Letters.

Wolfram.

How have you been? I was a bit worried since your last letter, but I guess it's time to admit that our daughter is almost a grown woman, uh? It feels like yesterday she was just this small thing I could lift in my arms and now she's turning seventeen. She will be leaving in two days, so this letter should reach you first, she's very excited to spend the summer with you, I wouldn't have noticed if she didn't tell me, but she has never been to your family's castle! I hope you two have a great time together.

I'm a little jealous that she shared the news of this Markus boy with you and not with me, I wonder if I'm a scary parent, but I'm happy she'll be with you for the next couple of months and away from him and your mother, no offense.

I've been busy as ever, we were in one of the borders with human territory the last two weeks trying to hunt down this magical creatures of some sort that were destroying the forest, I'm still not sure exactly where they are coming from, but we managed with the situation as well as we could, you are very missed in this kind of situations Wolf. Well, you know you are missed here regardless of that.

Anyways, I haven't even been able to visit my family back on Earth in who knows how long, but I think I'll go when Greta goes to see you.

I'll be waiting to hear from you.

Your friend,

Shibuya Yuuri.

Yuuri.

Greta arrived safely yesterday, although you must already know that. This thing with Markus is probably just puppy love and I wouldn't worry much about it, but I agree it is best to keep them apart for a while. I'd say this thing is your fault though, you have always pampered Greta too much! And my mother might have some of the fault too, I give you that…

In any case, I will make sure that Greta knows how to properly conduct herself as a lady in courtship by the time she gets back to the capital, and hopefully she will have forgotten all about the lad by then, I know she's growing up, but I still see her just as you do probably, it's hard to admit she will probably lead a completely separated life from us soon.

I heard about the ordeal with the fire lizards in the border, the peasants are saying the Maou slayed them in a single fatal blow just after arriving to the site, I take it the story has been grossly exaggerated? it seemed weird to me to hear you had outgrown your wimpiness so drastically.

As for me, I have taken a new group of majutsu users recruits to train, as I told you before, it didn't take long after I got here for me to realize the poor state my uncle's troops were in, something unacceptable in my opinion. My uncle has also urged me to get more involved into the diplomatic matters of our house, so that I can take over for him as head of the family eventually. I would lie if I said I don't find it dull, but I'm giving it my best so that when I come back to serve at the capitol I can bring much more to the table than I did before… so you better be grateful!

Your friend and loyal subject,

Wolfram von Bielefeld.

Wolfram.

First of all, I'm not a wimp! And second, yeah, the story is quite different than that, but well, that's what happens with rumors, you know?

I spent a couple of days on Earth with my parents, so almost a month has passed since your letter arrived. My mom sent you her love and asked if you would like to go visit some day.

How is Greta doing? Have you gotten anywhere with the etiquette training? maybe I do spoil her too much, but you definitely do it too.

You can't imagine how happy it makes me to read about the day you will come back, although it seems I have to up my game as well or I'll never be able to catch up to my retainers capabilities.

But Wolf, there's something I need to tell you. I don't really know how to approach this subject, so I'll just go ahead and say it. There is someone that I like, and we have been seeing each other for a while. It is still something very new and I didn't want anyone to know about it officially until I knew if this was actually going somewhere, but I also wanted to tell you before it was serious, I think you deserve as much. I really care about this person, and I've been thinking about making it public soon, but I needed you to know first.

If you hate me for this, I will understand, but I really wish we can remain friends as we have been so far. I feel it took so long for things to start feeling even remotely close to normal, I hate myself for probably ruining that now.

I also want you to feel comfortable talking to me about anything that could be going on on your end, it would be weird, sure, but if there is someone like that for you too… well, I just want you to be happy.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Your friend,

Shibuya Yuuri.

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...oOo...

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Wolfram put down the letter after reading it for a third time. There was no exact word to describe how he felt at the moment, he wasn't surprised, because he already knew Yuuri had been seeing someone, and he was about ninety five per cent sure that someone was the Daikenja. He had suspected it six months ago when he had seen them interact with each other in their first meeting with the council of nobles, and he had been almost sure a month and a half from then, when the engagement was finally terminated and the first thing Yuuri had done was look at the Sage from the corner of his eye, and he swore they both smiled for a quarter of a second.

So yes, he had made his peace with that, with much effort, over the past few months and he was finally feeling like his wounds were healing and he had a purpose and a direction. He was finally able to see a life for himself that included Yuuri as a friend and as his King, but in which he could also allow himself to be happy, by himself or with someone else, for now just by himself.

That wasn't the problem now, it hurt of course and he expected as much, but that wasn't what conflicted him now.

"Wolfram, is that a letter from Yuuri?" Greta asked, recognizing Blood Pledge Castle's stationary as she walked in the room.

"Yes… it is" Wolfram answered, still in a bit of a dazed manner. Greta noticed the strange look on one of his father's face immediately, she was fairly sure she knew what the letter said, to have caused such a state on Wolfram.

"How is he then? Have you told him of how you've been keeping an eye on me and making sure I don't even write to Markus?" She said in a fake angry tone. She wasn't really mad at Wolfram for doing that, her relationship with Markus was strong enough to survive a couple of months uncommunicated and she was glad to have two parents who cared so much for her, to the point of dreading ever having to see her go. But she wanted to at least fake a rebellious stage, every teenage girl has to have at least one, right?

"Come on sweetie, you know that I only do this for your own good" Wolfram said going into parent mode and forgetting momentarily about Yuuri's letter. It had become increasingly odd to parent Greta, while looking so close in age, right now Wolfram looked barely two years older than the girl, but at least he was older. He was 89 for Shinou's sake.

"In any case, absence makes the heart grow fonder, so if he really fancies you, he'll wait and so should you" he added and she rolled her eyes, she agreed with that though, it was really romantic actually, the whole scenario was, and she could already picture their slow motion reunion in two months, it was going to be the stuff of epic novels.

"If you say so…" Greta said looking at the ground to hide the stars showing on her eyes. "What did Yuuri said? Let's go take a walk outside and you can tell me!" she finally asked with a cheerful tone and reaching to take Wolfram's arm, dragging him out of the room before he had a chance to respond.

As they walked to the garden Wolfram thought raising this girl so close to Anissina had definitely had its consequences, good and bad.

Greta was a strong and intelligent young woman, well versed in many arts and she would not take no for an answer. But yeah, she was painfully independant and would not take no for an answer.

Wolfram feared from very early on, that she would turn out exactly like the mad red haired woman, or worse, his mother... But thankfully she took after Yuuri in many aspects as well, she was kind hearted and considerate of other people's feelings and she saw everyone as an equal, no matter the situation. He thought the only thing she had that reminded him of himself was probably her stubbornness. What a depressive thing to think.

"You looked sad when I came into the room, you know" she said when they reached the path between the square shaped bushes that got to the gazebo in the middle of the garden.

"Sad is not really the word" Wolfram thought about lying for a moment, but decided against it, mostly because he knew it was useless, Greta was never easy to fool, she just let them think that she was so they wouldn't worry, and he knew that.

"I'm happy por him, even though I never thought that I would be" he continued and then stayed silent for a while, Greta didn't know how long but if felt like two minutes at least. She didn't want to force Wolfram to tell her, she knew how proud he was, but she just wanted both her parents to be happy, even if not with each other.

"What did he say?" She finally asked with a soothing tone.

"He said he's been seeing someone and that he cares deeply for this person, they will probably announce their relationship publicly soon" Wolfram stated plainly. Again, he already knew that, but Greta didn't know that he did, so hearing it in such a calm and matter of fact way was unexpected.

"Did he say who…?" She asked in a very insecure tone and looking at her own feet. When she looked up she saw something that actually made her much more happy than she thought, Wolfram was angry, old Wolfram angry.

"That is exactly the point, you see…" he said and clenched his fist. "The wimp says I deserve to find out about this through him and be the first to do so? When I already knew and obviously everyone else must know as well? But that is not important anyway, you know what is?" he paused shortly but didn't really give Greta enough time to answer his question. He let go of Greta's arm and took a step forward.

"HE DIDN'T TELL ME WHO!" he finally said, he didn't yell, but he rose his voice enough to be heard by some guards somewhere near, the familiar sound of metal armor clashing together slightly and swords being unsheathed could be heard, along with someone asking if something had happened.

"That wimp of a King you have for a father Greta, unbelievable, such a lack of common sense!" He said with one eye twitching and straightening himself up to signal the guards nothing was wrong.

Greta only laughed, this was her Wolfram, this fiery and easily angered but kindhearted man was the father that she loved. She had been so scared he had been lost forever. The last couple of years she had seen less and less of that fire, and to have it back now was such a blessing.

"I can tell you who it is if you want" She said to Wolfram, still laughing, while he kept clenching his fist at the level of his face and trying to control the urge to set the garden on fire.

"That's not the point!" he said and then took a deep breath.

"Besides, I already know who it is"

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...oOo...

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Yuuri suddenly felt a chill running down his spine and his body shivered for a second, he looked back and tried to concentrate to feel any kind of energy that might be approaching him, but nothing.

"What's wrong Shibuya?" Murata asked trying to look at the same direction that he was, if he hadn't felt anything then maybe it was just his imagination?

"Nothing, I just felt this powerful murderous intent coming at me all of a sudden" Yuuri answered.

"Oh, I didn't feel anything, maybe someone out there is just bad mouthing you or something" Ken said and chuckled. They were in the middle of a making out session and Shibuya had suddenly pull away with the weirdest look on his face.

"So, where were we?" He asked and raised his hand to cup Shibuya's cheek, but he was stopped before getting there.

"Actually, there's something I've been meaning to tell you" Yuuri said a bit flustered and moved away from Murata so that he could see him better. They were sort of tangled together on the ottoman by the window in his room and he felt he needed some air between them to get his point across.

"What is it?" Ken asked in a monotone voice, although with no little worry. It had been about six months since the started going out and there hadn't been much development in their relationship. The first couple of months had been the most awkward thing in the world. After that one first night Shibuya took his sweet time before making a move again and now they were at a point where they certainly did some stuff… but nothing further than what Ken would call heated foreplay.

It was understandable, after all, even though Ken remembered sex in detail and in many ways, they were both, in fact and very sadly, virgins in this life, twenty four year old virgins.. so, so sad.

But that, frustrating as it was, was not the point of concern. What worried Ken was that Yuuri hadn't as much as said I like you to him, ever, even when he asked him out Ken had been the one to say it. And now he wanted to talk? Nothing good could really come of that, could it?

Suddenly Shibuya leaned in and kissed him, just a peck on the lips, before pulling away again. Ken stared at him a bit puzzled

"I saw you were getting into your own head there and I really want you to listen to me" he said and smiled, tilting his head to the side, like the cutest puppy.

When the hell had Shibuya started to be able to read him like that? It happened rarely, but lately more often than before. That was a really, really dangerous thing.

"Okay, you have my full attention" he answered while sitting more comfortably, with his legs crossed, and resting his elbows on his knees, to then stare playfully at shibuya with squinting eyes. Ken thought Shibuya would laugh at that, but suddenly he looked away with an embarrassed face.

"Well… you see, we've been going out for like six months now and I just… I thought that is weird you know? To be going out with someone this long and still calling each other by our last names…" he paused and looked up to meet the other one's eyes that were really wide open all of a sudden.

Yuuri put his hands up and waved them quickly as if regretting what he had just said.

"I mean! If you think I'm thinking too much… well, we can just keep going like we have until now. It's fine but I just, I mean… it would take some getting used to definitely for me too, but I just feel like… the way I feel about you, you know? It seems so impersonal now to call you by your last name now" he said so quickly Ken would have missed half of it if he hadn't been listening as intently as he was.

That was definitely not what he had expected, maybe it was about time for him to admit that all of his knowledge was actually useless when it came to his relationship with Shibuya, he could read the guy like an open book when it came to other things, or other people, but when it was about him, he was constantly surprised, and so pleasantly surprised also.

But he had taken too long to answer and Shibuya kept on talking non stop.

"...I'm just being stupid aren't I?" Yuuri finally asked and stopped babbling. That happened a lot to him, maybe he just wasn't really good at expressing himself so he would give a lot of turns before getting to where he wanted in a sentence. It happened less and less with the years, but with Murata it was like that ever since they started going out. He would just get so embarrassed around him still… but he wanted to get his point across, he wanted them to be closer and to maybe take things to the next level, that's why he had decided to write to Wolfram about it…

"No, you are not" Ken answered and smiled, remembering how something like that wasn't such a big deal in this world, but for two japanese people it was a really important step to take, and he was glad they were moving forwards, although he wanted to go even further.

"I had been thinking about it actually" he added. "There are some things I would like to say, and they just sound different if I call you by your last name, you know?" he said and leaned closer, while placing a hand on the other man's leg and going up slowly from the knee to the middle on the thigh.

"Yuuri" Ken purred with his lips almost touching Yuuri's. Just like that first time he had called him Maou Heika. You had to hand it to the bespectacled guy for his ability to arouse Yuuri only by addressing him.

Yuuri groaned slightly and placed his hand on the back on Ken's neck to pull him closer quite brusquely, not that Ken minded.

Their lips joined and the heat that had been earlier interrupted was back and quite alive still. Their tongues clashed slowly and firmly, their hands trailed each other's backs and legs, that were already so familiar and still just as arousing and exciting as the first time they had touched. They both wanted more, so much more, and they knew it well. Lines had been drawn without even discussing it, it just happened that way, and they were both close to their respective limits. They wanted to make the other scream in pleasure, they wanted to be closer and somehow joined together…

Yuuri started to take off Ken's jacket, but he took his hand and leaned away. Yuuri was a bit taken aback by that, he was sure he felt they both wanted…

"Is not that" Ken said, guessing what Yuuri must had been thinking. "I do want to, you have no idea... " he rolled his eyes and mentally slapped himself for stopping this when it was finally getting good! But it was necessary, even if it meant…

Ken looked down for a moment and when he looked up and his eyes met Yuuri's he felt calm for some reason, he smiled and squeezed Yuuri's hand, which he was already holding.

"I love you, Yuuri" he said... and waited for the world to fall around him.

"I…"

He waited for every light to go out, for the earth to shake, for his cursed destiny to destroy his happiness one final time, but…

"I… I love you too… Ken"

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Epilogue.

"So this time the moon and the sun could actually break the curse, huh?" Shinou said to himself while looking down at a very endearing, albeit a bit M rated, scene.

"It is a bit frustrating to only watch from a distance, isn't it? I have to say, I thought we would never see you here, Shinou Heika" Rufus von Bielefeld said, kneeling in front of his King.

"Oh, please do not , my dear Rufus, we are all equals in this place, as we also were equals back then" He answered and laughed.

"Shinou Heika, you have managed not to change in over four thousand years" Erhard von Wincott said and laughed softly.

"I must say I'm surprised none of you reincarnated over the years, I always expected to encounter your souls somewhere, and never did…" Shinou thought out loud.

"How could we?" said Christel Wincott.

"The two of you took so much weight upon yourselves, the least we could do was accept our destinies as well" added Lawrence Weller.

"So we guard our descendants from here and try to help them along their way, although we can mostly just watch and provide a helping push every once in awhile" finished Siegbert Voltaire.

"And so shall I, from now on. They need to let go of me and live by themselves at some point... Now that he is happy, I can finally rest in peace" Shinou said with a warm tone that made all the present smile, it had not gone unnoticed by anyone how much the soul of the Daikenja had suffered and for so long.

But now, finally...

"Welcome to the spiritual realm, Shinou Heika" They all said at unison.

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I didn't want to finish this story, I was very fond of this plot and didn't want to let go, but four years is long enough, don't you agree?

I hope you liked the way I decided to end this story, I've been thinking of re-exploring this pairing in a different story, because I fell in love with them while writing this, even though my first love will always be Yuuram, but I don't know if I should, I still have another unfinished story waiting… anyways, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the ride.

Don't forget to leave me a review ;)