other hand shaking where it was fisted at his side. "Wolf..."
Wolfram let out a shaking breath. Kept his eyes closed. "It's fine," he said again.
Yuuri's pout deepened to a frown. "It's not fine, Wolfram. I know I'm not very good at this but-- but I want to be." He kept his eyes on Wolfram's face, waiting for green eyes to open. "Please."
Wolfram moved his right hand to his face-- covered his mouth-- short breaths hissing through his nose. He didn't open his eyes.
"Wolf..." Yuuri whispered again. Wondered what he had done so wrong. Wolfram must still want him somewhat-- he was still so hard. Yuuri looked at him again, saw the damp spot where the head was-- the curve. He couldn't know what Wolfram was thinking-- what he needed. "You have to tell me what to do," he breathed. "What you want." Yuuri tugged him closer, transfixed, needing a better look. He brought up his other hand to rest on Wolfram's hip-- pressed against strong hipbones with both his thumbs.
If Yuuri leaned forward he would be able to touch it with his mouth. Feel the heat on his lips. Yuuri paused. Shivered. Realized he wanted it so much it scared him.
But could he really do that?
Wolfram had done it to him. Wolfram had done it to him and it had been so impossibly good. So good that Yuuri knew he would never be able to give Wolfram the same experience no matter how badly he wanted to. He wanted to--
God, he wanted to so badly he could feel the blood moving back into his own cock.
Yuuri looked up at Wolfram once more. He still hadn't moved. Hadn't spoken.
And so Yuuri took a shaking breath and leaned forward.
Just one soft kiss and both of their breathing seemed to stop. Yuuri's heart was racing. Pounding in his ears. If he didn't have both his hands gripped tight on Wolfram's hips to keep him in place he was sure they would be shaking. Even though it was so tightly trapped Wolfram's cock moved away from him with the pressure of the kiss. Yuuri forced himself to breathe, and with that breath-- he had to let out a soft moan at the smell of him. The way it made him feel.
Yuuri kissed him again. Lingering this time. Pushing forward with his mouth until there was nowhere for Wolfram's erection to escape. Yuuri opened his mouth a bit to push out his tongue. Tasting him through cloth. Slick even through the fabric. His first real taste. Strong. Shocking. Wolfram. He closed his eyes to memorize it.
He could do this. It wasn't so scary. He hadn't really thought about it before but-- but suddenly it made so much sense.
Wolfram didn't seem to be going anywhere so Yuuri moved his hands-- in from Wolfram's hips-- fingers toying with the edges of cloth where the pull of Wolfram's cock kept it from being flush against his skin. Touching what was underneath. Soft sparse hair. Damp heat.
Yuuri sucked lightly, as if to keep him in place while he pushed his way beneath Wolfram's underwear from both sides-- tips of his fingers brushing the edges of his shaft-- lower-- feeling how tight and drawn his balls had gotten. Feeling Wolfram twitch against his lips as he touched him. Moving his mouth down to meet his fingers through the cloth.
He could do this. Still-- he kept his eyes closed-- kept tasting-- learning him with his lips for just another moment as he worked up the courage to do what he really wanted. Slowly he pulled the top edge of the underwear over Wolfram's cock, pushed it down his legs with one hand while he used the other to guide the tip of Wolfram's now bare flesh against his lips.
Wolfram let out the tiniest of sounds and it made him taste so much better. So good. Yuuri mouthed the head-- licked-- lower and lower and up again. Breathed him in with every breath. Wanted more. Wanted more and took it. Sliding his lips around Wolfram's too hard cock and pushing forward until the entire head of it was in his mouth. Running his tongue along every curve. Pushing lightly at the slit. Tasting like want and sex and Wolfram. Yuuri moaned against the heat in his mouth and it was all he could do not to touch himself.
Yuuri sucked him gently-- so afraid-- so scared to do anything wrong. Wanting desperately for Wolfram to want him. To need him. To lose himself in the feel of his mouth. To feel him. To touch every part of him with his tongue. His lips. This silky hard want and taste and--
Wolfram's hands were in his hair-- shaking-- breath sharp and quick and audible. Yuuri tried to take more in. To cover everything he was missing with his hands-- an impossible urge to feel Wolfram everywhere-- in his throat-- but much too scared to ever try. Because what if he hurt him? What if he had to stop.
His jaw was aching and he had no idea what to do about all the saliva that seemed to be filling his mouth-- but all he could think about was the possibility that finally finally he could make Wolfram feel anything like what Yuuri already had.
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Wolfram was lost.
Lost in hot and lips and oh gods this couldn't be happening...
Yuuri was-- Wolfram's fingers tightened on black hair as he tried to breathe-- to keep himself from thrusting forward into that heat-- that-- that heat.
Oh how he had dreamed of this. Of Yuuri on his knees-- wanting him in a way he never--
Tongue. Suction. Gods.
Yuuri moaned again, his mouth full of Wolfram's cock and Wolfram couldn't-- he couldn't-- he had to look. Had to watch Yuuri suck him like he wanted it. Like he enjoyed it. As if there was nothing he would rather do than touch him. Yuuri's eyelashes were dark, fluttering but never fully open. He pulled back so that just the very tips of his lips brushed his head-- a flash of tongue--
Wolfram heard himself gasp. Voice caught on his breath. Yuuri would never. Yuuri would never but he was he was and oh. It was so good. Yuuri was so good. Looked so good. Brows tense in concentration. Determined. Learning as he went. Yuuri's mouth opened around him-- lips red. Hot red. Blushing cheeks. Lips stretching around his flesh as he lowered his head again-- made a small sound of his own.
Wolfram gripped black hair even harder and Yuuri made an appreciative noise. Moving faster. Remembering his hands. An accidental brush of teeth.
Wolfram had wanted him-- tried so hard not to take him a thousand thousand times-- wanted to fuck his mouth. Wanted to fuck him. Be inside him. Deep inside him. His everything. Take and take and own. Never let go. Always hold back. Never never--
So many fantasies flashed in his mind. Long forgotten images of want-- of Yuuri's mouth. His cock. Fucking him. Bending the wimp against his will until he screamed. Until he lost himself in something only he could give. Begged him for more. Because he knew that if he was only given the chance he could make Yuuri come a thousand times. A thousand ways. Wolfram had dreamed for so long of pounding into him. A different kind of flesh stretching eagerly around his cock. Yuuri's legs and arms around him-- clinging-- sweet sounds against his ear.
He had told himself a thousand times that it would never happen. Forced himself to believe it. Made himself believe that Yuuri would never want him-- never touch him-- never love him-- never make that sound as he tried to fit Wolfram's cock into his throat but couldn't. One hand working his shaft. His balls. Squeezing and sucking and running his tongue along--
It was too much. Too much offered for him not to take--
Wolfram growled. Pulled at Yuuri's hair. Heard the sound of his cock leaving that perfect mouth and crushed his lips against his wimp. Pushed him down on the bed. Holding him down. Finally, finally his. Yuuri's lips were so hot-- wet-- tasting himself-- his cock rubbing against Yuuri's-- lower-- Sliding his cock under Yuuri's sack. Between his cheeks-- finding the hot crease to press inside. His. Oh how he wanted-- he wanted-- Kissing-- thrusting-- fingers digging into hair-- flesh-- Forcing. Taking. Needing-- needing more--
He came.
Wolfram's own voice in his ears. Nonsense words. Hot pulsing on his stomach. Yuuri's whimpering cry.
Then the world came rushing back. Solid and cold and what had he done?
Wolfram froze. Fear filled his veins and for a few terrifying seconds he believed he had just done the unthinkable.
Yuuri shifted beneath him, just enough for Wolfram to be able to tell for sure that he hadn't just-- "I'm sorry," he whispered into Yuuri's neck. Still too scared to raise his head and look at him. "I'm sorry..." He had lost himself. Completely. The knowledge of what he had almost done welled in his throat and Wolfram bit his lip. Hard.
Yuuri touched the back of Wolfram's head and made a sound that was far too happy-- too satisfied for the wimp to have any idea of how close Wolfram had come to--
Yuuri licked his ear. A tiny bite. "Why are you apologizing, Wolfram?" A kiss-- arms circling his waist-- shifting-- making Wolfram role off of him so that they were both curled, facing each other on the bed.
Wolfram was suddenly aware of the come drying on his stomach. Yuuri's come. He had been so caught up in himself that Wolfram had missed it.
Wolfram forced himself to look at Yuuri's face only to see the wimp grinning madly-- lick his lips. "Yuuri..." he breathed. Tried to make him understand how truly sorry he was. He couldn't lose him now. Wolfram couldn't lose Yuuri now that he finally finally was starting to feel as though he had him. Wolfram couldn't risk doing anything that might make Yuuri's feelings change and yet he had lost himself completely. Wolfram had lost-- if only for a moment-- that careful hold on the desperation-- the desires that were sure to only push Yuuri away.
Yuuri's grin faded and he touched Wolfram's cheek. For a while he only looked at him, ran a thumb lightly over Wolfram's skin. Concern faded to sleepy curiosity, lip worried distractingly between his teeth.
It only made Wolfram want to kiss him. So red still-- swollen-- Wolfram could still feel-- still remember where that mouth had been.
Yuuri must have caught him looking because seconds later he had shifted forward. Was kissing him. Soft and warm. Slow and content. Hazy and precise.
Yuuri made the cold fear warm. The panic slow. What he hadn't even known he needed...
Eventually Yuuri pulled back, eyes half closed, voice heavy with sleep. "So much for my bath."
Wolfram blushed. He could feel the stiffness on his stomach where Yuuri's come had almost dried. It must be even worse for Yuuri. Come drying in other places. "I'm Sorry," he said again.
That lazy smile was back. "I'm not. I liked it-- finally making you lose control a bit." A happy sigh. "Maybe I'm not so hopeless after all."
"Wimp," Wolfram breathed. Allowed himself a moment to bask in the feel of Yuuri's gaze. Then he forced himself to stand. Clean himself off and give Yuuri a damp towel of his own. The maids might wonder how they all had been used so quickly, but Wolfram was too tired for propriety.
Too tired to think about what Yuuri had said. What it had meant. What Wolfram had come so close to doing. Yuuri had changed so much, so quickly. What if Wolfram was too busy worrying about the day when Yuuri's attention moved away from him to enjoy the time he had him?
Wolfram had spent so long in the dark. Alone with his thoughts and fears that somewhere along the way he had forgotten how impossibly good Yuuri was. Why Wolfram had loved him so much to begin with. Had he become so addicted to his own misery that when the chance for happiness arose he could do nothing but brush it aside? Nothing but try to make himself more miserable?
He should be happy. He should feel something other than fear and desperation. Darkness looming in every corner.
Yuuri had fallen asleep during Wolfram's brooding and Wolfram sat on the bed beside him and ran his fingers lightly through his hair. So straight. Black and soft between his fingers.
Since Yuuri had proposed the second time he had given Wolfram no reason to doubt him. But a month could only do so much against years of habit. Against years of telling himself he didn't have a chance.
But his habit-- his stubbornness and fear had almost cost him everything tonight. If he hadn't held back so hard and so long he wouldn't have lost himself the way he did.
Wolfram had to force himself to trust Yuuri. A simple and yet seemingly impossible task when Wolfram couldn't trust himself.
Wolfram still didn't know what to think about what Shinou had said. About Ethne.
He knew he had always been hot-tempered. Gwendal had told him a thousand times not to allow himself to be ruled by his emotions. And yet he was. Time and time again.
What would happen if he lost his temper now? When he lost his hold on his new gift? The Maou had his Justice-- and Yuuri had remarkable control even when the Maou unleashed it-- but the Maou had always been the justice of the crown. Even when the power had belonged to his mother. A terrible power to be sure, but with its own clear sense of right and wrong.
Ethne however, was unknown. Unpredictable. Ethne was fire and destruction. Flame.
Wolfram still hadn't told Yuuri-- hadn't told anyone. The Maou had always held the power-- had been able to unite the demon nations because of his unsurpassed magical strength.
What would happen to that unity if the Maou's power were to be matched?
Of course, Wolfram still didn't know if he truly did possess that kind of power. But the warmth inside that he had always felt-- his fire-- he had always been close to it. Known its strength. Wolfram had never felt a fire like the one he bore. Nothing even close. Wolfram couldn't be sure-- about any of it-- but he couldn't keep his mind from weighing the political ramifications of that possibility. Shinou had created the Maou-- or trapped him, the same way he had trapped Ethne-- before he died to ensure the unity of the demon nations after his death.
Wolfram's family in Belefield-- Voltaire-- the older countries still mistrusted Yuuri and his alliances with the humans.
Wolfram would sooner die than do anything against Yuuri. Especially now that Yuuri had this insane need to protect Shou Shimeron, Yuuri would have more enemies than he knew once they returned to the capital.
Wolfram continued to run his hand through Yuuri's hair. Watch his sleeping face. Wolfram would protect him from everything.
Including himself.
********
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Caloria
Royal Palace
The following morning
********
When Yuuri woke he was alone. The bed beside him was still warm though, and it made Yuuri smile in spite of his disappointment. Wolfram must have snuck back to his room so as not to give away their improper behavior. He sighed. Yuuri wished Wolfram had stayed long enough for them to wake up together.
Yuuri stretched but stayed beneath his sheets. Soft on bare skin. A grin spread on his lips as he remembered the night before. Wolfram's growl. Caught breaths against his ear. Finally getting to hear the way Yuuri was able to make him feel. It had been so good to have Wolfram pressed against him with such violent need. Satisfying in immeasurable ways. Yuuri remembered the way his erection had felt trapped between them-- that slide between his stomach and Wolfram's-- Wolfram's cock, hard-- sliding under his balls-- friction in entirely new places.
Knowing that he had finally been able to make Wolfram feel anything close to what Yuuri had made last night different from anything they had done before. Wolfram's panting-- desperate grabbing-- pushing them together so tight that Yuuri could hardly breathe. All of it combined to give Yuuri a sense of blissful accomplishment that was so much more than he had ever felt. It had been enough to push him over the edge a second time.
They were still uneven. Four to two... or really, six to two counting everything. Next time Yuuri would begin making his comeback. Having Wolfram's cock in his mouth had been... better than he could have ever expected. He would do it again. Get better. Make Wolfram lose control of his intimidating stamina. Next time Yuuri would touch him until he begged.
Like Yuuri had.
Yuuri's grin remained as he made himself ready for the day. He would have to say his formal goodbyes to Flurin and the court... accept more gifts. The date that had been set for the wedding was still a month away but Yuuri felt like it had already begun. In truth, the date would likely have been set sooner if the time it would take for Yuuri to retrieve his family from earth hadn't been taken into consideration.
Yuuri felt his smile fade. His mother would be thrilled of course, and his father would be happy as long as he was, but facing Shouri was a different matter entirely. Shouri's mind was trapped on earth. He couldn't understand how different things were here.
Shouri's heart was in the right place, but most of the time his words and actions weren't. Especially when it came to Yuuri being engaged to-- marrying another man. All that Shouri could see was how hard it would be for Yuuri to be with Wolfram had they been on earth. In Japan. Once Yuuri made Shouri understand how different this world was he would have to accept it. He would have to.
Yuuri sighed. There was nothing he could do about that now. He did his best to force his thoughts back to the day ahead.
He would get to see Wolfram at breakfast but it was unlikely he would get to again before their departure this afternoon. While Yuuri would be saying his goodbyes, Wolfram would be scouring the markets by the docks a final time in search of more presents for Greta. No matter how much Yuuri reassured him, Wolfram still seemed to be worried about how she would receive them. They had both sent her letters when they had reached Caloria, but the single reply that they had received this morning had been too formal for Wolfram's liking. It was one of Wolfram's more ridiculous concerns in Yuuri's opinion. Hadn't Wolfram always been the one who had instructed Greta to be as formal and proper as a real princess?
Yuuri supposed that Wolfram was just nervous about the fact that he had been gone for so long, and so Yuuri did his best to humor him. It didn't hurt that Yuuri loved to watch Wolfram spoil her. Besides, presents for Greta and Wolfram were constantly on his mind now that his trip to earth was drawing closer. Yuuri still hadn't given Wolfram the picture he had taken from his mother's photo album, and now it had gotten travel-worn and creased. It was just as well really, it gave Yuuri a nice excuse to simply keep it for himself.
Yuuri ran a hand through his unruly hair and left his royal guest room. Conrad was waiting for him and offered a careful smile.
"Good morning, Your Majesty."
"Conrad," Yuuri warned, shaking his head. He let his friend fall in step behind him as he headed toward the dining room. He sighed. "Is everything ready for this afternoon?"
"Yes, Yuuri," Conrad answered. "We should be able to leave according to schedule."
"Thank goodness." He shot Conrad a grin from over his shoulder. "It's been ages since we were all home."
"Indeed it has."
Suddenly Yuuri felt guilty. "Flurin is alright though? We don't have to leave right away if she still needs Gisela. I mean, I suppose Gisela could come back later when Flurin comes for the... the wedding.. but with everything that's happened..."
"Everyone is in agreement that Gisela should stay with Wolfram. You don't have to worry about that. Lady Flurin seems to have made a full recovery," Conrad explained.
"Good," Yuuri sighed in relief. "I'm glad she's feeling better. Do we know what made her so sick?"
"No," Conrad said. "Though I have a feeling there is no cause for great concern."
Yuuri was about to ask why, but was distracted by Flurin who was waiting to greet him by the dining room.
"Good morning, Your Majesty." She curtsied.
"Good morning, Lady Flurin." He answered with a small bow of his own. "I'm glad to see you are feeling better."
"Thank you for your concern." Her cheeks were flush, and her eyes seemed brighter than Yuuri had ever seen them. "I am feeling much better."
They walked into the dining room together. Everyone else had arrived before them, and stood as they entered. Yuuri blushed and gave Wolfram a half-smile as he went to take his seat beside him, Flurin on his other side. Wolfram smirked at him as the rest of the group took their seats.
It only made Yuuri blush harder. He hoped that no one would notice. Following the protocol of their newly reinstated engagement seemed to be important to Wolfram and Yuuri didn't want to let him down.
Thankfully Murata seemed to be too busy buttering his toast to comment. Yuuri let some of the tension out of his shoulders and started on his breakfast. Yozak was sitting with them this morning and he and Flurin began discussing the ship and other preparations for their journey. Things seemed to be proceeding nicely. There had been a steady wind from the east since last night that promised to continue and they would be leaving with the tide. Everything was in their favor and it was possible that they could make the trip in a few days rather than the expected week.
Even though Yuuri had insisted that Yozak accompany them back to the capital his Plan showed no signs of falling into place. Yozak and Conrad acted pretty much the same as they always did, and if anything Conrad seemed quieter, more withdrawn than Yuuri had ever seen him, since the Shimeron Incident at least.
Yuuri hoped that it had nothing to do with him.
He took a large gulp of his tea and watched Yozak talk. Yuuri knew that Yozak was a spy, was well trained at hiding things. If Yozak didn't want Yuuri to notice something he knew he probably wouldn't. Maybe things weren't quite so hopeless for his two friends. Yuuri had heard them that night in Habalouge after all, and so there had to be a chance.
Yozak and Conrad were best friends. They had done That. And yet Yuuri didn't know how to define their relationship. Were they boyfriends? Lovers? And if so why didn't they act like it? Yuuri had been watching both of them since they left Habalouge and he had yet to catch a glace or a touch between them. Nothing that held the answer to his question.
Or was the answer obvious? What if they were already together like that and no one had ever told him because of how obvious it should have been? But if that were the case than Wolfram wouldn't have been so convinced that Conrad had feelings for him.
And that was really the heart of Yuuri's concerns. Before that conversation with Wolfram Yuuri wouldn't have hesitated to simply ask Conrad about Yozak. Now Yuuri felt so strange about all of it. If what Wolfram had said was true then-- then what? Yuuri knew it shouldn't change anything and yet it did. It made Yuuri feel terrible because he really did love Conrad as his friend. Conrad had been his first friend in this strange new world. Conrad had done so much for him, had probably given up more than he would ever know to protect him. Conrad was an irreplaceable part of Yuuri's life and yet now he was afraid to even talk to him.
Part of Yuuri was afraid it wasn't true-- that Wolfram had caused himself so much pain over an imagined threat. But Yuuri was more afraid-- had a growing, creeping feeling that it was. And he was afraid of what it meant.
It meant that he had hurt Conrad. That he was hurting Conrad. That anything he could possibly say would only make it worse.
And so Yuuri tried not to let himself really think about it. He tried to act like everything was alright between them. Because after all, there was still the possibility that it was.
It helped to think of Conrad and Yozak being together. That they could be happy. As happy as he was now with Wolfram.
Thinking about Wolfram helped most of all, but the guilt never went away completely. The fears and frets.
Yuuri let his foot touch Wolfram's beneath the table.
* * *
It was noisy down by the docks. It seemed like half the kingdom had come to see them off. The smell of the ocean was strong and damp and Yuuri could feel it on his cheeks as they set sail for Shin Makoku.
Once he could no longer make out the faces of Flurin and the others he stopped waving and put a hand on Wolfram's shoulder. "Don't worry it will be less than a week."
Wolfram only nodded. Already pale. He steadied himself on the edge of the boat and retched off the side.
Yuuri blinked. Well, that was fast. Usually Wolfram was able to last an hour at least. He kept his hand on Wolfram's back and rubbed him gently as he tried not to gag at the sound of Wolfram emptying his stomach into the waves. Yuuri couldn't help but send Gisela a worried glance.
It took a few moments for Wolfram to finish, and when he did he slowly slumped forward until his forehead was resting on the wooden edge of the boat. Body bent though he was still standing.
Yuuri rubbed his back. "Are you alright, Wolfram?"
Instead of answering Wolfram shivered-- then gagged uselessly over the edge again. "What does it look like," he wheezed. Then he all but crumpled onto the deck.
Yuuri barely managed to catch him in time, giving a startled cry that had both Gisela and Conrad running to his side. Even as Yuuri held him he could feel the sweat beginning to soak through Wolfram's new uniform. See it beading on his cheeks and forehead. Wolfram's eyes were closed and Yuuri realized with growing worry that he must have passed out. Thankfully, Wolfram half-opened his eyes as Gisela knelt by his side.
"I'm fine," he insisted and tried to stand, gripping the railing with white knuckles to pull himself up. "I just need to lie down..."
Gisela reached for him, but Yuuri beat her too it. "Where?"
Wolfram let Yuuri and Conrad help him to the bedroom closest to the deck, but only barely. Even his lips were pale and sometimes his head rocked forward and Yuuri was sure he was going to faint. When they reached the bed Wolfram fell on it easily, not even taking off his boots in his need to curl into a ball above the sheets.
Gisela moved beside the bed and touched his forehead.
"Just seasick..." Wolfram panted, eyes closed. "Same as always. Don't fuss."
Gisela frowned. "I'll fuss if I like." The tips of her fingers glowed green. She sighed.
"What is it?" Yuuri asked.
"Seasickness," she stood. "I'll get some lavender tea to help him sleep. That and a bucket." She looked back to Wolfram. "Try to keep it down as best as you can." Then she hurried from the room.
Wolfram gave a small grunt in answer and shivered. Yuuri sat next to him on the bed and pulled off Wolfram's boots. Then he moved to rub a hand on Wolfram's damp back.
"Don't." Wolfram whispered. "Boat's... moving enough as it is."
"Oh" Yuuri took his hand away. "Sorry." He worried his lip. There had to be something he could do.
"I'm fine," Wolfram said again. "You should go. Enjoy the trip." He paused, catching his breath. "This is..." he swallowed thickly. "Disgusting."
Yuuri shook his head even though Wolfram had closed his eyes. "Not disgusting," he reassured. "Never that. I like taking care of you for a change."
Wolfram's snort turned into a gag. He swallowed again and shuddered.
Yuuri shifted and started undoing the buttons of Wolfram's jacket, blushing as he realized that Conrad was watching him. Gisela reentered the room without comment and Yuuri maneuvered Wolfram out of his jacket as Gisela made him sit so he could drink his tea. Yuuri stood to hang the jacket on the back of a nearby chair.
Wolfram gave him a thankful half-smile over his teacup before he swallowed. Then swallowed once more before vomiting into the freshly provided bucket.
It was going to be a long journey home.
********
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Go on to the next part
------
Part Title: Chapter 5
Fic Rating: Nc-17 (Sex between men, Adult Language, Violence, Peripheral Character Death)
Chapter Rating: Nc-17
Setting: Post Season 2
Focus Pairing: WolframXYuuri
Side Pairings: Anissina/Gwendal, Greta/OMC, Conrad/Yuuri, SageXShinou, MurataXShinou, AU!Sara/Yuuri, OMCXOMC, OMC/past!Wolf, GiselaXFlurin, Yozak/Conrad
Author: somniumquiesco
Beta: kudouusagi
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Go back to the very beginning
Go back to the previous part
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Shou Shimeron
Capital Ring
Two weeks later
********
Before he left his home Camilio made sure to kiss Rebecka goodbye. She had been so quiet. So lost since the others had come. Even though Camilio had yet to consummate his marriage to any of the other three women-- girls that His Majesty had given him, even though Rebecka knew he loved her above all things. The sparkle in her eyes had died.
His face slipped into a careful mask of indifference as he walked the pristine streets of the inner city. Blessed by the gods.
He nearly scoffed.
So far Camilio had been lucky. Lucky he had spent his youth blind so he could spend his adulthood pretending to be. Lucky that his pretty new wives were as interested in him as he was in them. Two were young enough to be his children, and were treated as such within the household, and Annette was sleeping with his neighbor. If Camilio was truly lucky, the man would have her pregnant soon and Camilio would never have to worry about raising suspicion by not performing his husbandly duties.
Because there was no way out.
Camilio had even allowed himself to think about it once. Running. But it was impossible. With his promotion there was no need for him to enter the second ring of the capital, let alone the third. Even in his younger days of preaching at Gatherings, he had only been past the walls separating the Second from the Third Class twice. Each time it was under the pretense of preaching the word of the gods to the most unfortunate of souls, and each time he had been accompanied by several guards. Even if he were to gain permission to do so again it would be impossible to take Rebecka-- his children-- Camilio could never bring himself to abandon them.
Nor could he bring himself to do anything that might put them in danger.
He knew it made him a coward. Hiding behind words and prayers that he used to believe in with all his heart.
It wasn't to say he had abandoned the gods completely, he still believed in their divine choice. Their selection of the Pure. The duty of the Pure to help those less fortunate.
But Camilio could no longer ignore that in recent years the Pure had fallen. Even along his walk to the central tower he passed them. Eyes wide, black, with the abuse of their gift. These Pure had not helped those less fortunate-- how could they when they were so lost in their own destructive pleasure?
Though Camilio could remember the way it felt to love everything about his position as Cleric, to love a future where everyone was as blessed as the Pure, Camilio could no longer feel anything but disgust, but fear for the world around him. A shining capital surrounded by disease, idiocy, and despair.
Despite his dark thoughts Camilio's careful mask remained intact as he made his way to the central tower.
He had received a personal summons from His Majesty this morning and so the quickness of his pace left him all but breathless as he climbed the winding stairs. At first, summons like this one had terrified him. But the more they arrived, the more strangely fond His Majesty became of him, the less Camilio feared for himself and the more he began to fear for their kingdom.
Upon reaching the top Camilio paused to place his hands in the basin. Water dusted with black. Camilio tried to catch his breath as he completed the ritual. An attendant arrived to escort him to the inner chamber sooner than he would have liked, and Camilio rinsed his hands in clear water and finished his prayer. Then he followed the attendant to His Majesty's quarters in silence.
He could hear the king shouting before he arrived.
The attendant left him at the door and Camilio took a deep breath before opening it. Even the foreknowledge that His Majesty was angry did not prepare him for what he saw.
His Majesty was wearing his dressing gown and little else, sleeve falling off his shoulder as he paced. His face was spotted red with rage as he yelled at his favorite guard, who stood, tall and impassive as ever, against the opposite wall.
"I should have killed that miserable cunt when I had the chance!" His majesty roared even as he slowed his pacing at Camilio's entrance. "They were supposed to kill him! Can no one follow the simplest of orders?!"
"Valesco had never failed before. There is no way for us to have anticipated--"
"Reyes, enough!" His Majesty snapped, before turning his attention to Camilio instead. It was then that Camilio noticed the formal document, crumpled in the king's right hand. "His Majesty Maou has invited me to his wedding to Belefield's Bastard." Every word was sharp. And then he paused, his voice fell to a whisper as he all but crumpled where he stood. Hair wild and covering his face as he sat on the floor. "We are done for."
Camilio swallowed. "What can I do, Your Majesty?"
"There has to be something..." His Majesty whispered without looking up. "There has to be."
After a nod of approval from the guard, Camilio stepped closer to kneel before his king. Still he dared not touch him. "We cannot be certain that they will turn to war. Did you not tell me yourself how certain you were of King Yuuri's favor?"
"None of it matters now." His Majesty hissed. "None of it. His husband will make sure of it. He's the only one who could ever tell Yuuri to do anything..." And finally the king looked up into Camilio's eyes. "You are this city's greatest Man of Faith. There must be something left... Something I haven't thought of... Camilio" Words fell away.
Camilio found he could hardly breathe. It had to be a trap. "There are many men with far more years-- higher ranked within the clergy--"
"Traitors all of them," His Majesty spat. "I had them dealt with this morning. No. They wished for me to fall. Wanted my place-- my birthright for their own. I cannot put my faith in those who wish me dead." His Majesty stood then, walking toward his guard. "Do you know what the men of higher ranks and years had whispered when my back was turned, DeLa Rosa? They thought to save themselves by offering my head to the demon nations as an apology. As if that would stop their fool's revenge." His Majesty scoffed. "The demons would tear this land apart before they retreat to their northern kingdoms. Lands of their barbarian gods with soil free from the houseki that so pains them." The king had reached his guard. Pressed his back against him as the taller man folded his arms around the suddenly frail looking child that was their sovereign.
"Then the true horrors will descend," His Majesty continued. "The Pure will be purged. A hundred hundred years of the god's chosen people will be so diluted by filth that they will be destroyed."
Camilio licked dry lips. Nodded. He pressed his tongue against his teeth to keep his silence. To distract himself from thoughts of how this never would have happened if His Majesty had not attempted to accelerate the will of the gods.
His Majesty smiled. "I knew I could depend on you, DeLa Rosa. Your family has served me well. Unexpectedly well in fact," he purred.
"I am glad, Your Majesty." Camilio bowed.
"Now, Camilio, take the day to think about what I have told you. Then I wish to hear your thoughts on what we might do to ensure the continuing legacy of the chosen."
Another bow. "Yes, Your Majesty." The Camilio turned and headed for the door.
"Dela Rosa."
Camilio paused.
"I needn't remind you of the fate of traitors?"
"No, Your Majesty," Camilio managed and escaped beyond the door.
********
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Caloria
Royal Palace
Later that evening
********
Yuuri let out a heavy sigh as he leaned against the railing of his room's balcony. It was a beautiful night. A sky full of stars and a half moon. Yuuri's body was still warm from the bath, wet hair soaking the back edge of the nightshirt against his neck. The balcony faced the harbor, and even though he was too far away to hear the waves break against the shore, Yuuri could see the lines of ships bobbing in the moonlight.
Tomorrow they would finally be heading home. Anissina's Banana Boat would have been faster, but it was unfit for the journey after so long in human territory and so Flurin had insisted upon lending them a ship.
As kind as the offer was, it seemed like it had taken years for the preparations to be made instead of days. Of course, it hadn't helped that Flurin herself had gotten a cold or whatever it was. Gisela had said there was no need for concern, but Yuuri couldn't help but worry anyway. It was hard not to with how much time Gisela had spent treating her since they'd arrived.
This was to be Yuuri's third night in the royal guestroom. Alone in his giant bed.
Tomorrow seemed a long way off.
Yuuri frowned. This bizarre custom to keep him away from Wolfram was getting beyond ridiculous. It had been a month since he and Wolfram had done That and Yuuri had barely gotten to touch him since. Admittedly, Yuuri had gotten a bit better about restraining himself in public lately, but it was only because present circumstances left him with no other choice. That and his body had decided to start taking care of the problem on its own every so often while he slept. A solution that was more embarrassing than anything else. At least these last few days he had had his own room and was able to take care of himself before his body had to.
As if on cue the beginnings of an erection brushed against the front of his pajama bottoms. Yuuri was determined to ignore it.
He had received a very terse letter from Gwendal this morning, informing him and Wolfram that the date for their wedding had been decided and as such invitations had finally been sent. Thankfully, Gwendal hadn't mentioned anything about Yuuri's insistence that Sara be invited. He had already had enough of an argument about it with everyone else.
Yuuri had gotten so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice the movement on the balcony of the next room over until Wolfram's voice made him jump.
"Why so sullen, Wimp?" Moonlight played on pale skin and hair.
Yuuri flushed when he saw him, all too aware of how thin his pajamas were. How quickly his blood was rushing to make it worse.
Wolfram only smirked, coming to lean against his own balcony closest to where Yuuri stood. No more than five feet away, but separated by a drop of several stories. It was the first time that Yuuri had seen him out on the balcony-- something Yuuri had no doubt Wolfram had done on purpose to keep Yuuri from pondering the kind of thing he was pondering now.
How sure he was that he could make the jump.
Wolfram looked beautiful in moonlight. All the time really, but it had been so long since Yuuri had gotten to enjoy how good Wolfram looked in formal dress. The uniform Wolfram wore now was similar to what he had always worn back at Blood Pledge Castle, only black. Cravat shocking white and soft against the figure forming angles of stiff wool and shining silver buttons. Flurin had given it to him yesterday as an early wedding present, and Yuuri had yet to see Wolfram out of it since.
Yuuri licked his lips and smiled, moving as close as he could to Wolfram on his own balcony. "Miss you," he offered as a belated answer.
"Hhn?" Wolfram's smirk only widened as he leaned a bit across the gap. "You've been doing well though."
Yuuri gave a frustrated sigh and ran a hand through his half-damp hair. "It's so annoying!" He closed his eyes and shook his head. A useless attempt to cool his blood. When he opened his eyes again Yuuri had to gasp in shock. Wolfram was still grinning only now he was standing on his own railing, looking down at him. "Careful!" he gasped, but Wolfram had already begun the leap.
Yuuri could only stare dumbly as Wolfram made the jump, one foot landing on the stone of Yuuri's railing before he hopped down to the platform.
Wolfram barely had time to turn toward him before Yuuri had pounced.
Bodies crashed together and lips and teeth met in a desperate need for more and now. Wolfram's smell was everywhere-- his skin-- hands hot against his back-- already under his nightshirt. Yuuri whimpered into Wolfram's mouth, pushing closer and closer. Holding him so tight and forcing himself so close that soon Wolfram's back was to the wall and there was no where else for him to go. No escape.
Finally.
Wolfram was hard inside his uniform and Yuuri's cock was full and free inside his lose pajamas-- pressed up between the heat of Wolfram's flesh and the flat plane of his own stomach. They were so close. So close and all Yuuri wanted was more.
Wolfram's lips were so warm so soft-- hard-- yes against his own. Kissing him back as hard as Yuuri was. For a moment one of Wolfram's hands moved from Yuuri's back and his mind screamed for it to come between them. To touch him-- touch them.
"Wolf..." he begged against wet lips. He begged.
The hand moved to the back of his neck instead. Pulling at hair. Pulling until Yuuri couldn't kiss him anymore and he all but sobbed as Wolfram ran his tongue against his bottom lip. Just a taste. A tease.
"Patience," Wolfram breathed against his lips. "Shh..."
And it wasn't fair. Wolfram's eyes were as dark as his must be-- his cock as hard. Yuuri rocked his hips for emphasis. Watched Wolfram's face as he felt him twitch. "No," Yuuri mumbled. All he could even feel was his cock. The wet heat of Wolfram's mouth so close to his. "Can't."
Wolfram tightened his grip on Yuuri's hair until he squeaked. "Wimp." Another kiss. Hot and fast and no where near enough. "We're going inside." Then he pulled away.
Yuuri had no choice but to follow-- holding the damp bulge in the front of his pants self consciously as he went. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that Wolfram was so impossibly wantable while he simply wasn't. He looked at the ground. Worried his lip while Wolfram closed the balcony doors.
Yuuri refused to look up even as Wolfram approached. So close now that they were almost touching.
"Hey," Wolfram's voice was warm. A quick breath beside his ear. "What's the matter, Wimp?"
Yuuri wanted to glare. Instead he shivered as Wolfram hands touched his shoulders, trailing slowly down his arms, forcing them to his sides. Forcing Yuuri's erection to bounce free-- pointing embarrassingly between them. Tip barely touching Wolfram's still-trapped heat.
This time Wolfram shivered. His hands moved from Yuuri's arms, trailing up his sides. Down his back. Lower. Yuuri blushed, leaned his head forward to hide his face in Wolfram's shoulder. Let Wolfram have his way.
Even though Wolfram's hands were sure-- moved with purpose against his skin-- the buttons of his night shirt-- Yuuri could see, could feel the steady rocking of his hips. The brush of hard. Of heat. Soon Yuuri rocked against him, lost in the motion. Barely there. Without realizing his hands had moved to the front of Wolfram's pants. Thumbs rubbing, barely touching where Wolfram was so hard-- tucked up-- thick and hot and needing to be free.
Yuuri lost himself in the way that Wolfram's breathing changed as he ran his thumbs against him. Imagining every shape, feeling strength. Wolfram hissed when Yuuri's fingers found the buttons, found the wet soft slick where the head had escaped his formal underwear. Dark. Shining. So smooth as he let the pad of his thumb slide just barely against the head. Let himself feel the curves of it, the dip of the slit-- soft and hard and wet.
Yuuri whimpered. Seeing him-- touching him. Familiar and different and so much more. Yuuri rocked his hips until the still covered head of his cock pressed against Wolfram's shaft, sliding slowly up and down. Hardly touching at all. Just enough for the thin cloth to start soaking up the precome already dripping from Wolfram's full thick--
Another sound of want.
Wolfram. Yuuri was touching him. Looking at him. Slowly. Mesmerizing. A trance of touching. Of new.
They were the same height and yet there was so much different. Wolfram's legs were longer, cock higher, making him look even bigger than he already was. Making him look--
He blinked, shifted to look up into Wolfram's eyes.
A flash of wild green and wanting and Yuuri found himself pressed hard against the wall-- Wolfram's lips tight on his. And then Wolfram's hand was between them where it should have been all along-- tugging at Yuuri's pants until they fell, pooled at his ankles-- and then Wolfram was finally touching him-- touching them-- pressing together. Sliding hot and hard against hot and hard and the earlier surreal fascination that had swallowed him fell away and all Yuuri was capable of feeling was how very very good it felt.
Yuuri clung to Wolfram's back. Pulled him closer. Tried anything he could to get closer. Pushed Wolfram's pants down-- the click of metal on the floor as the weight of his belt did most of the work-- hands on the small of Wolfram's back-- lower as he pushed his fingers beneath too tight underwear to grab at flexing flesh while Wolfram rocked breathlessly against him.
And all too soon Yuri could feel it starting-- too late to do anything but break their kiss to gasp into Wolfram's neck as he came into his hand-- body jerking with each pulse of heat-- clinging desperately to Wolfram. This feeling.
Wolfram loosened his grip as Yuuri continued to rock slowly, lost, movement spreading his own come against him. Yuuri turned his head to see Wolfram's smirk of a smile-- so pleased with himself. Bottom lip caught on teeth.
His entire body was so warm. Wolfram kissed his nose, across his cheek-- neck. Warm and content. Sleepy. Basking in the attention he was finally being given, but then Wolfram stepped back.
Yuuri could feel his cheeks go hot. "I'm sorry... your hand..."
Wolfram half laughed as he walked to the basin of water on Yuuri's bedside table. "I wasn't going to let it get anywhere else."
"You mean your new uniform?" Yuuri stayed where he was, silent and blushing while Wolfram cleaned his hands and then tossed Yuuri a clean cloth of his own. Yuuri wiped away what was left and watched as Wolfram began to unbutton his jacket. He hung it on a nearby chair before bending over to remove his pants where they had been bunched around one ankle along with his shoes. Unfortunately Wolfram was facing him by that point and so Yuuri was unable to appreciate the view.
Still, his renewed desire to touch was impossible to ignore and Yuuri stepped out of his pajama bottoms, leaving them in a crumpled heap as he made his way to sit on the bed near where Wolfram was standing. Wolfram had adjusted his underwear so that he was fully covered again, but the stretching of cloth over his arousal was unmistakable. Black fabric pulling away from his body the slightest bit.
And Yuuri realized he was staring.
Wolfram raised an eyebrow and smirked down at him as he undid his cravat and slowly began unbuttoning his crisp new undershirt. If it weren't for the pink staining his cheeks-- his mussed hair and too red mouth-- It would have been impossible for Yuuri to muster the courage to reach out and touch him. Wolfram made it look so easy. He was so sure of himself. It made Yuuri feel like nothing more than a half-naked teenager with the stamina to match.
Despite these fears, Yuuri reached out to brush his fingers against the exposed jut of Wolfram's left hipbone, pulling him closer. "You haven't come yet..." he heard himself murmurer. Watched the blush spread to Wolfram's ears and his smirk falter.
Wolfram covered Yuuri's hand with his, shirt now open-- long line of skin cutting gracefully down his chest and stomach. "It's fine. I-- I don't need to." He gently tried to push Yuuri's hand away.
Yuuri only held him tighter. Pouted. Was he really so unwantable? But at the same time... Wolfram had wanted him for so long. It was so hard to remember but it was true. Had Wolfram changed his mind now that he had him? Now that Yuuri had proven himself to be so intimately incompetent. "Why?" he whispered, tearing his eyes from the exposed flesh before him to look up into Wolfram's eyes-- to see them closed-- bottom lip gone white where his teeth pressed hard against it. Brow furrowed. Other hand shaking where it was fisted at his side. "Wolf..."
Wolfram let out a shaking breath. Kept his eyes closed. "It's fine," he said again.
Yuuri's pout deepened to a frown. "It's not fine, Wolfram. I know I'm not very good at this but-- but I want to be." He kept his eyes on Wolfram's face, waiting for green eyes to open. "Please."
Wolfram moved his right hand to his face-- covered his mouth-- short breaths hissing through his nose. He didn't open his eyes.
"Wolf..." Yuuri whispered again. Wondered what he had done so wrong. Wolfram must still want him somewhat-- he was still so hard. Yuuri looked at him again, saw the damp spot where the head was-- the curve. He couldn't know what Wolfram was thinking-- what he needed. "You have to tell me what to do," he breathed. "What you want." Yuuri tugged him closer, transfixed, needing a better look. He brought up his other hand to rest on Wolfram's hip-- pressed against strong hipbones with both his thumbs.
If Yuuri leaned forward he would be able to touch it with his mouth. Feel the heat on his lips. Yuuri paused. Shivered. Realized he wanted it so much it scared him.
But could he really do that?
Wolfram had done it to him. Wolfram had done it to him and it had been so impossibly good. So good that Yuuri knew he would never be able to give Wolfram the same experience no matter how badly he wanted to. He wanted to--
God, he wanted to so badly he could feel the blood moving back into his own cock.
Yuuri looked up at Wolfram once more. He still hadn't moved. Hadn't spoken.
And so Yuuri took a shaking breath and leaned forward.
Just one soft kiss and both of their breathing seemed to stop. Yuuri's heart was racing. Pounding in his ears. If he didn't have both his hands gripped tight on Wolfram's hips to keep him in place he was sure they would be shaking. Even though it was so tightly trapped Wolfram's cock moved away from him with the pressure of the kiss. Yuuri forced himself to breathe, and with that breath-- he had to let out a soft moan at the smell of him. The way it made him feel.
Yuuri kissed him again. Lingering this time. Pushing forward with his mouth until there was nowhere for Wolfram's erection to escape. Yuuri opened his mouth a bit to push out his tongue. Tasting him through cloth. Slick even through the fabric. His first real taste. Strong. Shocking. Wolfram. He closed his eyes to memorize it.
He could do this. It wasn't so scary. He hadn't really thought about it before but-- but suddenly it made so much sense.
Wolfram didn't seem to be going anywhere so Yuuri moved his hands-- in from Wolfram's hips-- fingers toying with the edges of cloth where the pull of Wolfram's cock kept it from being flush against his skin. Touching what was underneath. Soft sparse hair. Damp heat.
Yuuri sucked lightly, as if to keep him in place while he pushed his way beneath Wolfram's underwear from both sides-- tips of his fingers brushing the edges of his shaft-- lower-- feeling how tight and drawn his balls had gotten. Feeling Wolfram twitch against his lips as he touched him. Moving his mouth down to meet his fingers through the cloth.
He could do this. Still-- he kept his eyes closed-- kept tasting-- learning him with his lips for just another moment as he worked up the courage to do what he really wanted. Slowly he pulled the top edge of the underwear over Wolfram's cock, pushed it down his legs with one hand while he used the other to guide the tip of Wolfram's now bare flesh against his lips.
Wolfram let out the tiniest of sounds and it made him taste so much better. So good. Yuuri mouthed the head-- licked-- lower and lower and up again. Breathed him in with every breath. Wanted more. Wanted more and took it. Sliding his lips around Wolfram's too hard cock and pushing forward until the entire head of it was in his mouth. Running his tongue along every curve. Pushing lightly at the slit. Tasting like want and sex and Wolfram. Yuuri moaned against the heat in his mouth and it was all he could do not to touch himself.
Yuuri sucked him gently-- so afraid-- so scared to do anything wrong. Wanting desperately for Wolfram to want him. To need him. To lose himself in the feel of his mouth. To feel him. To touch every part of him with his tongue. His lips. This silky hard want and taste and--
Wolfram's hands were in his hair-- shaking-- breath sharp and quick and audible. Yuuri tried to take more in. To cover everything he was missing with his hands-- an impossible urge to feel Wolfram everywhere-- in his throat-- but much too scared to ever try. Because what if he hurt him? What if he had to stop.
His jaw was aching and he had no idea what to do about all the saliva that seemed to be filling his mouth-- but all he could think about was the possibility that finally finally he could make Wolfram feel anything like what Yuuri already had.
********
********
Wolfram was lost.
Lost in hot and lips and oh gods this couldn't be happening...
Yuuri was-- Wolfram's fingers tightened on black hair as he tried to breathe-- to keep himself from thrusting forward into that heat-- that-- that heat.
Oh how he had dreamed of this. Of Yuuri on his knees-- wanting him in a way he never--
Tongue. Suction. Gods.
Yuuri moaned again, his mouth full of Wolfram's cock and Wolfram couldn't-- he couldn't-- he had to look. Had to watch Yuuri suck him like he wanted it. Like he enjoyed it. As if there was nothing he would rather do than touch him. Yuuri's eyelashes were dark, fluttering but never fully open. He pulled back so that just the very tips of his lips brushed his head-- a flash of tongue--
Wolfram heard himself gasp. Voice caught on his breath. Yuuri would never. Yuuri would never but he was he was and oh. It was so good. Yuuri was so good. Looked so good. Brows tense in concentration. Determined. Learning as he went. Yuuri's mouth opened around him-- lips red. Hot red. Blushing cheeks. Lips stretching around his flesh as he lowered his head again-- made a small sound of his own.
Wolfram gripped black hair even harder and Yuuri made an appreciative noise. Moving faster. Remembering his hands. An accidental brush of teeth.
Wolfram had wanted him-- tried so hard not to take him a thousand thousand times-- wanted to fuck his mouth. Wanted to fuck him. Be inside him. Deep inside him. His everything. Take and take and own. Never let go. Always hold back. Never never--
So many fantasies flashed in his mind. Long forgotten images of want-- of Yuuri's mouth. His cock. Fucking him. Bending the wimp against his will until he screamed. Until he lost himself in something only he could give. Begged him for more. Because he knew that if he was only given the chance he could make Yuuri come a thousand times. A thousand ways. Wolfram had dreamed for so long of pounding into him. A different kind of flesh stretching eagerly around his cock. Yuuri's legs and arms around him-- clinging-- sweet sounds against his ear.
He had told himself a thousand times that it would never happen. Forced himself to believe it. Made himself believe that Yuuri would never want him-- never touch him-- never love him-- never make that sound as he tried to fit Wolfram's cock into his throat but couldn't. One hand working his shaft. His balls. Squeezing and sucking and running his tongue along--
It was too much. Too much offered for him not to take--
Wolfram growled. Pulled at Yuuri's hair. Heard the sound of his cock leaving that perfect mouth and crushed his lips against his wimp. Pushed him down on the bed. Holding him down. Finally, finally his. Yuuri's lips were so hot-- wet-- tasting himself-- his cock rubbing against Yuuri's-- lower-- Sliding his cock under Yuuri's sack. Between his cheeks-- finding the hot crease to press inside. His. Oh how he wanted-- he wanted-- Kissing-- thrusting-- fingers digging into hair-- flesh-- Forcing. Taking. Needing-- needing more--
He came.
Wolfram's own voice in his ears. Nonsense words. Hot pulsing on his stomach. Yuuri's whimpering cry.
Then the world came rushing back. Solid and cold and what had he done?
Wolfram froze. Fear filled his veins and for a few terrifying seconds he believed he had just done the unthinkable.
Yuuri shifted beneath him, just enough for Wolfram to be able to tell for sure that he hadn't just-- "I'm sorry," he whispered into Yuuri's neck. Still too scared to raise his head and look at him. "I'm sorry..." He had lost himself. Completely. The knowledge of what he had almost done welled in his throat and Wolfram bit his lip. Hard.
Yuuri touched the back of Wolfram's head and made a sound that was far too happy-- too satisfied for the wimp to have any idea of how close Wolfram had come to--
Yuuri licked his ear. A tiny bite. "Why are you apologizing, Wolfram?" A kiss-- arms circling his waist-- shifting-- making Wolfram role off of him so that they were both curled, facing each other on the bed.
Wolfram was suddenly aware of the come drying on his stomach. Yuuri's come. He had been so caught up in himself that Wolfram had missed it.
Wolfram forced himself to look at Yuuri's face only to see the wimp grinning madly-- lick his lips. "Yuuri..." he breathed. Tried to make him understand how truly sorry he was. He couldn't lose him now. Wolfram couldn't lose Yuuri now that he finally finally was starting to feel as though he had him. Wolfram couldn't risk doing anything that might make Yuuri's feelings change and yet he had lost himself completely. Wolfram had lost-- if only for a moment-- that careful hold on the desperation-- the desires that were sure to only push Yuuri away.
Yuuri's grin faded and he touched Wolfram's cheek. For a while he only looked at him, ran a thumb lightly over Wolfram's skin. Concern faded to sleepy curiosity, lip worried distractingly between his teeth.
It only made Wolfram want to kiss him. So red still-- swollen-- Wolfram could still feel-- still remember where that mouth had been.
Yuuri must have caught him looking because seconds later he had shifted forward. Was kissing him. Soft and warm. Slow and content. Hazy and precise.
Yuuri made the cold fear warm. The panic slow. What he hadn't even known he needed...
Eventually Yuuri pulled back, eyes half closed, voice heavy with sleep. "So much for my bath."
Wolfram blushed. He could feel the stiffness on his stomach where Yuuri's come had almost dried. It must be even worse for Yuuri. Come drying in other places. "I'm Sorry," he said again.
That lazy smile was back. "I'm not. I liked it-- finally making you lose control a bit." A happy sigh. "Maybe I'm not so hopeless after all."
"Wimp," Wolfram breathed. Allowed himself a moment to bask in the feel of Yuuri's gaze. Then he forced himself to stand. Clean himself off and give Yuuri a damp towel of his own. The maids might wonder how they all had been used so quickly, but Wolfram was too tired for propriety.
Too tired to think about what Yuuri had said. What it had meant. What Wolfram had come so close to doing. Yuuri had changed so much, so quickly. What if Wolfram was too busy worrying about the day when Yuuri's attention moved away from him to enjoy the time he had him?
Wolfram had spent so long in the dark. Alone with his thoughts and fears that somewhere along the way he had forgotten how impossibly good Yuuri was. Why Wolfram had loved him so much to begin with. Had he become so addicted to his own misery that when the chance for happiness arose he could do nothing but brush it aside? Nothing but try to make himself more miserable?
He should be happy. He should feel something other than fear and desperation. Darkness looming in every corner.
Yuuri had fallen asleep during Wolfram's brooding and Wolfram sat on the bed beside him and ran his fingers lightly through his hair. So straight. Black and soft between his fingers.
Since Yuuri had proposed the second time he had given Wolfram no reason to doubt him. But a month could only do so much against years of habit. Against years of telling himself he didn't have a chance.
But his habit-- his stubbornness and fear had almost cost him everything tonight. If he hadn't held back so hard and so long he wouldn't have lost himself the way he did.
Wolfram had to force himself to trust Yuuri. A simple and yet seemingly impossible task when Wolfram couldn't trust himself.
Wolfram still didn't know what to think about what Shinou had said. About Ethne.
He knew he had always been hot-tempered. Gwendal had told him a thousand times not to allow himself to be ruled by his emotions. And yet he was. Time and time again.
What would happen if he lost his temper now? When he lost his hold on his new gift? The Maou had his Justice-- and Yuuri had remarkable control even when the Maou unleashed it-- but the Maou had always been the justice of the crown. Even when the power had belonged to his mother. A terrible power to be sure, but with its own clear sense of right and wrong.
Ethne however, was unknown. Unpredictable. Ethne was fire and destruction. Flame.
Wolfram still hadn't told Yuuri-- hadn't told anyone. The Maou had always held the power-- had been able to unite the demon nations because of his unsurpassed magical strength.
What would happen to that unity if the Maou's power were to be matched?
Of course, Wolfram still didn't know if he truly did possess that kind of power. But the warmth inside that he had always felt-- his fire-- he had always been close to it. Known its strength. Wolfram had never felt a fire like the one he bore. Nothing even close. Wolfram couldn't be sure-- about any of it-- but he couldn't keep his mind from weighing the political ramifications of that possibility. Shinou had created the Maou-- or trapped him, the same way he had trapped Ethne-- before he died to ensure the unity of the demon nations after his death.
Wolfram's family in Belefield-- Voltaire-- the older countries still mistrusted Yuuri and his alliances with the humans.
Wolfram would sooner die than do anything against Yuuri. Especially now that Yuuri had this insane need to protect Shou Shimeron, Yuuri would have more enemies than he knew once they returned to the capital.
Wolfram continued to run his hand through Yuuri's hair. Watch his sleeping face. Wolfram would protect him from everything.
Including himself.
********
********
Caloria
Royal Palace
The following morning
********
When Yuuri woke he was alone. The bed beside him was still warm though, and it made Yuuri smile in spite of his disappointment. Wolfram must have snuck back to his room so as not to give away their improper behavior. He sighed. Yuuri wished Wolfram had stayed long enough for them to wake up together.
Yuuri stretched but stayed beneath his sheets. Soft on bare skin. A grin spread on his lips as he remembered the night before. Wolfram's growl. Caught breaths against his ear. Finally getting to hear the way Yuuri was able to make him feel. It had been so good to have Wolfram pressed against him with such violent need. Satisfying in immeasurable ways. Yuuri remembered the way his erection had felt trapped between them-- that slide between his stomach and Wolfram's-- Wolfram's cock, hard-- sliding under his balls-- friction in entirely new places.
Knowing that he had finally been able to make Wolfram feel anything close to what Yuuri had made last night different from anything they had done before. Wolfram's panting-- desperate grabbing-- pushing them together so tight that Yuuri could hardly breathe. All of it combined to give Yuuri a sense of blissful accomplishment that was so much more than he had ever felt. It had been enough to push him over the edge a second time.
They were still uneven. Four to two... or really, six to two counting everything. Next time Yuuri would begin making his comeback. Having Wolfram's cock in his mouth had been... better than he could have ever expected. He would do it again. Get better. Make Wolfram lose control of his intimidating stamina. Next time Yuuri would touch him until he begged.
Like Yuuri had.
Yuuri's grin remained as he made himself ready for the day. He would have to say his formal goodbyes to Flurin and the court... accept more gifts. The date that had been set for the wedding was still a month away but Yuuri felt like it had already begun. In truth, the date would likely have been set sooner if the time it would take for Yuuri to retrieve his family from earth hadn't been taken into consideration.
Yuuri felt his smile fade. His mother would be thrilled of course, and his father would be happy as long as he was, but facing Shouri was a different matter entirely. Shouri's mind was trapped on earth. He couldn't understand how different things were here.
Shouri's heart was in the right place, but most of the time his words and actions weren't. Especially when it came to Yuuri being engaged to-- marrying another man. All that Shouri could see was how hard it would be for Yuuri to be with Wolfram had they been on earth. In Japan. Once Yuuri made Shouri understand how different this world was he would have to accept it. He would have to.
Yuuri sighed. There was nothing he could do about that now. He did his best to force his thoughts back to the day ahead.
He would get to see Wolfram at breakfast but it was unlikely he would get to again before their departure this afternoon. While Yuuri would be saying his goodbyes, Wolfram would be scouring the markets by the docks a final time in search of more presents for Greta. No matter how much Yuuri reassured him, Wolfram still seemed to be worried about how she would receive them. They had both sent her letters when they had reached Caloria, but the single reply that they had received this morning had been too formal for Wolfram's liking. It was one of Wolfram's more ridiculous concerns in Yuuri's opinion. Hadn't Wolfram always been the one who had instructed Greta to be as formal and proper as a real princess?
Yuuri supposed that Wolfram was just nervous about the fact that he had been gone for so long, and so Yuuri did his best to humor him. It didn't hurt that Yuuri loved to watch Wolfram spoil her. Besides, presents for Greta and Wolfram were constantly on his mind now that his trip to earth was drawing closer. Yuuri still hadn't given Wolfram the picture he had taken from his mother's photo album, and now it had gotten travel-worn and creased. It was just as well really, it gave Yuuri a nice excuse to simply keep it for himself.
Yuuri ran a hand through his unruly hair and left his royal guest room. Conrad was waiting for him and offered a careful smile.
"Good morning, Your Majesty."
"Conrad," Yuuri warned, shaking his head. He let his friend fall in step behind him as he headed toward the dining room. He sighed. "Is everything ready for this afternoon?"
"Yes, Yuuri," Conrad answered. "We should be able to leave according to schedule."
"Thank goodness." He shot Conrad a grin from over his shoulder. "It's been ages since we were all home."
"Indeed it has."
Suddenly Yuuri felt guilty. "Flurin is alright though? We don't have to leave right away if she still needs Gisela. I mean, I suppose Gisela could come back later when Flurin comes for the... the wedding.. but with everything that's happened..."
"Everyone is in agreement that Gisela should stay with Wolfram. You don't have to worry about that. Lady Flurin seems to have made a full recovery," Conrad explained.
"Good," Yuuri sighed in relief. "I'm glad she's feeling better. Do we know what made her so sick?"
"No," Conrad said. "Though I have a feeling there is no cause for great concern."
Yuuri was about to ask why, but was distracted by Flurin who was waiting to greet him by the dining room.
"Good morning, Your Majesty." She curtsied.
"Good morning, Lady Flurin." He answered with a small bow of his own. "I'm glad to see you are feeling better."
"Thank you for your concern." Her cheeks were flush, and her eyes seemed brighter than Yuuri had ever seen them. "I am feeling much better."
They walked into the dining room together. Everyone else had arrived before them, and stood as they entered. Yuuri blushed and gave Wolfram a half-smile as he went to take his seat beside him, Flurin on his other side. Wolfram smirked at him as the rest of the group took their seats.
It only made Yuuri blush harder. He hoped that no one would notice. Following the protocol of their newly reinstated engagement seemed to be important to Wolfram and Yuuri didn't want to let him down.
Thankfully Murata seemed to be too busy buttering his toast to comment. Yuuri let some of the tension out of his shoulders and started on his breakfast. Yozak was sitting with them this morning and he and Flurin began discussing the ship and other preparations for their journey. Things seemed to be proceeding nicely. There had been a steady wind from the east since last night that promised to continue and they would be leaving with the tide. Everything was in their favor and it was possible that they could make the trip in a few days rather than the expected week.
Even though Yuuri had insisted that Yozak accompany them back to the capital his Plan showed no signs of falling into place. Yozak and Conrad acted pretty much the same as they always did, and if anything Conrad seemed quieter, more withdrawn than Yuuri had ever seen him, since the Shimeron Incident at least.
Yuuri hoped that it had nothing to do with him.
He took a large gulp of his tea and watched Yozak talk. Yuuri knew that Yozak was a spy, was well trained at hiding things. If Yozak didn't want Yuuri to notice something he knew he probably wouldn't. Maybe things weren't quite so hopeless for his two friends. Yuuri had heard them that night in Habalouge after all, and so there had to be a chance.
Yozak and Conrad were best friends. They had done That. And yet Yuuri didn't know how to define their relationship. Were they boyfriends? Lovers? And if so why didn't they act like it? Yuuri had been watching both of them since they left Habalouge and he had yet to catch a glace or a touch between them. Nothing that held the answer to his question.
Or was the answer obvious? What if they were already together like that and no one had ever told him because of how obvious it should have been? But if that were the case than Wolfram wouldn't have been so convinced that Conrad had feelings for him.
And that was really the heart of Yuuri's concerns. Before that conversation with Wolfram Yuuri wouldn't have hesitated to simply ask Conrad about Yozak. Now Yuuri felt so strange about all of it. If what Wolfram had said was true then-- then what? Yuuri knew it shouldn't change anything and yet it did. It made Yuuri feel terrible because he really did love Conrad as his friend. Conrad had been his first friend in this strange new world. Conrad had done so much for him, had probably given up more than he would ever know to protect him. Conrad was an irreplaceable part of Yuuri's life and yet now he was afraid to even talk to him.
Part of Yuuri was afraid it wasn't true-- that Wolfram had caused himself so much pain over an imagined threat. But Yuuri was more afraid-- had a growing, creeping feeling that it was. And he was afraid of what it meant.
It meant that he had hurt Conrad. That he was hurting Conrad. That anything he could possibly say would only make it worse.
And so Yuuri tried not to let himself really think about it. He tried to act like everything was alright between them. Because after all, there was still the possibility that it was.
It helped to think of Conrad and Yozak being together. That they could be happy. As happy as he was now with Wolfram.
Thinking about Wolfram helped most of all, but the guilt never went away completely. The fears and frets.
Yuuri let his foot touch Wolfram's beneath the table.
* * *
It was noisy down by the docks. It seemed like half the kingdom had come to see them off. The smell of the ocean was strong and damp and Yuuri could feel it on his cheeks as they set sail for Shin Makoku.
Once he could no longer make out the faces of Flurin and the others he stopped waving and put a hand on Wolfram's shoulder. "Don't worry it will be less than a week."
Wolfram only nodded. Already pale. He steadied himself on the edge of the boat and retched off the side.
Yuuri blinked. Well, that was fast. Usually Wolfram was able to last an hour at least. He kept his hand on Wolfram's back and rubbed him gently as he tried not to gag at the sound of Wolfram emptying his stomach into the waves. Yuuri couldn't help but send Gisela a worried glance.
It took a few moments for Wolfram to finish, and when he did he slowly slumped forward until his forehead was resting on the wooden edge of the boat. Body bent though he was still standing.
Yuuri rubbed his back. "Are you alright, Wolfram?"
Instead of answering Wolfram shivered-- then gagged uselessly over the edge again. "What does it look like," he wheezed. Then he all but crumpled onto the deck.
Yuuri barely managed to catch him in time, giving a startled cry that had both Gisela and Conrad running to his side. Even as Yuuri held him he could feel the sweat beginning to soak through Wolfram's new uniform. See it beading on his cheeks and forehead. Wolfram's eyes were closed and Yuuri realized with growing worry that he must have passed out. Thankfully, Wolfram half-opened his eyes as Gisela knelt by his side.
"I'm fine," he insisted and tried to stand, gripping the railing with white knuckles to pull himself up. "I just need to lie down..."
Gisela reached for him, but Yuuri beat her too it. "Where?"
Wolfram let Yuuri and Conrad help him to the bedroom closest to the deck, but only barely. Even his lips were pale and sometimes his head rocked forward and Yuuri was sure he was going to faint. When they reached the bed Wolfram fell on it easily, not even taking off his boots in his need to curl into a ball above the sheets.
Gisela moved beside the bed and touched his forehead.
"Just seasick..." Wolfram panted, eyes closed. "Same as always. Don't fuss."
Gisela frowned. "I'll fuss if I like." The tips of her fingers glowed green. She sighed.
"What is it?" Yuuri asked.
"Seasickness," she stood. "I'll get some lavender tea to help him sleep. That and a bucket." She looked back to Wolfram. "Try to keep it down as best as you can." Then she hurried from the room.
Wolfram gave a small grunt in answer and shivered. Yuuri sat next to him on the bed and pulled off Wolfram's boots. Then he moved to rub a hand on Wolfram's damp back.
"Don't." Wolfram whispered. "Boat's... moving enough as it is."
"Oh" Yuuri took his hand away. "Sorry." He worried his lip. There had to be something he could do.
"I'm fine," Wolfram said again. "You should go. Enjoy the trip." He paused, catching his breath. "This is..." he swallowed thickly. "Disgusting."
Yuuri shook his head even though Wolfram had closed his eyes. "Not disgusting," he reassured. "Never that. I like taking care of you for a change."
Wolfram's snort turned into a gag. He swallowed again and shuddered.
Yuuri shifted and started undoing the buttons of Wolfram's jacket, blushing as he realized that Conrad was watching him. Gisela reentered the room without comment and Yuuri maneuvered Wolfram out of his jacket as Gisela made him sit so he could drink his tea. Yuuri stood to hang the jacket on the back of a nearby chair.
Wolfram gave him a thankful half-smile over his teacup before he swallowed. Then swallowed once more before vomiting into the freshly provided bucket.
It was going to be a long journey home.
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