Down a Garden Path

“What do you mean, sneak it out, Your Majesty? Surely you aren’t suggesting that we steal it?”



Yuri was sitting on a bench in the thickly overgrown gardens of Castle Weitz. Conrad, hands on his hips, stood looking down at him with concern and a hint of disapproval on his face. Beyond Conrad, Josak leaned against a tree, arms crossed and large mass of yellow and orange flowers hanging over his head. He too, was looking at Yuri, but his grin was more amused than anything else and his blue eyes were laughing.



Off to Yuri’s right, through some cuts in a hedge wall, a good stone’s throw away, Yuri could see Wolfram. He was just outside the garden. Well, the jungle that used to be a garden, back who knew when. The guards that they had brought with them were building a cart that would be used to haul the object of their mission, if they managed to get it. And Wolfram was overseeing their activities.



Gunter could have at least told them how large his beloved cat statue was, anyway. Would it have been too much to ask to be told that it stood taller than Conrad and probably weighed as much a horse? And it was ugly. Really bad. When Yuri first saw it, he had turned to gape at Wolfram. The thing looked like one of Wolfram’s paintings made solid.



Yuri let out a long sigh.



“Majesty?” Gunter asked from where he stood framed by an explosion of red and pink blooms.



“Oh. Sorry, guys,” Yuri apologized. “My mind just wandered there for a minute.” He looked around at the three men and then focused on Conrad. “Sorry. What did you say?”



Conrad smiled at his young King, “I asked what you meant when you said we’d have to sneak the statue out. Didn’t Lord Von Weitz say that you were welcome to it? That we should just take it?”



Nodding, Yuri agreed, “HE did. But his grandson didn’t.”



“Young Eelzwig Von Weitz, “ Gunter explained as Conrad looked confused. “He is the heir to Lord Helmir Von Weitz. As I’m certain you know, Conrart, Lord Helmir Von Weitz is somewhat advanced in age...”



“Older than dirt and more dried up than a pitted fruit.” Josak volunteered from his position by the tree.



“BE that as it may... “Gunter glared briefly at Josak while Yuri tried to stifle a sudden laugh. Coughing briefly to clear his throat, and incidently buying his young King time to compose his face, the Royal Retainer resumed, “As I said, Lord Helmir is elderly and Eelzwig is his heir. While it is certainly true that Lord Helmir still rules this house, in practically every real aspect, it’s Eelzwig that leads in the day to day matters. The guards and the other members of the household are used to having Young Von Weitz overrule his Grandfather. Therefore, it would have been nice to have had both approvals in order to obtain the statue without some level of difficulty.”



“Alas,” he sighed. “Now it becomes more problematic in just how to proceed.” Gunter turned the full weight of his gaze to Yuri who, sensing that he was in trouble, gave a nervous chuckle and a watery smile. “I am certain, Your Majesty, that I did mention this potential situation to you during our travel. Do you not recall it? Or is it possible...” Gunter’s voice began to take on a wailing tone, as his shoulders fell and his head dropped, hiding his eyes. “Is it possible that you do not care to heed my words, Your Majesty? That the concerns of your loyal servant, Gunter, are unworthy of your attentions...?” Gunter’s white cloak billowed out and his lilac hair swirled as he suddenly dropped to one knee, “I assure you, Most Gracious Majesty, I have no thoughts that are not of how best to serve you and any cause you champion. Why, simply command me, Your Majesty...and I will not eat, I will not sleep, I will work ceaselessly....”



“No, No! That’s not it at all, Gunter!” Yuri jumped up from his bench, waving his hands and interrupting Gunter’s impassioned recitation. “It’s nothing like that, BELIEVE me!” Yuri moved quickly to where Gunter knelt, his head bowed and his long hair trailing all around him. Putting a hand on the older man’s shoulder, Yuri smiled, “Please Gunter, get up. I know you always have what’s best for me in mind. I’ve never doubted your sincerity for a second.” As Gunter raised his violet eyes to meet Yuri’s dark ones, Yuri offered, “I don’t know what I would do without you, Gunter. Really.”



“Majesty!” Gunter’s voice trembled with delight at having his devotion recognized.



Behind the two, Conrad and Josak exchanged smiles. Yuri had certainly learned what motivated his Aide.



“And I need your wise council and advice now.”



“MAJESTY!” Gunter rose to his full height, head up and ready for any task his King saw fit to bestow on him.



“Okay guys,” Yuri included the three men in his glances, “how do we pull this one off? We’ve got the official okay to take the darn thing, but we have to get past the objections of Eelzwig. And he seems determined to be a pain.”



“Can’t we offer him something in exchange?” Conrad suggested. “I’m certain that the Great Demon Kingdom holds something that he’d be willing to trade for.”



“Oh yeah, it does, “ Josak added with a smirk. “And it’s right to hand, as well.”



Conrad’s questioning “Josak?” was overpowered by Yuri’s “Josak! That’s NOT funny.”



“Sorry, Your Majesty” Josak spread his hands and shrugged. “It may not be funny, but it’s true.”



Both Gunter and Conrad looked at Yuri, who sighed and plopped back down on the bench, resting on his splayed out arms behind him.



“Josak’s right. Eelzwig does want something right here with us.” Yuri continued, his soft resigned tone becoming stronger and angrier. “ But he’s NOT getting it.” Yuri’s head came up and his black eyes were stormy. “That arrogant so-called Lord wants MY fiancé. He wants Wolfram.”



“WHAT?!” Conrad was stunned, and even Gunter seemed taken aback.



“It’s true, “ Josak confirmed. “Remember right after the initial meeting? When you, Gunter and Wolfram were talking to Old Weitz and his Seneschal? Figuring how long it would take to put a cart together?” At Conrad’s nod, Josak continued, “Well, I stayed by Yuri here. Just to be on the safe side. When that scarecrow with dirty pink hair...” Seeing Gunter’s shocked look, Josak grinned and then corrected himself, “Sorry, I mean when young Lord Weitz sauntered over. I figured it would be an exchange of polite but boring compliments, so I didn’t stop him. Just stayed close enough in case things didn’t go as smoothly as they should have.”



“So you heard him, then?” Yuri asked.



“Oh yeah, Your Majesty. Every word and insult.”



"Insult? To His Majesty??” Gunter was incredulous. “How could anyone even think of insulting the Demon King?”



“Well, he was pretty subtle about it, but his meaning was clear.”



“Yuri?” Conrad asked.



“It pretty much was just one insult.” Yuri shrugged. “I really couldn’t care less what he thinks about me. I mean, my life is really great being the Demon King and all, so I figure it’s just sour grapes. But when he started in on how it was a shame that someone as ‘beautiful’ as Wolfram was forced to dirty himself with swordplay, acting as my bodyguard and all sorts of ‘common’ things... I started getting a bit mad.”



Pushing up to his feet, Yuri stood looking into the distance, where Wolfram was still directing the working guards. “He said that a perfect piece of art should be cared for, not treated as if it were just some everyday tool, but that he understood that as Demon King I had to use the resources I had. Then he remarked that he’d heard that I wasn’t exactly happy finding myself engaged to Wolf, and that he knew that I didn’t want to insult Wolfram or his family. So he had the perfect solution for me. If I would just leave Wolfram behind, we could take off with the statue.”



Placing his hands on his hips, Yuri continued in a mocking tone, “Oh, and I didn’t need to worry about Wolfram being insulted or making a fuss. HE would personally make sure that Wolfram was properly cared for and that it wouldn’t be long before Wolf would break the engagement himself and then I’d be free to look for a new Queen.”



Turning back to face the three Demon Tribesmen, Yuri crossed his arms and glowered. “You know, I can’t decide which I’m more insulted by. The idea that he thinks I don’t care about Wolfram. Or his insinuations that he’s more than enough to make Wolf forget all about me.”



Trying to lighten the mood a bit, Josak commented, “Well, it’s a sure bet that Wolfram doesn’t know about any of this. He hasn’t turned Eelzwig into a pile of smoking ashes and the Castle is still standing.”



Turning to look through the gap in the wall of green leaves and branches, Conrad watched his younger brother for a few moments. First somber, then a soft smile lifted the corners of his lips. ‘Yes,” he agreed with Josak. “Wolfram has calmed down quite a lot recently. Matured a bit.” The smile grew. “But that hot temper of his still flares up fast when it has to do with the things that are closest to his heart.” He turned his head to smile warmly at the young King. “Like you, Yuri, or his relationship with you.”



“Or you, Conrad.” Yuri hastened to assure the older soldier. “Or Greta, or Gwendal, or Lady Celi. Other people, too.” Yuri gestured toward the blond. “Wolf’s gotten a lot better at letting people see more than just his ‘Are you really that big an idiot?’ expression or that closed, arrogant face that he used to wear most of the time.” Yuri smiled at his distant fiancé. “He’s really working at it and I’m proud of the effort he’s making.” Dark eyes rested warmly on the blue clad young man. “It’s one of the things I love about him. He tries so hard...”

Silence settled over the small group for a short space of time, till Josak, reaching out and plucking a golden bloom, inhaled its fragrance and sighed, “Ah...to be young and in love again”



The spell broken, Yuri ducked his head and turned back to the older men, a slight blush tinting his cheeks for a moment. “Sorry guys, “ he apologized, a little embarrassed to be caught so obviously mesmerized simply watching Wolfram.



“Anyway, “ Yuri drew a breath and exhaled, trying to get the discussion back on a less personal topic, “that’s not the problem.”



“Agreed,” Gunter turned to look toward the stonework of the castle face. “What is our problem is the state of conflict between what we have been given permission to do, and exactly how shall we do it without causing a great deal of disruption.”



“Right.” Yuri dropped down on the bench again, elbows resting on his knees, steepling his arms and placing his chin on his fisted hands.



“Oh, I see, “ Conrad began, stepping up to the bench where he could look down on Yuri. “That’s why you were speaking of some way to sneak the statue away from the castle.”



“I get it,” Josak tossed his flower away and sat down cross legged on the grass near the end of the bench. “If Young Lord Scarecrow doesn’t know when we’re moving the statue, he can’t make too big a fuss.”



“True enough, Josak. However, he can, and I believe, has imposed certain obstacles that we will need to overcome.” Gunter pointed out.



“What do you mean, Gunter?” Yuri asked, looking up at his advisor.



Gunter pointed toward the doors that they had passed through earlier when taken to view the large statue. The double doors had been unguarded and fastened by a simple latch then. But not now. As the four of them watched, Lord Eelzwig von Weitz lead a small squad of armed guards directly to the storeroom doors and directed two of the men to take up positions in alcoves either side of the doorway. Leaving the men there to stand watch, the young noble and his followers moved on till he came to the entrance to the garden that Yuri and his retainers were currently in. Again, the younger von Weitz gestured and a soldier stepped out and took up his position.



Seemingly oblivious to the presence of the four Demon Tribesmen, the gangly Lord turned to where Wolfram had moved back a bit from the men working on the wooden cart. The blond was now crouched on his heels, using a small bit of twig to illustrate something in the dirt, obviously explaining what he wanted done to another of the Demon guards who stood nearby, looking at what Wolfram drew. After a few quick lines, the guard nodded and hurried back to the other working men, leaving Wolfram to stand up, dusting off his hands.



Seeing that the blond was now alone, von Weitz gestured for his men to stay where they were while he headed toward where Wolfram stood.



“Oh, no, you don’t...” Yuri muttered darkly, rising to his feet, fists clenched.



“Now, Yuri...” Conrad began, placing his hands on Yuri’s shoulders and stopping him from heading out to where the younger von Weitz had reached Wolfram’s side. “Calm down.” Conrad’s voice showed just unperturbed he was with what he was seeing. “If there is anything in this world that I am certain of, it’s that Wolfram won’t need any help in getting rid of that youngster.”



“That’s for sure, “ agreed Josak. “And hey, look on the positive side. Maybe if Wolfram insults him enough we won’t have to worry about von Weitz wanting to keep Wolfram around.” Leaning back on his arms, Josak stretched his legs out, crossing his feet at the ankles. “No offense, Your Majesty, but sometimes your fiancé can be a little rough on the ego.”



Nodding and relaxing in Conrad’s hold, Yuri puffed out a bit of air, blowing his bangs back out of his eyes.



“Yeah, okay, you’re both right. It just pisses me off to see that smarmy guy trying to put the moves on MY fiancé.” Stepping back and offering Conrad a wan smile, he reached out and placing an hand on Conrad’s arm. “Thanks for keeping me from making a fool of myself, Conrad.”



Smiling, Conrad nodded once and then turned with Yuri to watch where Wolfram was standing with his arms crossed, listening to the taller von Weitz noble. With his head slightly tilted to one side and turned a little toward the speaker, the four in the garden could see enough of Wolfram’s profile to see one glimmering green eye.



“Uh-oh” Josak muttered, as the eye under observation began to narrow. “He just lit the fuse.”



“Indeed, he did.” Gunter agreed, watching while Wolfram’s head turned slowly toward the still talking noble, his green eyes narrowed more and his lips began to curl up in the snarl that he often wore when he was angry or fighting.



Next to Conrad, Yuri wrapped his arms around himself and gave a quick shiver.



“I’ve gotten that stare before. It usually means you have about five seconds to rethink what you just said. Or else.”



The younger von Weitz noble apparently didn’t see or understand the alteration that was overtaking the blond with every word. Wolfram’s posture changed as his hands uncrossed, with his right hand drifting down to rest on the hilt of his sword, while the left grasped the scabbard, getting ready for the sword to be drawn. Shifting his weight, Wolfram slid his feet about a shoulder’s width apart and slightly bent his knees.



Shaking his head slowly, Conrad quietly said, “From that stance, Wolfram could kill that boy before he knows he moved.”



On the heels of that statement, Gunter quickly suggested, “Your Majesty, perhaps you had best intervene.”



“Yeah.”



Yuri agreed, but before he could even move, Josak spit out, “Does he have a death wish?”



The four watched with disbelief as the young von Weitz, oblivious to the fact that he was inches from death, reached out and put a hand on Wolfram’s shoulder. Then with a final word and a wave of his hand, the young noble moved off back toward the safe, stone walls of the castle.



“He didn’t kill him,” Yuri was stunned. He was certain that even from this distance he was able to hear the growls that he knew had to be coming from Wolfram’s throat.



While the Lord they followed might have been oblivious to how close to death he had come, the soldiers that hurried to follow him were not. They made a wide detour around the blond swordsman, moving carefully and warily while near him, then speeding up, seemingly grateful to have escaped the explosion. Within seconds, they disappeared around the corner, leaving only the three that had been placed on guard duty.



“He didn’t even draw his sword.”



Yuri looked up at Conrad, confused. Only to find Conrad looking down at him with a pleased expression in his eyes.



“I told you, Yuri. He’s matured since the two of you worked things out.” Conrad looked to where Wolfram was setting himself to rights, brushing imaginary dust off of his sleeves and resetting his jacket on his shoulders. “He’s not just reacting anymore. He’s thinking.”



“And that makes him much more dangerous to your enemies, Your Majesty.” Josak added from the ground. “Not less.”



“But I don’t want him dangerous. I mean...” Yuri broke off in confusion.



“Yes, you do, Your Majesty.” Gunter stepped up to help clarify things. “For the more dangerous he is, the less you have to show yourself to be. This will allow you to deal more directly with those who are nervous at the idea of negotiating with the Demon King.”



“Oh, sort of like Good Cop, Bad Cop! I get it.”



Both Gunter and Josak turned a blank look toward Yuri, while Conrad nodded in agreement. “Something like that.”



“Okay, that’s great. But just how does it help with our situation now?” Yuri wanted to know. “I can’t just point Wolfram at the castle and say ‘sic’em, boy’.” He shrugged. “Well, I could, but that’s not how I want to deal with things.”



“So, realistically, our position remains unchanged.” Conrad turned back to the bench and took a seat himself. “We are still faced with the difficulty of removing our prize without causing even more trouble.”



“And now we’ve got guards on the doors to worry about.” Josak added.



“We need some sort of distraction.”



“Gunter?” Yuri asked. “You have an idea?”



“The beginnings of one, Your Majesty.” The long haired adviser nodded. “We do have some information we didn’t have before.”



“Huh?” Yuri didn’t see where this was going.



“The guards that followed young von Weitz were very aware of Wolfram. I don’t doubt that the tales of what they saw will be spread and magnified till it becomes a story of Wolfram shooting fire from his eyes and having blood dripping from his hands. Well...figuratively speaking.” The graceful fingers of the older Demon waved disparagingly. “These guards have never faced anyone of Wolfram’s, Josak’s or Conrart’s abilities before. If, perhaps, we were to allow such rumors to spread...”



“And help them a little,” Josak tossed in with a grin.



Gunter acknowledged Josak’s suggestion, and continued, “Then perhaps the very sight of a couple of such dangerous characters...”



“Doing something very attention getting?” Conrad interrupted.



“Exactly. That would draw the eyes of any of the guards here toward the action, and keep it away from where we don’t want it to be.”



“The Captain here and I could get into a fight,“ Josak volunteer, pushing to his feet.



“That could be useful,” Gunter agreed, “but it would only serve to draw more guards into the area. We want something that they cannot believe that they are seeing, but yet won’t cause the castle to empty out so that everyone can watch.”



“You mean, something like a train wreck.”



Gunter looked over at Yuri. “I beg your pardon, Your Majesty?”



“Something that they know they shouldn’t be watching, but that they just can’t turn away from.”



“Precisely, Your Majesty.” Gunter smiled. “Do you have any ideas?”



“I might have one. But Gunter, do they have to actually SEE everything?”



Confused, Gunter thought for a second, then shook his head. “No, Your Majesty. If their attention was drawn at the beginning...”



“...then even if they couldn’t see anymore, their curiosity would keep them focused on what we wanted, and not on doing their jobs.”



“I think I see what you’re driving at, Your Majesty.” said Conrad. “And you have something specific in mind, I believe.”



“Well, yes.” Yuri agreed. “But I’m going to need some help to plan things out.”



The three older men glanced at each other, then, one by one, indicated their willingness to help.



“Thanks. Here’s my idea...”



***************************************************************************



“Tell me again why we’re out here, Yuri.” Wolfram asked. “We have permission to take the statue Gunter wants. So, what’s the problem?”



Walking close by the blond’s side, Yuri glanced around to see if the new von Weitz guards were in the alcoves that they had scouted earlier. There they were, two in their positions next to the door of the storeroom and another behind them at the entrance to the garden walkway, along with the guard that Conrad had posted with instructions to allow no-one to enter the garden till Conrad himself returned. Perfect. Just where they were supposed to be. Now if he could get Wolfram and himself to where they were supposed to be.



Noticing that his companion was distracted, Wolfram asked, “Yuri?”



“Oh, sorry Wolf. Just trying to remember my way around in this jungle. It’s pretty grown up around here, isn’t it?” Yuri indicated the wildly overgrown hedges and shrubs, the trees with vines dripping from many limbs and a chaos of flowers that had escaped their beds and grew all over the grounds.



“Yeah, it’s a mess,” Wolfram agreed, however he stopped walking, crossed his arms and waited for the dark haired young man next to him to get back to the point.



“So, how about we go over by that column there? The one next to the tree with the yellow flowers...”



“Yuri...”



“What?” Yuri asked with as much innocence as he could muster. “Can’t a guy just want to take a walk in the garden with his fiancé?” He reached out hooking Wolfram’s arm with one of his and getting the blond moving again. “I mean, we haven’t had much time alone lately.”



“Yuri,” Wolfram said, “As flattered as I would be by this sudden urge on your part, I know that’s not why we’re here.”



“Okay, okay... you’re right. I’ll spill the beans, Wolfram. Just... let’s get over to that column first, Okay?”



Narrowing his eyes, their emerald color glinting in the light, Wolfram knew he was being lead down a garden path, in more ways than one. Still, he didn’t resist as Yuri steered them deeper into the overgrown foliage.



It only took a moment before they reached the spot Yuri had selected. A large tree grew to one side. It’s overhanging canopy of leaves was thickly intertwined with swags of flower-covered vines. A broken column rose from a verdant patch of thick, sun dappled grass and stood as a lonely reminder of some gazebo or other structure that had been allowed to fall into ruin. It was lovely. And as Yuri looked around, if he faced the column, he could see through the lower branches of the tree right to where the guards were at the storeroom door. Turning to look over his shoulder, through the flowers he could make out the position of the other guards. He could see the guards, but only because he knew what to look for. So in return, anyone at those places wouldn’t really be able to see him and Wolfram. Just have a general idea of their location. Great. Now came the dangerous part....



Catching Wolfram’s arms in a firm grip, he suddenly whipped the blond around and slammed his back up against the column.



“Oooff! Yur.....” Was all that Wolfram got out, his eyes wide in surprise, before Yuri leaned in with his full body and took Wolfram’s mouth in a hot and hard kiss.



“Umm....!?” Was all that Wolfram could muster, as his lips were captured. Not giving the stronger blond a chance to push him away, Yuri deepened the kiss. Wolfram’s head was trapped by the column, not giving him a place to retreat, and Yuri’s tongue was demanding entrance to Wolfram’s mouth. One of Yuri’s hands buried itself in Wolfram’s hair, pulling the blond’s head to a better angle to plunder his mouth. And with a soft sound Wolfram surrendered to the moment. His eyes fluttered shut and his mouth opened.



Pressing close with his body, Yuri’s tongue slipped past Wolfram’s teeth and dueled with Wolfram’s. Hot, Wolf’s mouth was so hot, and Yuri turned the kiss hard and demanding, tasting the sweet heat. Accepting Yuri’s tongue deep into his mouth, Wolf could feel not only Yuri’s grip in his hair, but his other hand as well. He felt it slide across his arm, over his chest and then down to his waist. From there, down further, curving around his hip, slipping under the edge of the uniform tunic to cup his buttock and squeeze the flesh there. Wolfram’s arms reached and curled around Yuri, pulling the firm body harder against his own.



“Mmmmmmmm..” Wolfram sighed into Yuri’s mouth, which was eating at his. Yuri’s tongue retreated, and then thrust in again, keeping Wolf open to being devoured by his lover. Lips slid against lips, warmth mingled as Wolfram exhaled his life’s breath into Yuri, who accepted it and then returned it, tasting both of them on his tongue.



Slowly Yuri broke the kiss to pull Wolfram’s head more to the side, exposing his throat above the high collars of his shirt and jacket. Trailing a line of kisses, Yuri dipped his head, lowering his lips to the soft skin just under the edge of Wolfram’s jaw. First kissing, then beginning to nuzzle and nibble his way toward the ear. He could feel a shudder ripple through Wolfram as he took the soft skin of his lover’s throat between his teeth and gently, but sharply nipped him.



“Ohhhh....” Wolfram’s warm breath brushed Yuri’s cheek as he licked at the spot he had just bitten, and then fastening his mouth against Wolf’s throat, alternately sucked and nipped, deliberately marking the fair skin.



Wolfram opened his eyes languidly, seeing the riot of color that was the garden, and smiled to himself. Yuri didn’t often just flat out attack him, so Wolf decided that he was more than willing to take a passive role in the situation. For now. But there was still that nagging question. “Yuri....?”



Ignoring the question, Yuri pushed his thigh high between Wolfram’s legs. He could feel his lover’s growing erection and Yuri used his grip on Wolf’s buttock to pull their groins hard together. His own erection was pressing against the fabric of his pants and things were all together far too tight.



Releasing his handhold on Wolfram’s hair, he slid his hand through that golden silk to cup Wolf’s cheek and stopped feeding on his throat to raise his face and meet a pair of half closed eyes. Smiling, Wolfram turned his face into the warm palm that was caressing his skin, kissing it, as he looked into the dark gaze of the one he loved.



“Wolfram, “Yuri murmured, “My own green eyed Wolf.” Yuri leaned in for another kiss and the blond met him eagerly, one of Wolfram’s hands sliding up and over the other’s shoulder to slip into the black hair of the young King and urge him closer. When the kiss ended, lips just touching, Yuri could feel Wolfram’s smile.



“Your Wolf?” A soft chuckle was a warm sound. The green eyes were suddenly brilliant, as Wolfram tilted his head, lips brushing against Yuri’s as he offered, “I guess that would make us The Wolf...” he paused, and holding Yuri’s gaze, he mischievously added, “...and the Wimp.”



The usual irritation at the often used insult was turned into a thrust of Yuri’s pelvis firmly against Wolfram’s trapped body, fabric covered erections ground against each other and Wolfram’s head fell back as far as it could, eyes closed and bitting his lower lip.



Yuri slid his hand from Wolf’s buttock to his thigh and lifted Wolfram’s leg, opening his lover even more and deliberately pressed in, rubbing harder.



“Stop..” Yuri thrust against Wolfram’s body once.



“Calling...” He thrust again, and Wolfram’s moan was music to his ears.



“Me....” Another thrust and a rub and Wolfram was gasping, mouth open and eyes squeezed shut.



“Wimp!” This thrust started low and slid up the body. Wolfram’s grip on Yuri had gone from just holding to clinging to him, and the blond hair flew as Wolfram rolled his head from side to side.



Yuri collapsed into Wolfram, chest heaving and a fine tremor starting in his legs. He was grateful for Wolfram’s grip on him, and the strength of the column. Without that, Yuri was certain that both of them would be one large entwined pile on the ground. Of course, that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.



Yuri grinned as he leaned against Wolfram, tucking his face into the warm flesh of Wolf’s throat and breathing hard. He was pretty worked up and he knew that Wolfram was too. Some walk in the garden this had turned out to be. Yuri really couldn’t help himself. He laughed breathlessly and felt Wolfram turn his head to rub his cheek against Yuri’s hair.



“What’s so funny?” Wolfram breathed out, gasping for air himself.



Placing a kiss on Wolf’s throat, Yuri leaned his head back just enough to see the curious look in emerald eyes.



“I think this is the first time I’ve really gotten your attention when I told you to stop calling me Wimp”



Wolfram’s snort bounced Yuri against him and Yuri could not help but laugh again at the expression on his fiancé’s face. That is, until Wolfram dropped his head, his hair hiding his eyes.



“Yuri?,” Wolfram whispered into Yuri’s ear, their skin sliding against each other.



“Yes?” Yuri didn’t know what to think. Was Wolfram actually going to apologize?



“About not calling you a wimp anymore...”



Suddenly concerned at the tone in Wolfram’s voice, Yuri reached up to cup his lover’s cheek, bringing them face to face. Wolfram’s eyes were closed as the two rested forehead to forehead.



“Wolfram...?”



“I... I just want to say...” Wolfram paused and Yuri breathed a small kiss of encouragement on Wolfram’s lips. “I just want to say...”



The blond’s eyes snapped open. His flashing green eyes stared defiantly into Yuri’s black ones, and with an arrogant smirk, Wolfram threw down the challenge. “... Make me. You WIMP.”