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larkawolfgirl · 2 years ago

Text

Match Made in Earnest (KKM)

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/F, M/M, Multi

Fandom: Kyou Kara Maou!

Relationships: Beatrice/Greta, Wolfram von Bielefeld/Murata Ken/Shibuya Yuuri

Summary: (Side fic to From Today On, I Start Anew). Now that Yuuri's life is settled for the future, his efforts drift to that of his daughter's future. Concerned that the changes he made might affect her choices, he decides that a bit of nudging her and Beatrice together might be required.

Read on ao3

“Daddy!” With apparent excitement, Greta flung herself into Yuuri’s waiting arms. Catching her in a warm embrace, Yuuri squeezed her tight-as-could-be. Ken, ever patient, waited beside him with a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, but Wolfram knelt down immediately, wrapping his arms around their daughter as well.

Greta’s first visit to Cavalcade had been cut short due to their upcoming wedding to Ken. Even though she had only been away for a little over a month, Yuuri and Wolfram (Yuuri especially) had missed her intensely. Her absence had felt like a missing piece to the family puzzle they had finally formed. The only reason Yuuri had sent her away so quickly was because it had felt like the right thing to do as a parent. Now that she was safe and back in front of him, everything in his life seemed aligned, and his mind drifted to that of his daughter’s happiness.

“Did you have fun?” he asked with anticipation.

“I guess so…” she mumbled in a subdued tone.

Yuuri released his grip to cup her cheek. “Didn’t you make friends with Beatrice?” he asked with anticipation.

Greta fidgeted, her gaze shifting uncomfortably. “…I don’t want to go back.”

Yuuri’s heart plummeted. He didn’t mess up her future because of his actions, did he? Would she and Beatrice never become close now? He could never live with himself if he was the reason that Greta didn’t get her own dream wedding.

“Don’t say that, Butterfly.” He gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Wasn’t Beatrice nice? I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun together.”

Greta frowned, turning herself more toward Wolfram. “I’d rather be with you, though.”

Wolfram smiled, gently stroking her hair. “That’s okay. As we said before, you can come home whenever you want to.”

Yuuri gave Wolfram a look, silently urging him to help with his coaxing. “Please, at least go back and try it out one more time. I’m sure you’ll like Beatrice,” he pleaded, hopefully.

Wolfram gave him a questioning look. “Why are you being so pushy about this? Let’s just be happy to have her back for now,” he countered with a touch of annoyance.

Yuuri gave a self-conscious chuckle. “Yeah.”

Ken, observant as ever, studied Yuuri’s actions, obviously reading him like a book. Finally, he spoke to the girl. “Greta, it is lovely to see you again,” he greeted in a calm tone, greatly contrasting her other fathers’.

Greta beamed at him, momentarily forgetting the disagreement. “You, too, Papa Murata.”

Looking at Ken’s soft smile and Greta’s radiant one, Yuuri decided that his concerns could wait until later.

Right now, being together as a family was what mattered.

It was a long day spent bonding and catching up. Greta and Ken were still building their father-daughter relationship, and the girl had spent much of the day asking him about all of the sorts of things she thought only he would know. He told her old folktales by heart, and her eyes gleamed with every word, her feet kicking out excitedly beneath her seat. By the end of the night, she wiggled into his lap as he read her a bedtime story. Yuuri and Wolfram watched on from the windowsill, head cozied up to each other.

It didn’t take her long to fall asleep, but by the time she did, Wolfram was already beginning to doze as well.

Picking Greta up gently, Ken laid her down in her bed and tucked the covers around her. Then, he met eyes with Yuuri and tilted his head toward the door.

Yuuri shook his head, looking fondly at his husband. He didn’t have the heart to wake him just yet.

Ken let out an airy laugh. “Meet me in your room when he’s up.”

Yuuri broke his gaze from Wolfram to meet Ken’s eyes. “Our room,” he corrected.

Ken’s lip curled up. “Yes.” Without another word, he left the room.

Yuuri sat in silence for a long time, just breathing in the tranquility. He was so fortunate that he had gotten everything to work out. Everyone he loved was safe and happy. There really was nothing else for him to worry about right now. Except that his mind wouldn’t stay focused on the present.

Greta was happy now, but would she still be this happy in the future? He remembered how excited she had been when she had gotten engaged. Her entire face lit up when she told him that she was going to marry her very best friend in the world.

Yuuri sighed into the silence of the room. He had to do everything that he could to make sure that they still became best friends. If not, then Greta’s happiness would be limited, and it would be all his fault.

What was the point of getting his own happy ending if it ruined his child’s?

“Stop thinking so much, wimp,” Wolfram grumbled.

Yuuri chuckled. “Sorry. Guess I woke you.”

Wolfram sat up straight and rubbed the back of his head. He had an adorable grumpy look on his face. “Let’s just get to bed, so I can actually sleep.”

Yuuri smiled. “Yeah.”

They walked back to their room in silence, but as soon as they were inside, Wolfram demanded with palpable frustration, "What the heck was that about?"

Yuuri feigned ignorance, trying to defuse the tension. "Huh? What are you talking about?"

Wolfram narrowed his eyes, poking a finger at Yuuri's chest. "Why are you so set on Greta and Beatrice being friends? She doesn't have to make friends with everyone just because you do."

Ken settled himself into an armchair, crossing his legs and chiming in with a knowing smile. "That is because Beatrice is the one Greta is destined to marry, isn't that right?"

Yuuri froze. "You pieced that together?" he asked, his surprise evident.

"That is the most logical conclusion given the information you told me," Ken replied with a calm certainty.

Wolfram let out a frustrated sigh. “Great. We haven't even married Ken yet, but you’re already set on planning her wedding as well?” he grumbled.

“Hey!” Yuuri exclaimed. “That’s different. I’m not planning her wedding, I just want to make sure things stay on course.”

Wolfram crossed his arms, expression unimpressed. “If they worked out last time, then they will work out this time too. Just leave it alone,” he insisted.

“But, what if I changed things by sending her there at a different time?” Yuuri’s voice quivered with worry. “What if I ruined their happiness?”

“Then things changed. She’d survive and find new happiness.”

Yuuri’s lip trembled. “But, they were so happy. It’s so sad.”

Wolfram sighed, expression and tone of voice softening. “Trying to fix the future is turning into a poor character trait, you know? I get it, but it’s no good being so pushy about it. No one likes that.”

“I agree,” Ken said calmly. “Children tend to rebel when their parents attempt to control their lives.”

Yuuri's pout deepened. “I’m not controlling her life. I just want to make sure she’s happy.”

Wolfram placed a reassuring hand on his husband’s shoulder. “She’s happy now.”

Yuuri’s heart ached. He knew that Wolfram was right. He should trust Greta to decide the life she wanted to live. Shouldn’t he be the prime example that sometimes a greater happiness can happen by changing things? But he found greater happiness by expanding instead of letting go of the happiness he already had with Wolfram.

Yeah. If he had abandoned Wolfram, there was no way he could ever be as happy as he was right now.

So Yuuri knew that Greta really would find the most happiness marrying Beatrice.

For now, though, he would drop the topic.

Greta did return to Cavalcade. Eventually. After months of holding her ground, a letter from Beatrice herself arrived, requesting that she come back to play with her again. That warm invitation was enough to sway Greta’s heart enough to leave for the agreed six-month period.

When she returned from her trip, it was apparent to everyone that she did consider her a friend. Each time Beatrice’s name was mentioned–by her or someone else–her eyes brightened and her face spread into a toothy grin. Before they could even ask, she set into animatedly telling her fathers about all the games they had played and everything they had learned.

Yuuri listened with rapt attention to every detail, asking as many questions as possible, eager to know everything that had transpired during her time away. Greta’s eyes shone with delight at his interest in her tales. Her other fathers listened attentively as well, but she could tell that they weren't hanging onto every detail. Wolfram especially seemed to lose some details right after hearing them.

"No, papa. I just said this happened," Greta interjected, her amused tone laced with the tiniest bit of impatience before repeating the vital information.

Wolfram blinked, a sheepish smile gracing his features. "Sorry," he chuckled, his fingers absentmindedly twirling a lock of her brown hair. "My mind must have wandered for a moment. Please, go on."

Greta's laughter filled the room, a warm and joyous sound. She continued her lively narration, relishing in the attentive audience and cherishing the connection she had forged with Beatrice.

As the evening wore on, Greta only seemed to become happier and happier. Yuuri squeezed her hand tight, feeling that his worries had almost entirely disappeared.

He couldn’t have messed up the future if she was already this happy to be with her friend.

This cycle continued. Greta would leave for Cavalcade and return with a million smiles and stories. Yuuri would immerse himself in her tales and happiness while Wolfram and Ken would smile encouragingly. It seemed that these bonding moments were making them an even closer family than the last time around.

The kingdom was at peace, and Yuuri didn’t have a single real worry on his mind.

Then, Greta became a teenager.

Teenage girls are a force to be reckoned with. Wasn’t there a saying like that? Yuuri couldn’t quite remember, but he did know that many fathers were ready to pull their hair out during the teenage years. Girls were said to be more rebellious than boys and there was the whole teen pregnancy thing. Not that Yuuri ever thought that was a problem with Greta.

Right?

He couldn’t even let his mind go there.

Still, she was pretty and a princess, both by birth and adoption. The entire kingdom surely had their eyes on her. Marriage requests were already coming in, and although Yuuri rejected all of them, Geta insisted on meeting each of the suitors. She danced with everyone who asked and had even asked a couple of times if she was allowed to date.

She hadn’t been this headstrong before.

The first time around, he had driven himself crazy keeping suitors away from his precious little girl. At least Wolfram had been on his side that time to help. Neither of them had been ready to let their little girl fall prey to a wolf hiding in sheep’s clothing. The only reason Beatrice had been able to sweep Greta off her feet was because neither him nor Wolf had thought anything would develop between them, and by the time it did, they knew the girl well enough to trust her with their daughter's well-being.

This time, however, Wolfram was less adamant about keeping suitors at bay. Yuuri figured that was his fault.

Before, Wolfram hadn’t been ready to let Greta leave them–Yuuri was sure he still wasn’t–yet, this Wolfram knew it was inevitable. Because of Yuuri, he already knew that Greta was destined to marry Beatrice when she turned 20, which meant that he was already mentally preparing himself for her leaving the nest.

What Yuuri couldn’t understand was that Wolfram prevented him from telling all the guys that asked to dance with her at every ball to take a hike.

“She doesn’t need to dance with them. She’s going to marry Beatrice.”

Wolfram smirked. He actually smirked.

“What’s so funny?”

“Just that you said you used to dance with everyone that asked you to because it was the polite thing to do. Isn’t it the same for Greta? She isn’t even promised to someone, unlike you.”

Yuuri blanched at that. He scratched the back of his head. “I mean, yeah…but she is! She just doesn’t know it.”

Wolfram sighed and put a hand on Yuuri’s shoulder. “You need to let her make her own choices.”

Yuuri looked at his other husband for help. Ken was remaining decidedly neutral about Greta’s love life. Light sheened over his glasses. “It isn’t up to you to decide the life she lives, Yuuri.”

Ouch. Okay, Yuuri got that. But he was only trying to help her. What if she was swayed by one of these men and forgot all about Beatrice?

Ken tilted his head causing the light to dissipate. “If she really loves her, then none of these men will matter.”

Yuuri chewed on his bottom lip. Just like how none of the women had ever mattered….

He let out a long exhale. “I just don’t want her to make a mistake.”

Wolfram’s shoulders stiffened. “That is her mistake to make.”

“What if she gets pregnant, though?” Yuuri asked, changing tactics. He knew that Wolfram would never stand for that.

Wolfram’s fists clenched. “Oh, she better not! If any of them even touch her, I’ll burn them to a crisp.”

Yuuri laughed and tried to calm him down. “Alright, alright. But maybe don’t incinerate them just for dancing with her.”

The sun bathed the royal gardens of Blood Pledge Castle in a warm, golden glow as Yuuri and Greta enjoyed a refreshing afternoon tea. The temperature was just right and the tea and pastries were exquisite as usual. Wolfram really was missing out because of his training.

Yuuri’s mind was just drifting off to what Ken must be up to today at the temple when Greta once again, ruined a perfectly fine conversation by bringing up dating.

“No,” Yuuri said with finality.

“But, Dad!” she insisted, setting her teacup down loudly on its saucer. “It’s not fair! You married Papa when you were 16.”

Yuuri refused to be swayed. “That was different.”

She crossed her arms, imitating Wolfram’s pissed-off face nearly perfectly. “Different how?”

He had already lived an entire lifetime. He had already known without a doubt that he didn't want to live his life without him. “I knew that he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”

“Which you knew because you spent time with him. That’s the whole point of dating.”

Yes, it was. But she already knew Beatrice, and that was enough. If he let her date then…then!

He wasn’t about to let his little girl get taken advantage of by some horny teenage guy!

“I said no, so it’s no.”

Greta groaned, kicking her legs out at the bottom of the table childishly. “I bet you wouldn’t say that if this was about Beatrice.”

Yuuri’s entire demeanor changed. “Is this about Beatrice?”

“Ah!” she shrieked. “Why are you obsessed with my relationship with her?”

“Because I can tell how happy you are when you're with her."

Greta fidgeted in her seat. "Well, yeah, she's my best friend."

"You know," he drawled, leaning over the table, "both Wolf and Ken were my best friends, too."

"Dad!" she whined.

"What?" he chuckled. "It's true."

Greta poked her bottom lip out in a pout. "You're meddling. You want me to date her."

Yuuri froze, unsure what to do now that he was busted. "Uh…Yeah?" he answered in the form of a question.

"I knew it!" Greta pointed a finger at him. "You want me to be like you."

Yuuri leaned back in his chair. "Not really. If I wanted you to be like me, I'd want you to date Beatrice and ...” he paused for a second to think, “ Irina."

Greta threw her head back with a groan. "So, basically you just don't want me dating guys."

“No,” he said unconvincingly. “I just think you and Beatrice would make a really cute couple.”

She snapped her face toward him. “I guess not, since I’m not allowed to date. Her or anyone else.”

Yuuri had royally screwed up.

From then on, Greta’s rebellion worsened in retaliation. She refused to return to Cavalcade, telling Yuuri that it was “unseemly to spend so much time alone with a suitor.” It didn’t matter how many times Yuuri pressured her or Beatrice invited her with nothing but kind words.

“I’m going to make her go,” Yuuri announced one evening as he settled into bed for the night.

Wolfram set his brush down on the vanity, turning around in his chair to look at him. “No, you’re not.”

“But, Wolf!” Yuuri whined.

Both Ken and Wolf shook their heads. “Stop being so childish about this,” Wolfram said. “It’s your own fault she’s doing this.” He sighed. “I feel bad for Beatrice. The poor girl must wonder why she stopped visiting all of a sudden.”

“Yeah…” Yuuri agreed. He had thought Greta was a better person than someone who would knowingly hurt her friend.

Not that he hadn’t knowingly hurt Wolf in the past as well…

Ken sat down on the edge of the bed. “Why not invite Beatrice here, then? That way you aren’t controlling Greta, but they will still have to spend time together.”

Yuuri bolted upright and threw his arms around him. “You’re a genius! I love you!”

Ken chuckled, holding onto his arms. “I know.”

The three of them decided that it was best not to tell Greta about Beatrice’s visit ahead of time. That way she couldn’t make an excuse to leave or to tell her friend not to come. She arrived as quietly as possible, as instructed. An envoy sailed to Shinma with her, but only a single carriage driver made the rest of the journey to the castle. Yuuri himself was only aware of her arrival when one of the guards brought her to his office.

Beatrice wore a silver dress and a smile light enough to match. She bowed her head and gave a shallow curtsy. “Thank you so much for inviting me, Your Majesty,” she greeted with all of the polite sophistication she must be learning from her lessons.

Yuuri grinned. “No, thank you for coming. I know you must’ve missed Greta.”

Beatrice’s smile wavered. “Yes. It saddens me that she did not invite me here herself.”

Yuuri gestured to the chair across from him and she moved to take it. “That’s probably my fault.” The girl tilted her head in question. He sighed. “I think my parenting has come off as too strong.”

Beatrice held her hands together in her lap. “Do you not approve of our friendship?” she asked in a subdued tone.

Yuuri shook his head. “No!” he exclaimed, earning himself a confused look. He paused, taking the moment to calm himself. “I guess she thought she could change my mind on something.”

“I see,” Beatrice said slowly.

Yuuri shifted in his seat. “But you didn’t come to see me. You should go talk to her about it. She’s probably in her room.”

Beatrice stood and inclined her head. “Thank you, again.”

Yuuri waved his hand. “Don’t worry about it.”

Greta sat on the windowsill in her room, gazing out at the rolling hills beyond the walls. Somewhere beyond those hills the sea began, and across that open water, Beatrice waited impatiently for her reply. Greta leaned her head against the windowpane, trying to ease the knot forming in her chest. It had been months since she had last seen her friend, and over a week since she had decided not to reply to her friend’s request to see her. There were only so many empty excuses she could make up.

It weighed heavily on her heart. She knew she was hurting her, and really, all she wanted was to see her again, but she refused to give in to her dad’s control that easily.

A knock sounded at her door. “Greta? Are you in there?”

Greta’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized the voice immediately. It was Beatrice.

She jumped up and straightened out her clothes. Why was Beatrice at the castle? A rush of emotions rose in her chest–excitement, embarrassment, and relief.

The door creaked open, and Beatrice stepped inside, a glowing smile on her face. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

"Greta!" Beatrice exclaimed, her voice and face bursting with joy. Her friend bolted over to her, wrapping her in a friendly hug.

Still frazzled, Greta hesitated to return the hug. Her cheeks burned. “Beatrice! I…I’m so glad to see you,” she stammered.

“I’m glad. I was worried my showing up unannounced might upset you.”

Greta returned her hug, eyes glistening. “Of course not. I missed you more than I thought I would.”

“Oh…” Beatrice pulled away. “Why haven’t you visited me, then? I thought maybe you didn’t want to be my friend anymore.” Her lip trembled, mirroring the hurt in her voice.

Greta’s heart sank at the sight of how her absence had made her friend feel. Frowning, she grabbed onto Beatrice’s arms with sincere urgency. “No, of course, that's not it! You’re my very best friend.”

Beatrice met her eyes, seeking answers. “Then why?”

Greta’s grip on her arms loosened slightly as she let out a full-body sigh in frustration. “Because of my stupid Dad.”

“Which one?” Beatrice asked with a hint of amusement.

Greta’s lips turned up at her friend’s attempt at lightening the mood. “Mr. Maoh.”

Beatrice giggled at the title. “Would he not let you come?”

Greta averted her eyes guiltily. She didn’t want to hurt Beatrice, but she knew she had to be honest. “No. Actually…He wanted me to go.”

Beatrice’s merriment faded back into sadness. “Then why didn’t you?”

Greta plopped down on the windowsill. “I’m just sick of him thinking he knows what’s best for me,” she admitted, laying bare all of her emotions.

Beatrice joined her, sitting down a comfortable distance away. She gave her friend an empathetic look. “So, you just wanted to be able to make your own choices?”

“Yeah, and….” She shook her head. “Never mind. It’s just a bit more complicated than that.”

Beatrice gently placed a hand on Greta's shoulder. “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it.”

“But I haven’t been fair to you. You deserve an explanation.”

Beatrice put a finger on her chin. “I do , but as your friend, I’ll overlook it. As long as you make me a promise.”

“Name it.”

Beatrice grinned. “No more pulling away from me. You have to come visit almost every time I ask–I know that things come up!--and let me visit whenever I want to.” She kicked her legs out as she waited for Greta’s answer.

Beatrice looked as youthful as ever with her smile and posture which struck a nostalgic cord in Greta. Part of why she enjoyed spending time with Beatrice so much was that they were free to act as childishly as they wanted with each other. Her friend’s hair was even adorned with little white flowers, which brought back memories of the two of them picking out the best flowers to stick into each other’s hair. Yet as Greta really looked at her, she noticed that Beatrice’s charm was more refined today. Her dress was fit for a maturing young woman. The elegant silver bodice and flowing skirt were layered and cut to accentuate her slender frame.

She looked lovely and delicate, like the flowers in her hair, and Greta realized that she didn’t really want to look away.

Beatrice’s face scrunched. “Soo?” she asked again.

“Oh!” Greta couldn’t believe she had forgotten to answer. She nodded. “Yeah,” she answered, licking her lips. “Of course.”

Beatrice studied her intently, then stuck her pinky out. “Pinky promise?”

Greta giggled. “Pinky promise.”

Warmth spread from where their pinkies touched.

Beatrice stayed for a week before returning to Cavalcade. During the time, the two girls were practically joined at the hip, much to Yuuri’s amusement. Every time he looked at them, Greta just scowled.

She was cute, much like her father.

No wonder Beatrice fell for her.

Patting himself on the back for a job well done, Yuuri put it upon himself to play matchmaker by inviting Beatrice to visit more often. He planned more balls, crafted other social diplomatic events, and invited Beatrice over for casual family outings. Each time, Greta protested, but as soon as Beatrice arrived her protests died down, replaced with delight and subtle bashfulness.

One day, as Greta and Beatrice wandered through the castle gardens, Yuuri conveniently bumped into them. "Oh, Greta! Beatrice! What a nice surprise!"

Greta glanced up, her expression turning from surprise to a mixture of annoyance and suspicion. "Dad, what are you doing here?" she asked, crossing her arms defensively.

Yuuri feigned innocence, holding his hands up. "I was just taking a walk since the weather is so nice today. Seems you both had the same idea."

Beatrice blushed slightly, casting a shy glance in Greta's direction. "It's always a pleasure to see you, Your Majesty."

Yuuri grinned. "Same to you, Beatrice. I hope you're both enjoying your time together."

Greta huffed, casting a sidelong glance at her father. "We were having a nice time before you showed up."

Beatrice looked aghast, but Yuuri chuckled. "Oh, I'm sorry for interrupting. You probably want your privacy.”

“Dad!” Greta yelled, cheeks dusted pink. “We’re just taking a walk.”

Yuuri chuckled. “Did I say you weren’t?”

She huffed, putting her hands on her hips. “Your intentions are perfectly clear."

Beatrice looked between them in confusion.

“Aw, don’t be like that,” Yuuri whined playfully. “I just wanted to make sure you two were getting along.”

Greta narrowed her eyes. "Yes, as you can see. We've been spending time together, so just lay off it."

Still smiling, Yuuri raised his hands. "Alright, but remember, Beatrice is a wonderful young lady. You might regret it if you take too much time.”

“Dad!” Greta cried in a mix of embarrassment and defiance. "We're just friends."

Finally realizing what this was about, Beatrice diverted her attention to her shoes, cheeks a deep shade of pink.

Silence fell between the three of them, the flower-scented air filled with unspoken feelings and possibilities. Satisfied that he had planted a seed in Beatrice’s heart at least, he chuckled and waved.

“Okay, I’ll leave you two alone now. I’m sure Gunter’s looking for me.”

When Beatrice took her leave for the day, Greta stomped down the castle hall toward Wolfram’s studio. The room smelled of disgusting paint, but she would gladly take that over Yuuri’s meddling. Wolfram looked up immediately at the sound of her slamming the door behind her.

“What’s wrong, Greta?” he asked with concern.

Scowling, she plopped down on a chair, folding her arms across her chest. “I can’t believe Dad!”

Wolfram sighed and put his paints down. “What did Yuuri do this time?”

“He ambushed me and Beatrice in the gardens. We were having a fun time, and then, bam, there he was. And he basically told me to hurry up and court her before someone else does. Right in front of her!” She threw her head back at the embarrassing memory. “How can I even show my face in front of her again?”

Wolfram chuckled lightly. “I mean, it is true.” His face turned serious when she set a glare at him. “I’m sure Beatrice understands that Yuuri is overstepping. You have told her that he is acting this way.”

“Yeah, but…” She wrung her hands. “I didn’t tell her what it was about…”

“It’s okay to be embarrassed.”

Greta frowned. “It’s only cause of Dad, though. He’s making things…weird.”

Wolfram approached Greta, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Greta, Yuuri just wants to make sure you’re happy. He probably thinks that since you two are best friends, Beatrice would be the best match for you."

Greta's frustration wavered, replaced by a mix of confusion and vulnerability. "But I want to make my own choices."

Wolfram nodded, his grip on her shoulder gentle. "I understand. Your feelings and choices should always come first. I’ve told Yuuri this already, but well, he has made it a habit to interfere when he thinks it’s necessary.”

Greta’s frown deepened. “Why does he think it’s necessary? If we really like each other, we shouldn’t need his meddling to realize it.”

Wolfram sat down in the chair near her. “That is something that you should discuss with him. But I promise you, he has good intentions. He loves you just as much as Ken and I do. If you have an open, honest conversation with him about your feelings, I’m sure he will listen.”

Greta nodded, a sense of determination settling in her heart. "I'll have a conversation with him. I'll make sure he knows that I appreciate his concern but that I need the freedom to figure things out on my own."

Wolfram squeezed her shoulder gently. "That's my girl. No matter what, I’ll support you."

A sense of relief washed over Greta as she looked into her dad’s caring eyes. His support gave her confidence in the conversation to come.

Wolfram, with his fiery golden hair and piercing emerald eyes, stormed into the royal study, his steps resolute and determined. Yuuri, engrossed in paperwork, looked up in surprise as his husband's presence filled the room with intensity.

"Wolf, what's wrong?" Yuuri asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

Wolfram planted his hands firmly on the desk, leaning forward to meet Yuuri's gaze with a mixture of frustration and protectiveness. "Yuuri, you need to stop meddling in Greta's love life."

Yuuri frowned. "But, Wolf, I think I'm finally getting somewhere."

"Then, you've definitely done enough. You embarrassed her so much today, she told me she wasn't even sure how to face Beatrice again."

"Oh." Yuuri hadn't meant to cause her distress. "I just thought that maybe I could nudge Beatrice to confess if Greta won't."

Wolfram let out a long sigh. "What if she does, but Greta rejects her because of everything you've done? I know you're trying to help her, but Greta deserves the freedom to choose her own path, just like we did. You changed your future, so shouldn't she be allowed to too?"

Yuuri's shoulders slumped. He hadn't thought of it like that. "You're right. I guess, just because it happened one way before doesn't mean that's the best. I'll apologize tomorrow."

Wolfram's face softened. "You should tell her, Yuuri. Tell her why you did what you did."

"Huh? But wouldn't that just be more meddling?"

Wolfram shook his head. "I think what is upsetting her the most is not understanding why you are being so pushy. She thinks you want to control her."

Yuuri's frown deepened. "I guess I was."

"I'm sure she'll forgive you if you apologize and explain. But maybe don't tell her they got married. That would probably freak her out."

Yuuri gave a small smile. "Probably."

He rose and wrapped his arms around Wolfram. "Thanks, Wolf. I guess I thought I knew what was best since I knew what was best for me."

Wolfram returned the embrace. "You need to stop looking toward the future when the present is right in front of you."

"You sound like Ken."

Wolfram laughed. "That means it's true, then."

Laughing as well, Yuuri said, "I guess so."

The next morning, Yuuri found Greta sitting outside on a bench near the fountain. When her eyes met his, they were filled with determination.

"Morning," he greeted her with a tentative wave.

"Good morning," she said. "Papa talked to you, didn't he?"

Yuuri laughed. "You could tell?"

Great brushed the tips of her fingers over the edge of the bench. "You seem a bit nervous."

Yuuri laughed again and sat down. "Yeah, well, I realize now that wasn't being fair to you. I just wanted to make sure you were happy but I didn't go about it the right way."

"You keep saying that," she said with a hint of annoyance, "but I don't understand why you're so obsessed with it. Do I seem unhappy?"

With him, yes, a bit, but he figured it was better to keep that to himself. "I owe you an apology and an explanation." Sighing, he took placed his hand over hers. "I'm going to tell you something I probably should have told you a long time ago. It's going to be hard to believe, though."

Greta looked at him in confusion. "What is it?"

Yuuri swallowed. "Well, it's the reason why I married Wolf so young, decided to marry Ken, and acted the way I did to you. You see, I actually died and got sent back in time."

Greta's eyes bulged. "What? That's so cool!"

Yuuri chuckled, letting go of her hand. He was surprised that she believed him so easily, but she had always been a fan of Anissina's wild tales. "It wasn't fun at first, but it was definitely worth it."

She blinked. "Oh, sorry," she said quietly. "You said you died. That must have been scary."

"Yeah," he admitted. "But that wasn't the scariest thing, so it was fine."

"It wasn't?"

He gave a sad smile. "Don't worry about that. What matters is that I was given the chance to fix things with Wolfram."

She frowned. "Were they broken?"

"Yeah. I just hadn't realized it. So, this time around I made sure to treat him right."

Greta smiled, then began bouncing in her seat. "Can you tell me all about it?"

"How about later? I think you have enough to think about as it is."

"Aw." She made a pouting face, then gasped. "That's why you were so nice to me!"

Yuuri took her hand again. "I would have never been unkind to you, Greta."

She giggled. "I know. You're one of the nicest people on the planet."

"Aw," he gushed, pulling her into a hug. "And you're the best daughter I could have asked for."

When he pulled back, she was smiling warmly. "Sorry, I've been acting so rude lately."

"That's okay," he said, waving the concern away. "I wanted to make sure that things went just as well for you now as it did before, but your dad made me realize that I made new choices, so I need to allow you to too."

Greta rubbed over her hand. "Then, uh…Beatrice and I…"

Yuuri smirked. "Yep. The cutest couple ever."

Her face flared, voice quivering. "I do like Beatrice. But I didn't realize right away, and then, I couldn't bring myself to admit it because I wanted to make my own decisions."

Yuuri's eyes softened. "I'm sorry. I was worried that my actions were going to change things, so I tried forcing you two together. I should have trusted you to forge your own path like Wolf did."

Relieved tears welled up in Greta's eyes. "Thanks for caring so much about me."

He bumped his shoulder against hers. "Of course. That's what dads do."

She laughed and hugged him. "So, if I do tell Beatrice how I feel, you promise not to make a huge deal about it and embarrass me?"

He took a moment to reply, pretending to think about it. "I guess I can do that."

"Dad," she complained even though she was laughing.

Greta's heart raced with both nervousness and excitement as she approached Beatrice's home in Hildyard. She had spent hours rehearsing how best to express her true feelings. Taking a deep breath, Greta knocked on the door with a trembling hand.

The door swung open, revealing Beatrice herself. Her pretty eyes widened in happiness. "Greta! I’m so glad you made it!” She pulled Greta into a warm hug. “Come in.”

Greta stepped inside, keeping her gaze locked with Beatrice's. She could feel her palms growing clammy, but she pushed through the nerves, reminding herself that she owed Beatrice this confession after all of the confusion she had been causing her. "Beatrice, there's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion.

Beatrice's eyes widened, curiosity and anticipation shining in them. "What is it? You seem serious."

“Are your parents around?”

Beatrice squinted her eyes a bit at the change in topic. “No.”

Good. They wouldn’t hear her then. “Okay, maybe we should sit down first, though?”

Beatrice rubbed her arm. “Greta, you’re kind of worrying me.”

Greta smiled comfortingly. “It isn’t anything bad, promise.”

Beatrice sighed in relief, then walked over to the couch. Greta walked over slowly, taking time to gather her thoughts. She sat down, took a deep breath, and began. "I know that I’ve been acting strangely lately. I need you to know that it had nothing to do with you. Well, it did, but it wasn’t anything you did. As you’ve probably guessed by now, my dad has been trying to set us up.” Beatrice opened her mouth, but Greta continued before she could interject. “That got me thinking a lot about our friendship and what it means to like someone. My dads are a bit obsessed with each other, so I guess I figured that’s how you knew you loved someone. I realized that I think about you more and more often. I thought that it was because my dad kept bringing you up, but when I was ignoring you, you were pretty much the only thing I could think about. You’re also so pretty, and I’ve always admired you. You have this certain grace about you. You know all of the best recipes and memorization tricks, and you make me feel giddy without even trying. What I’m trying to say is that I think I like you more than a friend.” Finally, Greta paused, gauging Beatrice's reaction.

Surprise flickered over Beatrice’s face before bashfulness replaced it. “I have been thinking about it, too. I had wondered for a while now, but then I heard your dad mention it, and that’s all I’ve been able to think about since then.”

Relief washed over Greta, a wide grin forming on her face. "So, you feel the same?"

Beatrice nodded, smiling herself now. "I believe so. I care about you so much and love spending time with you more than anyone. And," she broke their eye contact to look at the floor, “I think you’re really pretty as well.”

Greta could feel her cheeks flushing at the compliment. Her heart soared with joy, and she couldn't help but reach out to hold Beatrice's hands in her own. "This is amazing! I was nervous to admit my feelings, but I'm so happy that I did. I can't imagine being without you, Beatrice."

Beatrice's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she squeezed Greta's hands. "I feel the same way, Greta. Does this mean that we are girlfriends now?" She giggled at the unfamiliar word.

Greta giggled too. “If that’s what you want. You’re the one person Dad gave me permission to date,” she said with a playful eye roll.

“Then…” Beatrice shut her eyes and leaned in.

She didn’t move, but Greta knew what she wanted. Her heart pounded in her chest as she closed the gap between them, softly pressing her lips against hers. It was only a quick peck, but it was enough to shoot butterflies off in her stomach.

As they pulled apart, their eyes locked, and Greta's heart swelled with affection and gratitude. Beatrice's voice was filled with warmth and affection as she asked, “What now?”

Greta squeezed her hand. “We keep walking forward hand-in-hand and see where this takes us.”

Greta entered Yuuri’s office to find him frowning at a large stack of papers. “Are you busy?” she asked hesitantly.

Yuuri shifted his gaze away from the papers to her, smiling instantly. “Not any more than usual.” He laughed. “The paperwork never ends, no matter how much I try.”

Greta gave a laugh as well. It wasn’t really funny, but if he could find humor in it, she would as well. Would she have this much paperwork if she reestablished Zorashia? Now that she thought about it, if she did end up marrying Beatrice, they would end up ruling Cavalcade together. An image of them sitting around in their own office splitting the paperwork played through her mind. Her heart began to pound just at the thought.

“What’s up?” Yuuri asked.

She took a seat across from him, fiddling with her hands. “I talked to Beatrice…And I guess we’re dating now…”

Yuuri’s face lit up like a lantern. Unable to control his excitement, he jumped up from his chair and came around the desk to pull her into a tight hug. “That’s amazing, Greta! I’m so proud and happy for you!”

Greta laughed, hugging him back just as tightly. "Thanks, Dad. I'm glad I went through it.”

Yuuri released her from the hug, his eyes sparkling. "So it did make you happy?"

“Yeah,” she admitted, chest feeling warm. “More than I thought it would.”

Yuuri cupped her cheeks. “I’m so glad. That’s all I wanted.”

All of Greta’s previous reservations evaporated. She liked Beatrice and her dad was genuinely happy for her. She took a step back, expression earnest. "Dad, I appreciate your support, but I need you to understand that Beatrice and I are going to take things at our own pace. I'm not ready to get married or anything yet."

Yuuri's grin softened into a warm smile, his eyes filled with pride and affection. "Of course, Greta. I’m done being a busybody, promise. Take things at whatever pace you want. Just know that your fathers are all here for you and supporting you." He smirked. “Which means that you’ve got our blessing to pop the question whenever you want.”

“Dad!” she complained through a giant grin. She was actually relieved to know that she had all of their support in this. “Thanks,” she said in a soft tone.

Yuuri brushed over her hair. “You’re our daughter. We just want the best for you, and we know that Beatrice will treat you right.”

Greta smiled. “And so will I,” she said with determination. “We’ll figure things out together."

Yuuri nodded, pride shining in his eyes. "Just follow your heart, Butterfly."

They hugged one final time before she left Yuuri to the rest of his endless paperwork. She set off to find her other dads with a skip in her step, confident that her future with Beatrice would be bright just as Yuuri promised.

#kkm #kyou kara maoh #greta x beatrice #murayuuram #murata x yuuri x wolfram #yuuri shibuya #wolfram von bielefeld #murata ken #my writing #fanfic

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