#KKM Secret Santa

[loozje]

Memories are just like Snowflakes - Secret Santa 2016

This is my gift for @heytsuki for the KMM Secret Santa 2016.

First of all, sorry it took so long. You’re such a dear for being so patient. 

This is also my first time writing about Shinou and the Daikenja. I haven’t actually read too much about them so I hope I got them right. Still, I had fun writing this even though it took forever.

Heytsuki, I really hope you’ll like it. Merry (belated) Christmas.

It’s a bit lengthy so you can either read it here on AO3 or continue to read after the cut.

Also, this will contain some spoilers for people who haven’t listened to Drama CD 43 - Secret.

It wasn’t unusual for Murata Ken to spend some of his nights lounging around in the royal bedroom, whether he was invited or not. It was certainly warmer than his room at the temple – not even a group of young virgin women could bring enough heat to reduce that terrible draft – and here Murata had a chance of goading his best friend Shibuya into another Murakenzu. Though with the way the king was yawning it would seem that their comedy act would have to wait.

“Nee, Shibuya, if you’re that tired it’s okay to finish the rest tomorrow.”

“No way! Absolutely not! It’s Christmas Eve, Murata, Christmas. And I, who is playing the role of Santa, cannot slack off until every present is wrapped.” Shibuya says stubbornly before trying to keep another yawn at bay. Lord von Bielefeld, the other occupant of the room, had already lost his battle with sleep and was now peacefully drifting off in Shibuya’s lap. He looked content, with Shibuya brushing his fingers through the golden locks, and Murata had to briefly suppress an emotion he wasn’t quite comfortable with naming yet.

“Either way,” the king continued, “We’re almost done.” And indeed, between the mess consisting of wrapping paper, strings, and cards lay enough presents for every child of the many staff members who worked in the castle. One extra-large and extravagant present for the princess, containing a carefully selected gift both her fathers had picked out for her, sat separately from the rest. “I only have to finish these last two and all that will be left is to put them in the bag.”

Shibuya diligently resumed his wrapping.

When the light of the fire reflects in the wrapping paper Murata’s eyes were immediately drawn to the hearth. It had been burning for quite some time now and the embers glowed red with much-needed warmth. Winter had taken a cold turn and the snow was piling up outside. With the way it was going the princess would get her wish and would get to build that snowman she wanted. Though Murata suspected the king would be out of the front doors long before her.

Murata couldn’t take his eyes away from the snow. Even the sound of Shibuya wrapping and Lord von Bielefeld’s soft snores faded away for a second. And just like that it was over and time seemed to move again. With Shibuya so consumed by the presents Murata felt it safe to grimace. And here he thought his control of his memory had been perfect, but it would seem flashes of pasts that weren’t really his but then again were still could pop up unwanted.

It had been a night, quite similar to this. Three people in front of a fire while the snow was raging outside. A semblance so strong Murata couldn’t ignore it.

He had been the Daikenja then, the previous life he was known for. And Shinou had been there too. Murata wondered what the people would say if they knew that even he had trouble remembering their true names.

Memory is a funny thing you see. Sometimes you can recall things as if you just experienced them seconds ago, with details you didn’t even think you had noticed. Other times memories were tightly locked away, hidden under other useless information that wouldn’t let you find what you had been looking for. And on some rare occasions memories were just memories, even if you hadn’t really experienced them yourself.

This had been a pleasant memory though. And after his slight annoyance had passed away he might even be glad this sprung upon him. Good memories were so few and far in between. Maybe, he would indulge himself. Just this once.

-*-*-*-

The double black had never been so glad to see a single cabin in the wilderness before. During another one of the quests Shinou had whimsically decided to go on they had been caught by a surprise snowstorm. Turns out not even Shinou could control the weather. Yet.

The Daikenja was occasionally shooting worried glances at Shinou. All of their clothes had gotten soaked and even Rufus’ desperate attempts with fire magic wasn’t enough to keep them from shivering. So the lonely abandoned cabin was gladly welcomed by all three of them.

They hurried inside and quickly closed the door. A quick scan told them the building had been abandoned in a hurry. Cabins were hanging half open and the table still had some bowls on them. The family that had lived her had probably gotten interrupted during dinner. It was sad, the Daikenja supposed, but after realizing they had left almost all their possessions he didn’t feel too bad. At least now they would have food and other necessities.

“What luck that we stumbled upon this house.” Rufus said relieved now that His Majesty was no longer in danger of freezing to death.

“Hmph. How weak. That we had to rely on luck.” Shinou scoffed and promptly sat down in the comfiest looking chair, legs wide and arms crossed.

“Your Majesty?”

“Just let him sulk, Rufus.” The Daikenja finally deemed it right to interfere. “He’s just grumpy because he’s cold and wet.”

“I’m not sulking!”

Well, try to explain that pout then.

“No matter. There’s an issue we need to address first. Your Majesty, Rufus, please take off your clothes.”

Their reactions were imminent. Shinou half shot up from his chair, now much more interested, resting his head on his hands, while Rufus hugged her chest and turned away with a beginning blush. He probably could have worded that better, the Daikenja realized, but the damage had already been done.

“Could this be. . . My Daikenja, are you finally showing us your dark side.” Shinou said with glee, the smile on his face infuriating.

“So even sir Daikenja has thoughts like this. . .”

“No you two!” He couldn’t believe he had to raise his voice. “We need to get out of these wet clothes or we’re going to freeze.”

Shinou only started that low chuckle of his that left the Daikenja feeling quite quaint.

“Relax, my Daikenja. I was just kidding. I would be different if you were two beautiful women, of course.”

“I-I-I’m going to start a fire. Please excuse me.” Rufus announced promptly and turned to the empty hearth.

“Did I say something wrong?” Shinou asked, genuinely confused and the Daikenja could barely restrain a sign. Honestly, this man could be so brilliant and clueless at the same time. Luckily that’s why he had him at his side, to notice the things the king didn’t.

“Just let Rufus be. A fire will be helpful.”

“He’s not going to overexert himself though? He’s been using his maryoku all day.”

“Are you worried? That’s not like you.” The Daikenja said with a faint smile and Shinou’s eyes were drawn to him again.

“I do care about my people, you know. I’m not completely heartless.”

It was such an offhanded comment that the Daikenja felt himself grow fonder of this man, not that he would ever directly say it out loud. Instead he made sure that Shinou was still watching him before saying.

“I know.”

It was Shinou who broke eye contact first, opting instead to watch Rufus light up the small logs.

“. . . If you know then stop questioning me.”

“But if I don’t who will.” Shinou turned to him again. “Now, undress. I wasn’t kidding when I said it was urgent.”

The moment was lost and Shinou finally started to undress. From the corner of his eye the Daikenja shot a quick look to Rufus. Her movements had slowed down and she was now nervously looking anywhere but Shinou’s increasingly naked body. He supposed he should give her a way out.

“Rufus.” He addressed her kindly while unclasping his cape. “After we finish undressing can you go look for some dry clothes. It’s probable that the previous owners left some behind.”

“R-Right, sir Daikenja.” Rufus stammered as she still struggled to keep her eyes from wandering. “Actually, why don’t I go look for them right now.”

They both watch as she hurries from the room and hastily closes the door behind her.

“Now that I think about it, I have never seen Rufus undress with us before.” Shinou says after he resumes undressing. “He must be very shy.”

“Don’t go prying later.” The Daikenja immediately warns him. He takes the discarded wet clothes and hangs them on some antlers that are mounted on the wall next to the hearth. It would take a while for them to dry completely if not the entire night.

Shinou moves towards the window and seems completely comfortable strolling around naked in someone else’s house. The Daikenja, on the other hand, feels too much exposed, too vulnerable, even here in a lonely cabin with people he should trust. Instead, he sits, his leg over his other, covering his parts, and quietly obverses his king.

Thoughts seemed to possess Shinou’s mind, coupled with a faint impatience. It wouldn’t be long now before Shinou would give them voice.

“You’re quiet.” Shinou said as he turned to him. “This is just a minor setback, you know. As soon as the snow lets up we’ll be out of here and achieve our goal.”

“You’re right.” The Daikenja said and Shinou seemed to beam with pride at the words. “Something like this won’t stop us. But I still feel like I have to tell you to be more careful.”

“It’s not like I’m reckless.” Shinou immediately argued.

“I never said you were.” He was arrogant, full of himself and bratty even, but not reckless. Shinou didn’t play to lose. “But you do lose your edge when things don’t go your way.”

Shinou seemed ready to argue some more but eventually resigned himself to the only person he would ever allow himself to.

“But that’s why I have you, my Daikenja. You, my number one strategist, would never allow me to fail.”

“And what if I’m no longer here.” The Daikenja barely whispered. They lived dangerous lives and he didn’t know if he would walk next to his king forever. Shinou however didn’t seem to appreciate the unspoken advice. Instead a scowl worthy of a Maou clouded his face and he marched over to where the Daikenja was sitting, looming over him.

“Are you planning on-“ He spat out.

“No.” The Daikenja said firmly, keeping his gaze steady. Shinou’s nose flared for a second before his features relaxed again.

“Then don’t talk like that.”

It seemed neither were very comfortable with the silence that followed and their gaze broke. As the Daikenja instead focused on Shinou’s drying hair he wondered if perhaps he should continue, no matter how uneasy the subject was for both of them. But Shinou never gave him the chance.

“You seem cold.” The man spoke as he traced his fingers over the Double Black’s goosebumps. The Daikenja swallowed. When had those appeared?

It was of course that moment that Rufus decided to come back.

“Your Majesty, Sir Daikenja, I found some- !!!” Her voice broke in a high shrill after she saw the position the two of them were in, her hand immediately clasped itself over her eyes while she held the clothes she had found for them out in a shaky hand. “I-I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to walk in on-!”

“Ah, Rufus, perfect timing.” Shinou said unfazed and he strolled over to her to grab the clothes. “Hmm, let’s see which one will suit me best. Huh? They’re all the same.”

“These were all I could find, Your Majesty. It seemed like the owners all had the same hideous taste.”

And indeed, the outfit Shinou handed him wasn’t very flattering. Similar to what Rufus and Shinou were now wearing the Daikenja was clothed in a red woolen sweater, abundantly decorated by the makes apparent love for red nosed reindeers. The pants at least, although also a striking red, were of a normal cut and lined with white fur.

“Well, at least there is no one to see His Majesty dressed like that.” The Daikenja muttered, now no longer shivering.

“What are you talking about, my Daikenja. We match, don’t we.”

“We all match.” Rufus added more for herself.

“This cabin is getting stranger by the minute though. Are you sure you didn’t find anything else, Rufus?” Now that they were no longer in danger of freezing to death it would be wise to take a closer look at their shelter. They still didn’t know why the owners had left in a hurry.

“None, Sir Daikenja. Just stacks of red sweaters and some fur lined coats.”

“Hmmm, I think I want to know more about the people who lived here.” The Daikenja said, his hand coming to rest on his chin. “I propose we invite ourselves for a little tour.”

“Anything you want.” Shinou said with that confident grin of his.

“You know I’m going to hold you to that someday soon.”

After a quite look in the bedroom Rufus had already checked out, and confirmed the owners love for red and white themed clothes, they advanced to the rest of the house.

The kitchen was next. It was a humble one, nothing like the ones the staff used when they held court at one of the many castles, nor was it as big as the makeshift kitchen tents hastily set up at the camp sites.

It was also surprisingly quite modern. It had an oven and even a water pipe system that seemed to come from a water barrel outside. Though that one would have likely frozen with this weather.

The cabinets, however, were fully stocked. Most contained food that was easily preservable and they found some salted meats and smoked fish.  

“Well, the good news is that even if we’re going to be snowed in we won’t starve.” The Daikenja said with a satisfied smile. Sure, he hadn’t cooked much in a while and Shinou wasn’t allowed to cook anything after last time – he just didn’t have the patience – but between himself and Rufus he supposed they could whip up something edible.

“I have some better news.” Shinou said while searching through some other cabinets. “I found their alcohol stash.”

“Put that back.” The Daikenja responses immediately.

“You never let me have any fun.” Shinou nearly whined. They both knew it wasn’t true. The Daikenja was far too lenient with Shinou. But he couldn’t help it. There was something about his king that drew you in. Damn it, Shinou, for being so. . .

“I wonder what kind of person His Majesty becomes after drinking?” Rufus said contemplating, having returned from gathering some snow to turn into water.

“Why, Rufus. I have an amazing tolerance. I never get drunk.” Shinou boasted, but wisely set the alcohol back down.

“This guy, he turns into a clingy old lecher.” The Daikenja deadpanned.  

“Oi, don’t tell him that so casually. Don’t listen to him, Rufus. I’m the perfect drunk.”

“I want to see it, the face His Majesty makes when drunk.” Rufus’ smile was so sweet both Shinou and the Daikenja felt themselves lost for words for a few seconds before the Daikenja returned the smile.

“W-well, if we’re not going to drink we might as well check the rest of the rooms.” Shinou said as he walked past them muttering something about Siegbert having iron self-control. As expected, a smile like that was enough to floor even the smoothest of men. Though the Daikenja still wasn’t sure if Shinou was aware of Rufus’ true gender. Probably not.

As they left the kitchen the Daikenja lingered a bit behind the two and he briefly checked to see if Shinou was out of earshot before whispering to Rufus.

“Nothing this man could do could make you hate him, huh?”

Rufus slowed her pace and started walking next to him, very aware of the real meaning behind the words.

“The same goes for you, too. Right, Sir Daikenja?” She replied in the same knowing tone, both of their eyes never leaving their king’s back. With a finality the Daikenja realized they never stood a chance.

“I’d rather not find out if that’s true.” He finally settled on saying. He didn’t have to look to feel Rufus agree.

“I think this is the only room we haven’t checked.” Shinou said as he abruptly stopped in front of a single door at the end of a hallway.

“Why would this room be located so far from the others?” Rufus asked as they caught up, standing on the tip of her toes to peer over Shinou’s shoulders. It was a good question, the Daikenja thought and he looked for any other abnormalities.

The door creaked heavily as Shinou swung it open and they saw that it wasn’t technically a room. Instead it revealed an old staircase that let straight into the darkness.

“A basement?” The Daikenja said surprised. He certainly wouldn’t have pecked this cabin to have one. The building was located on a solid rock, digging out a decent sized basement would have been a pricy business.

“Hmmm, this certainly makes me curious.” Shinou hummed, trying to peer inside.

“Please, Your Majesty, allow me.” Rufus jumped to the front and lighted her fire once more. The Daikenja felt better knowing that she would go first if something were to happen and not Shinou, but at this rate Rufus would overexert herself. Shinou knew it too.

“Rufus.” He warned her.

“I’ll keep it small. I’ll be fine.” And under the watchful eyes of Shinou and the Daikenja she traveled down the stairs.

The small light twinkled gently in her hands and lighted the path enough for them to see.

“There appears to be no one here.” Rufus yelled up as she had reached the bottom. Shinou and the Daikenja soon joined her.

The Daikenja surveyed the room, tracing his hand on the wall left to him. As expected the walls were made of the same rock the room had been carved out of. He shifted his weighted from one foot to the other, checking for any signs of breaking. Though the wooden floor underneath them squeaked whenever they walked, it seemed to hold up pretty well.

After inspecting their close surroundings Rufus sent her flame forward. This time they could see a couple of benches, littered with work tools. Saws in all sizes lay together with chisels, drills and gouges. Shinou strolled over and picked up one of the knives before turning his eyes on the projects the tools had been creating. It was a small wooden horse on wheels, fasten with a string around its collar. Shinou pulled the rope gently and moved the horse along.

“It’s a toy workshop.” The Daikenja said as he spotted more and more toys laying around and picked up a nearby wooden miniature of a warrior. Though unfinished, the details on the woodworks were near astonishing and the Daikenja could just make out a carved frown on the warrior’s tiny face.

Without a reason he put the miniature in his pocket, feeling the strange urge to keep the figurine.

From the corner of his eye the Daikenja could see Rufus freeze. She had previously been testing some of the toys too, her flame swinging a bit from side to side, but now her movements had stilled.

“Rufus, are you alright?” The Daikenja asked as he followed her line of sight.

It was the back wall, the one furthest from the stairs so they hadn’t seen it previously. Hanging on it, from top to bottom were shelves stacked with doll heads. Some were small, others large with wisps of hair hanging from their crowns. But they all had the same unnerving glass eyes that stared into nothingness.

“I don’t know.” Shinou said as he came to stand next to them, his fingers over his chin in a pose that would be more proper in an art gallery. “I kind of like the aesthetic it has going on.”

Rufus didn’t seem to think so and after the initial shock had worn off her hands started shaking furiously.

Someone must have shifted their weight because the floorboard creaked again. Rufus eeped before accidentally letting her flame go out.

They had expected total darkness to follow after their only source of light went out but were surprised when a green glow seemed to echo off the wall.

The glow came from the dolls eyes, Hundreds of little lights faintly flickering in the dark, shining their faint glow on the head themselves, making them appear to be floating. The Daikenja hoped it was only his imagination but the pupils that had before just stared aimlessly ahead now seemed to be turned on them.

The three made their decision unanimously and slowly backed away to the stairs. Once up they shut the door, locked it and in Rufus’ case even welded the lock close. It wasn’t until Shinou and Rufus had placed the wardrobe in front of the entrance that they felt remotely at ease.

“You know what. Maybe I could use a drink right now.” The Daikenja said after the whole ordeal, the toy warrior still in his pocket.

An hour or so later they had sat down in front of the fire. Wanting to remain as close as possible to the fire they had dragged the beds into the living room. Now with blankets and pillows all around them and their bellies full with the soup they had made, they were cozying in the warmth of the flames. They had also dragged all the bottles of wine with them, one and a half were already emptied.

“Why is it,” Shinou asked after they had opened the third bottle. “That even though I’m king I still don’t have beautiful ladies hanging off me. You would think they’d come swarming. But no, I’m always either in a meeting or on the battlefield. I mean, I absolutely love the thrill of battle, but it would be even more perfect if afterward I could have a woman or two.

“Oh how terrible.” The Daikenja said sarcastically, his words slurring a bit more than he’d like. Rufus just giggled lightly at the playful mockery, her cheeks glowing with a healthy red. “Whatever shall you do.”

“His Majesty sure has no luck huh.” Rufus said, a giggle ringing on every word.

“See. Rufus gets it.” Shinou said and he swung his arm around her.

“Careful.” The Daikenja warned as the action had spilled a bit of the wine. He fruitlessly dabbed the damp spot before deciding it wasn’t worth the effort. Meanwhile Rufus refilled Shinou’s now empty glass.

“My Daikenja, get here.” Shinou said dragging his last words before taking another swing of his drink.

“I am here.”

“Noooo, here here.” And Shinou gestured with his unoccupied arm, the other still encircling Rufus. “Come.”

Ah. . . Well, if it was a command from his King, the Daikenja reasoned, he shouldn’t refuse it.

He crawled over, a bit shy at first, before laying himself in Shinou’s open arm. Shinou immediately pulled him close and the Daikenja’s black hair spilled all over Shinou’s chest.

“This is good.” Shinou said contempt. “You know, both of you have such long hair I can almost imagine myself with two women.”

“How about some more wine, You Majesty. Your glass is almost empty.” Rufus didn’t wait for his answer and poured his cup full again.

Rufus, are you trying to get him drunk on purpose?

“Listen you two.” Shinou said, not caring that he was getting to the point that he would wake up with a killer hangover. “This is very important. It’s a big secret. I have another reason why I have you two in my arms other than your pretty hair.”

Shinou tried to sit up straighter but instead ended up leading a bit too much to the front.

“When it’s cold like this, it’s very important to share body heat. In fact, skin to skin contact might be necessary. We should get naked.”

“No, we will not!” The Daikenja said firmly, feeling a bit disappointed at himself for expecting a real secret from his king. Shinou only pouted.

“Buuuut, my Daikenja. We might die.” He whined. “I can’t let my Daikenja die. My Daikenja can’t die. That would make me. . .”

Whether the distress of his king was genuine or not, the Daikenja still felt the need to comfort him.

“We won’t die. We’re in front of a fire and we exchanged our wet clothes for dry ones, remember.” The Daikenja let his head rest freely on Shinou’s chest. It was a good thing they were wearing red, his face wouldn’t stand out so much.

“So you’ll stay with me.” Shinou said content, keeping both of them close to his chest. It didn’t matter. It made a fine pillow anyway.

Meanwhile Rufus has somehow managed the impossible feat of removing their glasses to a safe distance while still being held trapped in the king’s arm.

“It was still an important secret though.” Shinou said now that the both of them had settled back down in his arms. He lay on his back, a few pillows keeping him comfort while their feet huddled together for warmth.

“It’s a good one.” Rufus decided. “I will pass this down to my family and they will do the same.”

“I don’t really know if it counts as a secret, though.” The Daikenja mumbled but no one really seemed to hear.

Shinou was dozing off. His eyes were falling shut and by the rising of his chest the Daikenja knew it wouldn’t be long before he was completely asleep.

Opposite to him Rufus was taking full advantage of her position and nuzzled into the crook of Shinou’s arm. When she caught the Daikenja observing her she had the decency to look away.

“It won’t be easy.” The Daikenja told her. He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to tell her this, but something compelled him to talk. Rufus turned to him again. Their eye met, sharing a camaraderie; a shared bond for this man that held them captive.

“This man, he hides things and won’t ever be completely honest.”

“I know His Majesty lies to us sometimes.” Rufus said.

“He doesn’t like to rely on others.” He continued. “He won’t know his own limits.”

“We’ll carry his burdens. When he can’t carry them.” Rufus whispered back.

“He takes more than he’s willing to give.”

Why was he listing this?

“He will use you as he sees fit.”

Who was he warning?

“I’ll do anything.” Rufus finally said, echoing his own feelings.

A faint smile formed on his face. Resistance was truly futile.

“Careful. It may just come to that.”

The Daikenja was a brilliant man. Maou Shinou’s best strategist and number one confidant. He really ought to listen to his own advice more often.

-*-*-*-

Huh, what happened after that?

Murata racked his brain, trying to find the corresponding memory but seemed to draw a blank.

Though it was no wonder he suddenly remembered that night in the cabin.

“Oi, Murata. Just because you’re done with your task doesn’t mean you get to space out like that.” Shibuya reminded him. “Though I finally finished.”

Oh well. Murata smiled. It might have looked a bit familiar, but this king in front of him was far kinder.

. . . And currently trying to keep himself from falling asleep. It seemed his duties as the Great Sage would never end.

“Ah, Sorry, Shibuya. I just got caught up in something.” Murata said and then as he as Shibuya’s curious face, he added. “It was nothing important really. Though I better start doing my part.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m going to help you deliver the presents of course. As King and the Great Sage we can share the role of Santa. Even on Earth that man has many helpers, though I’m not going to wear a beard. My face will get warm and my glasses will fog up.”

Murata stood up and put the final presents in the large bag.

“In fact, why don’t I go ahead so you can put Lord von Bielefeld into a proper bed. He’s going to get a crick in his neck at this point.”

“Fine, but don’t deliver everything before I can catch up. I’ve been waiting all week for this.”

“Have you seen the size of that bag. I’m probably not even going to be done with this wing before you come join me.”

With a bit more trouble that he would like to admit Murata swung the bag over his shoulder, giving Shibuya and the sleeping form of Lord von Bielefeld a quick wave before opening the door.

From behind him a voice rang out to him.

“Nee, Murata.”

“What is it, Shibuya?”

“Thanks for always looking out for us.”

“. . . Don’t mention it. . .”

[chrisemrysfics]

AO3 Stat Meme

I got tagged by @shellsan to do this~ Feel free to steal from me and consider yourself tagged!

So I actually did it on Pillowfort, for a moment I glitched because I knew I did it but couldn’t find it, then it hit me. Below the read more is totally a copy/paste of the post on PF, only some numbers might be slightly different due to the two one-shots I posted for Secret Santas but that’s not enough to make a significant change.

Rules: Go to your AO3 works page, expand all the filters, and answer the following questions!

What’re your first and second most common work ratings?

Teen and up audiences (23)

Mature (21)

What’s your most common archive warning? Least common?

I have only two, so: first one is No Archive Warning Apply (47) and second one is Creator choose to not use archive warning (14).

Do you consider yourself an adventurous writer?

I would say yes. I follow whatever idea I have in mind that inspire me enough, but I generally love to explore said ideas, and I'll be fine exploring anything my mind wants to. Sometimes it's morality of characters, sometimes its the details of relationships, and so on and so forth.

How many stories have you made in each pairing category?

M/M (39) Gen (30) Multi (7) F/M (5) F/F (3) Other (2)

What are your top 4 fandoms by numbers?

D.Gray-man (25) Merlin (TV) (11) Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (10) Kyou Kara Maou! (6)

Are you still active in any of them, and do you tend to migrate a lot?

I am still active in DGM, in fact it's right now the only fandom I manage to be regularly active in. I am also active in MDZS however, but I have only one fic right now (and, to be fair, it might be a while until I write another, as all ideas I've had were able to fit in my current one). It takes a while before I migrate, it's always taken months at least before I started writing for another fandom, and for a while I still would go back to my other fandoms.

I still want to go back to other fandoms now, but with how I need my energy elsewhere, only DGM is now still rather good at inspiring me often (and, again, MDZS).

What are your top 4 relationship tags?

Tyki Mikk/Allen Walker (8) Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) (7) Allen Walker & Mana Walker (7) Nea D. Campbell/Allen Walker (7)

Does this match how you feel about the characters, or are you puzzled?

Oh yes, it matches. WangXian isn't up there since I have only one fic, but it's one of my two most loved OTPs so it's worth mentionning.

It's fully because I haven't written more, but Nea/Allen should be equal to Tyki/Allen. Ideally, Tyki/Allen/Nea should also be equal to both (and WangXian equal to all three of them). Those four ships are my OTPs, most loved accross all fandoms.

Merthur is however well deserved as after those four, that IS one of my most loved OTP. And then, I really, really love Mana&Allen so. It fits nicely!

What are your top 2 most used additional tags, and your bottom 2?

Most used:

Fluff (20) Hurt/Comfort (11)

Bottom two (I put more as the numbers were equal);:

Family (6) Polyamory (6) Humor (5) Comfort (5) Blood (5) Other Additional Tags to Be Added (5) Fluff and Hurt/Comfort (5)

(Fun fact: only one tag is missing from the filter list, it's fluff and humor with 7 fics)

What would happen if you combined all 4 of these into an fic?

Let's see, disregarding repetition, we would have Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Family, Polyamory, Humor, Blood, Other additional tags to be added.

... That's. basically all my fics, more or less. Definitely the main themes you can find. To be honest, it can fit a MDZS fic, too (heck, since I might leave some openess of ships, Shadows Symphonie can fit all of those).

How many WIPs do you have currently running on AO3? Any you don’t plan on finishing?

I have currently 18 WIPs: 6 for DGM, 2 for BBC Merlin, 2 for KKM, 1 for DGMxAC, 1 for MDZS, 1 for NatsuYuu, 1 for Pokemon, 1 for Outlast, 1 for FNAF, 1 for White Collar, 1 for YGO GX.

I plan to finish, one day, all of my WIPs. However, to be honest, I know the KKM and FNAF one might take longer or be harder, as the inspiration for those is... very, very low. For the YGO GX one, inspiration is also low. So while I do plan to finish them, it's going to be very slow.

The Outlast one is a bit better at inspiration wise, I know I can return to it, but I'll need to like, rewatch a gameplay, read over my notes.

The White Collar one and NatsuYuu one, it's just a matter of sitting down, maybe reading over a bit my things, but I know it can easily come back to me.

Pokemon and BBC Merlin, they're actually the three fics after my "mains" that I can see myself try to update in the next few weeks/months. Yeah, all the other ones, it is going to be luck if I updated them anytime in the first half of 2020. But those three? They're progressed enough to be easier to go back to. Also, the fandoms inspire me more.

This leaves ACxDGM one, MDZS one, and DGM ones. The MDZS one is honestly my main one right now, while two/three of the DGM ones are close second, and ACxDGM one a close third. Now all of those are fics I am definitely going to write for in the next few weeks, even if it takes a bit to have a chapter to update, I'll be working on those.

[rosie-sword]

Hello, @daptionc, I’m your @kkm-ss! I do hope that you had a Merry Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year!! I also hope you like what I have written for you. :)

The Warmth in the Cold

There was something about this time of year that brought people together. Sure, Christmas played a part in that, and so did New Years. Maybe the cold weather also had a role in bringing people closer so that they could give and take warmth.

On Christmas, it was more than just an exchange of material things. It was the thoughts behind them and the company of loved ones that made such an annual tradition so special. It was even more special this year because Yuuri got to spend it with his daughter, his fiancé, his godfather, and his future in-laws.

Greta wrote him a story about two fathers and their daughter, a story that was without a doubt influenced by Lady Anissina’s self-indulgent tales of adventure and triumph. He was so touched that his daughter took the time to make him such a well-made and thought-out present, he couldn’t help but cry as he hugged her and showered her with gratitude and kisses. She laughed in delight as he did so and he glanced at his fiancé to see that he wore an expression of satisfaction and pride in their daughter’s abilities to not only write a story, but to create an honest-to-goodness book with a hard cover and all, like she had been her own publisher without the multitude of copies, but that was what made this present all the more special. Yuuri couldn’t possibly find this anywhere else.

Wolfram’s present was an accurate representation of his romantic as well as his noble nature. He had presented him with an exquisite-looking black box that had a nice leaf detailing on it. It was such a fancy box. There was no way he was going to throw this out. This wasn’t some cheap department store box that stored jewelry and the jewelry inside looked as expensive as the box, if not more so. It was a necklace that had a silver chain that held an oval onyx gemstone. He took the necklace out of the box and stared at it in amazement and he wasn’t the only one. His mom, his dad, and his brother were gawking at the pricy gift with wide eyes and jaws that hit the floor.

“Wolfram,” Yuuri breathed. “This is so…beautiful.” It was an appropriate worse seeing as how it was a beautiful gift from a beautiful man. “Will you help me put it on?”

“Of course.” Wolfram took the necklace from him and he turned around so that his fiancé could bring it over his head and secure it around his neck. It fit nicely, like it belonged there. No, it did belong there. Yuuri squeezed the oval gemstone, as if to draw in all of the love and consideration that it absorbed from his fiancé, who he proceeded to take into his arms.

“Thank you so much, Wolfram.” Yuuri squeezed him tight, paying no mind to the squeals that came from the matriarchs of their families as a result. “I’ll cherish it.” He had no intention of taking it off anytime soon.

Wolfram wasn’t one for public displays of affection. In all of the time that Yuuri has come to know him, he was the kind of person who didn’t want others to see him in any position that could be considered weak or inappropriate and hugging went into the latter category. Although, he didn’t reject his embrace; he returned it without incident. “Don’t mention it,” he mumbled into his neck. When they pulled away, Yuuri didn’t miss the blush on Wolfram’s face and he couldn’t help but smile. His fiancé could be so cute sometimes.

Conrad gave him a custom-made baseball jersey that was created in Shin Makoku exclusively for him. It was all for a baseball team that Conrad was bringing together called the Shin Makoku Bearbees, the first official baseball team in that entire world, and this was the first official merchandise for the team as well. Yuuri was more than honored to be the recipient of such a history-making gift. He was sure to thank him with words and brief hug.

Yuuri could feel Wolfram’s eyes burning a hole in his back, his jealousy palpable. He was sure to put out that match before an unnecessary explosion happened by taking him by the hand and did something that he’d never do to anyone else. Yuuri brought his hand up to his lips and laid a kiss in between his knuckles. This didn’t only prevent an outburst. It caused Wolfram to fall into a blushing silence while his mom and Lady Celi vocally approved of such a blatant and affection display.

Gwendal made him a stuffed animal that was supposed to be a dolphin but looked more like a seal, not like he pointed that out. It wouldn’t be right to correct him and criticize his gift, especially since he actually made the effort to make him something. Yuuri didn’t have the best relationship with him, so he didn’t think that Gwendal would bother to make him something. Needless to say, he was surprised when Gwendal held out the stuffed dolphin. Yuuri was sure to thank him and Gwendal grumbled. “You’re welcome.”

It was obvious that Lady Celi and his mom had discussed the topic of Christmas gifts the last time they saw one another because she presented him with a red long-sleeved nightgown that was much more suited for Wolfram than him. He had no qualms about pointing this out because there was no way he was going to wear a dress to bed. Unbothered by this comment, Lady Celi proceeded to tell him that it was supposed to match the nightgown that his mom had gotten Wolfram, which was green. It took a moment for him to figure out exactly why they had chosen those colors before he remembered that they were Christmas colors.

Yuuri looked to Wolfram to gauge his reaction to all of this, expecting to see some look of understanding, but he received a glare instead. He was taken aback, but it didn’t take him long to realize that he was angry on his mother’s behalf, being the mama’s boy that he was.

“What?” Yuuri asked even though he knew and Wolfram knew that he knew, too. He could see it in his fiancé’s eyes. He sighed. There was no way Wolfram was going to let this go unless he gave in. “Oh, all right. I’ll wear it.”

Lady Celi let out a cheer and pranced over to him. She plopped down onto the couch and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly against her ample bosom where he struggled to breathe in such a soft, warm-enclosed space.

“Mother!” Wolfram chided her, managing to extract Yuuri out of her grasp, therefore saving him from asphyxiation via breasts.

His parents gave him some winter clothes, which were quite ordinary, much to Yuuri’s surprise. As he looked at the shirts and pants, his mom complained about how his dad wouldn’t let her pick out any female clothing for him. Yuuri offered his dad his utmost gratitude, glad to be spared from that atrocity, to which his dad nodded in understanding. His dad knew that his mom could get carried away at times and this would’ve been one of those times if his dad hadn’t intervened. She continued complaining until he gave them both his thanks, bringing them both into a hug. He was sure to call her “mama” and all of her complaints vanished. She hugged him and her cheerful demeanor returned, her annoyance easily forgotten.

Shori gave him a video game that he bought. Thankfully, it wasn’t a dating simulator; Wolfram wouldn’t appreciate him indulging in courting anyone else, even if they weren’t real. It was an RPG that took place in medieval times and involved magic and knights, a game that Shori had taken a liking to, one that he wished to bond with his brother over. Yuuri was looking forward to such an experience and thanked his older brother, who wrapped him in a hug and said. “You’re welcome, Yuu-chan.”

When everyone was finished opening the ton of presents that were left under the tree, it was time for dessert. Yuuri was excited to dig into the delicious, local Christmas cake that they had every year. He couldn’t wait for his extended family to get a taste of it, too. But then, his mom claimed to have forgotten to get the cake at all because she had been too busy making such a big feast for everyone. It was understandable. She was used to only making one Christmas chicken as opposed to the three chickens that she went through the trouble of making for everyone.

Conrad, being the gentleman that he was, offered to go get some Christmas cake for her, but she outright denied the offer, opting for Yuuri and Wolfram to go instead. It was an obvious setup, not like Yuuri minded. It wasn’t often that he had a chance to show Wolfram around his world, so he was happy to accept. His mom gave him the money before they adorned themselves in Yuuri’s coats, gloves, and scarves, more than ready to venture out into the frigid weather and achieve their objective.

“Operation: Procure Two Christmas Cakes is underway!” Yuuri announced, jovially, to his travelling companion, as they strolled outside.

“Surely, purchasing two cakes doesn’t call for something as serious as an operation.” Wolfram commented.

“Geez, Wolfram, I was just playing around.” Yuuri replied. “Lighten up a little, would you?”

When Wolfram didn’t answer, Yuuri looked at him to see that his fiancé was scanning his surroundings as well as anybody that passed them by. His hands were at his hip, ready to pull out a sword that wasn’t there.

“Wolfram?” Yuuri asked.

“Are you sure that your world is safe?” Wolfram asked him.

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Yuuri assured him, taking him by the hand. Wolfram squeezed his hand, sure to stay close to him. The people that they passed by noticed. Yuuri could tell just by the looks on their faces that they were being judged for holding hands.

Yuuri frowned and returned their nasty looks. What the hell was their problem? Didn’t people have anything better to do than to gossip amongst themselves about two guys that they didn’t even know?

His body tensed as he remembered that he used to be one of those people. He used to judge Wolfram for liking him because they were both guys and he had deemed such an attraction to be absurd. He realized that it was people like this that had instilled such thoughts in his head. That in itself was such a great injustice and it awakened such an overwhelming rage inside of him. He felt himself brimming with power and found himself standing in front of three guys who were speaking rather loudly about how wrong it was for two guys to be in a relationship.

“Would you care to say that to my face?” Yuuri glared at them and faced them, unflinchingly, once they turned to face him.

“What?” One of the guys stood up and glowered down at him, daring him to answer, as if putting down a sign that read ‘Caution: Danger Ahead’.

“You heard me,” Yuuri growled. “If there’s something you feel the need to say about my fiancé, why don’t you try saying it to my face?”

“Yuuri,” Wolfram took him by the shoulder and moved to stand in front of him, obscuring the source of his anger. Yuuri realized that he was on the verge of transforming into the Demon King, something that he was tempted to do to scare a lesson into these punks, but something he knew that he shouldn’t do. So, he reeled in his powers and the anger that was rooted to it.

“Not so tough now, are you?” The guy asked.

“Yuuri,” Wolfram tugged his hand. “Let’s go.”

“Yeah, beat it.” The guy sneered. “Get your disgusting asses away from me.”

“Disgusting?” Yuuri echoed, outraged.

“Yuuri.” Wolfram pulled at his hand, his voice more demanding.

“No, you know what’s really disgusting?” Yuuri asked. “It’s your prejudice towards us that’s disgusting. You don’t know us, so you have no right to judge us like that. You’re the one that’s disgusting.”

“What did you say?” The guy raised his hand to strike and Wolfram moved to stand in between them.

One of the guy’s friends lowered his arm while the other gave them a curt bow. “Please, excuse us.” They had to physically drag the guy off as they reasoned with him to cut it out and that starting fights would only get him into more trouble. Yuuri glared at them as they retreated, hating the thought that there was a lot more than one of these jerks in the world.

“Come on,” Wolfram urged. “We have to get these Christmas cakes for Mama.”

That was right. That was the entire reason why they even went out in the first place. “Okay,” he nodded, leading Wolfram to the shop where one employee was dressed in a Santa outfit and the other wore a reindeer outfit. They greeted them, cheerfully, not seeming to care about the face that they approached the shop hand-in-hand. Yuuri exchanged the money for the two cakes, one of which Wolfram offered to carry back. With that, the Santa and reindeer clad employees thanked them and wished them a Merry Christmas. Yuuri returned the same sentiments before they headed back home.

Everything that happened on the way to the shop sunk in and Yuuri glanced at Wolfram, who had moved to flank him when the guy was about to strike.

“Hey, Wolfram?”

“What is it?”

“Do you, by any chance, know any…martial arts?” Yuuri was about to say karate, but he knew that Wolfram wouldn’t know what that was.

“Not particularly. Why?” He sounded so casual, like it was no big deal that he was face-to-face with someone that was about to engage him in hand-to-hand combat just moments earlier, something that he had little to no skill with. Essentially, he had been more than ready to become that guy’s punching bag so that Yuuri himself wouldn’t get hurt.

“That guy was about to hit you before,” Yuuri said. “What would you have done if he did?” His own question caused his temper to flare up again, and he knew that if that had happened, he would’ve beaten that guy to a bloody pulp.

“I don’t know,” Wolfram shrugged. “You told me that your world was relatively peaceful, so I wasn’t prepared to deal with it, not like you helped the situation any. If you didn’t provoke him, that wouldn’t have even happened.”

“What?” Yuuri asked. “Did you not hear him? Did you not hear any of them speak badly about us?”

“It’s not like I didn’t hear them,” Wolfram replied. “I did. I just don’t care what they have to say. I’m not exactly a stranger to gossip. Most of it is nonsense, anyway, so why should I bother giving it any of my attention?”

“I guess you’re right, but still…” Yuuri trailed off, not quite knowing how to put his feelings into words.

“It’s not like I don’t know how it feels.” Wolfram responded. “Like I said,, hearing people speak badly about me isn’t new.”

Yuuri winced. “That doesn’t make it right.”

“It doesn’t bother me.” Wolfram said, easily. “People will talk, but it doesn’t matter to me because they don’t matter to me.”

Wolfram said it like it was so simple, but it really was that simple, Yuuri came to realize on the way back home. When he was able to unravel the knot of emotions inside of his chest – all of the outrage and disbelief – he was able to see the truth behind his fiancé’s words. Wolfram was right. Why should he care about what some random person thought of him? To some extent, he cared about what others thought of Wolfram. That was why Yuuri was set off when the guy had called him disgusting too, but in retrospect, he shouldn’t have let that get under his skin because those people didn’t matter to him.

They arrived home where the people that actually mattered had waited for them to return with desserts. These were the people worth listening to and spending time with, talking, smiling, and laughing. Together, they settled into the warmth of the Shibuya home that held one big, happy family that would always be there to ward off the cold. The burden of his anger just melted away and gave way to the warmth that only eating a delectable Christmas cake in the company of loved ones could bring.

[daptionc]

Kyō Kara Maō! Secret Santa

fire-petals, this is my gift to you for the @kkm-ss (: (:

I hope you like it!!

christmas around the world

5 Christmas they spend outside Shin Makoku + 1 Christmas they spend there.

happy new year, everyone!!

[redglassesgirl-maruma]

Thank you @nekisah (@kkm-ss) for organizing a Secret Santa for maruma this year. It was awesome we could do that even if our fandom is very very little.

This is a gift for you, King Yuuri, aka. The Baseball King ^^  He’s showing off all the gifts from the 3 brothers, and his baseball bat of course.

Merry xmas and Happy New Year!

As a bonus, here’s the Ue-sama version. Because I love him, and because this was the first expression I drew, but it doesn’t fit Yuuri so I kind of recycled it anyways haha xD

[476b]

for sacchiiko for the kkm secret santa!!! you asked for yuuri and i attempted to give!!! merry christmas!!

[presidentaobama]

hello yes this is conrad and yozak on a cute date in casual clothes. it's the secret santa drawing for tumblruser zemoe!!!! have a lovely christmas!!!!

[percevall]

For birthoflight, I was your KKM secret santa!  I'm sorry for being a lil' late, I had to take care of something urgent at the last minute and didn't have the time for posting it before coming back home n^n

I just love Jennifer and Anissina, so I had to draw them, Miko just introduced Anissina to the wonders of Tennis, and our favorite scientist is fascinated by such a sport, we have to ask Heika to make it a national sport in Shin Makoku too!

The colors are so uuugly once scanned, haaah, I'm so sorry ;; Hope you'll like and Merry Christmas to you!!

[mikari90]

 Merry Christmas supersecretgwendal!!

I hope you like the picture :>

This was my first time to draw Greta ô.o ...and Morgif..and Shinou..and Snow too XD But I hope it turned out okay :>

My first idea was something with Wolfram and Alford..but it was more difficult than I expect >.> The next one was Greta - sad and upset - in the arms of Wolfram and Alford...but it wasn't good either DX  It was too sad for Christmas ;^; This (^) was the last idea ovo/)

Sorry for my bad english DX

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! :D

[bakarena]

I'm sorry I couldn't do your first choice, but I hope it's still okay. 

P.S. My first time writing fanfic in English (it's not my first language). I hope it turned out not that bad. (ó﹏ò｡)

[sacchiiko]

As long as you are with me, there is no place i'd rather be

KKM secret santa - presidentsinterklaas

[redglassesgirl-maruma]

Royal Wedding - Fanfic, oneshot

Summary: Finally the engagement bears fruit and it’s time to concrete what all the citizens of Shin Makoku have been waiting for.

I wrote this for the Secret Santa, now the version in english, the prompt was the royal wedding and weird customs. Merry xmas @Roquelg! And thanks a lot to Alaxxis Sade for being my beta ^^

Royal wedding - Oneshot

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“And that’s everything about the economy of the kingdom Your Majesty, the next point on the list is...”

Before the diligent Lord von Christ is able to continue, the chair spins abruptly to another noble and the content of my stomach takes three seconds to accompany the rest of my body. I got around fifteen minutes of peace during the last conversation, but I’m not sure how much I can take.

“Really, I hope the next point is about abolishing the chair during the meetings.”

My comment is completely ignored, even if I am, legitimately, the person with highest rank in this room.

“Your Majesty, allow me to speak freely”, even if Lord Gyllenhal takes a moment to wait for me to consent, I have the feeling my agreement wasn’t really important. “Nobody doubts your good behaviour for the past years, but certain discomfort, no, discomfort is not the right word... certain worries have been affecting the public opinion.”

I struggle to move my wrist and I try to extend my fingers below the leather strip. “Yeah, yeah, I’ve been good until now, I mean, as a king. More or less. Whatever. What if we vote, the ones that agree to uninstall the chair from the next meeting onwards raise your hand.”

It’s a little complicated, but I think it’s understandable that I’m in favor of it. Just in case, I try with both hands.

The chair spins violently 180 degrees. There are Disneyland attractions that would feel envious. This time the face in front of me is a baby bear, the transmitter over the table in front of him doesn’t have the best quality of sound and the voice of the Grantz representative is distorted.

“The citizens question if it’s not time to settle down in the kingdom permanently, Your Majesty.”

“I thought I was pretty much settled down here, the castle is my only home after all.

I hold my breath in anticipation, and the chair spins again. This time it’s only three seats to the left. I would like it to turn from one side to the other, to compensate a little. This face is very familiar, so I can’t help but have hard feelings because he pushed the button and contributed to another spin. Lord von Voltaire, may it be possible for you not to feel empathy even if this chair is one of Anissina’s devices?!

“The public opinion is far from being the same as your closest subjects, and it’s unnecessary to mention that the media manipulation has its influences.”

The chair spins again. Lord von Christ, with his stern face ready for business that I’m only able to see during official parties. I thought you loved me.

“Of course we took care of regulating what’s being published.” I have no doubts about that, since he’s so involved with the editorial world. “But the gossip column has some liberties, and even if some news seems harmless, the comments about certain things have started to influence...

“Günter, what are you trying to say? Go to the heart of it.”

Since I didn’t went around the bush, my tutor is surprised and he’s stunned for a couple of seconds. Enough for someone else to press the button again. Damn, Gwen, there’s no need to fight the place to speak right now!

“Like I was saying. The public opinion doesn’t count with the same information as your closest subjects, people are not convinced your stay is permanent when you’re able to travel freely between worlds. If you hadn’t made that public...” oh, his accusing glare is scary, whatever happened, it’s clear he’s making me responsible of it. “Then, the people wouldn’t make rash conclusions about leaving this world and never coming back.

“Wait, wait. What are you trying to say?” They’re still not being clear about the point besides the obvious meaning of all this.

The chair spins and this time it’s Wolf. My face is not nice, I’m trying to use that expression he makes so easily, the one that says “you’ll have to face me later in private”.

You had better be the first one raising the hand to abolish the chair that’s your mother’s fault.

“What Lord von Voltaire is trying to say it’s the people is afraid one day you’ll disappear in one of your travels and never come back.”

Oh. In simple words, well, it makes sense. It’s been a while since he stopped having those thoughts anymore, as has Greta, but there was a moment when they, mm, and many others, suspected the same.

“There’s no way I would do that.”

Wolf crocks his head and frowns a little, even if he’s silent his expression doesn’t show any doubts. But it’s clear everyone else doesn’t feel the same.

I glance around the room and I notice anxiety. With the exception of Gwendal and Anissina who don’t show much interest, even Günter is somewhat nervous about the topic.

“I would never do that,” I repeat with determination. Just in case.

Doing maths really quickly, five years is not that much in mazoku’s terms, and that makes me feel a little insecure myself in secret.

The chair spins unexpectedly, this time it’s Lord von Rochefort.

“The people demand you to consummate your marriage to determine you tied ties permanently with the kingdom. And at the same time, with this world.”

We turn again five seats. The von Radford couple. I’m going to throw up, and that has nothing to do with the fact they’re too affectionate in public.

“A marriage without love is questionable, I don’t think that will suffice the necessity of confirming strong ties with the kingdom.”

I think what’s not going to suffice is the hunger for a love story. Like my life is a novel or something.

I turn. Murata, you’re going to pay a high price for contributing to my sickness.

“If we’re talking about love, then let him continue with his baseball team, there’s nothing else that can convince him to stay than the possibility of having a professional career in this world. Doesn’t that sound good, Shibuya? Professional baseball player of the grand leagues of Shin Makoku, what do you think?”

I hate you so much. Let’s spin one more time! I don’t have strength to do any comment, I fear I’ll open my mouth and what’s out aren’t words.

And we continue like this about five times more, and by the time I feel it’s not a bad idea to present my breakfast to everyone in the room to make an statement about how bad this is, we finally stop for several minutes. The discussion continues with some of the other nobles with lower rank sitting at the back against the walls.

When I regain my normal breathing and the things are starting to get heated, I try to interrupt. “Hey...” I’m not loud enough or they don’t want to stop even if I try to speak several times, until I get tired of it. “Silence!”

The penetrating glances intimidates me, but I can’t hesitate.

“I don’t see what’s the problem.” My conviction contributes to the general calm, but there’s a couple of faces that seem like they want to question immediately, it seems my attitude is disconcerting. Before the chair spins again, I turn my head two seats and I look at him. “As long as Lord von Bielefeld agrees to it.”

The words he was going to pronounce die in his mouth with his hand in the air, his mouth hangs slightly open because of the surprise. We lost him, and I’m not the only one who noticed it. Even if the chair doesn’t spin I recognize the voice of Lord von Wincott.

“Do you agree to marry?” he says with a mix of surprise and excitement. I suppose he’s interested in the topic because he’s a passionate husband and a young father as well.

What, wasn’t I clear enough?

“That’s right. It’s something that was going to happen at some point, right? You get engaged, you marry.” Putting it into words is a little uncomfortable, I tap my fingers over the wood armchairs but I can’t stop looking determined in front of everyone. “In fact, I wasn’t planning on getting married so young, but since you already tried to convince me about a fake marriage to trick the enemy, and that it seems the kingdom is so worried about me staying here or not and it’s truly necessary... I don’t see a better option than to do it early.”

I don’t know if Wolfram is conscious again or not but he makes an strange sound.

“Wolf, you sound like a rototo frog, these yellow ones.” The ones that live in that part of the castle I shouldn’t visit alone because it’s being repaired.

He stands up and walks to my chair in the centre of the room, taking a paper from the pocket at his chest. I don’t need him to say what it is, but I wasn’t aware he had more copies with him.

“To resolve this now,” he says briefly and out loud but without clarification for the present ones.

I look at him directly in the eyes for a couple of seconds, my finger barely touches the white paper of good quality, his sign is already there. I wonder if he changed it every a couple of months, it looks pretty new.

“Hey... don’t you prefer something different? I don’t know, like a party, or something more traditional?”

The nobles love the idea of throwing the house by the window.

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Technically, that day, one week ago while we were at the meeting, I married.

We signed a paper in front everyone and it’s more than valid, we had the ten noble houses as witnesses so the veracity of the document is completely unquestionable. It seems the last time a sign had so many people there was three hundred years ago, so there was a pretty good first page in the newspaper.

To be honest, I didn’t feel the difference, it’s like a birthday where you think something will magically change but in fact it’s just one day more in your life. But you receive a lot of congratulations. In my case, I received them until it wasn’t even a little uncomfortable, but I repeated the same lines to thank them on automatic pilot.

I had time to think about it, and I’ll have at least one or two months until the day of the party, and I decided it was the correct decision.

It was an impulse to agree to something we didn’t plan correctly, and that Wolfram and I never discussed for years. Neither him nor I were worried about the topic.

“Which color do you prefer for this?” he asks me while he extends something like a catalogue towards me. All I see are flowers and I don’t understand.

“Oh, the ivory one is really pretty,” comments Greta, taking the magazine and starting to look through the pages, she has a little pile of papers at her side as markers.

There’s also a pile of these catalogues over the table where we’re having tea at my office. I’ve managed to remain as an outsider until now, working with the official documents, but I would prefer to take some fresh air.

“The red one is bright, but it’s very popular this season. There’s no harm in a touch of passion~ ” says Josak.

“Cherie would agree with that,” laughs Murata.

Green lawn undulating with the wind, blue and white uniforms... my fantasies are far from being what they might think.

Conrart, standing at the wall with his arm crossed over his chest, looks at me in the eye when I turn and I’m back to the reality. He understands. I slide my chair softly to make my escape...

“Which color do you like?” Wolf insists.

“Blue. My favorite color is blue.”

He frowns and takes several magazines, passing the pages one after the other and raises his voice about some tea cup set when I’m almost crossing the door.

“What about this...? AH, Yuuri! Where are you going?”

“I love it! You have really good taste, I’ll leave it to you. I’ll be at the field, see you later!”

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That night, and every other one, the desk in our room is filled with magazines and books about decoration, food and who knows what other things I don’t really get. My sense of aesthetics is really poor.

When I enter the bed today, the papers over the mattress crunch and I fear crushing what I shouldn’t. Wolfram is concentrated on taking notes while he passes from one guide to the other. I observe him silently like always, I don’t try to do the typical question about if I can help him, because I’ve failed miserably at other times already.

But I have a question. I lay on my side putting my face in my hand and I look at him. He’s immersed in his work.

“Hey, Wolf.”

“Mm?”

His clear green eyes don’t move from the sheets of paper.

“You’ve been crazy about the details for weeks.” He doesn’t look at me and I start feeling restless so I switch positions and move around, the papers crunch again, ah. “Do you really like event decoration that much?”

I mean, he has what it takes to be an artist... or I think so. Anyway, he has that type of sensibilities I don’t have at all. Even his bond with Greta has a strong stem in that sense, of course she would confide more in him than me for a recommendation about clothes... or jewels for the new season, or whatever.

“I don’t like it in particular.”

“Eh...?” I take time processing that and thinking all over again about the things he likes. “But, you even drew the design on the invitation, so I thought all this was of your liking. But probably from that to selecting the colour of the chair covers... I don’t know if I can say it’s all the same, you’ll get offended again.”

He glances at me with that face that warns me I should not say anything about what I don’t understand. It’s delicate to discuss about at without him pointing out my lack of culture. He closes the book he was looking at and puts the pencil aside with the notebook, it seems he’s done for today. While he settles the rest of the mess he made we keep talking.

I’m a little anxious for this barrier over the bed between us to disappear.

“The cards are something I always wanted to do, the rest doesn’t really excite me.”

He looks at me and my silence invites him to continue. It’s easy to notice the change in his expression, he’s unexpectedly shy now. The next thing he’s going to say it’s something probably hard to say out loud.

“...but since you asked for it, I wanted to do it myself.”

Damn, now I don’t know who should feel embarrassed. It’s been a while since the last time I saw him so vulnerable, it’s not like I never saw this side of him, but Wolf usually acts appropriate and it’s hard for him to be honest with his feelings.

“You don’t have to...”

“But I want to do it.” His green eyes full of confidence don’t intimidate me, but leave me without words anyway.

My fingers tap softly over my mouth as I look at the sheets. His hands takes the last scraps of paper in silence and everything piles up at the night stand or even at the floor at his side.

Finally I’m able to cross the border with my foot and touch his body. I thought that connection would be enough to sleep, since there were other nights he doesn't finish this early, but the absence of things between us is tempting. The dry sound of bed sheets caress me when I move closer pressing my body to his, trying to get shelter under his arm.

I’ll let him keep petting my hair in silence and we can forget about that sentimental topic to avoid feeling uncomfortable. It was enough effort to put in words our doubts about the marriage in private after that public announcement we made in a rush.

It’s easy to wave and smile for the newspaper and give explanations about that’s already time, but that’s our façade. When it’s about discussing these sort of things with him, I can’t help but feel a little nervous, even if everything Wolf says always makes my chest feel warm.

When I think I’m blushing thinking about these things, Wolfram gives me a much more vulgar reason to feel embarrassed.

“Hey, where are you putting your hand?”

“Ah, you were asleep.”

“No, I’m not. And this is not the time to get touchy, you know?”

We were having one of those moments, but it seems he doesn’t care. This is typical, he’s always been like this, and I’ve always been the one who complains. Even if I don’t dislike the idea.

I change the topic suddenly.

“For some time I’ve been asking myself, how’s the culture here about marriages? Every time i try to imagine a festival or something like that, it ends up being the opposite. I would really want to be prepared to avoid messing up in my own wedding.”

Wolfram responds by looking at the ceiling with one hand at his chin and without moving the other one from my bottom.

“Mm, well, for divorces...”

“Wait, wait, I’m barely getting married!”

“Well, that was the only thing that comes to my mind. You know, about that tradition below the window after tapping the glass with a peddle, that was adapted from an old tradition of throwing a biggest stone and breaking it. WE don’t do that any more for propositions, but it seems common for breakup.”

“Eh, isn’t that a little extreme? Or it’s like they had a very bad breakup... But now you said it, I was wondering if there was an specific way to ask for a divorce, you know, that what happened at Seisa left me thinking...”

“A stone... Or horse dung.“

There’s a long silence. Wolf... just... mm, I can’t believe sometimes he says so naturally these kind of things or words you’re not expecting from his mouth.

“...I don’t have words to describe what I’m thinking. But I would like to clarify now between us, and make it part of the contract, that you’re not allowed to do that, specially the second option.”

He has the serious expression of someone contemplating the option if we fail, but the acting to worry me collapses very quickly and he starts to laugh. It’s so bad doing jokes that I also feel like laughing.

It’s time to put off the candles but we’re not going to shut up in a while.

 .

.

.

After going around the castle, I finally find Wolfram sitting at one of the tables in the outside. I was lucky, I saw him by chance when I walked back to the office. I take a shortcut by the garden and climb the stairs two steps at a time until I reach the landing.

“Ah, Wolf, here you are. I’ve been searching for you, but you weren’t at the bedroom or the studio.

He raises his eyes from the scattered documents and places the feather in the inker, he was filling some kind of inventory. “I preferred to take some fresh air, just to change the scenery.”

“There’s good light at the office, or you can use the table at the balcony if you want.”

“I think it’s enough that I take over the room and the bed every night.” he says smiling, it’s noticeable he’s a little bit sleepy.

I take my seat on the empty chair and I take a close look reclining near him, it’s a list about chairs, tables and other similar stuff. Turning the pages there’s more about cutlery, ornaments... the amount of stuff listed here is impressive, do we really need all this? The numbers scare me a little. I’m starting to get worried about how much are we going to spend on this.

I can’t say that. If it were my decision, I think only around fifty people would attend my wedding, and I would have to be creative with the invitations. The most expensive thing would be a huge amount of meat for the main course, and a beer shower to fulfil one of my fantasies.

But thinking about it, maybe we’ll have more guests, but ninety percent of them would be from Wolfram’s family side. But since this is a Royal Wedding, basically the entire kingdom is invited.

This is only about the private reception, but there’s a thousand things to do that I don’t understand and Günter is taking care of. There’s going to be a fair in town, at some point it’s expected we do a parade through the main streets. There was a war with cape and spade to decide who’ll take care of what, but Wolfram can’t do everything.

“It doesn’t bother me if you continue in the office.”

“I don’t want to interrupt the few moments you’re diligent with your work like a dignified king.

“What are you talking about? If you’re barely noticeable when you’re submerged in this, I don’t know if you notice it, but I’ve seen you in silence in the same position for hours. I would be worried if you wouldn’t do the same when you draw or paint.”

There’s a food list, this one’s way more interesting. I can get some spoilers about the things I’ll enjoy in the future. Oh, here it is, main courses and meat. There’s a lot of my favourite plates, lucky!

“Besides, I’ve been thinking again about this and I don’t like you having to do all the work by yourself. There must be something I can help with, transcribing the lists, or any other task similar to office work. I can’t choice the colour of the flowerpots but I think I should be more involved. I had an idea.”

“What were you thinking now?”

“I want to find something only Greta can do. Do you remember I told you about some Earth customs? It’s not strictly a Japanese thing, but at occidental weddings the kids hold the rings, it’s an special job.”

“Mazoku don’t wear that,” says Wolf and he fixes it right away, “but we can have rings if you want.”

“I don’t care about the rings, but well, it would make sense... Anyway, we can discuss that later. Isn’t there any custom like that Greta can take part in?”

“Well, there are a lot of activities, I think she already organized with Anissina the race.”

“...Race?”

“Mm, yes, the family blood red war.”

“Blood red... Ah...? ¡Greta it’s too young for that! It’s a wedding, why are we talking about war, ugh, I have a bad feeling about it.”

“Calm down Yuuri, it’s just an event, the confrontation is not real. Didn’t you say in that place where you came from they do that too? The eschoo-fees-tivaa.”

“You’re pronouncing all wrong again, ah, no, sorry, do pretend as though I didn’t point that out, it was rude. But I’m relieved! So it’s just like the school festival games, like the horse war or something like that.”

Wolfram nods and I, who kept eyeing the food list, change the subject radically again. Hunger is making a mess in my brain.

“And I know we already decided the itinerary of the party and all, but I never asked you if you wanted to do it here. I mean, maybe you always dreamed about having your wedding at your base, sorry, your house.”

“But we’re at home.”

He says it so casually it makes me stutter the words for a moment. I feel a little happy.

“Ah, yeah, right, we’re at home. But I was talking about your other home.”

“Oh, you’re talking about Bielefeld.”

“You’re still not the Lord of your territory, but it’s been years since you represent if officially and sooner or later you’ll end up being it. You travel sometimes, but... I don’t know if saying it has been left aside. Taking care of the family is important.”

 .

.

.

I got vacations, hooray!

Oh, no, of course that wasn’t my plan from the beginning. This is more like an official visit... no, it’s a family visit. Being at Bielefeld has its benefits but at the same time responsibilities.

“Father...”

“He’s my uncle,” says Wolfram after a silence.

Damn, I just arrived and I already messed up. So embarrassing.

 .

.

.

The day of my wedding comes so fast that finding myself standing in the middle of the party takes me by surprise.

I’ve spent almost two months trying to help Wolfram to organize this, but now that I see the decorated place I feel like an outsider, there are so many strange things I didn’t know about.

But my gluttony wins over my nervousness and I’m standing at the side of the food glancing at it. There’s a lot of tasty stuff, but I feel dragged towards the big cake in the centre of all the sweets. It being my wedding, I should try my wedding cake, right? Even if I’m not a big fan of sweets, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Yuuri, ...what are you...?”

“Mmm... Hey Wolf, this is really good, since you’re crazy about sweets you have to try it.”

“I can’t believe it.”

“Whad gappen?”

“How long it’s been since the party started, thirty seconds?” Wolf face palms, “it looks like it’s impossible for you not to mess up.”

“What did I do now!?” I ask afraid of the response, stopping every move.

“That’s the ‘soul cake of abundance’, it’s supposed nobody touches it. If you do it’s seventy years of bad luck and disgrace on your marriage.”

“...”

Why did you leave me alone, Conrart? Why?

Before Wolf is able to depress I’m serving a triple portion in a different plate and I give it to him.

“What are you doing?”

“Come on, eat, don’t think about it,” I indicate him while I finish mine. “If we already started let’s continue. Hey you! Yes, you there, do you want cake? Here. And you too, who else wants some?”

“...What are you doing? Yuuri?”

“We already messed up,” I say to him in a low voice, “so it’s better to disappear the evidence. I need help here! This has to be gone in like... mm, twenty minutes.”

Murata is quickly here and he doesn’t ask unnecessary questions but follows my lead. Murakenzu time. Josak doesn’t waste time joining us.

Besides all customs, if the Maou and Daikenja asks for it, people will do anything, it’s not a big issue to get rid of a cake in matter of minutes. I don’t know if this’ll fix what we done, but at least Wolf is laughing and that’s enough to make me feel happy.

 .

.

.

The said race counts with two sides, mine and his side, everyone piles up in the middle. The rules are simple, both of us have to manage sorting out all the obstacles and meet at the centre, if he and I took hands it’s game over. Wolf told me that if we’re too bad at this they’ll let us win for the appearances to make it look cute, but my sportsman side makes me take this seriously.

All the people I barely know are my enemies. Ah, that’s his art teacher, and I think that’s a midwife he told me about once. The amount of adults is big, but there’s a lot of young people and I feel a little bad I don’t know who are most of them. I’ve been always happy Wolf has friends, but maybe I should’ve put more effort in socializing with them all these past years.

Whatever, the strange sound of a cornet gives the start signal, to my surprise the confrontation is like trying to buy something during a sales day at the supermarket. Everyone screams something at me and tries to convince me to stop, pulling at my clothes or taking my arms, even the children climb up my legs. What? They’re asking me to leave money or stuff I carry with me? Should I leave them something...? there’s no time, I give away the little things I have with me while I keep advancing people by people, dodging or pushing without hesitation, you can’t doubt.

I can’t keep carrying the kids but they’re not going to set me free. Half way, I lost my energies laughing, thank god my opponents feel the same.

Wolfram’s a couple of meters away and it’s me who manages to leave the extra weight to reach him. It seems it was difficult for him because Anissina was on my side and she had some weird device. Günter... Lord von Christ’s diligently stuck at his feet without intentions of letting go, it seems it’s his last attempt to stop this wedding. Wolf doesn’t count with the patience not to step on his head at the last moment, I feel sorry for him but we made it and we engage in a friendly congratulations hug.

.

.

.

Since we surpassed the funny test and we had a touchy moment in front of a multitude of people, now we can continue with the ceremony.

This is what really makes me feel nervous, I’m not good at this kind of stuff. My stomach feels like a mess and I’m not able to look at Wolf in the eye without feeling uncomfortable. It’s not him, it’s the situation that makes me really anxious. All the eyes are focused at the back of my head and I feel tense.

When Wolf takes my hand, my fingers still shake like a leaf. “Relax, Yuuri.”

“Look who’s talking...”

Although he tries to remain composed, I know he’s as nervous as me or worse.

The ceremony doesn’t count with too many steps, but everything takes time and that makes this longer than I would like. Though, these dead times help me to calm down. Breath, in and out. Let’s not faint on my wedding day in front of five hundred persons I barely know and a couple of paparazzi.

As the day I was crowned and I had to put my hand in the mausoleum of Shinou behind the waterfall, we have to do something similar, but we first extend our palms in front of the other, interlace our fingers and then we get them behind the water together.

I relax at first, thinking nothing bad might happen, but the strange feeling of ghost fingers over our fists makes me cringe. Wolf and I look at each other and press our lips closed without a word. He’s there after all. Auch, the pinch over the sensitive part of my hand hurts like hell.

After ignoring the incident and bringing back our hands, we raise them in the air in the typical victorious pose after Shinou’s approval. We can’t say it really happened something.

Ulrike makes us stand in front of each other again and I start doubting, what was next? She talks but I’m not really listening, even if she sounds kind her tone is rather monotone. This part is too formal.

One stupid doubt attacks me. If this is comparable to a foreign wedding, is this the moment for the kiss, right? Um... a... kiss. In front of all this people... I never thought about it.

Oh no, if I start feeling dizzy I’ll end up on the floor. But what should I do?! If this has to end with a kiss... what should I do?! It’s not like it’s my first kiss, but...!

I don’t think abut it, when she ends the talking and we turn towards the public in silence I incline towards him after a couple of tense seconds. My lips barely touches his cheek by a fraction of second, that’s all that I found in my way, and I’m back to my position looking at the guests with my lips sealed and probably as red as a tomato.

This is too much for a young Japanese guy.

The first thing I hear are the complaints from the paparazzi from the first row, it was too fast for them. The cheers from the public are next, starting at the front and extending to the back of the stone room. Murata looks at me amused and Conrart’s clapping too excited while Josak shows his perfect Roger Rabbit smile. I ignore them, as I ignore Günter who’s crying inside my head because the sound of the crowd makes me unable to hear anything, and the half smile of Gwendal. Not to mention the over-excited mother and our daughter.

Maybe this wasn’t that bad? I hope I didn’t mess up again with culture...

Sudenly, Wolfram pulls my arm and hugs me by my shoulders. I can’t do anything but respond by wrapping my arms around his waist. I don’t know what’s the etiquette for this moment, but I’ll follow his lead. When he push away he smiles, his blond hair as the color of honey undulate and his white teeth shine taking my breath away.

Ah, you really are beautiful.

 .

.

.

If I was feeling afraid of the public displays of affection, well... This is unexpected.

Facing towards the exit, I’m hugged and greeted energetically by everyone, even people I don’t really know. Wolfram is separated from me quickly, it seems this is another custom because people have divided again into two teams to capture us. Maybe they just choose their favorite? I don’t know.

The next strange thing is being offered cutlery. I’m afraid of touching them because my last memory is about picking up a knife and agreeing to a duel. But after the spoon, the fork and the rest of the cutlery there comes a tea cup, a jar and even a tea pot. I don’t know what’s happening but suddenly I’m carrying a whole set in my arms that’s in danger of ending up in the floor at any time. Could somebody pass the tray? I’m wearing a black tailcoat, so changing roles to fit a waiter is not an issue.

After a moment, the crowd of people guides me towards a unique path, to find Wolfram carrying the same amount of similar stuff in his hands. I still don’t know what’s happening until he murmurs quickly.

“It’s for good luck, yours is mine and mine is yours, there’s never going to be missing food at the table.”

Ah, right. Although it’s questionable because his family has literally a toilette made of gold and that... well, I’m the king of this country. But who I am to question all these customs...

“Ah-auch, HEY... AGH. Stop! What’s your problem...? Wolf...! What’s happening!?”

“I don’t know!” he responds, covering his face from the projectiles, and automatically I stand in front of him.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty, Your Excellency!”

“Long live the grooms! Your Majesty, Excellency Wolfram, congratulations!”

“Sizemore, Dacascos, what the hell... You too, Chevalier? What the hell are you all doing, dumbass!?” Something like a cucumber smashes in the middle of my face.

“But we’re greeting you, Your Majesty.”

“There’s still an entire basket.”

“What’s supposed to be this? What kind of strange vegetable... no, what kind of misunderstanding is it?”

Knowing the mazokus... No, ok, I don’t know what to expect. Are they trying to hint something with the cucumbers?

“Lady Anissina said it so, that in the home country of His Majesty there’s a certain custom, and we wanted to do something special including your traditions.”

“I’m not aware of any custom about throwing cucumber at people’s faces! Is this some kind of indirect joke? Because if it is, I’m going to take it personally...”

“Calm down, Shibuya,” says Murata, making me step aside. The hit to my face really hurt, I’m glad I was standing at the front and not Wolfram.

“It’s a brice, Your Majesty.”

What the hell is a brice?

“Oh...” interrupts Conrart who just arrived, it seems he was chasing us closely after the ceremony. “Maybe instead of brice... you meant rice?”

“Oh...” I make a pause, surprised. “OH... Don’t tell me that... Rice, it’s rice that’s thrown at foreign weddings for goodness sake! Who would have thought of anything else? Besides, I’m Japanese, do you understand? Japanese!”

“Woa, rice? Would you’ve thought about that?”asks Dacascos to Sizemore and Chevalier.

“Well... I don’t know what to say...”

“I never questioned it because it’s another world and all.”

“Dacky, what are you doing? Don’t tell me... Oh, no. Are you causing troubles to Your Majesty and Your Excellency again!? I beg you pardon us.”

The way Amblin looks at him gives me an idea about how difficult the married life can get. I don’t want to even comment to avoid making it worst.

“Mmm, n-no, it’s ok.”

“These things happen,” says Wolfram quickly.

“Right Wolf? Ah, hey, don’t we have to go there?”

“Right! What were you looking at Yuuri, hurry up, it’s time to getting back to the castle, they’re waiting for us to have the first dance.”

“Yeah, ok, see you!”

The strategical withdraw is a success. I push out of my mind these thoughts about being in Dacascos’s boots in a couple of years.

.

.

Wolfram is moody and he accompanies me only because I made him to, I was going to come alone but this being about both of us, I decided it was better if he was present. The room where we celebrated the ceremony is almost empty, everyone headed towards the castle and we should do that soon too.

Only a few guards remain inside, Murata took care about that, but he disappeared as soon as he could without giving me room to ask if he was coming with us. It’s clear that he’s still on bad terms with him, and it’s not like I adore the idea of seeing him, but I didn’t want to be rude.

This is his temple after all.

Standing in front of the waterfall where we placed our hands a couple of hours ago, I don’t really know what to do. I clear my throat before speaking. “Hey, are you there or...?”

Wolfram pushes me aside exasperatedly and he looks at me with reproach, I feel it’s because I didn’t follow any protocol or something. He continues. “Your Majesty Shinou, we came for an audience, if you’re there please come out.”

“Oh, an audience? Interesting choice of words, being that you throw an entire party at my home, just saying.”

I knew it, he’s mad. It’s a little detail that we never asked officially for permission to do here something else besides the ceremony.

“If it counts for the record, Ulrike was happy.”

“She’s always happy about whatever, a wedding, pff, she would throw the house by the window only hearing about something so similar to these novels she reads. Of course she would allow half the capital to run around the place if it’s about that.”

“Are you going to show up or not?”

“What a temper, what happened with the modesty just now?” he comments when Wolf said that without filters, and the ethereal figure materializes coming from the water.

He doesn’t look solid like the last time we met, it’s not a physical body.

“Which maryoku are you using?”

“Yours.” He responds and I nod. I’m glad he’s not using Wolfram’s. “So, what do you want now?”

Neither him nor I stand out with our manners, like always. He looks like he wants to eat the world, and I... I simply don’t care. Even if I might have one hundred reasons, in fact, I don’t hate him... no so much. I have conflicted feelings.

Whatever, I’m not here to discuss our relationship.

“Thanks.”

My sudden gratitude leaves him without words, same with Wolfram. I thought maybe he’ll rush me to raise my head, but he doesn't. Is a reverence acceptable because this man is practically the God of this kingdom?

After the silence and the dead time, I consider it’s enough and I don’t add anything else. Shinou sighs arrogantly like always, but I’m able to notice he’s not good with this kind of situations. He resembles Wolf a little in that aspect.

“Welcome,” he mutters and tries to make his doubt look like he was planning to scratch his chin with his hand all along. “If that’s all, then I would like you to finish and leave my temple.”

“There’s no one left, only us and a couple of soldiers.”

“Good. Ah, and tell him to come see me, I’ll be waiting with tea.”

“I will, but I can’t promise he’ll come.”

“Hmp.”

There’s not much else to say, so I turn around and Wolf follows me.

“Sorry for dragging you into this,” I apology in a low voice, now I see it wasn’t really necessary for him to be present.

“As long as it makes you happy” is the only thing he says. I can’t help but smile a little.

“Ah,” interrupts the voice at our backs, “and congratulations on getting married.”

I turn to comment something, but there’s no one there.

I suppose there’s no need to clarify I’ll take care of his descendant or anything on these lines. Neither I think he cares about that after all what happened.

.

.

.

“Tsk, that guy. I tell you Shibuya, he’s just whining because he’s sulking about not getting an official invitation to the wedding.”

“Eeeeh,” I’m surprised, “so, it’s not the tsundere attitude Wolf inherited, but something similar to fairy tales where you don’t invite the undesirable people? Oh, no, wasn’t the ending of these stories bad? Something about cursing the first born child... Greta!”

“Don’t say nonsense Yuuri, we’re not able to have any first born child, we’re both men.”

“But Greta is officially our daughter, doesn’t that makes her the first born child in some way?

“I don’t think that works that way in this case. And if it does, there’s no way I’ll let that guy do anything to her.”

Before I can speak again, Murata interrupts. “Probably what attracted him was the word war. It doesn't matter what kind of war, he loves these things.”

“Ah... that fake confrontation? But being like that he would have to choose a team... do you imagine Wolf, with your ancestor participating, I don’t know what to think... probably it would ensure chaos. And having the original Maou in your side, there’s no chance, I would’ve even lost merit comparing us as kings...”

“That’s impossible.”

I’m not sure if he’s talking about Shinou’s appearance or the other thing, but his resolute attitude and his fiery eyes make me get excited to think he’s talking about me.

“Well, well, this is getting wild. If he can’t even materialize in front of people, then it’s obvious he wasn’t going to be invited. Leave him crying closed up like the hikkikomori he is.”

“So mean, Muramura. By the way, he invited you to drink tea.”

 “Then he can sit down and wait!”

.

.

.

Thanks Günter, from the bottom of my heart. These horrific dance classes that I suffered bears fruit now... or I think so.

This is that important moment in front of a multitude of people that makes me a little embarrassed, but that’s really necessary. The first dance of the just married couple. You can’t deny Wolf is amazing at this, he doesn’t only dance well, something I already knew, but he doesn’t suffer stage panic like me.

The worst part was after the beginning, my hands were sweaty and I was dead nervous, I think I wasn’t able to fool anyone. Seeing Conrart smiling at me in the distance and doing a thumbs up made it worse, that didn’t help at all!

With the passing of time I started to feel calmer. Avoiding mistakes, like stumbling as soon as we start like I was afraid it would happen, and having already finished half the piece correctly, I’m glad. I think part of that happiness is reflecting in my body, it’s easy to lose myself in my thoughts and Wolf’s smile for the rest of the song.

We reach the final part, those complicated steps are done correctly, swirl and pose.

Then, they’re booing. I already knew about that, but my heart still breaks a little. I have to remember this is the way they say “I’m so moved I have to share my feelings with His Majesty Shinou”. But it’s a little bit... weird.

Wolfram enjoys it because he understands the custom as something positive, but I glance searching for Greta’s eyes. We share the same feelings about it, just like years ago during that school musical we played as a family.

It’s something like one of the little secrets Wolf doesn’t understand. I wonder what kind of thing like that they share that I don’t know.

.

.

.

The night is incredibly nice, standing on the balcony of my room I enjoy the breeze after this long and agitated day full of emotions. I feel tired, but my mind is excited and full of memories that I’ll recall forever.

 Although I’m not a big drinker, I bring with me a last glass of one of the wines I got a taste for at the party.

When Wolfram enters it’s like our roles have been exchanged. It’s usually him who reclines over the guardrail to enjoy the view of the gardens while he drinks.

This makes me feel things have actually changed. Slowly, but it changed.

Wolf’s damp hair looks heavier, but it still shines beautifully under the moonlight. I gaze at the sky again. “The moon is beautiful tonight.”

There’s no better response than his special smile, the fresh white shirt he’s loosely wearing gives him a somewhat ethereal appearance. He gets closer and stands behind me, placing his arms around my neck and laying his chin over my shoulder. He looks at the sky with me.

The silence isn’t heavy. Being a person who comes from a warm and loud family, sometimes it was strange for me that we weren’t talking, but I learned to appreciate this moments. The cold breeze feels good over my skin in contrast with the warmness of his body.

“You know Wolf,” I can’t help but interrupt the moment, “I’ve never thanked you for everything you’ve done for me. You didn’t even like me at first, and even so, you always were there to guide me as a king, travelling from one side to the other of the map to find me every time I got in trouble... You even saved my life, two, no, three times! I don’t even know how you made it to appear every time I needed you. Things have changed a lot and it doesn’t feel like so much time has passed.”

His laugh muffles against my body and his hands press with a little more force. “How long have I waited to hear that?” he says amused, “and all the things I had to face,” he sighs, “do you know how much you make me worry sometimes?”

“I know.” I feel a little embarrassed to think I was never able to respond properly to this typical retort he always says. “Ah, sorry about all that. About everything, I suppose.”

“It’s ok, as long as you’re happy.”

“You say that pretty often now.”

I don’t really know what to say in response. Some times the communication is complicated and the cultural differences too, but I’ve advanced a lot with that.

Wolf gives me space to turn around and I leave the glass over the guardrail, I place a hand over his chest and we end up in a perfect position for a dance. Our noses touches when my forehead rely on his one.

There’s another enjoyable silence. It feels warm but agitated. Like our hearts beating together.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” says Wolf very softly.

I would like to turn to the sky once more, but I end up making the image in my mind with my eyes closed, I prefer to enjoy this kiss.

Certainly, the moon is beautiful tonight.

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Fin.

 A probably unnecessary note, but it’s better to clarify. That last part where Yuuri talks about the beautiful moon is a reference to the poetic Japanese comparison of “the moon is beautiful tonight = I love you”. Lately I’ve been abusing the reference, but it’s just that I love it haha.

sec-i

[redglassesgirl-maruma]

Boda Real - Fanfic, oneshot

¡Feliz navidad @roquelg! Este es mi regalo para el Secret Santa, espero que te guste y capas te saque una que otra sonrisa. Tal como dice el título es la boda real, intenté incorporas detalles graciosos sobre costumbres mazoku como querias.

(My secret santa gif is a fic, I was going to crosspost a version in english too, but I didn’t have the time to translate it in the end. So please... wait  a little longer, I’m so sorry! orz I still have time until the deadline on 31, so I’m going to do my best XD Merry xmas everyone! I also have a second gift to do ♥)

Boda Real - Oneshot

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  —Y eso es todo sobre la economía del reino Su Majestad, el siguiente punto en la lista es...

 Antes de que el diligente Lord von Christ pueda continuar, la silla gira abruptamente hacia otro noble y el contenido de mi estomago tarda tres segundos en acompañar al resto de mi cuerpo. Tuve alrededor de quince minutos de paz durante la ultima conversación, pero no se cuanto mas estoy dispuesto a aguantar.

 —De verdad, espero que el siguiente punto sea sobre abolir la silla durante las reuniones...

 Mi comentario es completamente ignorado, pese a que soy, legítimamente, la persona con mas rango en esta sala.

 —Su Majestad, permitame hablar libremente —aunque Lord Gyllenhal se toma un momento para esperar que yo asienta, me da la sensación que no era tan importante mi consentimiento—. Nadie pone en duda su buen desempeño durante los últimos años, pero cierto malestar, no, malestar no es la palabra adecuada... ciertas preocupaciones han comenzado a tener influencia en la opinión publica.

 Muevo forzosamente la muñeca y trato de estirar los dedos bajo la apretada cinta de cuero. —Si, si, me he portado bien hasta ahora, digo, como rey. Mal que bien. Como sea. Que tal si votamos, el que este a favor de desinstalar la silla a partir de la reunión que viene que levante la mano.

 Es un tanto complicado, pero creo que se entiende que mi gesto es a favor. Por si las dudas, con las dos manos.

 La silla gira con violencia ciento ochenta grados. Hay atracciones de Disneylandia que podrían sentir envidia. Esta vez la cara frente a mi es un oso bebé, el transmisor en la mesa delante de él no tiene la mejor calidad de sonido y la voz del representante de Grantz sale distorsionada.

 —El pueblo cuestiona si no es hora de asentarse definitivamente en el reino, Su Majestad.

 —Pensé que ya estaba bastante asentado aquí, después de todo el castillo es mi única casa.

 Contengo la respiración en anticipación, la silla gira de nuevo. Esta vez son tres asientos hacia la izquierda. Me gustaría que al menos fuera para un lado y para el otro, como para compensar un poco. Esta cara la conozco bien, así que no puedo evitar sentir rencor por el hecho de que apretara el botón y contribuyera con un giro mas. ¡Lord von Voltaire, ¿acaso eres incapaz de sentir empatía sabiendo que esta silla es cosa de Anissina?!

 —La opinión publica está lejos de ser la misma que la de sus allegados, y no hace falta mencionar que la manipulación mediática influye.

 La silla gira de nuevo. Lord von Christ, con su semblante de negocios que casi solo veo en eventos oficiales. Pensé que me querías.

 —Por supuesto que nos hemos encargado de regular lo que ha sido publicado. —No me cabe duda, ya que él está completamente metido en el rubro editorial—. Pero la columna de chismes tiene cierta libertad, y aunque algunas noticias parezcan inocentes, han comenzado a pesar los comentarios sobre cierto tema...

 —Günter, ¿a dónde quieres llegar? Por favor se directo.

 Al no andarme con rodeos, mi tutor se sorprende y se queda pasmado durante unos segundos. Los suficiente como para que alguien apriete el botón de nuevo. Rayos, Gwen, ¡no tienes que pelearle la palabra en este momento!

 —Como decía. La opinión publica no cuenta con la misma información que sus allegados cercanos, la gente no está convencida de que su estadía sea permanente teniendo la opción de viajar entre mundos. Si no hubiera hecho eso de publico conocimiento —oh, su mirada acusatoria da miedo, esta claro que me hace responsable directo de lo que sea que haya pasado—, entonces el pueblo no haría conjeturas libremente sobre abandonar este mundo para no volver.

 —Momento, momento. ¿Qué quieres decir? —siguen sin ser realmente claros con cual es el punto más allá de lo obvio.

 La silla gira y esta vez es Wolf. Mi cara no es agradable, estoy intentando poner esa expresión que a él le sale tan fácil, la de “te las vas a ver conmigo mas tarde en privado”.

 Mas te vale que seas el primero en levantar la mano para abolir esta cosa que ha sido culpa de tu madre.

 —Lo que Lord von Voltaire quiere decir es que la gente teme que un día de estos desaparezcas en uno de tus viajes y no vuelvas.

 Oh. Puesto en palabras simples, pues tiene sentido. Hace tiempo que él ya no tiene esas dudas, ni Greta tampoco, pero hubo un tiempo en que ellos, mm, y también varios otros, sospechaban lo mismo.

 —No hay forma de que haga eso.

 Wolf ladea la cabeza y frunce ligeramente el ceño, pese a su silencio, su expresión no muestra duda. Pero está claro que los demás no sienten lo mismo.

 Hago un paneo general de la sala y noto inquietud. Exceptuando a Gwendal y Anissina que no muestran demasiado interés, incluso Günter está algo nervioso respecto a este tema.

 —Nunca haría eso —repito con firmeza. Por si acaso.

 Haciendo las cuentas rápido, cinco años en términos mazoku no es tanto, eso me hace sentir inseguro en secreto a mi también.

 La silla gira de golpe, esta vez es Lord von Rochefort.

 —El pueblo exige que consume su matrimonio para determinar que ha atado lazos permanentes con el reino. Y sea de paso, con este mundo.

 Giramos de nuevo cinco asientos. La pareja von Radford. Voy a vomitar, y eso nada tiene que ver conque a veces ellos son demasiado cariñosos en publico.

 —Un matrimonio sin amor es cuestionable, no me parece que eso satisfaga la necesidad de confirmar sus fuertes lazos con el reino.

 Me parece que lo que no se va a satisfacer es las ganas de la gente de ver una historia de amor. Como si mi vida fuera una novela o algo.

 Giramos. Murata, vas a pagar caro el contribuir a lo mal que me siento.

 —Si de amor se trata, entonces déjenle continuar con su equipo de béisbol, no hay nada que que lo convenza más de quedarse que la oportunidad de tener una carrera profesional en este mundo. No suena bien Shibuya, jugador profesional de las ligas mayores de Shin Makoku, ¿qué te parece?

 Te odio tanto. ¡Giremos una vez mas! No tengo fuerzas para hacer ningún comentario, temo abrir la boca y que lo que salga no sean palabras.

 Y así continua unas cinco veces mas, para cuando no me parece mala idea literalmente presentar mi desayuno a todos los presentes para demostrar que esto no va bien, por fin se detiene por varios minutos. La discusión continua con algunos de los otros nobles de menor rango que ocupan los lugares contra la pared.

 Para cuando recupero mi respiración normal y las cosas se pone mas acaloradas intento interrumpir. —Oigan... —no tengo las fuerzas, o no desean parar a pesar de que intento hablar un par de veces hasta que me canso. —¡Silencio!

 Las penetrantes miradas me intimidan, pero no puedo vacilar.

 —No veo cual es el problema. —Mi seguridad contribuye a la calma general, pero hay un par de rostros que parecen querer cuestionar de inmediato, al parecer es desconcertante. Antes de que la silla gire o nada parecido, volteo la cabeza dos asientos mas allá y lo miro directamente. —Siempre y cuando Lord von Bielefeld esté de acuerdo.

 Las palabras que estaba por decir mueren en su boca con la mano en alto, su mandíbula cuelga ligeramente abierta por la sorpresa. Lo perdimos, no soy el único en notarlo y aunque la silla no gira para verlo reconozco la voz de von Wincott.

 —¿Está dispuesto a casarse? —dice en una mezcla de sorpresa y emoción. Supongo que le interesa el tema porque es un apasionado esposo y padre joven.

 ¿Qué, no he sido lo suficientemente claro?

 —Así es. Es algo que iba a pasar en algún momento, ¿verdad? Te comprometes, te casas. —Ponerlo en palabras me incomoda un poquito, tamborileo los dedos sobre la madera pero no puedo dejar de mostrarme decidido frente a todos—. En realidad, no pensaba casarme tan joven, pero siendo que ya han intentado una vez convencerme de un matrimonio falso para engañar al enemigo, y que parece que en este reino les preocupa tanto sobre si me quedare o no y es realmente necesario... no veo una mejor alternativa que adelantarlo.

 No se si Wolfram vuelve a estar consciente o no pero hace un ruido raro.

 —Wolf, suenas como un sapo rototo de esos amarillos. —Los que hacen nido en esa parte del castillo a la cual se supone que no debería ir sin escolta porque está en reparaciones.

 Él se levanta y se acerca hasta mi silla en el centro de la sala, sacando un papel del bolsillo de su pecho. No necesito que me diga que es, lo que no sabia es que llevaba mas copias encima.

 —Para resolverlo ahora —dice escuetamente en voz alta sin aclarar para los presentes.

 Lo miro unos segundos a los ojos, mi dedo apenas roza el papel blanco de buena calidad, su firma ya está puesta. Me pregunto si cada unos cuantos meses lo iba renovando, se ve bastante nuevo.

 —Oye... ¿No preferirías otra cosa? No lo se, una fiesta, ¿o algo mas tradicional?

 A los nobles les encantada la idea de echar la casa por la ventana.

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 Teóricamente ese día, hace una semana durante la reunión, me he casado.

 Firmamos un papel ante todos y es más que valido, tuvimos a las diez casas nobles de testigos así que es completamente incuestionable la veracidad del documento. Al parecer la ultima vez que la firma se realizo frente a tanta gente fue hace unos trescientos años, así que ha habido una buena primera plana en el diario.

 La verdad es que no he notado la diferencia, ha sido como un cumpleaños donde crees que mágicamente algo cambiara peor en realidad es un día mas en tu vida. Solo que recibes muchas felicitaciones. En mi caso, las he recibido hasta que ya no era ni un poquito incomodo, sino que repetía las mismas frases de agradecimiento en piloto automático.

 He tenido tiempo para pensarlo, y tendré al menos un mes o dos mas hasta que llegue el día de la fiesta, y me parece que ha sido la decisión correcta.

 Fue un impulso acceder así de rápido a algo que no había planeado correctamente, y que de hecho no hemos discutido con Wolfram por años. Ni el ni yo estábamos preocupados por el tema.

 —¿Qué color prefieres para esto? —me pregunta mientras me extiende una especie de catalogo. Todo lo que veo son flores y no entiendo.

 —Oh, el marfil es tan bonito —comenta Greta, toma la revista y comienza a pasar las páginas, tiene un pequeño pilón de papeles sobre la mesa a modo de marcadores.

 Hay una pila de esos catálogos sobre la mesa donde tomamos el té en mi despacho. He logrado mantenerme ajeno a la conversación hasta ahora, sumido en los documentos de estado, pero sinceramente preferiría tomar algo de aire.

 —El rojo es estridente, pero es bastante popular esta temporada. A nadie le hace mal un poco de pasión~ —comenta Josak.

 —Cherie estaría de acuerdo con eso —ríe Murata.

 El césped verde ondeando en el viento, uniformes azules y negros... mis fantasías están muy lejos de lo que creen ellos.

 Conrart, apoyado en la pared de brazos cruzados un tanto mas lejos, me ve a los ojos cuando volteo al volver a la realidad y sonríe. Él entiende. Deslizo suavemente la silla para escapar...

 —¿Qué color te gusta? —presiona Wolf.

 —Azul. Mi color favorito es el azul.

 Él frunce el ceño y toma varias revistas, pasando las paginas una atrás de la otra y me grita sobre no se que juego de tazas mientras estoy ya casi cruzando por la puerta.

 —¿Qué tal este...? ¡AH, Yuuri! ¿A dónde vas?

 —¡..Me encanta! Tienes buen gusto, lo dejo a tu criterio. ¡Estaré en el campo, nos vemos!

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Esa noche, y todas las subsiguientes, el escritorio de nuestra habitación rebosa de revistas y libros sobre decoración, comida y vaya a saber que más que no comprendo. Mi sentido de la estética es demasiado pobre.

 Al meterme a la cama, hoy también crujen los papeles sobre las sabanas y tengo miedo de aplastar lo que no debo. Wolfram está concentrado en tomar notas mientras pasa de una guía a la otra. Lo observo en silencio como siempre, ya no intento hacer la típica pregunta de si puedo ayudarle, porque he fallado miserablemente veces anteriores.

 A pesar de eso, tengo una pregunta. Me recuesto de lado apoyando el rostro en mi mano y lo observo. Está muy concentrado.

 —Oye, Wolf.

 —¿Mmm?

 Sus ojos verde transparente no se mueven de las hojas.

 —Has estado loco con los detalles desde hace semanas. —Él no me mira y me pongo inquieto así que comienzo a moverme y cambiar de posición, los papeles crujen nuevamente, ay. —¿Tanto te gusta la decoración de eventos?

 Es decir, él tiene madera de artista... o eso creo. Sea como sea, tiene ese tipo de sensibilidades de las cuales yo carezco por completo. Incluso su vinculo con Greta tiene raíces muy fuertes en ese sentido, por supuesto que confiaría mas en su recomendación para la ropa que en la mía... o adornos para la nueva temporada, o lo que sea.

 —No me interesa particularmente.

 —¿Eh...? —tardo un poco en procesarlo y recapitular las cosas que se que le gustan—. Pero, incluso has dibujado el diseño de las invitaciones, así que pensé que todo esto te gustaba. Aunque supongo que de eso a elegir hasta el color de los cubre sillas... No se si decir que es todo lo mismo, vas a ofenderte de nuevo.

 Él me mira con esa cara que me advierte que no diga nada mas sobre lo que no tengo idea. Es delicado discutir sobre arte sin que me retruque mi falta de cultura. Cierra el libro que estaba mirando y hace a un lado el lápiz y la libreta, parece que es todo por hoy. Mientras acomoda el resto del desorden que ha hecho conversamos.

 Estoy un poco ansioso porque esta barrera de cosas entre nosotros sobre la cama desaparezca.

 —Las tarjetas son algo que siempre quise hacer, el resto no me apasiona realmente.

 Mi mirada da pie a que continué cuando me observa brevemente. Me es fácil notar el cambio en su expresión, de repente se vuelve algo mas tímido. Lo siguiente que dirá es algo que seguramente le cuesta.

 —...Pero siendo que es algo que tu pediste, quería hacerlo yo mismo.

 Rayos, ahora no se quien de los dos debería sentir vergüenza. Ha pasado un tiempo desde la ultima vez que lo he visto así de vulnerable, no es como si no conociera esta faceta, pero usualmente Wolf actúa correcto y le cuesta ser honesto con sus sentimientos.

 —No tienes que...

 —Pero quiero hacerlo. —Sus ojos verdes llenos de seguridad no me intimidan pero me dejan sin palabras.

 Mis dedos tamborilean suavemente sobre mi boca mientras observo las sabanas. Sus manos levanta los últimos bultos de hojas en silencio y las cosas se apilan en la mesita de luz o incluso en el piso de su lado.

 Finalmente puedo cruzar la frontera con mi pie y tocar su cuerpo. Pensé que esa conexión seria suficiente para dormir, como ha pasado otras noches en las que él no ha decidido terminar tan temprano, pero la ausencia de barreras es demasiado tentadora. El sonido seco de las sabanas me acaricia cuando me muevo y me pego a su cuerpo caliente, intentando encontrar cobijo en su brazo.

 Le dejaré seguir acariciándome el cabello en silencio y podemos olvidar ese tema tan sentimental para no sentirnos incómodos. Ya fue suficiente el esfuerzo de poner en palabras nuestras dudas sobre el casamiento en privado luego de aquel anuncio publico que hicimos a las apuradas.

 Es fácil saludar y sonreír para el diario y dar explicaciones vagas de que ya es tiempo, pero esa es solo nuestra fachada. Cuando se trata de discutir esas cosas con él, no puedo evitar sentirme un poquito nervioso, aunque todo lo que dice Wolf siempre me hace sentir calidez en el pecho.

 Para cuando creo que estoy ruborizándome al pensar en esa clase de cosas, Wolfram me da una razón mucho mas vulgar para sentirme abochornado.

 —Oye, ¿dónde estás poniendo la mano?

 —Ah, no estabas dormido.

 —No, no lo estoy. Y este no es momento para que me andes metiendo mano, ¿sabes?

 Estábamos teniendo uno de esos momentos, pero parece que le importa poco. Esto es típico, él siempre ha sido así, y yo siempre he sido el que se queja. Aunque la idea no me desagrade.

 Repentinamente cambio el tema.

 —Hace tiempo me he estado preguntando, ¿cómo es realmente toda la cultura aquí respecto a los casamientos? Cada vez que imagino una festividad o algo de ese estilo, termina siendo todo lo contrario. De verdad que me gustaría estar preparado para no meter la pata en mi propia boda.

 Wolfram me responde mirando al techo con una mano en la barbilla y la otra sin moverse de mi trasero.

 —Mm, bueno, para los divorcios...

 —Oye, oye, ¡apenas me estoy casando!

 —Bueno, pero es lo único en lo que me ha venido a la mente. Ya sabes, esa tradición de cantar bajo la ventana luego de hacer sonar el vidrio con una piedrita, que en realidad venia antiguamente de arrojar una piedra mucho más grande y romper los vidrios. Eso ya no se hace para las proposiciones, pero al parecer es un tanto común para las rupturas...

 —¿Eh, no es eso un tanto extremo? O es que realmente fue una mala ruptura... Pero ahora que lo dices, me preguntaba si había alguna clase de forma especifica de pedir un divorcio, ya sabes, eso que paso en Seisa me dejó pensando...

 —Una piedra... O bosta de caballo.

 Hay un largo silencio. Wolf.... solo... mm, no puedo creer que a veces diga esas cosas o palabras que uno no esperaría de su boca con tanta normalidad.

 —...No tengo palabras para describir lo que pienso. Pero me gustaría que aclaremos ahora que sea parte del contrato que no puedas hacer eso, especialmente la segunda opción.

 Él luce tan serio que parecería contemplarlo como una opción si nos va mal, pero su expresión actuada para preocuparme se desmorona rápidamente y comienza a reír. Es tan malo intentando hacer bromas que me causa gracia y me contagio.

 Es hora de apagar las velas, pero no creo que nos callemos por un rato.

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 Luego de dar vueltas por el castillo, por fin veo a Wolfram sentado en una de las mesas del exterior. He tenido suerte, lo he visto de casualidad cuando volvia hacia la oficina. Doy un rodeo por el jardín y subo las escaleras hacia el descanso de a dos escalones.

 —Ah, Wolf, aquí estabas. Te he estado buscando, pero no estabas en la habitación ni en el taller.

 Él levanta la vista de los documentos desparramados y coloca la pluma en el tintero, estaba llenando alguna clase de inventario. —Preferí tomar algo de aire fresco, como para cambiar de ambiente.

 —Hay buena luz en el despacho, o puedes usar la mesa del balcón si quieres.

 —Creo que ya es suficiente que acapare la habitación y la cama todas las noches —dice sonriendo, se le nota un tanto soñoliento.

 Me siento en la silla libre y echo un vistazo mas de cerca inclinándome hacia sus cosas, es una lista sobre sillas, mesas y otras cosas por el estilo. Pasando las hojas hay mas listas con objetos como cubiertos, adornos... Es impresionante la cantidad de cosas que hay aquí, ¿de verdad es todo necesario? Los números me impresionan un poco. Comienzo a preocuparme por cuanto vamos a gastar en esto.

 No puedo mencionar eso. Si fuera mi decisión, creo que a mi boda asistirán como mucho cincuenta personas, y tendría que ser creativo con las invitaciones. Lo más caro probablemente seria abundante carne para el plato principal, y una ducha de cerveza para cumplir una de mis tontas fantasías.

 Aunque pensándolo bien, podrían haber mas invitados, pero el noventa por ciento del lado de la familia de Wolfram. Pero como esto es una Boda Real, básicamente el reino entero está invitado.

 Esto es solo la recepción privada, pero también hay otros miles de preparativos que no comprendo de los cuales se encarga Günter. Es todo para una especie de feria en el pueblo, en cierto momento se espera que hagamos un desfile por las calles principales. Ha habido una guerra a capa y espada para decidir quien se encargaría de que, pero Wolfram tampoco puede hacer todo.

 —No me molesta que continúes en el despacho.

 —No quiero interrumpir los pocos momentos en los que te aplicas a tu trabajo como un rey digno.

 —¿De qué estás hablando? Si apenas se te nota presente cuando estás sumergido en esto, no se si es que no lo notas, pero te he visto estar horas en la misma posición en silencio. Me preocuparía si no fuera que haces lo mismo cuando dibujas o pintas.

 Hay una lista de comida, esta resulta mas interesante. Puedo obtener algunos adelantos de que voy a poder disfrutar a futuro. Oh, aquí está, platos principales, y carnes. Hay muchos de mis platillos favoritos, ¡me siento afortunado!

 —Además, he estado pensando de nuevo sobre esto y no me gusta que tengas que encargarte de todo solo. Tiene que haber algo con lo que pueda ayudar, transcribir las listas, o cualquier otra cosa que sea un trabajo como de secretario. No puedo elegir el color de los floreros pero debería involucrarme mas. He tenido una idea.

 —¿Qué se te ha ocurrido ahora?

 —Quiero que haya algo que solo Greta pueda hacer. ¿Recuerdas que te hable sobre algunas tradiciones de la Tierra? No es estrictamente japonés, pero en las bodas occidentales hay niños que llevan los anillos, es un trabajo especial.

 —Los mazokus no acostumbramos a usar eso —retruca Wolf y se corrige enseguida—, pero si quieres podemos tener anillos.

 —No me importan los anillos, aunque bueno, seria lógico... No importa, podemos discutir eso luego. ¿No hay alguna tradición de ese estilo en la cual Greta pueda participar?

 —Bueno, hay muchas actividades, creo que ya ha organizado con Anissina para la carrera.

 —¿...Carrera?

 —Mm, si , la guerra rojo sangre de familias.

 —Rojo sangre... ¿Ah...? ¡Greta es muy chica para eso! Es una boda, porque estamos hablando de guerra, ugh, me da mala espina.

 —Calma Yuuri, es solo un evento, la confrontación no es en serio. ¿No habías dicho que en ese lugar del de donde vienes también lo hacen? El fusteval escoo-esco-laar.

 —Estás pronunciando todo mal de nuevo, ah, no, lo siento haz como si no hubiera dicho eso, ha sido descortés. ¡Pero, estoy aliviado! Así que es solo como los juegos de un festival escolar, como la guerra de caballos y eso.

 Wolfram asiente y yo, que he seguido mirando la lista de comida, cambio de tema radicalmente otra vez. El hambre está haciendo líos con mi cerebro.

 —Y ya se que decidimos el itinerario de la fiesta y todo, pero nunca te pregunte si querías hacerlo aquí. Es decir, tal vez siempre soñaste con festejar tu boda en tu base, digo, tu casa.

 —Pero estamos en casa.

 Lo dice tan casual que me hace trastabillar las palabras por un momento. Estoy un poquito contento.

 —Ah, si, claro, estamos en casa. Pero me refería a tu otra casa.

 —Oh, estás hablando de Bielefeld.

 —Aun no eres el Lord de tu territorio, pero desde hace años lo representas oficialmente y tarde o temprano terminas por serlo. Viajas allá a veces, pero... No se si decir que ha quedado algo abandonado. Cuidar a la familia es importante.

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He conseguido vacaciones, ¡viva yo!

 Oh, no, claro que ese no era mi plan desde el principio. Esto es mas bien una visita oficial... no, es una visita familiar. Haber venido a Bielefeld tiene sus beneficios pero igualmente sus responsabilidades.

 —Padre...

 —Es mi tío —agrega Wolfram luego de un silencio.

 Rayos, apenas he llegado y ya he metido la pata. Que vergüenza.

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El día de mi boda llega tan rápido que encontrarme parado en medio de la fiesta me toma por sorpresa.

 Me he pasado casi dos meses intentando ayudar a Wolfram a organizar esto, pero ahora que veo el lugar decorado me siento ajeno, hay tantas cosas extrañas de las que no estaba al tanto.

 Pero mi gula gana a mi nerviosismo y de repente estoy parado al lado de la comida viéndola de soslayo. Hay muchas cosas apetitosas, pero me siento atraído por la gran torta en el centro de todos los postres. Siendo que es mi boda, debería probar mi torta de casamiento ¿verdad? Incluso si no soy aficionado a los dulces, es una oportunidad de una vez en la vida.

 —Yuuri, ¿...qué estas...?

 —Mmm... Oye Wolf, esto está realmente bueno, a ti que te fanatizan los dulces, deberías probarlo sin dudas.

 —No puedo creerlo.

 —¿Gue asa? —Ah, eso no ha sido de lo mas refinado, no debo hablar con la boca llena.

 —Cuanto ha pasado desde que comenzó la reunión, ¿treinta seugndos? —Wolfram se lleva la mano a la frente—. Parece que es imposible que no metas la pata.

 —¡¿Y ahora qué hice?! —pregunto con temor, cesando cualquier movimiento.

 —Ese es el “pastel del alma de la abundancia”, no se supone que nadie lo toque. Si se lo hace son setenta años de maña suerte y desgracia en el matrimonio.

 —...

 ¿Por qué me has dejado solo Conrart? ¿Por qué?

 Antes de que Wolf pueda deprimirse estoy sirviendo una poción triple en otro plato y se la extiendo.

 —¿Qué estas haciendo?

 —Come, vamos, no lo pienses —le indico mientras me termino lo que quedaba del mio—. Si ya he empezado entonces sigamos. ¡Oye tú! El de ahí, si, ¿quieres pastel?, toma. Y tu también, ¿quien mas quiere?

 —¿..Qué estas haciendo? ¿Yuuri?

 —Ya lo arruinamos —le digo por lo bajo—, así que lo mejor es eliminar la evidencia. ¡Necesito ayuda aquí! No tiene que quedar nada de esto en como... mm, veinte minutos.

 Murata aparece enseguida y no hace preguntas innecesarias sino que me sigue el juego. Murakenzu time. Josak no pierde tiempo en unirse.

 Mas allá de las tradiciones, si el Maou y el Daikenja lo piden, la gente hará lo que sea, no es problema deshacerse de un pastel en cuestión de minutos. No se si esto arreglara lo que he hecho, pero al menos Wolf está riendo y eso me basta para sentirme contento.

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La dichosa carrera consta de dos bandos, su lado y el mio, todos se amontonan en el medio. Las reglas son simples, ambos tenemos que sortear todos los obstáculos y encontrarnos, si el y yo nos tomamos de las manos se acaba el juego. Wolf me ha contado que si somos muy malos en esto, la gente nos dejara ganar en pos de las apariencias para que el resultado sea tierno, pero mi espíritu deportivo me impide no tomarlo en serio.

 Toda la gente que apenas conozco son mis enemigos. Ah, ese es su profesor de arte, y creo que esa es una matrona de la que alguna vez me ha contado. La cantidad de adultos es variada, peor también hay gente joven y me pesa no saber quienes son la mayoría de ellos. Siempre me ha alegrado que Wolf tenga amigos, pero tal vez debería haber puesto mas esfuerzo en socializar con ellos durante estos años.

 Como sea, el extraño sonido de una corneta marca el inicio, para mi sorpresa la confrontación es igual a como intentar comprar algo un día de ofertas en un supermercado. Todos me gritan algo e intentan convencerme de no avanzar, tirando de mi ropa o jalando de mis brazos, incuso los niños se me suben por las piernas. ¿Qué? ¿Me piden dinero, u objetos que llevo encima? ¿Debería dejarles algo...? no hay tiempo, las pocas pertenencias que tenia encima las entrego en el camino con tal de avanzar persona por persona, con amabilidad o empujando decididamente, no hay que dudar.

 No puedo seguir tirando de los niños pero no van a soltarme. A medio camino pierdo las fuerzas de la risa, pero gracias al cielo mis contrincantes se sienten de la misma manera.

 Wolfram está a unos metros y soy yo el que logra deshacerse del peso extra para alcanzarlo. Al parecer él lo ha tenido difícil porque de mi lado ha quedado Anissina con alguna clase de aparato loco. Günter... Lord von Christ está diligentemente colgado de sus pies sin intenciones de soltarle, pareciera el ultimo aliento con tal de parar esta boda. Wolf no tiene la paciencia para no pisar su cabeza a ultimo momento, siento pena por él pero hemos logrado el cometido y nos damos una brazos amistoso de felicitaciones.

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Como hemos superado la prueba graciosa y hemos tenido un reencuentro conmovedor en medio de una multitud, ahora podemos pasar a la ceremonia.

 Esto es lo que realmente me pone nervioso, no soy bueno con esta clase de eventos. Tengo el estomago revuelto y ni siquiera soy capaz de ver a Wolfram a los ojos sin sentirme incomodo. No es por él, es toda esa situación la que me pone de los nervios. Todas las miradas se concentran en mi nuca y estoy tenso.

 Cuando Wolfram toma mi mano, mis dedos aun tiemblan como una hoja. —Relájate Yuuri.

 —Mira quien habla...

 Aunque intente mantener la compostura, se que está tan o mas nervioso que yo.

 La ceremonia no consta de muchos pasos, pero todo toma su tiempo y se extiende mucho mas de lo que me gustaría. Aunque, de cierto modo esos entre tiempos hacen que pueda reunir un poco de valor y calmarme. Respira, inhala, exhala. No sea que me desmaye el día de mi boda frente a quinientas personas que apenas conozco y unos cuantos paparazzis.

 Así como en el día que fui coronado tuve que meter la mano en el mausoleo de Shinou tras la cascada, tenemos que realizar un gesto similar, pero ambos extendemos las palmas frente al otro, entrelazamos los dedos y las llevamos tras el agua juntos.

 Al principio me relajo pensando que no pasara nada raro, pero el extraño tacto de dedos fantasmas sobre nuestros puños me eriza los cabellos. Wolf y yo nos miramos y apretamos los labios sin decir nada. Él está ahí después de todo. Auch, el pellizco sobre la parte sensible de mi mano duele como el demonio.

 Tras ignorar el incidente y retirar nuestras manos, las levantamos en el aire en el típico acto de victoria tras la aprobación de Shinou. No podemos decir que de verdad ha pasado algo.

 Ulrike nos hace volver a enfrentarnos y comienzo a dudar, ¿que es lo que seguía? Ella habla pero no la estoy escuchando realmente, incluso si parece amable, su tono es un tanto monótono. Esta parte es demasiado formal.

 Una estúpida duda me ataca. Si esto es comparable a una boda extrajera, este es el momento del beso, ¿no es asi? Um... un... beso. Frente a todo este publico... Nunca lo había pensado.

 Oh no, si comienzo a marearme iré a parar al piso. ¡¿Pero qué debería hacer?! Si se supone que termine con un beso... ¡¿qué debería hacer?! No es como si fuera mi primer beso, ¡pero...!

 No lo pienso, para cuando ella termina de hablar y en silencio volteamos hacia la multitud me inclino hacia él tras unos tensos segundos de silencio. Mis labios apenas tocan su mejilla por una fracción de segundos, que es lo que he alcanzado a encontrar en mi camino, y vuelvo a mi posición mirado a la multitud con labios apretados y seguramente rojo como un tomate.

 Esto es demasiado para un joven japones.

 Lo primero que escucho son las quejas de los paparazzis en la primera fila, ha sido demasiado rápido para ellos. Siguen los vitores del público, comenzando por el frente y extendiéndose hacia el fondo de la sala de piedra. Murata me mira con sorna y Conrart está aplaudiendo con demasiado esmero mientras Josak muestra una dentadura perfecta y su sonrisa de Roger Rabit. Los ignoro, así como Günter al cual solo escucho gemir en mi cabeza porque el rugido del resto tapa cualquier sonido, o la media sonrisa de Gwendal. Ni hablar de la demasiado emocionada madre y nuestra hija.

 ¿Puede que no haya sido tan malo? Espero no haber cometido ninguna atrocidad cultural nuevamente...

 De repente Wolfram tira de mi brazo y me abraza por los hombros. No puedo mas que responder con fuerza rodeando su pecho con los míos. No se cual es el portocolo en este momento, pero responderé a cualquier cosa que el desee. Cuando se aleja de mí sonríe, su cabello del color de la miel se ondea y sus blancos dientes relucen en esa sonrisa que me corta el pulso.

 Cielos, de verdad que eres hermoso.

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Si estaba temeroso de las muestras de cariño publicas, bueno... Esto es inesperado.

 Al enfilar hacia la salida he recibido abrazos y felicitaciones por demás enérgicas de todo el mundo, incluso de gente que no conozco. Wolfram ha sido separado de mi de inmediato, al parecer es otra clase de costumbre porque la gente se ha vuelto a dividir en dos bandos para acapararnos. ¿O tal vez solo han elegido a su favorito? No lo sé.

 La siguiente cosa extraña es que se me extienden un par de cubiertos. Estoy reticente a tocarlos porque mi ultimo recuerdo es que levantar un cuchillo del piso significa aceptar un duelo. Pero a la cuchara, el tenedor y el resto del juego se siguen una taza de té, una jarra e incluso la tetera. No se que pasa pero de repente tengo un servicio de mesa completo en los brazos que peligra con caer en cualquier momento. ¿Alguien podría darme la bandeja? Estoy de frac negro, así que cambiar de roles a un mozo no es un problema.

 De un momento a otro, la multitud me guía por un único camino, para encontrarme con Wolfram que tiene una cantidad de cosas similares en las manos. No se bien que rayos pasa hasta que el susurra rápidamente.

 —Es para la buena suerte, lo tuyo es mio y lo mio es tuyo, nunca va a faltar comida en la mesa.

 Ah, claro. Aunque es discutible siendo que su familia tiene literalmente un inodoro de oro y que... bueno, yo soy el rey de este país. Pero quien soy para discutir todas las tradiciones...

 —Ah-auch, OYE... AGH ¡Basta! ¡¿Pero que les pasa...?! ¡Wolf...! ¡¿qué esta pasando?!

 —¡No lo se! —me responde cubriéndose el rostro de los proyectiles, automáticamente me coloco en frente de él.

 —¡Felicidades su majestad, su excelencia!

 —¡Que vivan los novios! ¡Su Majestad, Excelencia Wolfram, felicidades!

 —Sizemore, Dacascos, pero que rayos... ¿Tú también Chevalier? ¡¿Qué rayos están haciendo, idiotas?! —Una especie de pepino se estampa directo en medio de mi cara.

 —Pero si le estamos felicitando, Su Majestad.

 —Aun queda una cesta completa.

 —¿Qué se supone que es esto? ¿Qué clase de verdura rara... no, qué clase de malentendido es este?

 Conociendo a los mazokus... No, buen, no se que esperar. ¿Querrán decirme algo específicamente con los pepinos?

 —Lady Anissina lo ha dicho,que en el país natal de Su Majestad hay ciertas costumbres, y queríamos hacer algo especial para incluir sus tradiciones.

 —¡Que yo sepa ninguna dice que me revoleen pepinos a la cara! ¿Es esta alguna clase de indirecta? Porque si lo es me lo voy a tomar personal...

 —Calma Shibuya —me hace a un lado Murata. De verdad que el golpe que me han dado antes ha dolido, que bueno que yo estaba adelante y no Wolfram.

 —Es un alfinoz Su Majestad.

 ¿Qué rayos es un alfinoz?

 —Oh — interrumpe Conrart que apenas ha llegado,  al parecer deben habernos seguido de cerca luego de la ceremonia—. Puede ser que en vez de alfinoz... ¿fuera arroz?

 —Oh... —hago una pausa sorprendido—. OH... No me digas que... ¡Arroz, es arroz lo que se arroja en las bodas extrajeras, por el amor de dios! ¿A quién se le ocurre otra cosa? Además, soy japonés, ¿entienden? ¡Japonés!

 —Vaya, ¿arroz? ¿Lo hubieras pensado? —pregunta Dacascos a Sizemore y Chevalier.

 —Pues... no se que decir...

 —No he cuestionado porque quien sabe, es otro mundo y todo.

 —Dacky, ¿qué estas haciendo...? No me digas que... Oh, no. ¡¿Estás causando problemas a Su Majestad y Su Excelencia otra vez?! Le ruego nos disculpe.

 La forma en que Amblin lo observa me da un panorama de lo difícil que podría ponerse esta de estar casado. No quiero ni siquiera comentar algo que lo pueda volver peor.

 —Mmm, no-no es problema.

 —Estas cosas pasan —dice Wolfram apresuradamente.

 —¿Cierto Wolf? Ah, oye, ¿no era que teníamos que ir para allá?

 —¡Si! ¿Qué te has quedado mirando Yuuri, apresúrate, es hora de volver al castillo, nos están esperando para le primer baile.

 —Claro, cierto, ¡nos vemos!

 La huida estratégica ha sido un éxito. Alejo de mi mente cualquier pronostico de que me pase como a Dacascos en un par de años.

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Wolfram tiene mala cara y me acompaña porque lo he obligado, iba a venir solo pero siendo que esto es cosa de dos, decidí que tenia que estar presente. La habitación donde se celebró la ceremonia está casi vacía, todos han ido hacia el castillo y nosotros tendríamos que hacerlo también pronto.

 Murata se encargó de que solo quedaran un par de guardias dentro, pero él desapareció tan pronto como pudo sin que pueda siquiera preguntarle si iba a venir. Está claro que siguen en malos términos, y no es que yo adore la idea de verlo ahora, pero no quería ser mal educado.

 Después de todo, estamos usando su templo.

 Estando frente a la cascada donde hace unas horas metimos la mano, no se bien que hacer y me aclaro la garganta antes de hablar. —Oye, ¿estás ahí o...?

 Wolfram me hace a un lado exasperado y me mira con la típica cara de reproche, me doy cuenta que es porque no seguí los protocolos o algo cuando continua. —Su Majestad Shinou, vinimos por una audiencia, si estás ahi, por favor sal.

 —Oh, ¿una audiencia? Interesante elección de palabras, siendo que acaban de echarse una fiesta completa en mi casa por así decirlo.

 Lo sabia, está enojado. Es un pequeño detalle que nunca pedimos permiso oficialmente para algo más que la ceremonia.

 —Si cuenta para el récord, Ulrike estaba contenta.

 —Ella se pone contenta de nada, una boda, pff, echaría la casa por la ventana solo de escuchar algo como salido de esas novelas que lee. Por supuesto que dejaría a media capital correr por el patio de este lugar si se trata de eso.

 —¿Vas a aparecer o no?

 —Vaya temperamento, ¿que pasó con la modestia de recién? —comenta el susodicho ante el comentario sin filtros de Wolf y la figura etérea finalmente se materializa saliendo del agua.

 No se ve tan solido como la ultima vez que nos encontramos, no es un cuerpo físico.

 —¿Qué maryoku estás usando?

 —El tuyo —me responde y asiento. Me alegro que no haya elegido a Wolfram—. Entonces, ¿qué es lo que quieres ahora?

 Como siempre, ni el ni yo nos destacamos por nuestros modales. Él parece querer comerse el mundo, y yo... a mi simplemente no me importa. A pesar de que podría tener mil y un razones, de hecho no lo odio... no tanto. Tengo sentimientos encontrados.

 Como sea, no he venido a debatir nuestra relación.

 —Gracias.

 Mi repentina muestra de gratitud lo deja sin palabras, así como a Wolfram. Creí que él tal vez él me apresuraría a levantarme, pero no lo hace. ¿Es una reverencia aceptable ya que este hombre es prácticamente el Dios de este reino?

 Luego del silencio y el tiempo muerto, considero que es suficiente y no agrego mas nada. Shinou suspira soberbio como siempre, pero llego a notar que no se le da bien estas situaciones. Me recuerda un tanto a Wolf en eso.

 —De nada —masculla e intenta hacer pasar un gesto de duda como si hubiera querido frotarse la barbilla adrede—. Si eso es todo, entonces me gustaría que terminaran de desalojar mi templo.

 —Ya no queda nadie, solo nosotros y un par de soldados.

 —Bine. Ah, y dile a ese a él que pase a verme, voy a estar esperando con té.

 —Lo haré, pero no puedo prometer que venga.

 —Hmp.

 No hay mucho mas que decir, así que doy media vuelta, Wolf me sigue.

 —Lo siento por arrastrarte a esto —me disculpo en voz baja, ahora veo que no era del todo necesario que estuviera presente.

 —Si te hace feliz —es lo único que responde. No puedo evitar sonreír levemente.

 —Ah —interrumpe la voz a nuestras espaldas—, y felicidades por el matrimonio.

 Me doy la vuelta para hacer un comentario, pero ya no hay nadie.

 Supongo que no hace falta decir que cuidaré de su descendiente ni nada parecido. Tampoco creo que le importe tanto después de todo lo que hemos pasado.

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—Tsk, ese tipo. Ya te lo digo Shibuya, solo está encaprichado porque no fue invitado formalmente a la boda.

 —Eeeeh —me asombro—, ¿osea que no es la actitud tsundere que heredó Wolf, sino que es mas parecido a los cuentos infantiles donde no se invita al indeseado? Oh, no, ¿no terminaban mal esas historias? Algo sobre maldecir al primogénito... ¡Greta!

 —No digas tonterías Yuuri, ni tu ni yo podemos tener ningún primogénito, ambos somos hombres.

 —Pero Greta es oficialmente nuestra hija, ¿no la hace eso la primogénita de algún modo?

 —No creo que eso funcione así en este caso. Y si así fuera, no hay forma de que deje que ese tipo le haga nada.

 Antes que diga nada, Murata comenta. —Probablemente lo unico que le atrajo fue la palabra guerra. No importa de que tipo sea, esas cosas le encantan.

 —Ah, ¿esa falsa confrontacion? Pero de ser asi tendria que elegir un bando... te imaginas Wolf, con tu ancestro presente, no se que pensar... probablemente se desataria el caos. Y teniendo el original Maou de tu lado, no hubiera tenido chances, hasta hubiera perdido mérito al comparar reyes...

 —Eso es imposible.

 No se si se refiere a la aparición de Shinou o a lo otro, pero su actitud decidida y su mirada encendida hacen que me emociones al sospechar que habla de mi.

 —Bueno, bueno, se están yendo de tema. Si ni siquiera puede materializarse en frente de la gente, es obvio que no iba a ser invitado. Déjenlo que siga llorando encerrado como el hikkikomori que es.

 —Que malo Muramura. Por cierto, te ha invitado a tomar té.

 —¡Pues que espere sentado!

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Gracias Günter, desde el fondo de mi corazón. Esas horribles clases de baile que he padecido tanto han dado sus frutos... o eso quiero creer.

 Este es ese momento importante frente al público que me da algo de pena, pero que es muy necesario. El primer baile de los recién casados. No se puede decir mas que Wolf es increíble en esto, no solo baila bien, cosa que ya sabia, sino que no tiene el pánico escénico que yo si tengo.

 Lo peor fue antes de empezar, me sudaban las manos y estaba muy nervioso, creo que no he podido engañar a nadie. Ver a Conrart sonreírme a lo lejos y hacerme una seña con el pulgar fue peor, ¡eso no me ayuda para nada!

 Pero con el paso del tiempo comencé a sentirme mas calmado. Al no haber cometido errores, no dar un traspié apenas empezamos como temí que podía pasarme, y habiendo bailado ya mas de media pieza correctamente, me siento contento. Creo que parte de esa felicidad se me nota en el cuerpo, es fácil perderme en mis pensamientos y la sonrisa de Wolf durante el resto de la canción.

 Solo queda al parte final, esos pasos que se me complican y salen bien, una vuelta, y pose.

 Y a continuación los abucheos. Ya lo sabia, pero igualmente mi corazón se rompe un poquito. Tengo que recodar que ese es el gesto de “estoy tan conmovido que quiero compartir este momento con su majestad Shinou”. Pero es un tanto... raro.

 Wolfram lo disfruta porque él comprende la costumbre como algo positivo, pero yo busco fugazmente con la mirada a Greta. Ella y yo compartimos el sentimiento, justo al igual que aquel musical para el colegio donde participamos en familia.

 Es algo así como uno de nuestros tantos pequeños secretos que Wolf no entiende. Me pregunto que tonterías comparten ellos de las cuales yo no se nada.

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La noche es sumamente agradable, parado en el balcón de mi habitación disfruto de la brisa después de este día agitado y lleno de emociones. Me siento cansado, pero mi mente está inquieta y llena de recuerdos que volverán a mi siempre.

 Aunque no soy un gran bebedor, me he traído aquí una ultima copa de uno de los vinos al que le tome el gusto durante el día.

 Cuando Wolfram entra es como si nuestros papeles se hubieran invertido. Usualmente es él quien se recuesta contra la barda a disfrutar el paisaje de los jardines mientras bebe.

 Esto me da la leve sensación de que las cosas si han cambiado. Muy lentamente, pero lo han hecho.

 El cabello mojado de Wolf se ve mas pesado, pero aun así reluce hermosamente bajo la luz nocturna. Vuelvo la mirada al cielo un momento. —La luna está hermosa esta noche.

 Su sonrisa tan especial no podría ser mejor respuesta, la camisa blanca recién puesta de manera descuidada le da una apariencia algo etérea. Se acerca y toma lugar detrás mio, pasando los brazos alrededor de mi cuello y apoyando el rostro sobre mi hombro. Observa el cielo conmigo.

 El silencio no es pesado. Siendo una persona que proviene de una familia cálida y bulliciosa, a veces me resultaba raro que no conversáramos, pero he aprendido a apreciar estos momentos. El viento frío se siente bien sobre mi piel en contraste con la calidez de su cuerpo.

 —Sabes Wolf —no puedo evitar interrumpir el momento—, nunca te he agradecido por todo lo que has hecho por mi. Ni si quiera te caía bien al principio, y aun así siempre estuviste para guiarme como rey, viajando hasta la otra punta del mapa para encontrarme siempre que me metía en líos... ¡Incluso me salvaste la vida dos, no, tres veces! Aun no se como es que aparecías siempre que lo necesitaba. Las cosas han cambiado mucho y en realidad no parece haber pasado tanto tiempo.

 Su risa es amortiguada contra mi cuerpo y sus manos presionan con un poco mas de fuerza. —Cuanto he tenido que esperar para oír eso —se jacta con humor—, y todo lo que he tenido que pasar —suspira—. ¿Sabes cuánto me haces preocupar a veces?

 —Lo se —me da un poco de pena pensar que nunca pude responder a ese típico reclamo—. Ah, lo siento por eso. Por todo, supongo.

 —Está bien, mientras estés contento.

 —Últimamente dices mucho eso.

 Y no se que decir realmente en respuesta. A veces la comunicación es complicada y las diferencias culturales también, pero he hecho mis avances respecto a eso.

 Wolf me hace espacio para que me gire y dejo la copa sobra el barandal, coloco una mano sobre su pecho y quedamos en una posición que seria perfecta para un baile. Nuestros narices se tocan cuando apoyo mi frente contra la suya.

 Hay otro silencio placentero. Se siente cálido pero agitado. Como el latir de nuestros corazones juntos.

 —Gracias.

 —De nada —me dice Wolf de forma suave.

 Me gustaría voltear hacia el cielo una ultima vez, pero termino por formar la imagen en mi mente con los ojos cerrados, prefiriendo disfrutar este beso.

 Ciertamente la luna está hermosa esta noche.

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Fin.

Una nota, que tal vez es innecesaria, pero el que avisa no traiciona. Esa ultima parte donde Yuuri habla de la luna hermosa es una clara referencia a la comparacion poética japonesa de “la luna está hermosa esta noche = te amo”. Ultimamente estoy abusando de esa referencia, pero es que me encanta jaja.