Wolfram's Bruise

Uniting As One series

Crossover: Gravitation, Only The Ring finger Knows

Written by: chochowilliams

Disclaimer: I do not own Kyo Kara Maoh or the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Summary: An errand leads to much more.

Warning: Drama, Romance, Fantasy, Language, OOC, OCs, M/M Sexual Situation, Anal, M-Preg

Pairings: Yuri/Wolfram

Inserts: recap from chapter 5

A/N: Next in the Uniting as One series is "Yuri's Secret". There is also a companion piece to this one called, "The Gorgeous Creature That Stands Before Me", which is a companion piece that takes place after Wolfram finds out he's pregnant, but before the disastrous scene with the seamstress where Yuri and Wolfram end up eloping.

oOo

Last Time

Suddenly there came a soft surprised sound from besides them.

Yuri glanced over his shoulder and saw Wolfram clutching his belly. "Wolfram? Are you okay?" he asked the Royal Prince.

Wolfram clutched his belly. He shook his head. "I, I think that…I think…"

Growing worried, Yuri approached Wolfram. "Wolf, what's wrong?" he demanded.

Wolfram stared up into Yuri's obsidian eyes full of concern. "I think…it's time."

"Oh, my," Lady Alese exclaimed. Her hands flew to her mouth. Her eyes went wide.

His mind went blank. Yuri just blinked stupidly. "What? Time for what?"

Wolfram's emerald eyes grew hard. "The baby's coming you moron!" he snapped.

There was a growing murmur around them.

"The…baby?"

"Yeah, you know. The one you impregnated me with? The whole reason why we needed to get married so quickly?"

Eyes the color of the midnight sky went wide as realization dawned.

oOo

Chapter 6

Temple of the Water Dragon

He could not remember another time in his entire life when he was more nervous than he was right now. The only instance that came to mind that even comes close to how he was feeling was when Nicola went into labor with El right after Lord Griesela Gegenhuber was welcomed back to the castle after being exiled for more than twenty years. In truth, that was nothing compared to what he was currently feeling as he paced restlessly in front of the steep three story high set of solid gold steps that led up to the main level of the temple.

The temple might remind him of the Rokuon-ji back in Kyoto, but the steep set of stairs that led to the main level three stories up from ground level was more like those of the Mayan temples he had seen on television. Apparently the Mayans, or maybe people in general back then, were a little on the shorter side, so the already steep steps would have been even more so, which would have caused them to basically "crawl" up, almost subservient-like, the stairs to the top where the priests were waiting to sacrifice them to their gods.

Yuri wondered if had been done on purpose.

His men, the Black Knights, were scattered around him. Their watchful eyes ever alert to the possible dangers around them. Wolfram's men in their staunch royal blue uniforms were evenly spaced up the staircase. Every now and then one of them would look anxiously back up at the temple where their Lieutenant was secluded with Lady Alese and the other temple maidens.

Lady Alese had forbidden any of them from entering the temple. Wolfram's men had not been too happy about that. It was their job to protect Wolfram at all times after all. But Lady Alese was one of the most stubborn people Yuri had ever met and she stood her ground.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Yuri halted his restless pacing long enough to look up at the golden structure gleaming ever majestically in the bright early evening sunlight and bit his lip. He was not sure how much time has lapsed since Wolfram went into labor. It was a good thing they eloped when they did. Gwendal's biggest fear was that his nephew (he, like the others in the kingdom, believe Wolfram is carrying a boy) would be born out of wedlock.

Apparently, there was a strict taboo amongst the royals and those of the nobility to have children outside of marriage. Pregnancy seemed to be no big deal. But a couple had to marry before the due date. Otherwise the bastard child would be stigmatized its entire life. Yuri did not feel that was very fair. It was not the child's fault that its parents had not practiced safe sex before marriage or had not been able to obtain a marriage license before the mother went into labor. The fact that a demon's gestation cycle was only three months and not ten like it was back on Earth apparently was not an excuse. Royal Heir or not, any children Wolfram and he would have had before they were properly married, would have been looked down upon for the rest of their lives. It would not matter if Wolfram and he married after their child's birth or not. A bastard is a bastard is a bastard. No wonder Gwendal and the others had been so adamant about this wedding. But it still did not make Yuri any more understanding about being pressured into marriage (it had not been the wedding part so much as the pressured part that had irritated Yuri).

It really had been a race against time. Even a rushed wedding takes time to plan, especially when everybody in the free world wants to attend the highly anticipated wedding of the Demon King and the Royal Consort.

He could just picture Gwendal now when Wolfram and he strolled back into the castle. Yuri gulped and shook that image aside quickly. Now was not the time to be worrying about his brother-in-law.

Yuri stilled. Wow. Who would have ever thought?

"Do not worry, Your Majesty," Hussein said as he strolled up behind Yuri. "Lady Alese is a highly respected mid-wife."

Distractedly, Yuri could only nod.

"His Highness will be alright."

Yuri sure hoped the captain of his guard was right.

oOo

Covenant Castle

"Conrart."

His big brother's voice bellowed down the empty corridor towards him. Conrart dismissed his men with a curt nod and turned to watch as Gwendal strode towards him. The older demon had a black aura surrounding him. Conrart frowned, suspicious. "Gwendal," he greeted cautiously. "Is something wrong?"

"Tell me His Majesty is in his chambers," the Commander in Chief commanded.

"His Majesty?" Conrart blinked. "Why, yes, yes he is."

Gwendal's hardened blue eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?"

"Yes...Gwendal, what's-?"

"Are you absolutely positive? Did you see him with your own two eyes?"

Conrart's eyes narrowed. "Gwendal, what is this all about?"

"I just learned something-interesting about our young king."

Conrart did not even realize that his body had automatically gone tense at the mere thought that His Majesty may be in danger until he started to relax. He dropped his hand from his sword. "What sort of news?" Knowing Gwendal, it would be something he had blown out of proportion. Surmising the intense black aura that Gwendal was exuding, Conrart was sure this news had something to do with their baby brother. He really had to find time to speak with Anissina. She and Gwendal have been friends their whole lives. Gwendal might not like to admit it (for good reason), but not only were the two of them best friends, but Anissina knew Gwendal better than anyone. So, if anyone could find his big brother a girlfriend, Anissina could. Though Conrart had a sneaking suspicion that any woman Anissina chose would be just like her. Now there was a scary thought. But at least then, he would ease off their little brother. Maybe. Hopefully.

"It seems your godson has not only sullied Wolfram's good name…"

Conrart rolled his eyes and heaved a tired sigh.

"…he has gone and kidnapped him."

Conrart's eyebrow rose at that. He wondered what brought this on? "'Kidnapped'? Come now, Gwendal. His Majesty and Wolfram are resting in their chamber. I just left there not too long ago."

"Are you so sure about that?" Gwendal all but growled.

Conrart's brow furrowed. He gazed after Gwendal as the Commander in Chief stalked down the hall most likely towards their king's bedchamber.

Little did they know that the walls of Covenant Castle had ears.

oOo

Temple of the Water Dragons

Yanking his black hair tie out of his hair, Yuri's raven black locks tumbled down around his shoulders. He racked his fingers through his hair. Interlocking his fingers behind his head within the silky black strands, he tipped his head back and stared up at the evening sky. The sky was blood red as the sun slowly fell behind the horizon. His head then fell heavily to the side. His worried obsidian snake slit eyes took in the temple. With a heavy sigh, he combed his hair with his fingers into a neat ponytail at the nape of his neck. Stuffing his hands into the pockets of his slacks, he stared down at his black boots as they trampled over the already worn path in his continued restless pacing. Every so often, he would glance back up the gleaming staircase, biting his lip. What was taking so long? It had not taken this long for little Elunsto (aka "El") to be born. Had something happened? Had there been some sort of complication? Oh, by the Almighty, he hoped not! Maybe he should go check.

oOo

Covenant Castle

Whispers began spreading like wildfire across the castle grounds. From loose lips to eager ear. Nothing stayed secret for very long within Covenant Castle.

oOo

Temple of the Water Dragons

The horde of guards gave a start when their king flew passed them in a blur of color. One by one, they raced after him. If anything happened to the king on their watch, it would be their asses on the line.

The main entrance into the temple was at the head of a steep mountain of narrow steps just wide enough to accommodate a two year old's foot comfortably. A double set of heavy, ornately carved, solid silver doors led into the open mosaic-tiled nave. Hussein Mueller, captain of the Black Knights that were assigned to protect His Majesty, the 27th Demon King, King Yuri, was amazed at how quickly his king climbed to the top of those three-story high set of stairs. He wasn't even breathing heavily. Hussein was guessing it had little to do with rising at the crack of dawn each morning to run with Lord Weller and more to do with his king's growing concern with Lord Wolfram. If their positions were reversed, Hussein couldn't imagine feeling any differently.

Yuri raced across the open walkway with his hands stretched out before him towards the closed doors but before he could take more than two running steps, the wide set of doors that were more than a foot thick, swung open soundlessly. Slowing to a stop, Yuri waited with bated breath as out of the darkness appeared Lady Alese gleaming majestically against the backdrop of the black nothingness behind her.

"Lady Alese." Yuri's voice came out as a choked whispered.

There was a smattering of murmurings from behind Yuri, which was quickly silenced by a sharp command from Hussein.

Smiling, lady Alese stepped forward.

It was only then that Yuri noticed the small bundle swaddled in black Lady Alese cradled gently but securely in her arms. Tears prickled Yuri's eyes. As he took a step forward, he was vaguely aware of Hussein glued to his side right along with Adele on his opposite flank.

Adele had not been too happy with him, to say the least, for disappearing like he had earlier. After apologizing profusely, Yuri promised Adele and the other Black Knights a considerable raise when they all returned to Covenant Castle. The soldiers deserved it after being forced into putting up with him.

"Your Majesty," Lady Alese greeted in turn.

Yuri gulped. "Is that…?"

Lady Alese's smile broadened. "Your Majesty. I would like to present to you Seraphina Liese Shibuya (1)."

Yuri's heart gave a jolt.

"Your daughter."

Cheers erupted around Yuri, but he did not react to the enthusiastic ovation. He couldn't. He had gone absolutely still at the announcement. Daughter. His daughter. His and Wolfram's daughter. Their child. A life the two of them had created together. Shaking, Yuri stepped forward to receive the wondrous gift.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Lady Alese said as she very carefully handed the king his beautiful baby girl.

The only thing Yuri could think as he stared down in disbelief, awe and wonder at the miniature person who seemed not much bigger than and just as fragile as one of his mother's porcelain dolls, was that Wolfram had been right. That would have come as no surprise to Wolfram though. Yuri could just picture that smug smile on his husband's face.

Lady Alese patiently instructed Yuri in the proper way to hold a newborn. Yuri followed her every instruction to the letter, but would not be able to repeat a word of what she said to him if his life depended on it. He could not take his eyes off the baby cradled ever so gently in his arms. The raven black wisp of hair sticking out from under the black cap. The tiny, red pinched face. The peek of cloudy green orbs staring up at him from slit eyes. He had no doubt that in time, little Seraphina's eyes would clear and look exactly like her mother's and her grandmother's. The more Yuri gazed down at this tiny little miracle, the more of Wolfram he was starting to see. It was in the roundness of her face. The cute little nose. The almost irritated line of her mouth as she sucked vigorously on a binki. The stubborn set of her chin. This was definitely Wolfram's daughter all right.

There was a strong urge to squeal like a school girl. Daughter! The word struck Yuri as strange. He still couldn't wrap his mind around it. It felt so surreal. He was expecting to wake up any second now back at Covenant Castle in bed next to Wolfram. This whole episode seemed more like a dream than reality. He could not believe that this delicate little demon baby was his daughter. Was this really happening? Yes, he has been a father to Greta for several years now, but somehow this seemed different. But why? Why would it be different? Was he scared? Yes. Yes, he was. He would freely admit it. Taking care of a ten year old was one thing, but a newborn was something all together different. What if he screwed up? What if he was not ready to be a father? What if he was not a good enough father? What if-?

No!

Yuri shook those thoughts aside. There was no use in worrying over such trivial things. Even monkey's fall from trees, right (2)?

With a trembling hand, Yuri softly stroked a knuckle up and down Seraphina's cheek. The newborn was warm to the touch. He grinned. "Hey there little Sera," he cooed with that same idiotic tone he scolded his mother from using. "I'm your daddy!"

Seraphina just continued to gaze up at him. There was a look on her face that said, "You are an idiot."

Yuri chuckled through tear blurred eyes.

"She looks like you, Your Majesty," Hussein commented from over Yuri's right shoulder.

"Really?" Yuri gazed quickly at the captain and then back down at his daughter. He cocked his head and studied Seraphina anew. He did not see it.

"I think she resembled His Highness," Adele added.

"Wolfram?" That Yuri could see. It was eerie in a way. Like a female version of his husband. But wait. Didn't that mean Seraphina looked like her grandmother? An image of Lady Celi flashed through his mind. Her long yellow blond hair cascading down her back in ringlets, red-red lipstick, low-cut clingy dresses that did little to tone down how busty and well-endowed the overtly affectionate ex-Demon Queen was. Yuri shuddered. Great One forbid if Seraphina grew up to be like Lady Celi. That was all they needed.

Suddenly from out of the darkness behind Lady Alese came the sounds of rustling cloth and the rapid slap of bare feet.

Yuri glanced up curiously and watched as out of the temple one of the temple maidens appeared looking flustered.

"Lady Alese! Lady Alese! You have to come quickly!"

The grin melted from Yuri's face. Worry took its place. Frowning, Yuri glanced from the young temple maiden to Lady Alese. "What's going on?" he demanded. He had a really bad feeling.

"It's His Highness!"

Yuri felt the world tilt around him. His heart thudded. Lightheaded and dizzy, obsidian orbs went wide. "Wolfram? Wolfram's…?" Yuri felt nauseous. "Is he alright? What happened?"

"Lady Alese! Please! Lady Alese! You must hurry!"

With a serious mask slipping over her face, Lady Alese gave the maiden a sharp nod. "Alright. I'll be right there." She then turned towards Yuri.

"Lady Alese-"

"Your Majesty, I would like for you to remain here," she instructed.

"But-!"

"Please, Your Majesty." Her large golden eyes strayed down to the princess who was studying Hussein with guarded eyes. Such alertness for one who has not been upon the earth for more than ten minutes was unnatural, even for a child of the Demon Tribe.

Hussein stepped forward and clamped a hand on Yuri's shoulder. "Your Majesty," he began, "let Lady Alese do her job."

"I will not let anything happen to His Highness."

Yuri bit his lip and swallowed any number of things that were cued up to burst forth. If something was wrong with Wolfram then he wanted to be their by his side, but he understood that he would most likely just be in the way and do more harm than good. So, against his better judgment, Yuri gave Lady Alese a sharp nod.

Lady Alese inclined her head and lifting the hem of her gleaming white robe, turned on her heel and vanished within the temple, the thick blackness swallowing her and the maiden whole. The heavy silver doors swung shut on their own accord behind them, echoing thunderously across the meadow.

Yuri swallowed around a suspicious lump that had become lodged in his throat. "Please, Great One," he prayed silently, "let him be alright." Aloud he said, "Wolfram." His voice barely above a whisper, it trembled as violently as his hands had earlier as they reached for their daughter. He hugged Seraphina against him as a single tear rolled down his cheek.

oOo

There have been occasions when time seemed to pass him by without him even noticing. Those times, unfortunately, were few and far in-between. What he had more experience in were those times when the clock seemed to move annoyingly slow. The second hand, he swore, loved to torture him. Ten seconds would go by and then in the blink of an eye, five of those seconds would mysteriously disappear. It was enough to make a man question his sanity. Those were the times when the days seemed to extend far into the forever. A mere thirty seconds somehow stretched on for thirty minutes. Unfortunately, this was one of those times. While it felt as if an eternity had passed since an emergency called lady Alese back into the Temple of the Water Dragons where Wolfram had just given birth to their daughter Seraphina Liese, in reality only ten minutes had passed.

"Your Majesty," his captain of the guard assured him for the hundredth time, "His Highness will be fine."

Yuri nodded as he unconsciously swayed back and forth. Obsidian eyes stared up at the closed temple doors in worry. He heard that same line so many times by now that the comfort they should have provided had diminished. Now they were mere words, empty of any meaning. "Wolfram."

He dragged his gaze down to his daughter who was not much larger than his cupped hands. Her raven hair was hidden beneath a black cap. Emerald green eyes stared up at him from an olive complected round face. Swaddled tightly in a cotton-like black blanket, the child he created with Wolfram looked remarkably like Wolfram. A smile chased away the frown lines that had been on the verge of being permanently etched onto his face, though the shadows remained.

Wait until his mother learned she was to be a grandmother. Again! She was going to completely freak! Not only that, but her "baby" was now married. He and Wolfram may have eloped, which Miko "Jennifer" Shibuya will find romantic and at the same time disheartening because she had not been there to witness the momentous occasion, but he was glad he caved into the political pressure. Though, if it had been up to him, he would have like to have waited. He was, after all, just eighteen-years-old. Besides, nobody should enter into a marriage with a gun to his head, metaphorically or otherwise.

Oh, well.

Speaking of freaking, Shori was going to hit the roof! Up to this point, he "allowed" his relationship with Wolfram mostly because he had not, could not, or even refused to see a future for the two of them, at least together. Yuri was not even sure why. Maybe it was an elder sibling thing where nobody was ever going to be good enough for Yuri. It could be that Shori believed Wolfram and he would not last. There certainly was that outcome. But it did not matter. With the birth of their daughter, the two of them were forever linked. Wolfram was stuck with him and he with Wolfram whether either of them liked it or not.

He was drawn from the hypnotic gaze of his daughter, the Royal Heir (Annissina should be happy about that), when a strange sound reached his ears. What was it? Almost like a combination between a cry and someone gurgling. "Hussein?"

"I hear it Your Majesty," Hussein said from besides him.

"What is it?" Yuri took a step forward.

"I am not sure, Sire."

"Is it…Wolfram?"

"I do not know."

Yuri bit his lip. He did not like this. Not one bit. "I wonder what's going on. Lady Alese should've been back by now, don't you think?"

"Patience, Your Majesty."

That was something Yuri was quickly running out of. "Hussein." He turned to face the captain of his Black Knights.

"Sire?"

Something must have happened. That had to be it. What other reason was there? They would have heard something by now otherwise, right? A painful jolt thudded through Yuri's heart. He clutched his chest while trying to retain hold of his fidgeting daughter. Not an easy task. "Here." He gently handed over his newborn daughter into Hussein's arms. "I'm appointing you Seraphina's personal guard until further notice."

"What?" Hussein paled. "But Sire!"

"Watch her as if your life depended on it," Yuri ordered.

"B-but Sire…!"

Little did Yuri know right he was.

Uncertain, Hussein held the Princess and future Demon Queen uncomfortably in his arms. He regarded her warily. Fear trickled through him as his amber eyes locked with the tiny princess' flame licked ones. She was barely an hour old and to have such awareness! This child was not a normal baby, even for a demon. He was not sure what that meant and that frightened him even more.

"Where will you be Your Majesty?" Adele inquired, either unaware of or did not care about his captain's plight.

Yuri turned to face the temple. A look of determination crossed his face. His slit eyes regarded the closed doors. He had to figure out what was going on one way or another. The decision made, the Demon King went to take a step towards the temple doors when they swung open before him. "Huh?" Yuri peered into the darkness. A shadow darker than those around it stepped forward. His heart started hammering in anticipation. "Lady Alese," he breathed as the petit woman emerged. His dark eyes caught sight of the small bundle wrapped within a blanket similar to the one swaddling Seraphina the priestess was holding gently in her arms. Confusion and curiosity swirled around Yuri.

"Congratulations seem to be in order yet again, Your Majesty."

"Wha…?"

"Sire, may I present Rey August Shibuya…Your son."

Yuri's mind went blank. "My…son?"

There was a smattering of sound about him.

"Yes, sir, Your Majesty."

"But…" His gaze swept over to Hussein who still held Seraphina. "Sera…"

"It seems, Sire," Adele said stepping forward, "that you were right."

"I was?" Yuri turned towards his Lieutenant. "How?"

"Twins."

"'Twins'?" The Demon King regarded the second bundle before him. Then at his daughter. Then back. He barked out a laugh. "Twins." Guess that means that Wolfram and those at the castle who bet on a boy "because of the way Wolfram was carrying" were both right. He wondered how Sangria, Doria and Lasagna were going to split the winnings.

"Would you like to hold him, Sire?" Lady Alese asked.

Yuri's head snapped up. "Could I?"

"Of course." She gave a slight laugh.

Stepping forward, Yuri held out his arms and stooped slightly in order to receive his son. It was only then he noticed he was trembling. As he gazed down into the baby boy's face, his eyes misted over. Was this really his son? "What's his name?"

"Rey."

"Brave one," Adele translated.

"A strong name for the son of the Demon King," Hussein added. He was trying to ignore the strong fear the princess emanated within him. It was not working. Her eyes seemed to be boring holes into his face.

"He's beautiful," Yuri whispered, gazing into dark cloudy eyes that seemed to be regarding him. Once they cleared, Rey's eyes would be darker than night, just like his. But Seraphina's were already so clear. So sharp. Why the difference?

"He looks exactly like you, Your Majesty."

Yuri turned towards Adele in surprise. "Really?" He turned back to the Royal Prince. Rey certainly had his eyes, but Yuri could see wisps of startling blond hair peeking out from underneath the black cap. He gaped in awe. He could definitely see bits of Wolfram in their son, other than the hair. They were not as obvious as they were in their daughter, but they were there. He could even see a little of Lady Celi. But him? He didn't see it. His father maybe. Either way, his son was beautiful.

Yuri choked back a sob. Like his big sister, Rey was not much larger than Yuri's forearm. He had never seen such a small person before. Maiko, Shuichi's little sister, used to have baby dolls that were bigger than Rey.

His son. Was this really his child? His flesh and blood that not too long ago had been growing within Wolfram? Had he and his husband really created this living, breathing demon child?

The mist turned into rain.

Yuri gazed over his shoulder through his tears at his beautiful daughter who continued to eye Hussein suspiciously. He had to chuckle at that. Seraphina. His daughter.

He turned back to the squirming baby boy in his arms. Rey. His son. "This is like a dream," he whispered. Yuri ran the back oh his knuckles across his son's flushed cheeks gently.

"This is no dream, Your Majesty," Lady Alese said with a smile.

"I know." It was just so surreal. Him. Married with children. Whoever would have thought? "Uh, oh."

Just then Rey's little red face crumbled.

"Uhm…"

Rey's mouth popped open and a piercing wail erupted.

Yuri winced. Wow. Rey definitely had his mother's lungs.

Adele stumbled backwards with a groan as his hands flew to his ears.

Lady Alese just continued to smile pleasantly.

If nothing else, Rey could be utilized as a weapon of mass destruction against the enemies of the Great Demon Kingdom.

Held awkwardly in Hussein's arms, Seraphina peered around the blanket at her brother. Her piercing gaze seemed to say, "Wimp."

"There. There." Yuri rocked Rey awkwardly. A mixture of emotions erupted within him. Nervousness. Uncertainty. Fear. "Uh…Uhm…"

"Oh, my," exclaimed one of the Temple Maidens as she strode out of the temple doors. Her long cerulean blue hair was secured off her face in a French braid and hidden beneath a solid black veil that was pinned around her head. "It sounds like someone's hungry."

"Hungry?" Yuri looked from the maiden in her loose white jumpsuit to his wailing son. "You can tell?"

"But of course! Since a baby cannot speak, it has to communicate in other ways."

"Oh, I see. That's why babies cry all the time."

"Exactly, Your Majesty, but each cry is different depending on what the baby wants."

"Really?"

"Oh, yes, Sire."

"Wow." Yuri was surprised. "You sure know a lot."

"Well, I raised my little sister after both our parents died in the epidemic."

"Oh, wow. That's pretty cool," Yuri breathed. Then he realized that what he said might be misconstruing. "Ah! I mean-"

The Maiden shook her head. "It's alright. But if Your Majesty would like to come with me, I'll bring you to His Excell-I, uh, mean, His Highness."

Wolfram.

Yuri nodded curtly as his heart started hammering again. First the Maiden stepped back into the temple, melting within the shadows. Followed by Yuri with his still crying son wriggling uncontrollably in his arms and then Hussein who had Seraphina. Adele and then Lady Alese closed in from behind.

The thundering sound of the double temple doors shutting echoed around them

oOo

So much has happened in such a short amount of time.

First, he officially asked Wolfram to marry him.

Then he had to risk life and limb by getting Gwendal's blessing.

There was that man who came to the Great Demon Kingdom hoping to be treated as a hero after he failed to assassinate King Belar-all he received though was a one way ticket back to Big Cimarron to stand trial.

He signed Mother's Day into law.

Wolfram dropped that bombshell on him. Those flu-like symptoms he had been experiencing turned out not to be because he was sick, but because he was pregnant. That was something Yuri had not seen coming. Though, admittedly, if he would have paid more attention to Günter during his lessons, then maybe it would not have been such a surprise, but it was hard to pay attention to his aide. The man was just so boring!

More countries joined the Alliance.

Caloria gained full autonomy and independence from Big Cimarron.

Women now had the right to inherit in their own right.

His precious little girl had a boyfriend. "Had" being the keyword. That sly demon fox tried to get a little too frisky. Greta panicked and…to cut a long story short, said boyfriend now knew what a piece of meat felt like flame barbecued.

Add a rushed wedding into the mix, a haywire, roller-coaster ride of emotions courtesy of a very expectant Wolfram, a pile of paperwork each night taller than Mount Fuji and now not one, but two new entries into their growing family.

That seemed to be the norm in Shinmakoku. Something was always happening somewhere. It certainly kept things interested.

He said it before and he would say it again: even if he could, he would not change a thing about his life.

His husband of a mere handful of hours appeared completely wiped out. His luscious golden man had the consistency of straw. His face was drawn and haggard. His fiery temper to match the emerald flames in his eyes was diminished from a heart-stopping roar unto a playful-if not slightly irritated-meow. He was unkempt. It was un-Wolfram-like and highly unusual. Usually Wolfram would not be caught dead with even a hair out of place or a wrinkle in his uniform, even if it was one only he could see. It was actually kind of humbling. It made Wolfram seem human. Though, Yuri was not so suicidal as to say to out loud.

The Temple Maidens had gathered around the bed Wolfram was resting upon, a mountain of pillows and blankets encasing him. They cooed and fawned over the Royal Twins, gushing cutely to the point pf nausea.

Lady Alese was speaking quietly to a very attentive Wolfram, who was nodding almost nonstop at everything she was saying.

"Wimp!"

Despite his muscles turning into jelly from a fatigue he probably had never experienced before, Wolfram's voice was still as sharp and commanding as ever. It snapped Yuri's head around and out of his musings.

"What are you doing over there?" Wolfram demanded. "If you're ogling all of the-"

Yuri's heavy sigh drowned out the rest of the accusation. Here we go again.

Adele and Hussein chuckled lightly from either side of him.

"Wolfram." His voice was soft, but there was a hard commanding edge underlining it.

"Don't you even try to deny it, you wimp." Wolfram glared across the room at him.

"Wolf," Yuri sighed, "the only person I'm 'ogling' is my husband."

The statement was followed by squeals and a wave of fierce blushes that swept through the temple.

Wolfram opened his mouth, but the snappish reply never came and he closed his mouth without saying a word. A pinkish tint colored his cheeks. Clearing his throat, Wolfram looked away while saying, "Good."

Yuri shook of his head.

One of the Temple Maidens, a different one than before, stepped forward and placed Rey into his mother's arms. Guess it was time for dinner, Yuri assumed when he noticed another Maiden appear from a doorway he had not noticed earlier with a bottle in her hand.

"Wolf," he called as he crossed the chamber.

"Yuri."

An aisle was created for him as one by one the Maidens and the guards stepped aside.

Yuri sat gently on the bed besides his family. A soft smile crossed his face. Reaching out, he traced Wolfram's chiseled jaw line.

Wolfram tipped his head into the touch, before shaking himself free. He eyed Yuri suspiciously. "What are you up to wimp?"

Yuri smiled sweetly at him, shaking his head.

Though Wolfram could not hide the fact that he was blushing, he violently clearing his throat and focused on feeding his son who was sucking on a bottle of what appeared to be milk as if his life depended on it.

"I think it's time that we returned home."

"Hm. Yeah. I suppose you're right."

"I wonder if they've realized that we're not in the castle."

"Probably."

Yuri groaned. "Great. Just what I need. To be castigated the same day I got married and my children were born."

Wolfram harrumphed. "It would serve you right."

"What? Why? What did I do?" Yuri could not help but whine.

Wolfram gave him a look that said it all.

Yuri gulped and laughed nervously. Dear Great One, what had he gotten himself into?

oOo

Covenant Castle

The Commander in Chief under the 27th Demon King, Yuri Shibuya, and brother to the fiancé of the Demon King stormed through the castle like a man possessed, down the long winding corridors meant to confuse any of those foolish enough to wander into the castle, the same halls he has been walking since before his birth. He'd know his way even blind, deaf and struck dumb. As he made his way to the Demon King's private wing, those he passed gave him a wide berth. Once they were safely out of his line of fire, they began whispering amongst themselves. The rumor that the Demon King had slipped away with Lord Wolfram to secretly elope had made its way throughout the castle. Nobody could prove this, but the mere fact that Lord Von Voltaire was in such a foul and destructive mood confirmed their suspicions. Doria, Sangria and Lasagna were already making the rounds collection bets.

"Gwendal," Conrart tried for the umpteenth time, "don't you think you are going a little overboard?"

Gwendal's long graying black hair swung violently as he turned the last corner. The doors leading into the King's private wing were in sight.

"Even if the rumors are true and His Majesty and Wolfram have eloped, would it be so bad?"

It was after all the whole point of the last three months. Whether it was done in a proper, formal and traditional manner with the entire kingdom in attendance or in a quick, informal ceremony with only the minimum number of witnesses permitted, as long as His Majesty and Wolfram were properly married before the birth of their child, what did it matter? Everyone knew that it was a race against time. Would the baby come first or would Yuri and Wolfram have time to wed? Even a rushed wedding takes time. So Gwendal knew that it was entirely possible that Wolfram could go into labor before the wedding ceremony scheduled for a week's time. If that happened, there would be no other option but for His Majesty and Wolfram to elope. At least they would be married before the Royal Heir was born. Afterwards, when Wolfram was properly rested, the formal ceremony could commence. So, what was Gwendal getting into such a state for? Maybe it had something to do with the "elder sibling disease"?

The two Black Knights standing guard outside the King's bedchamber sensed them coming before they were in sight. "My Lords." They snapped to attention.

Ignoring them as if they weren't there, Gwendal threw open the doors. The face that Yuri's guards were still at their posts confirmed what he already knew. Or thought he knew anyway.

The guards glanced at each other uncertainly. They broke out into a nervous sweat.

Conrart watched from the threshold as his older brother marched across the chamber and tore open the heavy velvet drapes that curtained the bed. His eyes went wide.

"I knew it," Gwendal growled.

"Oh! There you are," exclaimed a new voice happily.

The brothers turned. "Your Eminence."

In the doorway stood Ken Murata in his gold hemmed black uniform. "I've been looking all over for you guys."

"Where is he?" demanded Gwendal.

"With Lady Gisela," Ken answered as if the answer should have been obvious.

"What?"

"My Lord," Conrart asked in a deadly calm voice, "has something happened?"

"Well…" Ken pushed his glasses back up with his finger. They gleamed in the rapidly falling light. "You could say that."

"Enough," Gwendal snapped. "Has something happened or not?"

Ken sighed. Lord Von Voltair was the same as ever: impatient and no fun. "Well, while you were running around the castle, it seems that Lord Von Bielefelt went into labor."

"What?!"

I knew it, Conrart thought.

"But there's no need to worry," Ken continued, "I had-Woh! Hey! Wait! Lord Von Voltaire!" He sighed again as Gwendal rushed passed him in a green blur and quickly vanished. "Ah man and I didn't get to tell him the happy news." His expression did not look the least bit disappointed as his tone suggested.

Conrart stepped forward. "Your Eminence?"

Ken turned towards the middle brother with a chuckle.

oOo

The castle clinic had taken over the guest wing which had fallen into serious disrepair because of the continual infestation of the Bear Bee. Because it had sat long abandoned in order to protect the Bear Bees whose young were born each spring in the basement, it had become a serious danger to the same creatures the rumors of "monsters" were supposedly trying to protect. So the guest house was renovated top to bottom and retrofitted as the new clinic. By the suggestion of Conrart, the basement was kept empty and ready for the Bear Bees. Of course, a new entrance was constructed for them, making it easier for them to come and go. But this led to a new problem.

With the formation of the Great Demon Kingdom Alliance, various leaders and ambassadors from those countries newly allied with the Great Demon Kingdom were constantly in attendance at Covenant Castle. Even with new barracks being built for the soldiers that freed up considerable room within the castle itself, there was still not enough room for the many visitors Covenant Castle hosted on a daily basis. So, an entirely new wing had been constructed. Conveniently, its construction was due to be completed by the time of the Royal Wedding.

"Ah, Gwendal," Anissina greeted as he strode up to the door of the guest wing turned clinic.

"I don't have time-"

"Come to see the Royal Heirs?"

That stopped Gwendal cold. "What did you just say?" he asked, turning towards the neon pink haired inventor.

"What? Don't you know?"

Gwendal remained silent.

Smirking at the knowledge that she knew something her best friend did not; Anissina turned and strode into the hospital wing. "Come."

Frowning, Gwendal could do nothing but follow. He did not like being left out of the loop.

oOo

"Awe," Lady Celi cooed over her newly arrived grandchildren. "They are certainly adorable.

"Ah, Princess Seraphina with her regal black hair and young master Rey with his black eyes. Most befitting of the Great Demon Kingdom," Günter gushed.

"Twins. Who would have thought," Gwendal said as he too fawned over the newly arrived royal babies.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty."

"Oh, Conrad," Yuri greeted as his godfather appeared behind him.

"Hey," Wolfram barked from the queen-sized bed, "I just managed to get them asleep! If you wake them up, so help me I'll-!"

"Please, Your Excellency," Gisela was saying as she strained with her hands on Wolfram's shoulders. "You need to rest."

"Get off of me," Wolfram ordered sharply. "I will not have any of you-"

"Oh, Wolfie, settle down," Lady Celi told her baby boy. "A grandma has the right to spoil her own grandchildren to her heart's content."

Yuri sighed heavily as the bickering continued back and forth and back again like a tennis match. Ridiculous. Things never change do they? He was amazed that neither of the twins had woken up. Sound sleepers. Good. They were going to need to be, living at Covenant Castle.

"Where is Greta, Your Majesty?" Conrart inquired.

"I'm not sure," Yuri admitted. He still felt bad that she had to remain behind while he and Wolfram eloped, but it would have aroused too much attention if both he, Wolfram and Greta went missing at the same time, but he was sure that the kingdom and Wolfram would insist on the public wedding. So, Greta still had her chance to be the Flower Girl.

"Oh, she was making a surprise for her new sister and brother," Ken informed them.

"Ah!"

"Your Majesty, I would like to congratulate you on the birth of the young Princess."

Yuri turned. "Anissina. Thank you, but you go know that we had a boy as well."

Anissina waved his statement aside. "Yes, but she is the Royal Heir, Your Majesty. Princess Seraphina will be the one who will succeed you."

Yuri had a very bad feeling.

"And I will be the one who will oversee her training."

Yuri gulped. Dear Great One, help them all.

"I will personally make sure she is-"

"You will do no such thing," Wolfram snapped from the other side of the room.

"Now now Wolfram."

"I will not have you anywhere near my daughter! Do you hear me?"

Oh, boy, Yuri thought with a tired sigh as once again the sound of bickering filled the air. It never failed. They could not be in the same room together for more than five minutes without an argument of some sort breaking out. A smile broke out across Yuri's face. But he wouldn't have it any other way.

With a light chuckle, Conrart pat Yuri's shoulder before crossing the room towards the two bassinettes sitting at the foot of Wolfram's bed.

"You sure attract all types, Shibuya."

Yuri groaned. "Don't remind me. But I do want to thank you." He turned to face his long time friend.

"Nah! Don't worry about it. It was actually kind of fun."

"What exactly did you tell them?"

"Well," Ken scratched his cheek, "I merely told them the truth."

The color drained out of Yuri's face. Panic set in. "What?!"

"Relax, Shibuya," Ken said in a hushed tone.

Yuri glanced quickly at the others surrounding Wolframs bed. Good. They weren't paying him and Ken any attention. It was a good thing. The last thing Yuri needed was to have them react to his outburst. How he would explain it away was beyond him. He was not a very good liar. Ran in the family. But it was not a very good idea to prove the rumors true either. "How can you tell me to relax when-?" he demanded through clenched teeth.

"Shibuya, all I told Lord Weller was that not very long after waking from his nap, Lord Von Bielefelt went into labor. And by your order, the Priestess was brought to the castle and she married you and Lord Von Bielefelt in a short, quick ceremony."

Yuri was amazed. "Wow, Murata. Not bad." He could always count on Ken Murata to have his back. A quick thought crossed his mind. He narrowed his eyes. "You did tell them that we were married before Seraphina and Rey were born, didn't you?"

Ken pet the air between them. "Don't worry, Shibuya. It's all been taken care of."

"Hmm." Yuri did not doubt it. He may not agree with his best friend's methods one-hundred percent of the time, but Murata did get the job done. He would trust him with his life. "Thanks again, Murata."

"Like I said, it was fun."

Bringing up his left hand, Yuri took in the marque that had been stamped o the back. He smiled. His chest swelled with pride. Tears misted his eyes.

Lifting his head, he scrubbed his face free of the water gathering there, but it was futile. You cannot turn off a faucet that had no dials.

"Oh! Oh! No Mother! C'mon! No! Stop it!"

Yuri chuckled at the sight. Lady Celi was the same as always. Smothering Wolfram to her plump bosom.

It sure was good to be home.

His grin slipped. Dropping his gaze to the floor, his hands clenched into tight fists. Then he relaxed his grip. Lifting his head, he gazed at his family: Conrart, Gwendal, Anissina, Lady Celi, Günter, Ken, Wolfram and now Seraphina and Rey.

Shuichi narrowed his eyes. "This has nothing to do with society or how you were raised," he continued. His aunt Jennifer was very open-minded and the least prejudicial person in the world. Not even the Pope can say that. Shuichi could not even say that about himself. "No. This is about 'him', isn't it?"

His cousin's words echoed in his head. Yuri knew he had to tell Wolfram about Kojiro. Wolfram deserved to know the truth. But…

"Yuri."

A soft voice spoke up from behind him.

"Greta!" Yuri turned and caught sight of his daughter as she stepped into the room.

He loved his life here. As Demon King. As a father. As a husband. All he wanted was to concentrate on the future, but what was a future or even a present without a past? Our pasts made us who we are. It laid the groundwork for what was to come. It dictates our actions. All he wanted was to forget his. But would erasing what had been affect what is or what will be? The last thing Yuri wanted was to go back to that time, but did he really want to risk the future of his husband and his children over such an unknown? That was the question.

…The End…

(1) Seraphina – Hebrew: afire, angel, seraph / Liese – German: form of Elizabeth, meaning consecrated to God

(2) Japanese proverb. "Saru mo ki kara ochiru". Means "Everybody makes mistakes/Nobody's perfect."

"Rey" – German meaning "Brave One"

"August" – Latin meaning "Revered, exalted"