Author: Kiya Sama

Title: The Spirit Within

Rating: R

Pairing: Maou Yuuri/Wolfram

Warnings: Angst, fluff/sap, lime

PPS: Unbeta’d. Please pardon any errors you might see.

 

The Spirit Within:

 

No one could say for sure when the change had begun. Perhaps it was because of the severity of the last punishment handed out or perhaps the stars had aligned correctly on that fateful day – all was still speculation at this point. However, one thing was certain and that was the Maou, who only showed up to deliver his brand of justice once in a while, had somehow decided to stay for an indefinite period of time.

 

Two weeks and counting to be exact.

 

Needless to say, his presence around the castle had not gone unnoticed by all his subjects. His regal air – a far cry from his ‘other’ form was welcomed like a breath of fresh air. His female subjects literally swooned at his feet as he walked by and it seemed as if more and more foreign visitors from far and wide had begun to make their way to Shinmakoku in the hopes of meeting the famous Maou face-to-face.

 

The Maou for his part was an exceptionally fast learner and eager student. He studied – much to Gunter’s delight and helpless admiration – the customs and traditions of his people with renewed vigor. With Gwendal, he spent countless hours in the older man’s presence, absorbing all of the soldier’s words of advice and battle strategies. With Conrad, he was more than willing to allow himself to be taught the ways of the sword and in just a few days, he was already more proficient than any of the skilled swordsman’s former students.

 

The brothers were no doubt impressed.

 

Cherie, their mother, had been quick enough to organize a dinner party in his honor and being the ever gracious host, the Maou had charmed his way through the crowd looking exceptionally dapper in a pristine white suit which showcased his jet hair and eyes to perfection. He danced with many eligible women and an occasional man or two and was clearly loved by all. He dazzled his captive audience with stories that he had learned from Gunter. As for the trusted assistant, he was in euphoric bliss. Never had he thought in his wildest dreams that the true Maou would be in his presence, let alone be able to converse with him on a daily basis. He felt as if his heart would burst with the love he felt for the younger man.

 

Reaching for another passing cup of wine, Gunter was just about to help himself to a drink, when he felt the presence of his good friend by his side.

 

“He’s not here tonight,” Gwendal stated flatly, although he spoke in a harsh whisper.

 

Gunter gave a small nod and a soft sigh, watching the Maou dance across the room with yet another giddy female. “I tried to get him out of his room earlier today and he almost shot me down in flames.”

 

Gwendal mumbled something about ‘stubborn little brats’ as he tightened his jaw in irritation. “I wonder what’s wrong with him. I would have assumed he would appreciate seeing the Maou like this. I had no idea he was still hung up on Yuuri.”

 

“Well…they are technically one and the same person,” Conrad spoke up quietly as he joined the two men. “Perhaps the Maou’s spirit within Yuuri decided to have a go at life this time around.”

 

“And Wolfram does not want to accept that,” Gunter finished softly while staring into the dark liquid in his cup. “Have they seen each other since then at all?”

 

The other two men shook their heads slowly. From the moment the Maou had stayed longer than his time required, Wolfram had gone into a state of denial. He had demanded for Yuuri’s return – his Yuuri’s return. The Maou had tried to explain things to the petulant blond but had gotten nowhere for Wolfram had spun on his heels and walked away, never to show his face to anyone since then.

 

“I worry about him,” Gunter mumbled and took a huge gulp. He flashed a dazzling smile towards the dark-haired man that was now striding towards them. “Or maybe them,” he finished softly.

 

They bowed respectfully before their King and looked up again to notice the quizzical look in his eyes. “You all stand here as if in a meeting,” he observed with a small quirk of his lips. “Is there some kind of a problem?”

 

The three older men exchanged quick looks with one another and the Maou could already tell what it was without them saying a word. “Ah, if it is about my fiancé, then you need not worry. I intend to speak to him tonight.”

 

They gasped softly. Gwendal was the first to recover. “But my lord, he has bound the doors to his room with magic. The only way to enter is…”

 

“Have you forgotten who I am? Such cheap magic is something I can take care of.”

 

Conrad took a step forward. “Forgive me for sounding so bold, my lord. But you must try to understand my younger brother. He has grown quite fond of…well…your other side and having to deal with this sudden change…”

 

The Maou placed a strong hand upon the taller man’s shoulder with a warm smile of reassurance on his lips. “Do not worry, Conrad. I will not harm your brother in any way. I will prove to him that I mean well and if he still doesn’t want to accept me…then I have no other choice.”

 

And leaving them with that enigmatic reply, he spun on his heels and made his way out of the room, which in turn caused many of his loyal and lovesick subjects to give a collective sigh of regret.

 

__

 

 

Wolfram huddled tighter beneath the thick blanket, trying hard to shut out the noises from the party below. Happy laughter and cheerful music continued to haunt his ears, no matter how hard he pressed the thick cloth against his ears. He felt his eyes sting with tears again, but he had a feeling that he had cried himself out completely over the course of his hibernation.

 

He peeked out of his ‘shield’ slowly, eyeing the full moon that shone like a pale beacon in the night sky. How long had it been since he had stepped outside? He had only accepted his meals from one of the servants even though he had planned to starve himself until Yuuri returned to normal. But one day of going without food had been torture on his body and he had decided to give up that idea. So, he had settled for the next best thing – to remain his room until Yuuri came back.

 

But why? Why was he so…afraid?

 

No, he told himself quickly. He wasn’t afraid of the Maou per se, but rather…his presence. The aura the Maou produced was far more potent and dangerous than his wimpy Yuuri. With Yuuri, he knew he could stand his ground and match him in a battle of words. But with the Maou, Wolfram felt so…small and rather insignificant. It hurt to think that such a being or spirit actually lived within Yuuri. Once upon a time, he would have wished for the Maou to remain, but not now, not after he had learned how good and kindhearted that moron could really be.

 

“Yuuri…” he whispered softly as he squeezed his eyes shut and shivered. “Come back…Yuuri…”

 

A small gasp escaped his lips and his body stiffened as he heard the slow turn of his doorknob. He had cast the barrier spell earlier today. He was sure of it. No one would dare enter his room without permission, but still, Wolfram already had a sense of whom it was. His heart beat quickened to a rapid pace that almost had him hyperventilating. But forcing himself to relax his body, he feigned sleep as he heard the door open up a bit wider.

 

“Wolfram?” came the soft whisper.

 

Too deep. His voice was too deep…and good god, it sent reluctant shivers down Wolfram’s spine.

 

“Are you asleep, my love?”

 

My love?! Wolfram’s eyes would have flown open in shock if he wasn’t so adamant on wanting to keep up with his pretense. Apparently, the Maou had no qualms professing his ‘love’ for his future bride. Now, if only Yuuri could be the same…

 

The door was closed softly and now, Wolfram could hear the soft whispers of cloth approaching. The older boy’s scent permeated the air and the blond was now embarrassed to find himself blushing and feeling a bit hot and bothered…again. He gritted his teeth and tried to control his rapid breathing, trying desperately to think of anything…anything but the other boy who was now moving even closer.

 

The bed dipped a little and Wolfram all but screamed in protest. The Maou couldn’t possibly be…!

 

“My Wolfram,” came the deep, soothing and spine-tingling voice as the blanket was pushed a little lower to reveal the blond’s pale shoulder to his dark gaze. Within the gloom of the room, the full moon from the window caused Wolfram’s fair skin to glow so beautifully that the Maou gave a soft sigh of appreciation. “Why do you deny me so?”

 

Warm and strong fingertips brushed his shoulder and Wolfram’s shiver was very noticeable now. If the Maou noticed that his bride-to-be was no longer asleep, he kept it to himself. The caress became bolder and Wolfram bit his lower lip as he felt his nightgown slide a little lower. The cool night air upon his now feverish skin had him trembling uncontrollably.

 

What was happening to him? Why was he allowing this? Yuuri would never do something like this to him! All the Maou cared about was his body…with Yuuri – stupid Yuuri who never seemed to take this particular kind of an interest in him – at least Wolfram was sure he could handle the situation. But this was…felt so…

 

“Aah…” It was a breathless sigh as he arched into the moist warmth upon his shoulder blades. The Maou’s lips on his skin was like a dull fire and Wolfram felt his toes curl with delight at the sensation it sent up and down his spine.

 

No! No, he had to fight this! He couldn’t let this man get away with a thing like this!

 

“Stop…” he finally whispered thickly. “Please…stop…”

 

“Why?” The Maou asked softly as his lips continued to trail tender, teasing kisses along his fiancé’s back. “Do you not belong to me? Do I not have the right to do this to you?”

 

Wolfram was hardly expecting himself to be turned flat upon his stomach for it did not help to ease the growing ache within his nether regions. He groaned and buried his face within the pillow, squeezing his eyes shut as he fought against the dual sensations of pleasure and humiliation that coursed through him. He squirmed as he felt the strong hands behind his knees, whimpered as he felt them slide up his thighs to part them gently. He almost screamed as his nightgown was pushed higher. However, the cool air against his buttocks and exposed albeit swollen cock, elicited a harsh sob instead causing the Maou’s hands to still in their exploration.

 

Wolfram held his breath, now aware of how wet his cheeks were. His humiliation was complete. There was no way he could look at the Maou now without shredding even more of his dignity and pride. With a low growl, he pushed away the older boy’s hands away from his body and staggered weakly to his knees. He didn’t bother to pull up his nightgown and against the backdrop of the moon; the angry blond looked simply exquisite to his King. His blond hair looked shaggy and tousled, his face flushed and wet, dark green eyes blazing with fury, confusion and yes, no matter how little the light was, need. His slender shoulders heaved with the force of his emotions and the tantalizing peek of a dusky rose-colored nipple looked hard and just as tasty to the King’s gaze.

 

“Get out,” Wolfram commanded coldly, kicking himself inwardly as his voice trembled a little. “Get out of my room now!”

 

“And if I don’t?”

 

The Maou was still dressed in his evening wear, but the top two buttons of his jacket had come undone revealing a strong bronzed neck and a hint of his chest to Wolfram’s traitorous gaze. Swallowing tightly, the blond shook his head rapidly and tried to gather his thoughts.

 

“Yuuri would never do such a thing. He’d never have humiliated me. You had no right to come in here and to do that! I…I…I despise you!”

 

He held his breath as he watched the King lower his head for a moment. Wolfram wondered if he had crossed the line with his words and knew he would have to beg for forgiveness if he had.

 

“You…love him…that much?” came the soft question that was barely audible. But Wolfram had heard it and he could feel his cheeks flush with heat again.

 

“Yuuri…the other me…” The King touched his chest gently as if in awe. A wistful and almost sad look came into his dark eyes. “The spirit within me who fights for a right to live just like I do. I can only come out when tough decisions have to be made…that is all I can do…”

 

He held his hands to his face as if studying them for the first time in his life. “I only wanted to ‘live’ for a while and I have enjoyed my stay, I will not lie.” He lifted his gaze to smile softly at his silent companion. “I had hoped to spend more time with you, my brave Wolfram. I can only watch you struggle with your feelings for him from here.” He touched his chest again. “How I have longed for the day I could feel you…touch you…tell you how much I admire you…”

 

He placed his hands upon the blond’s waist, closing his eyes as he placed his head gently upon Wolfram’s stomach. The younger boy blushed furiously at how intimate a gesture it was. He was sure that the King could feel his semi-erect flesh and was rather grateful that no comment was made about that. But he could feel the Maou’s sorrow and remorse and for a moment, Wolfram could understand his pain. He lifted his hand slowly – tentatively, almost afraid that if he touched the Maou, he would disappear from sight.

 

“I never wanted to make you cry, my Wolfram,” the Maou whispered against the soft cloth. “Your smile to me is worth a million years of imprisonment within the one you prefer.”

 

“You are my King,” Wolfram replied just as softly as he sank his fingers into the smooth but thick tresses below him. “You will always be my King. But I will always be in awe of your presence – afraid to do the wrong thing to make you think I am not worthy to be your bride. Yuuri…Yuuri still has a lot to learn and it’s the only way I can get closer to him. Do you understand? I need him, just as much as I would like to believe he needs…me.”

 

“But your heart aches. I feel it everyday!”

 

“Then I will suffer for it, no matter how long it takes.”

 

The Maou pulled away gently to see the determination in those clear green eyes. A small smile came to his lips as he gave a small but reluctant nod of acceptance. “He is indeed a boy to be envied. You will make a fine companion when his time comes to pass.” His smile widened at the blush that stained Wolfram’s cheeks.

 

“And now, my brave Wolfram, will you grant me a final wish?”

 

“What…what is it, my King?”

 

“A kiss, so that I may remember it until the day I return.”

 

Who was he to deny the one he served anything? Wolfram thought with a small smile as he cradled the handsome face between his palms. He stared into the piercing black eyes, fingertips caressing strong cheeks and the full lips in appreciation. His heart pounded rapidly within his chest, eyes narrowing with heat as he swallowed tightly.

 

“Yuuri…” he whispered softly as he closed the distance between them. “I know you are in there. I can see you. Now…feel me…”

 

It was a slow and shy kiss – a communion of lips that blossomed for the other as jolts of fire and ice raced down their spines. Auras of blue and red flared around their joined forms as tongues met – teasing, daring and finally capturing in victory. Their breaths mingled and became one, their bodies fusing to create a spark of excitement that grew with each passing second.

 

As Wolfram held on, he could feel the transformation already taking place. The features softened, the long locks shrinking back to the familiar length of the one he loved. He followed Yuuri’s falling body as they collapsed to the bed in a tangle of limbs. Long lashes opened slowly to reveal glazed green depths as Wolfram stared into the peaceful visage of Yuuri again. It was clear that the Maou had gone and for a brief moment, Wolfram felt a tiny pang of loneliness at that thought.

 

Withdrawing from the kiss with a reluctant sigh, Wolfram tried to move towards his side of the bed. However, a rather strong tug on his arm had him right back within his King’s embrace. He lifted shocked eyes to see if Yuuri was awake, but to his chagrin, the boy’s eyes were still closed although one could almost see the tug of a smile on his lips.

 

Wolfram tried to glare in irritation but decided it wasn’t really worth the effort. Tomorrow was another day and he would be more than happy to give Yuuri a piece of his mind by then.

 

“Idiot,” he whispered affectionately as he closed his eyes to welcome much-needed sleep. “My stupid, loveable wimp. Welcome back…”

 

 

~The End~