The Companion
Saniika
Summary:
He was growing into a handsome young man, whose looks preceded his arrival wherever he went to. Once again his peers hesitated to approach him and left his company as soon as they could. Nikolai sighed and leaned onto his armrest, carefully watching Yuri.“Yuratchka, as the year nears its end, I want to give you a gift. As your grandfather.”He saw the budding interest and continued on with resolve bubbling in his chest. It was a splendid plan and he could hardly contain his excitement.“I want you to pick a companion from all the attendees in the castle.”Yuri sucked in a breath, ready to release it in a passionate argument, but Nikolai didn’t let him.“By the time the bell strikes midnight you can choose anyone you wish to, but after that I will choose one for you.”He pointed a forefinger towards Yuri and the big King’s ring glimmered in the candlelight.
Chapter 1: Part I: Melancholia
Part I: Melancholia
It was simple as that, really. The King and the Queen gone, god knows where to, in whatever place. The monarchs were not good, sensible rulers and were even worse parents. They just took off one day, the Fairy Queen inviting them for a stay at her manor. An invitation from a magical being was always a rare occasion and a huge compliment. A simple invitation worked as the most potent lure.
But as it often was, the magic tied a hook in the offer. The fairies lived in a different realm and they didn’t have a concept of time. At least not like humans did. That tiny detail had escaped his parents’ attention in the rush of excitement. They were probably still just beginning to eat an entree right now and it's been already twelve years for the citizens of the human kingdom of Jeseň.
Yuri couldn’t remember them, he was just a one year old babe. When the Fairy Queen arrived with her convoy for the ball, she was instantly charmed by the ruler pair and whisked them away, promising to take up their time for a few days at most. They agreed, barely managing to fetch their cloaks before they climbed into the spiderweb woven carriage adorned with dew. The old king Nikolai was supposed to take up their place during their absence. He was already retired and well aged. No one thought too much about a few days and so he accepted.
However, the few days turned into weeks, then months and finally - years. They brought so much more gray color into Nikolai’s hair. He loved his grandson Yuri and the child adored him in return. As a grandparent it was supposed to be easy. Nikolai looked forward to pampering his grandson, playing a kind and a loving role. However as the little Yuri grew, it was clear Nikolai would have to do more than just play horse riding with him. He had to take over the familiar King’s role from which he retired. With his son and his wife gone, it had to be Nikolai to take care of Yuri’s upbringing and introduce the boy to the duties and responsibilities of a future reigning monarch.
The prince Yuri was… a handful. At first he was an adored child, a literal angel. Hearing all the stories about his parents fuelled him with hope and strong yearning for parental love. The first time he had heard the tale about the fateful evening from a maid, he spent the whole evening at the window, looking out for the magical carriage - waiting for his parents’ return. It was a heart wrenching sight. With passing years he had grown bit by bit into a cynical young teenager of fifteen. The childlike passion for magical world and its inhabitants turned into bitterness and any hope or excitement into pessimism and disappointment.
The fire within him stayed though and he couldn’t contain it. He didn’t even try. Nikolai would be so glad if Yuri used the zeal in his life in a constructive way - however, Yuri chose the exact opposite. He was a destructive blaze, ruining anything positive in his way. Nothing made him happy, he didn't see any sense in anything. Every chance of building a social net around himself was shattered by his brash behaviour. Yuri didn't trust anyone and Nikolai feared his grandson would never know what it's like to have something as basic as friendship.
The Kingdom of Jeseň wasn’t an evil one and no one wished for that to change. Yet the rumors spread among the residents about Prince Yuri’s demeanor and it was the only and the biggest worry of everyone.
It wasn't that the prince didn't do his duties, he wanted to make his grandfather and the country proud. But the once lovely child, nicknamed a Fairy, wore a constant sour expression. He responded to smiles with a scowl. Any personal behavior was a waste of time in his eyes and he made sure to make everyone know about it. He claimed that feelings or attachment made people weak and less inclined to perform in their life.
Nikolai had often caught him staring longingly at the peasants on the fields, when they traveled through the country. The young mothers found the time to rock a makeshift cradle on a break during work. The gentle lullabies made Yuri’s eyes glint with something reminiscent of building up tears. Even if he tried to hide it behind a hardened unimpressed glare, Nikolai wasn’t fooled.
The prince Yuri was lonely. He did crave personal relations and connections with others. But as stubborn as he was, it was hard to climb the ladder of his own ego. The want there couldn’t pass over the habitual resistance. Nikolai didn’t blame him, Yuri was young and as a grandparent he was bound to help him without any judgment. Even though Nikolai was strict, he was kind. Therefor he crafted a cunning plan.
On the New Year’s Eve a big ball was announced. Everyone was invited; locals, guests from foreign countries. The aristocracy and simple folk, travellers included. Everyone who had a clean dress could attend. And the ones who didn’t were given a robe. That night, if you were a rich man, you danced and if you were a poor beggar, you helped to serve at the castle.
The reason for such festive and grand celebration was soon disclosed. The hour was close to midnight, the guests all sweaty, red in the cheeks, and champagne ran into glasses like a river. Nikolai sat at the throne and beckoned Yuri to his side to exchange a private conversation.
Yuri was fifteen, wearing a beautiful yellow brocade jacket and the whitest blouse from his wardrobe. A jade green sash fell diagonally over his chest and the breast pocket had pinned on a golden star - the Kingdom’s crest. He wore a simple gold crown on his head, its darker color making his hair shine brighter than the chandeliers above them.
He was growing into a handsome young man, whose looks preceded his arrival wherever he went to. Once again his peers hesitated to approach him and left his company as soon as they could. Nikolai sighed and leaned onto his armrest, carefully watching Yuri.
“Yuratchka, as the year nears its end, I want to give you a gift. As your grandfather.”
He saw the budding interest and continued on with resolve bubbling in his chest. It was a splendid plan and he could hardly contain his excitement.
“I want you to pick a companion from all the attendees in the castle.”
Yuri sucked in a breath, ready to release it in a passionate argument, but Nikolai didn’t let him.
“By the time the bell strikes midnight you can choose anyone you wish to, but after that I will choose one for you.”
He pointed a forefinger towards Yuri and the big King’s ring glimmered in the candlelight.
“Grandfather, I don’t need a companion. I am perfectly capable of governing myself alone. Don’t I deliver my duties properly? I do everything you ask me for and above. A...companion…” He made a reluctant pause, trying hard not to insult his grandpa by revealing his dislike of the present. “...such a person would only hinder my schedule. I don’t have time for fun.”
Yuri tried to reason and Nikolai would give him that. What he said would make sense if Yuri was a frivolous stupid child, a spoiled aristocrat - but he wasn’t. That was the trick of it all.
“That’s what I want you to do. Exactly that. I want you to have fun. From now on you are going to spend your every waking and sleeping hour with a companion on your side.”
“For a year.” He added.
***
Yuri just stared. The lovely music and laughter resonated around them and Nikolai’s merry voice fit into the cacophony, filling Yuri’s ears with nonsensible buzzing.
“I will restrict all your duties for a year. Your only assignment is to show our kingdom to your chosen companion - just as a guide would.”
His grandfather could have probably three heads by then and Yuri would believe it. Because the more he said, the less sense it made.
“I want you to rediscover the child in you and look for it in others as well. What better way than to start that journey than with a companion? It’s up to you what role your companion will play for you. An acquaintance, a friend or a lover - a year from now on you will meet me here again and tell me which role that person played in your life. If you’ll wish it, you can break all ties with them at the end of the year.”
Year. A year. A year!
This couldn't be a joke then either. Perhaps his grandfather wasn’t well. It was rather late, he had been complaining about a headache before.
“I won’t press you ever again into anything...personal...”
Yuri decided to humor him, still stuck in a strange comical limbo. He wasn't dumb and perhaps this was Nikolai’s exercise to teach him how to negotiate in difficult circumstances. Perhaps that was all there was to it. It could be a test.
“Let's say, me or you select such a person. What if they won't want to do it or they’ll decide to break it off in the middle of the year?”
Nikolai didn't even blink, replying immediately after Yuri finished his careful question.
“We’ll find someone else. Same conditions.”
Something inside Yuri knew this had been decided before he even set foot into the ballroom. But what his grandfather said after a short pause finally set a nail into the coffin.
“The person can't be bribed or paid in any way during this assignment. By either of us. They will be provided with shelter, food and clothes. But there will be no reward for being your companion.”
The white of his face must have convinced Nikolai that Yuri not only blanched but also became deaf. He leaned on the armrest on his elbows and rested a hand on Yuri’s elbow.
“They must want to be your companion. The relationship you two will have has to be genuine.”
Oh. So he can't employ the person. He has to be liked.
The last word wiggled on his tongue like a nasty, slimy earthworm and he haven’t even said it aloud.
“Right.”
He whispered, still staring at the old man’s face, maybe hoping for a last chance to get off the hook. He wasn't sure himself.
Nikolai nudged him gently off the chair towards the crowd and gave him an encouraging smile.
“Well then, go on. Off you go!”
Yuri wobled down the few stairs and went ahead into the crowd.
I can do this.
***
Soon he found that spending half an hour observing the guest and calculating who would be the least bothersome to share his life with for a year was a waste of time. The moment he decided a particular man or a woman would be alright, they seemed to flock away in a stuttering mess. They tried all kinds of excuses and as their number grew and all the eyes were on him, watching the strange theatre, the excuses grew half hearted as well.
It was fucking frustrating. He didn't like people, but he wished for once they wouldn't be scared when he tried hard to be social. Outgoing. As going out. Like exiting his realm of comfort. He hated to abandon his comfort.
Getting sweaty from sword fight practice or sitting in the audience room for many hours while his grandpa listened to all kinds of demands. That all was nothing. It was damn right inside his comfort. But - people - that was just gross and unnecessary evil. Talking to rocks was more entertaining and rewarding if you asked about his opinion.
The people he saw were a walking contradiction. Chatty and free with their emotions but the moment he approached them, they ran like scared cats. Did he really look through everyone? Was there no one in the castle who could do this job?
Few minutes into the midnight and Yuri was hot in his face from walking around. He walked onto the terrace, the servants closing the noise of the ballroom with the heavy curtains as a lid on a box. He banged the balustrade with both palms and kicked the ornamental pillar in anger.
“It’s not cold at all, is it? I figured there would be snow given it’s the end of the year.”
A flat voice made him jump and once he turned he saw seen a simply clad man, all in black. Or was it a boy? His eyes seemed to be mature, but his face looked young. He could have been in his late teens or early twenties.
“State your business! Who are you?”
Yuri had never seen the man before and didn’t appreciate to be surprised like that. He made sure to add an extra authoritative touch to his voice, the kind he learned in his princely training.
“Otabek. Rest.”
If Yuri hadn’t heard him, he’d not even catch his lips moving. His face was rather...expressionless. As if he wore a mask.
“What?”
He felt his eyebrows knit and was sure the man had noticed his irritation thanks to such an obvious crack on his demeanor.
“My name. It’s Otabek. And I am here to rest.”
He didn’t seem to be bothered at all; in fact there was no change to his face at all. He definitely wasn’t from their country. He’d never seen such a stoic person.
“Yes, yes. I get that. But who are you? Where did you come from? I haven’t seen you around here before and I like to be informed about everyone in our palace.”
In his impatience Yuri straightened his posture, pushed out his chest and stuck out his chin. In a natural instinct to look more regal and older than his age suggested, his hand rested on the sword hanging from his sash. Just in case, to show he could defend himself.
“I am just Otabek. I come from afar. I am a traveler.”
Yuri wasn’t sure if Otabek was like this on purpose and if he just tried to pull his leg. It was very hard to read him and somehow that made Yuri more nervous. Otabek didn’t move to go away or to approach closer though.
The calculation in his mind made him preoccupied and thus Otabek speaking again startled him anew.
“Does it ever snow here at all?”
“No. This is a kingdom of autumn. It has never snowed here. If you go north, there right close to the border, where the ground is frozen solid - the kingdom of the Snow Queen starts there.”
“Is she fond of visitors?”
Otabek’s voice swayed only slightly and it was the only cue for Yuri telling him that Otabek was genuinely curious.
“What?”
Yuri almost choked. Fond and Snow Queen has never been a possible combination. It was generally known that she was a colder monarch than her kingdom was. No one ever went to her palace.
“Does she welcome travelers?”
What a ludicrous question! Yuri’s never heard something as shocking and amusing at the same time. He felt like if he spent more time in Otabek’s company, he might laugh out loud. Too bad he has to hurry back soon.
“Definitely not! I’ve never been there or seen her, but she likes to keep to herself. Everyone is happy to leave it like that. I wouldn’t go there if I were you.”
A servant in a white wig peeked in on them and called out in a hushed voice.
“Your majesty, they will start the counting before the fireworks now. The King is calling for you.”
Yuri didn’t look away from Otabek, watching him as they both listened to the message of the servant. Both were suddenly more somber and Yuri wasn’t more wiser about the stranger. Indeed, too bad they had so little time, Otabek looked like someone who would be worth his time.
Only when he stepped inside the bright ballroom and was swallowed by the excited crowd, did he realize that he’d missed a chance to make an offer to Otabek. Given the circumstances he seemed like the perfect candidate, the only acceptable option. Yuri wondered what he was doing now. Did he stay on the terrace or did he mingle with the guests? Did he have a friend to raise a glass with or a lover to share a kiss with at the strike of midnight? Somehow Yuri didn’t want to know anymore.
Before he could blink he reached the king’s chair, his each step announced with loud unanimous counting of guests. His grandfather stood up; his long coat with fur on the hems and golden robe made him look very regal, but combined with a heartfelt smile, he welcomed Yuri as a cozy hearth. A gleam in his eyes twinkled and Yuri didn’t feel like he would disappoint him even if he haven’t managed to make a match. In a strange portion of curiosity, Yuri looked forward to know what will happen now.
“Yuratchka, did you find anyone to your liking?”
Ten, nine, eight..
Yuri hesitated for a moment, thinking of Otabek and chuckled a little. No, it doesn’t count. He didn’t ask Otabek. Yuri liked to be exact, so he answered truthfully.
Seven, six, five...
“No. I didn’t manage to find a companion in the given time. Who do you have in mind? When will you introduce us?”
Nikolai narrowed his eyes as his smile stretched and he nudged his bearded chin towards Yuri. He lifted his hand towards him, palm up.
“Please. Come forward. Meet my grandson.”
Four, three, two, one…
Yuri was dead set to wait until the mysterious person stood beside him, but the moment he heard the voice from behind him, he turned on his heel to make sure he’s didn’t imagine it.
“I believe we’ve met already.”
Happy new year!!!
Otabek. Their eyes connected and Otabek bowed slightly, looking at the ground with respect.
“Oh, have you?”
Even to Yuri’s ears the wondernment in his grandfather’s voice sounded staged. Did they really think he was so oblivious? So stupid? He barked out through gritted teeth.
“Yes. We have!”
Nikolai descended the couple of stairs that separated the podium and the dance floor. He stood between the two young men and wrapped an arm around each of their shoulders. He pushed them gently towards the terrace as the loud fireworks started to boom above the vast courtyard and the gardens.
“My boys, this is going to be a splendid year. I am sure of it. Very much indeed.”
Someone called for the king and he left them alone among the crowd of people. They were the only ones standing without excitement. Yuri’s anger bubbled inside him again and he threw the accusation onto Otabek as spitefully as he could.
“You knew about this! He told you about everything up front. You’ve played a joke on me!”
Otabek didn’t even flinch.
“Yes and no.”
Yuri clicked his tongue and swooshed his hand in the air between them.
“What is it even supposed to mean?! I don’t like liars!”
“Me neither. Your king asked me if I would consider being your companion, but he didn’t tell me where to find you. You found me on the terrace. I am surprised as much as you are.”
Just what was it about Otabek, that he stole the air from Yuri. He was so ready to fight, but an argument with him was deemed a futile attempt by Yuri. Yuri felt ridiculous.
“Well you certainly don’t look like it!”
“Oh.”
Otabek still wore that stone face, but something strange happened. His eyebrows did a weird motion… they rose? And he touched his chest in a bashful manner. Then after an awkward moment he choked out a rigid, loud sound again.
“Ooh!”
Yuri was so insulted and shamed at the same time. This was such a joke! On his expense. He closed his eyes and exhaled very slowly, with great effort.
“Just...stop. Drop it. Don’t even try.”
Yuri turned on his heel again and marched decisively back to the empty ballroom, snatching a glass of champagne from the servant’s tray on the go.
“So what’s in it for you? What’s your secret agenda? Or are you doing it for absolutely selfless reasons?”
He talked to the air, letting the sarcasm drip from him like thick molasses. The quiet steps behind him let him know Otabek was following him. Seemed like the year with an ever present companion on his side started from the very first second.
“It’s not a secret agenda. I was bored. I want to have fun, see new places and explore everything I can before I move on with my journey.”
Fun. Ok. Fun he shall have then.
Given the circumstances he seemed like the perfect candidate, the only acceptable option.
What was Yuri even thinking.
Chapter 2: Part II: Harvest
Notes:
I will add a warning in the end notes in order not to spoil anything.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Part II: Harvest
The first days they’ve spent together were not very eventful. Nikolai, just as promised, took away all of his duties. Yuri tried to maintain a routine and started the day as usual. A morning exercise, a meal. He led Otabek through the whole castle showing him various rooms and walking him through his schedule, which he didn’t complete. Each time they’d made a stop, Otabek took a long time to observe each chamber. Yuri just stood by doing his best to show his displeasure and unwillingness to play a guide.
In the afternoon, when Yuri would have a lecture in latin, they stopped at the large library. Otabek started at the first shelf and four hours later he’d advanced to the third one. He took a book from one at a time, settled in the comfy sofa and propped his leg on his knee. Just as he would sit in a tavern and not in such a refined place.
Yuri stood by for the first half hour, then sat down as well, but didn’t lean back in the chair. Instead he played a stone statue, scooted to the front, as if he was ready to leap out of the door at any given moment.
Otabek didn’t mind his presence at all. The prince with all his discomfort didn’t play a big role for him, Yuri could easily leave and he wouldn’t even notice. As the time moved forward and the sun sunk closer to the horizon, Yuri grew even more irritated and was in pure disbelief. Otabek didn’t act as anyone else. He didn’t care, he didn’t consider Yuri for a threat. He behaved as if Yuri was any other lad on the field, as if he were his equal.
The sun’s warm rays slid over Otabek’s shoulder, illuminating his silhouette. His head bowed slightly over the book. Just now Yuri noticed the light shining in his slicked back hair. The strands on top had a colored shimmer of deep shades of green and blue, reminiscent of ravens. His sideburns looked fuzzy; they were sprinkled by light, making them look like golden dust.
His hands didn’t look very large, but the fingers had defined joints and rough knuckles. They looked like the hands of a working man. Yet Otabek turned the shabby pages with a delicate touch, barely making a sound. Yuri’s eyes traced a path over his features, taking his time in semi privacy. It was easier to observe, when the dark eyes hid under the eyelids and the stern eyebrows won a more relaxed curve.
Before he knew it, Yuri leaned back on the upholstered backrest and traced his lips with a finger, lost in thought. Otabek looked plain, very simple. There was nothing extraordinary on him, but still Yuri’s eyes couldn’t seem to find the strength to look away.
Just like that a page turned and the lips under his watchful gaze as well. Otabek was smiling. A chuckle escaped his mouth. A most delightful laugh, which lasted too short for Yuri to realize he wanted to revel in more.
A butler’s knock broke the spell and they were informed that dinner was to be served in a bit.
The light smile lingered on Otabek’s lips throughout the whole dinner and Yuri found he was smiling subconsciously as well. Ever so slightly, so that you wouldn’t notice without paying good attention.
Each night they laid beside each other on the soft sheets, heavy drapes of a canopy sheltering them from the moonlight and soaking in the glow of the burning hearth. Yuri’s eyes were swallowing Otabek’s sprawled limbs and heaving chest, his ears listened to the slow but deep breathing which filled the silence of the room.
The sleep came hard to Yuri.
During the days they covered the palace grounds and gradually advanced further. First walking by feet in quiet. Otabek always followed him as a shadow and Yuri tried hard to escape the nibbling feeling in his spine. The nervousness from being almost pursued, under the focused gaze. As if his companion studied everything and especially him intensely.
Yuri strayed from the well groomed paths, into the woods and underbrush, hoping Otabek would be hesitant, shying away from the thorny branches, and that he would tire out. Instead, more than once Otabek caught Yuri in a firm grasp, saving the prince from falling down. When had Yuri become so clumsy? No, that was not it. It was the clothing, the too fine, polished, high heeled shoes. All meant for a ballroom or official occasions.
So, just like that a weeks passed by and Yuri looked as haggard as a stable boy, waking up early just so they could head out with Otabek and get as far as possible. The day didn’t seem to have enough hours and the sun hid behind the mountains way too soon.
One afternoon, rain caught them in the woods, where the rocks met the lake. They were dressed thickly, since the kingdom lived in an eternal autumn. They watched the colorful reflection on the surface of the water blur in a loud whisper of raindrops. The buzz was lulling and Yuri found it too easy to just lean back against a tree bark. Then to turn his head up like a sunflower towards the warmth of the sun. He sought it out from Otabek’s lips, which were wet from the rain and cold. Yuri was glad the rain poured down so loudly since it hid the flutter of his heart well.
Their mouths connected shyly in a few brief touches and Yuri leaned towards the next one with all his weight. But Otabek just cupped his flushed cheek and caressed the moist skin with a small gentle brush on his lips. His eyes were heavy and soft.
Yuri nudged forward again in an effort to convince Otabek to continue, but his shoulder didn't budge in the firm grasp and Otabek’s lips pressed a kiss on his forehead, like a seal.
“I want you.”
Yuri said and furrowed his brow, again irritated more than ever. He thought that he finally understood his companion and made a progress. They weren't children anymore and he knew Otabek wanted him as well. Yuri wanted to share a physical relationship with his companion, he was sure of it without giving it any second thought.
Careful fingers brushed his fringe away, tucking it behind his ear. Then the touch and closeness disappeared gradually, like the sand trickling from in between his fingers. It filled Yuri with panic and drive to follow it. He held onto Otabek’s shoulder, stopping him from turning away. But Otabek just exhaled emotionless.
“I know.”
Yuri huffed in agitation and demanded an explanation.
“Then…!”
He was cut off however by Otabek, whose features turned into a familiar stone expression. He wrapped the cloak around himself tighter and went to check on the horses.
“I’m not ready.”
Yuri followed him around closely and blinked after hearing the simple answer. It wasn’t something he expected and perhaps he should have waited more with his reaction, but he never was good with patience. Especially not regarding personal matters.
“Why? When will you be then?!”
Otabek chuckled and actually shook his head as he straddled the saddle. Oh, how Yuri missed the sound and sight.
“You don’t know me. And you think you don’t need to know me.”
He saw that Yuri inhaled to answer, but he quickly supplied for him.
“You don’t, but I need you to know me before we can share something so intimate. Until you make that effort, I will not have sex with you.”
Otabek seemed so serious that Yuri knew he couldn’t sway him or intimidate him. Force wasn’t something that worked on his companion. It was appealing for Yuri and it excited him, even if he didn’t like to admit it. He always felt like he has to rush, having lost so much time as a child hoping for a miracle to happen, for things to fall into their right place. Hope was not enough, actions were the essential if one wanted to get ahead and reach their goal.
Yuri straddled his mare and wiping his nose, he shot at Otabek with resolve. He could simply not let it go.
“Why do you need me to know you? I know people have sex without even knowing each other's name.”
Otabek just shifted his hips and pressed his heels gently into the side of his horse and held the reins lighter. He always seemed to give more leeway to the animal than it was normal for others. It was like it listened to him without even receiving an order. As if it observed a smallest queue from its master.
The swaying of Otabek’s body turned into harder rocking as the horse galloped faster, and his dark pupil pierced through Yuri. A strange emotion left an unfamiliar aftertaste in his mouth after hearing Otabek’s final response.
“If you go into it and I share myself with you completely in such an encounter… you might find that you won’t like me. I want this to matter to you. I - want to matter to you.”
It took a while until Yuri joined Otabek again side by side. He watched his back and how he turned into a dot on the horizon. His last words lingering on Yuri’s mind, making him frown deeper than ever. As they reached the palace they didn’t exchange further comments.
***
Months passed and nothing changed between then. Yuri showed Otabek around and sometimes Otabek brought them to places Yuri didn’t even know himself. They discovered remote hidden alcoves, a waterfall and even a few caves.
On the travels Yuri got to know many peasants and was given situations where he had to interact with them. Kind people showing them the way, innkeepers letting them sleep in the stables. All of them were helpful and didn’t want anything in return. Otabek took it upon himself anyway to return those favors. Carrying a bag for an older lady, or helping the stable boy at the inn, carrying water in some other inn… he never left without re-paying people for helping them on the travel.
If Yuri didn’t want to stand there watching and looking like a lazy person, he had to join in. The longer they traveled and the more places they visited, the more he cared less about distancing himself. He joined in and handled the pitchfork just as decently as any farmhand would.
They spoke less than before to each other as well. Yuri didn’t ask as much and yet they understood each other better. Their life had a pattern which seemed to be stable. After a longer journey they stayed at the palace for a while. Yuri liked to make sure his grandfather was well and spend time with Otabek in the library.
He knew most of the books by heart anyway, but he enjoyed to observe Otabek during reading. The books were one of the few things which brought smile to his lips and a gentle gleam into his eyes. Yuri couldn’t get enough of it and let those moment soak into his skin like a water of life.
He knew most of the books by heart anyway, but he enjoyed to observe Otabek during reading. The books were one of the few things which brought smile to his lips and a gentle gleam into his eyes. Yuri couldn’t get enough of it and let those moment soak into his skin like a water of life.
It had one downside to it though. He yearned for the man in his bed more and more. It was harder to fall asleep with such a strong and alluring body next to him. He could swear the man’s slow breaths brushed against his skin, even if Otabek had his head turned away from him. As he watched Otabek’s hand shift on the bed, he could feel it on his own chest.
Yearning was nibbling at him bit by bit.
Some nights when he was lucky and Otabek couldn’t ignore his gaze anymore, they would find each other in an embrace. Their hands mapped each other’s bodies and lips kissed till their breath run out. Yet still, when Yuri dared further than making out, Otabek’s hands stopped Yuri from taking his clothes off. Each time Otabek cradled him in his embrace again, but just held him close, waiting, until their breathing slowed down and they fell asleep.
It was close to the end of the November, when one night Yuri looked for Otabek through the rooms. Not finding him in any of them, he looked through all the corridors and ruled out any possible place where Otabek could be one by one.
The last place to check was Nikolai’s private room. The guards noticed him and were about to announce his arrival, but he quickly halted them with a gesture of his hand. They seemed nervous and it immediately raised his suspicions. He entered, closing the door behind him quietly and approached the fringed curtain in the small hallway. He heard voices of an invested conversation.
“Hm, this is a most unpleasant timing. I have no idea how Yuri will react to that. I really wanted this to work out for him. When he hears about this… I don’t know what it will do to him. Good or bad. I hoped that you could return him the one thing he yearns for. But if what you’re telling me is true… we’ll have to wait and see. ”
The more Yuri heard, the more confused he was. He tried desperately to decipher what it all meant. He wasn’t supposed to hear that and felt his ears burn. The knowledge that his grandfather decided to keep something away from him left him vulnerable and unable to swallow the strange hurtful emotion. Before he could gather himself, he heard footsteps getting closer to the curtain and thus he quickly made his way to the side corridor, to the hidden passageway for the servants.
He wasn’t fast enough since he heard Nikolai calling the name of the guest through the wall anyway.
“Otabek...thank you for taking care of my grandson.”
Hearing the name muted by the wallpaper hurt more than it should.
***
He arrived to his chamber after Otabek. They still shared it, just as Nikolai had requested. He was still his companion and slept in the same bed. Yuri saw the room illuminated by a lonesome lamp on the cabinet and a beam of light cast from the bathroom. The door was ajar and splashes of water were heard from inside. Yuri followed the stripe of light and peeked inside, trying not to make a sound.
Otabek was pouring hot water from a bucket to the ceramic bath. The unbuttoned shirt hung on his shoulders and the narrow cords hung over his pectorals. His hair fells in a clump over his forehead and cast his face in a shadow. He took his time preparing his bath, as if unsure about what to do. He seemed lost and lost in deep thoughts.
Yuri clenched his fists close to his sides and swallowed. He wanted to barge in and confront Otabek, but hesitation held him firm in its grasp. A moment more, a minute still and then...then he’ll face Otabek. Then he’ll…
The shirt slid from Otabek’s shoulders, exposing his back. Yuri haven’t seen more than an open shirt before, so his eyes drank in all they could in frenzy. His throat clenched at the sight before him, since he saw more than he fathomed he would.
Otabek’s back wasn’t smooth and soft looking. Black and stealy feathers covered his skin from the bottom of his neck till his waist. They disappeared in his trousers and had an oily quality to them, the jade green and indigo color shimmering with each slight movement. His hand stretched out and it wasn’t looking human anymore, it had leathery scales and nails growing, which turned into sharp black claws.
Not a human, more a changeling coming from a bird.
Yuri gasped in disbelief, since the beam from the door suddenly cut him in half and Otabek jumped at the sound. He turned to the source of it and immediately caught a glimpse of Yuri. He bumped to the doorframe with his shoulder and it made the door open wide, leaving no doubt he saw everything in the bathroom, Otabek in all his inhuman glory included.
“Yuri...”
Yuri walked backwards until his back hit the carved pillar of the bed. He held onto it, when Otabek advanced towards him and saw him wince as Otabek noticed his shocked reaction.
“I mean no harm…”
Suddenly it all made sense. All what Otabek meant, why he didn’t want to share himself with Yuri. He’d see his strange body, mixed with magic and deceit for the human eye. A magical being from a magical land. Hair stood on Yuri’s neck and bile started to fill his mouth. The old hurt wiggled in his scars and his face scrunched in anger.
“We’ll see about that just yet. You lied.”
Otabek stood before him in trousers and barefeet. Few black feathers trailed behind him on the carpet and on the tiles in the bathroom. He looked calm, but his eyebrows knitted slightly. As if he was worried… worried! As if he had the right to be worried and hurt!
“I didn’t lie to you.”
“Then how do you explain this? You turned into a fucking bird overnight? Don’t tell me you are under a curse and bound by silence. You knew I hate magical beings and their realm more than anything.”
Otabek reached out to him, but Yuri swatted his hand as an annoying fly.
“Don’t touch me!”
Otabek retracted his hand and looked at it in silence, observing the scales and letting them disappear like tea stains from a handkerchief. Out of sight, but still lingering faintly in the back of one’s vision. Stains which never come completely off.
“I didn’t lie to you. I couldn’t tell you all the details because…-”
“Details! Fucking details?! All those pitch black feathers and claws - you call those details?”
“No.”
“Then explain yourself! Don’t give me this half truth bullshit! I wanted to screw with you, you fucking traitor!”
Just then he realized that he was shouting as Otabek’s face distorted in pain. He never saw him so hurt before. Otabek’s words from a fateful rainy day, speaking about being rejected, rang in his ears loud in warning. But Yuri never listened to warnings and acted brash when chased to a corner.
“Please hear me out.”
Yuri wanted to jump at him and strangle him with his own hands on the spot, yet he couldn’t move an inch. The plea in Otabek’s eyes and voice pinned him down and he just nodded briskly, allowing him this last benefit of doubt.
Otabek walked past him and sat down on the bed’s edge, shoulders slumped in defeat and sighed from deep within.
“I am not a magical being. I was a raven and flew past the magical realm years ago. I was pursued by humans, small wicked children, who caught me in a bird trap for their pleasure and to be tortured. I lost my strength and the Fairy Queen found me in her garden.”
Yuri flinched by the mention of the cursed name. He wanted to know immediately about her more, about his parents. How did Otabek fall into this? A pulse of anger surged through him and he arched his body tight, nails cutting into his palms. It wasn’t just that, he felt angry on Otabek’s behalf. Yuri hated torture and cruelty, no matter towards whom or what it was directed. He waited patiently as Otabek continued.
“She saved my life, treating my injuries with magic and turning me into this halfling stage. It would be that or death. I owe her my life.”
Yuri relaxed a little, comforted by the knowledge that this wasn’t Otabek’s choice and understanding more why it could have been hard for him to approach Yuri with the subject.
“She had guests over, a young pair from the human kingdom. They came for a visit and spoke about their son. I was introduced to them, since they watched as she took care of me. I grew curious and wanted to see you. I returned to the human world and didn’t recognize the surroundings. Everything changed and it took me long time to find your kingdom.”
Yuri swallowed hard and felt his fits tremble. So his parents didn’t forget him, it was truly just the different flow of time. They loved him still, they were just stuck, while his world ran fast.
“I approached your grandfather, but when he told me about his idea, I didn’t know how to continue. I thought that I will get to know you and perhaps you’d listen to me with a more open mind. I didn’t want to hurt you and make things worse. I felt so guilty, the more I fell for you, the more unbearable it was to keep it from you.”
Otabek stood from the bed and rounded the pillar on the other side of the bed. He faced Yuri, looking so vulnerable.
Yuri could hardly breathe and rested his forehead on the pillar of the bed, looking through his fringe at Otabek. Otabek fell for him… he wanted to bring Yuri the news of his wretched carefree parents. He cared. He didn’t know how to act as a human, coming back to a strange world and yet he pursued Yuri, wanted to help.
“I confided in your grandfather, even he didn’t know who I am. Yuri, I am sorry. I should have told you sooner. Please forgive me.”
Just like that Otabek stood one moment on his own, striped bare under his watchful gaze. Still dressed but naked at the same time, ready to take any verdict, appreciating the granted time to speak. And the next, Yuri’s outstretched hand waited a second in the air to be cradled in Otabek’s hands. His hand was brought to Otabek’s cheek, who kissed his palm with reverence.
Otabek coiled over his form and they intertwined like vine, thirsty for touch and skin. On an instinct they crawled on the bed, falling into the sheets, and discarded all clothing. Their chests pressed together, arms wrapped around each other and every piece of their face was kissed mutually. Both were being forgiven and accepted without words. They enjoyed the silence, the closeness. The friction wasn’t even necessary, it was just that hunger from joining, melting together. As the sweat cropped up on their foreheads, their limbs locked into each other and their breath run short, both pulled on each other. The fingers caressed the soft skin, wrapped the tender flesh and kisses burned more than ever before.
Yuri licked a tear from Otabek’s cheek afterwards, trapped in his hold just yet. The man closed his eyes briefly and murmured into Yuri’s hair, barely a whisper.
“I love you.”
Yuri pulled the cover over them and rested his head on Otabek’s chest, hooking his leg over his hip.
“I know.”
***
December rolled in and it was a year behind them. The ball was grander than before, triple that many chandeliers hung above twice as much tables. They were heavily laden with bowls and trays full of food. The guests from the kingdom Leto arrived as well.
Yuri however thought only about what he’ll say to his grandfather. The whole evening he was helping with preparations, because Otabek didn’t want to stand by idly, as usual. So much had changed over the year. Many people approached him and even if he tried to appear bothered, they didn’t flock away in fright. Quite the contrary, it seemed to spur them on more to follow him around. Everyone wanted to talk to him, to steal a dance. He let himself be tricked into a few under the pretense of a dare or a challenge.
The clock started to strike midnight and the guests gathered closer to the terrace. Familiar ritual in happening.
He was approached by Nikolai and Otabek, who stood at his side in a black feathered cloak.
“It’s time, Yuri. Tell me, what role does your companion have.”
Yuri was getting ready to answer, but blinked suddenly with surprise on his face. Nikolai and Otabek, both of them seemed taken aback by his startelement. Yuri frowned and worried his lower lip. He hesitated and sought Nikolai’s eyes.
“I’m afraid to say the answer is not as simple. It’s a bit more complicated...”
“Well go on, we want to hear your answer all the more.”
Yuri looked at his feet and started with a steady voice.
“At first I hated him. Then he became my acquaintance, or...he turned me into one. On our travels, I took upon roles I wouldn’t as a prince. It came with ease, because I wanted to be useful. He made it look so simple.”
A smile tickled Nikolai’s lips, but he tried to look serious as if contemplating his answer.
“Then he turned into my friend. He trusted me with his deepest secret and never left my side. He never judged me and always left me room to think or consider my choices. He was far more patient and kinder with me than anyone else would be.”
At this even Yuri chuckled and looked to his side at Otabek. He took his hand and squeezed his fingers shortly, as if for courage. His response was just lowered eyelids of a glazed look and a minuscule smile on his lips.
Yuri turned back to Nikolai and pulled Otabek to the front to stand before the king.
“He is my lover now. A companion I wish to be together with for the rest of my life. But he is still my acquaintance and my friend. I don’t know which role is the most important one. I find them all equal and important. I have no better answer for you than that.”
Nikolai waited a little and nodded his head a few times, scratching his beard in an contemplating manner. Yuri squeezed Otabek’s hand again and they leaned against each other.
“I am very pleased, this is a great answer. A wise one. A joyful one.”
Three, two, one…
The guests were counting loud now.
The guests were counting loud now.
“Yuri, I have a surprise for you.”
Nikolai whispered to his ear. Yuri narrowed his eyes in suspicion, but Otabek supplied quickly after his grandfather and nodded to confirm his words.
“It’s a good one.”
Happy new year!
Shouting erupted, the guests trickled to the terrace to enjoy the fireworks. Otabek and Nikolai left his side and walked backwards towards the terrace as well, then stopped before the open door. Nikolai waved with his hand towards the air and Otabek bowed, sinking on his knee.
Who was it that Otabek knelt in front of them?
The prince turned on his heel trying to make sense from the wondrous sight before him.
A beautiful lady stood in the middle of the ballroom, dressed in a green robe and small fairies flying around her in myriad of sparkles. It was the Fairy Queen. She stepped aside with a bright smile on her face, her convoys exposing a young couple in the middle. One Yuri has looked at for countless hours, remembering each small detail on the painting. Their kind smile the same, not aged by the years passed.
The soft voices breaking the dam inside his chest, letting the first tears trickle down his cheeks.
“Yuri.”
It was Yuri’s parents.
Notes:
Warning: There is a sexual scene after Otabek kisses Yuri's palm. It's not very descriptive, but it's there.
ANIIKA!!! I know I gave you my live read the first time I went through this, but I of course had to comment here, too.
The thing that intrigued me so much was this first chapter (As you split it), was all about Yuri. This is where we learn who Yuri is, what drives him, how isolated he is both from family and friends, and the few things he has to hold on to. But starting with the next chapter, it is all about Otabek: Yuri discovering those same things about Otabek - what drives him, how isolated he is, even if it's in a completely different way. And only together, slowly, tangentially, beautifully, do we get the deepest pleasure of the story: their relationship together. We have two very distant people, separated in origin and class and status and their philosophies of life, and yet together those disparate souls weave this stunning tapestry together.
They have all flavors: friendship, love, trust, loyalty, romance, desire. But Otabek ensures that none of those flourish too quickly, lest they burn bright as a star and then are snuffed too soon. Otabek ensures they cultivate these flavors over time, starting as tiny seedlings that need such tender care, until the very end when we get to see how they've blossomed.
I don't read hardly any fics that move at such a careful pace - I certainly am unable to write them - so getting to see this, and see it done so beautifully, was an extravagant treat.
I'm deeply, deeply grateful for this, and for your writing style which is so uniquely you. You use turns of phrase that I've never heard before, that are slightly foreign but all the more enchanting for it. It reads like poetry, or perhaps a dream, and it feels entrancing, enthralling, and very much like a beautiful dream by the end.
Thank you so very much, Sanii <3
Nomanono, thank you so much! This helped me a lot - for future fics. I think you give me bigger credit than I deserve on some points, but generally I am glad to confirm with your analysis follows elements or things I intended to convey. That's a huge reward for me - still incredible gift!
Ah, so you mean you usually don't go for these? It didn't feel right to rush them, if it makes sense. But I had a oneshot in mind which kept getting longer and longer... maybe it was because I wrote them for the first time (with Otabek in the mix). I'm very relieved it didn't feel rushed!
Thank you again! I am lucky to have such a great feedback, all the more worth it to write it for you. (I hope we'll meet at some point again - has been a very enriching experience!)
couldn't leave a comment on just one chapter when there are two beautiful chapters to comment on XD
This chapter is home to some of my favorite lines, so I wanted to tell you about them. First:
One afternoon, rain caught them in the woods, where the rocks met the lake. They were dressed thickly, since the kingdom lived in an eternal autumn. They watched the colorful reflection on the surface of the water blur in a loud whisper of raindrops. The buzz was lulling and Yuri found it too easy to just lean back against a tree bark. Then to turn his head up like a sunflower towards the warmth of the sun. He sought it out from Otabek’s lips, which were wet from the rain and cold. Yuri was glad the rain poured down so loudly since it hid the flutter of his heart well.
This paragraph in particular creates such a mood, both with imagery and the postures of the characters. It's like a painting. I can see the lake as the raindrops break its surface and I can hear the white noise of it all around them. Plus, that idea of tipping one's head towards the rain represents such surrender - I think this is the first moment that Yuri truly gives himself up, in a way, and allows himself to express his desires. There's such a vulnerability in that, and Yuri is finally allowing himself to be vulnerable with Otabek. It's so beautiful, Sanii!
The sun’s warm rays slid over Otabek’s shoulder, illuminating his silhouette. His head bowed slightly over the book. Just now Yuri noticed the light shining in his slicked back hair. The strands on top had a colored shimmer of deep shades of green and blue, reminiscent of ravens. His sideburns looked fuzzy; they were sprinkled by light, making them look like golden dust.
This feels like the first time Yuri really sees Otabek -- not just because he's taking the time to look, and because his attention is on the face, which seems less sexual and more romantic than the times Yuri focuses on Otabek's, but because we get a bit of foreshadowing here too: the iridescence in Otabek's strands, the hint of the raven he's soon to become, and the gold dust, which is so very magical. It's a perfect allusion to Otabek's true identity, which I didn't catch the first time I read but the second time it made me absolutely delighted!
Some nights when he was lucky and Otabek couldn’t ignore his gaze anymore, they would find each other in an embrace. Their hands mapped each other’s bodies and lips kissed till their breath run out. Yet still, when Yuri dared further than making out, Otabek’s hands stopped Yuri from taking his clothes off. Each time Otabek cradled him in his embrace again, but just held him close, waiting, until their breathing slowed down and they fell asleep.
I know I'm cheating a little bit because I mentioned this last chapter, but this is so revealing of Otabek's character. I absolutely love that of everyone Yuri knows, Otabek is the one who's able to keep him in check. Otabek is the one who can guide him, and still his hands, and then hold Yuri until the lust fades enough that he can sleep. There's something so heart-cinching about that situation, the care involved to adore someone so fully that you can reject them and then tender them after. It is so, so pure and lovely.
Everyone wanted to talk to him, to steal a dance. He let himself be tricked into a few under the pretense of a dare or a challenge.
OK, this is a bit of a silly one, but I just LOVED that you brought in the dance battle from the show XD I love that people had to trick Yuri into dancing. It's like, he's changed so much over the year, and grown, and learned, and yet he is still very much Yuri. It's a very rare person who can simultaneously help you improve and grow and yet make sure never to compromise who you are as a person. Again, I just think it speaks volumes about their relationship.OK - thank you so very much, again, for writing this for me. I am beyond touched at how much work and effort you put into this, and how phenomenal the result was. I will cherish this <3 <3 <3 Thank you, Saniika.
This is kind of scary actually. For the rainy scene, I thought of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Claude_Monet_Water_Lilies_Toledo.jpg" - Monet - impressionism. And particularly hypnotizing song - Underwater love.
For the raven part, I have so much sources as inspiration, I couldn't possibly list them all. Plus is was intentional in regards to the Snow Queen AU, where you have a talking raven. Plus I think there are two instances where people loose their guard and look like themselves - sleeping and reading. And strong inspiration by Kigeki.
About Otabek - I find it comes a long way, that rejected intimacy (not necessarily sex) is easily played on misinterpretation in plot and it creates this anxious mood. I wanted work with working through this conflict with wordless - It's ok! We don't have to, but I'm still here, no need to rush. I want us close. Sort of like that? Not just preset behavior, no sex or love declaration happens and it's a disaster. It doesn't work that way IRL.
Yeah well, Yuri matured, but....:D he's still a big competitive kid, who loves to prove himself - no matter what!
Thank you again dear!!!! IK finally read the cloud au, but Ill definitely look forward to browse through your other works.
XOXOXO <3
XOXOXO <3
sanii
What the hecka... I ran here to hide for a while from the pain of SQ story... And here I am, yet again, sniffling like a baby x.x"""
At least here it's joyous >->"""
Maaaaaaan, I can't tell you how much I love Yuratchka's char development xDDD
In any and all aus xDDD
A raven tho huh, that was a twist o.o I sorta thought at first he might've been a seelie o.o but raven is so much cooler x33 hey can he fly? Oo can he take Yuratchka flying? :o
In any case! This was splendid!!!!! I absolutely loved it!!!!!!
Now... Off I go... Back to the suffering... Wish me luck x""""Dxoxoxo
Hello again! Sorry for the late reply! i love your comments :)
Im so glad you enjoyed it? Writing Yurio is very fun. When Otabek turns into a crow it's a normal sized bird so no, he couldnt take Yurio on a ride. As human he has just traits of a bird.
But if you want you can imagine some side story where Yuri is shrunken and Otabek takes him to see his nest or something :DThank you for the comment again!
Chapter 3: Jeseň
Summary:
... reaches the Kingdom of Autumn and meets Yuri, Otabek and Mila.
Rain was trickling down the shelter ... hid in. The hollow trunk of a tree served as ... hideout from the unkind weather.
walked over many muddy puddles and stepped over many fallen trees and branches. The ever present rustling of leaves above ... head seemed to urge ... on. At first ... admired the bursting colors around. The nature was colored in vivid reds, yellows and various shades of brown. But soon enough, the sky was overrun with clouds. They arrived as angry indigo rams and their angry battles resulted in ominous thunders. Lightning flickered all around.
watched the rain drum on the ground and sparkle in the puddles. ... saw the clearing sky in them broken in little pieces like an ever moving kaleidoscope.
The closer ... got to the lights, the clearer it was that it wasn’t any ordinary land. There were no houses before, but still a lot of commotion. ... arrived at a large lake. It was full of life, the frogs croaking for their dear life, floating lights above the water - the fairy dust. It was pure magic, but it was more real ... Until a strange sound came from the tree crown above ... head.
“But Otabek-...”
... had no idea who Otabek was. But if the crows knew him, maybe he could help ... .
“Excuse me, but - where ... ?”
The crows huddled closer and twisted their heads curiously to the side.
“In our home of course!”
“What do you call your home then?”
“Jeseň. Kingdom of Autumn. What are you looking for?”
“I’m looking for a young boy...no,...a young man! He’s very beautiful and he was whisked away?”
“Oh! We know one! Very beautiful! Our king found him for his grandson and employed him as his playmate. He was adopted and is now a prince!”
“Where did he come from?”
“From magical kingdom! Its Queen took him.”
Magical kingdom! A Queen! She took him. He’s adopted and a prince?
“He fell! He fell! Let’s call Otabek!”
***
When ... came to ...self, ... was in a room with high ceiling scattered with gold stucco. Quick sweep of his surroundings assured ...'s in a rich household. Canopied bed with golden tassels, gilded chairs, tables and cabinets. A servant girl at ... side jumped out of her chair and run out of the room shouting so fast, ... haven’t had the time to ask anything.
“Princes, princes! He’s awake!”
An angry voice roared outside the room, muted by the walls and then the door flew open and two young men walked in. One blond and the other with the blackest hair ever seen. The first scowling and the other expressionless, having the girl in tow.
“Did you call the doctor?”
The young man with the fair hair shot to the girl, not leaving his gaze ..., which made ... feel pinned down like a butterfly.
“Yes, well - I told Sarah to call him, when I went to fetch you.”
She tucked her bright red hair behind her ear and tugged at her bonnet. The trio was watching his every move and the anticipation could be cut with a knife.
The girl stepped up front, welcoming look on her gentle face.
“Mila, shut up! I’ll do the talking!”
The blond boy yelled at her like an agitated cat.
“Sorry, your Highness!”
Mila made a face on ... and stepped aside. The two men approached the bed and she filled a glass with water.
“I’m Prince Yuri. And this is Prince Otabek.”
And just like that, ... Both princes were these two strangers ...
“What?! What the fuck! Otabek, what did I do? I… just introduced us!”
Mila sat on the bed and cradled ... in her arms, trying to calm ... down. Otabek subdued Yuri and started to question ... calmly.
They sat on the bed surrounding protectively and all kind of emotions passed over their faces. Mila was clumsily wiping her tears as she cried in solidarity. Prince Yuri scowled even deeper and his face resembled the worst autumn storm. Otabek nodded throughout the monologue and looked sad.
What a fucking asshole. Seriously, you should call it quits and go back home.”
The Prince Yuri huffed out angrily, crossing his arms and legs. Mila tsked at him and swatted him on the knee.
... and Otabek laid a hand on Yuri’s should to subdue him once again, shaking his head softly.
“You didn’t give up on your parents either. You waited for them even longer than...”
Yuri blushed and softened immediately, letting Otabek squeeze his knee. He sighed and looked sternly on ...
“Ok. We’ll help you. Her kingdom is right next to ours.”
... brushed Mila’s hands off his shoulders and hurried to pull away the thick duvet. Yuri hit the bed pole impatiently and barked out.
“Under one condition! Listen, this is important.”
“Anything. Please.”
“Good, I want you to get well first. Only after you’re overcome the pneumonia, I’ll show you the way. Heck, I’ll even give you our best sleigh. But if you step one foot out of our castle and sneeze even a little - I’ll won’t lift a finger to help you. In fact, I’ll even throw you into the jail or make you work of the debt for eating our food and sleeping in my bed.”
He crossed his arms again and waited for answer answer.
Otabek stayed quiet and bit his lips, so he wouldn’t smile and when ... look at Mila to make sure if the Prince Yuri was serious, she just nodded solemnly and confirmed with a grave serious voice.
“He means this. We don’t have a jail here, so he’d build one just for you. Or it would take eternity to work of the debt, as we don’t keep slaves here.”
Yuri turned on his heal and rose his eyebrows in overly dramatic way. He propped up his hip and swished his hand in the air looking to the other two in the room.
“Listen, there is only one Yuri in this castle, ok?”
“Yurio.”
Otabek said suddenly, as if it was just that simple. Mila lit up like a Christmas tree and aided to Otabek’s suggestion.
“Prince Otabek! That’s a fantastic idea! Yurio and Yuuri.”
“No, definitely not! You hear me? Don’t you dare call me with that name!”
“Yes, Prince Yurio.”
“Shut up, you hag! It’s, Yuri, dammit!”
It came quietly but soon drowned out the arguing friends.
“I’m done with this fuck! I’m going! Get ... a doctor a something.”
Yuri stomped out of the room and Otabek scurried after him chuckling a little, doing a very bad job at trying to hide it. Mila leaned over ... and wiped ... face with a linen napkin, not even batting an eyelash.
It was the funniest thing really. The whole situation. Yuri conditioning ... into getting healthy.
Notes:
Jeseň - is in slovak language autumn :) I keep the ball rolling.
Chapter kudos! Gotta love the prickly prince Yuri angrily ordering to get better! I can totally imagine him doing that :)
He got soft with Otabek :P okk....opravene.
The whole seen with Yuri had me laughing. XD
Trust Yuratchka to bully someone into getting healthy xDDDDDD I mean, honestly xDDD that was glorious xDDD
And! And the fact Belated gave /his/ Yuri the nickname, not the newcomer????? Priceless. *cackling* this was indeed an incredible chapter xDDD
Beautiful..
*is still chuckling* xDD
And! And the fact Belated gave /his/ Yuri the nickname, not the newcomer????? Priceless. *cackling* this was indeed an incredible chapter xDDD
Beautiful..
*is still chuckling* xDD
I mean...Otabek can do anything, right? hahaah :D so why not!
Chapter 4: Harvest - ripening
Summary:
The girls and the boys help discover new things about... They build a friendship of a unique kind.
There wasn’t much to do. Laying in bed only allowed as much, ... knew each corner of the room by heart. While at first the sight was wondrous, it quickly lost its luster. It was a pretty and rich chamber, but it served as a time capsule, preserving ... in its comfortable bed, keeping ... tucked and sweating in the thick covers.
As the weeks went by, ... didn’t dream since the fevers and pain let ... fall asleep in a deep dark unconsciousness, from which ... resurfaced just to be tented by others. Mila washed ...s tired body with wet towels, Sara, the pretty girl with violet eyes, brought ... food and sometimes they both came together to hang around and chat with ..., when ... wasn’t sleepy.
They were very pleasant and smiled each time, even when ... spoke in a delirious state and told them they were beautiful and asked if they kiss a lot. Their chuckle echoed under the baldachin when they scooted closer and hopped on the bed.
“Would you like to see?”
And so they showed, kissing each other under his feverish gaze and then each of them kissed ... as well on the forehead, cheek and on the lips. ... confessed it was nice, but ... heart didn’t flutter and they were fine with it.
The other time when ... woke up from the slumber, the princes were sitting at the nearby sofa, kissing very differently from the way Mila and Sarah did. And ... laid there watching tiredly, not sure if ... should make them aware. The hazy mind didn’t feel any shame or busy itself with social propriety, somehow here with these young people around, ... was sucked in the sensual world and asked himself the simplest of questions.
“Love, what’s it like?”
Again the fever let him speak without a filter and the two young men detached from each other with no shame and after contemplating a while in each other’s embrace, they joined on the bed, just like the girls before. Yet they did things very differently than them and yet the same as them at the same time. The kisses could be observed up close and exchanged among the three in silent agreement, permissions were given to wordless questions and nothing felt off.
“For us it’s like this.”
The prince Yuri laid beside and let Otabek kiss his chest and trail an invisible path towards Yuri’s loin and soon one could see scarlet roses blooming on the young man’s face, chest. He sighed the most delicate gasps and his features were twisting in an agony and smoothed in bliss, all happening so fast, it felt like a weather which can’t make up his mind.
... watched them with quiet amazement and when they asked, he answered truthfully.
The prince Yuri nestled against ...’s shoulder bare chested and played with the strings on his linen shirt. Otabek’s hands rested their calming weight on ...’s hips and waited patiently. Yuri tipped his head to the side playfully and offered.
“Would you like to try?”
The warmth of the room and a bit of light seeped through the tasseled curtains of the baldachin, where it was open and ...’s slight nod set of a mesmerizing spell over the three friends. The two Yuris kissed, the first experienced, drawing out the other confidently, giving his the courage. ... flinched when the pairs of hands traced his chest and Yuri’s fingers found his nipples.
But when Otabeks hands freed him swiftly and a wet kiss pressed against the most sensitive part of ..., he startled and held onto Yuri’s shoulder watching bellow as Otabek hesitantly licked him, waiting for last signs of doubt.
Yuri kissed his earlobe and whispered against his temples.
“He likes to serve and make others feel good. Allow him?”
Perhaps these two would help easy the slip into adulthood, which ... didn’t have the chance to do so yet with anyone else. And thus ... succumbed to their caring hands and let them do whatever they desired, trying to live through it with experiencing the feelings as best ... could.
The enjoyment was immense but the sudden sadness washed over ... and ... curled to ... side, hiding in Yuri’s taken aback hands.
“That’s ok, no need to be sorry. Did you like to imagine it was him?”
Otabek adjusted ...’s clothes and they wrapped him up again under the covers. Yuri brought ... a chalice with water and they observed him patiently.
The prince Yuri nodded laid back in Otabek’s embrace calmly.
“That’s a sound fear. You won’t know unless you’ll meet him. But now, you at least know you love him as a lover. That’s some good progress.”
... stared into the ceiling and said it more to ...self fhan to the other two.
“I want to see him quick.”
“Soon, you’re getting better.”
And Otabek was right. The weeks went by, a month passed, then two and ... was feeling healthier. Nothing of such happened again in ... chamber, but ... still exchanged kisses with the girls and the boys, sitting on a bench when the weather was warmer and the leaves fluttered slowly around them from the trees like light feathers to the ground..
... to join the princes in the ballet studio to practise light exercises and short dance sequences. Smile was returning to ... lips, watching the impatient Yuri and very stiff Otabek. The maids came to observe them sometimes and giggled when Yuri lost his temper and shouted at ... in particular. For some reason, he was more agitated in his presence and ... didn’t feel threatened as before, quite the contrary, ... stood his ground and that seemed to piss the prince even more off.
One day Mila and Sarah took ... measurements and the whole castle was bustling with excitement. Upon the prince Yuri’s orders a ball was being organized and it was supposed to be an important occasion. ... couldn’t share the anticipation, it only reminded ... that ... is stuck and only the agreement between the prince wasn’t allowing ... to continue on ... journey. The truth was, ... was healthy. The doctor told ...during the examination just in the morning and ... intended to approach Yuri with the request to leave. The timing wasn’t very great, because ... felt like ...’ll sour the ball, because it seemed that Yuri was looking forward to the happening the most.
Every little detail was important to him, he didn’t allow his parents nor the old king to come in between with their suggestions. Lot of people were invited, many meals were prepared in the huge kingdom’s kitchen and any passerby would salivate just from catching a little whiff of the prepared delicacies. Even fireworks were planned as the highlight of the party and the way Mila explained it, those had special meaning for Otabek and Yuri, being something like an anniversary.
The closer the evening neared, the more restless ... was growing. Once it all begun, ... has no thought to loose on ...s own, since anyone who was in his presence grabbed ... in their embrace and ... was twirled in a dance the whole night. ... barely stopped to get a drink and a bit to bite. Everyone wanted to talk or catch even a minute of ...s time, but once the prince Yuri got a hold of ..., none of their whining helped.
And like to ... was trapped by the jade green eyes, which got a strange stern luster and feigned distance. It was clear they got very close while ... was ill and the many night they shared kisses with each other, meant at least that they were friends who trusted each other enough to share that kind of intimacy. That’s why Yuuri braced himself and approached the subject which was dwelling on his mind.
“Prince Yuri, I am well now.”
“Yes, I know. Or did you think the doctor wouldn’t tell me?”
If ... didn’t know better, he’d think ... dance partner was insulted. In fact ... felt his hand being clutched in the other’s grasp tighter and Yuri’s palm pressed firmer against ... lower back as they turned, dancing the waltz.
“I didn’t want to approach you with my request, when you were preparing this ball. It looked very important to you.”
Yuri turned ... in a circle and threw him a confident look from the side, as if it was a report on the state of the weather.
“Of course! It’s a celebration for my friend who’s leaving.”
The prince Yuri clicked his tongue, but his cheeks also reddened and he leaned in closer whispering to ...’s ear, so others wouldn’t eavesdrop.
“I wish you wouldn’t leave just yet, but you’re healthy now. There is nothing here, which can hold you anymore. Go and find the dumbass and kick him really hard for me in his butt, ok?”
The music reached its crescendo and people clapped with fervor the end of the song and so the two departed from the embrace. Yet the prince didn’t let go of ...'s hand and instead led ... under everyone’s watchful gaze towards the terrace and from from it through the stairs, stopping at their foot. Just then he released his hand and pointed in front of them.
In the yard before the castle, stood the grand sleigh with dozen of horses, all equipped for the harshest winter weather. True to his word, the prince Yuri prepared the best sleigh he had. He motioned to the servants and Mila together with Sarah rushed with packages and clothing to ... They swarmed ... and put a beautiful embroidered dublyonka on ... and a mink coat on top of that, making extra sure, ... wouldn’t freeze to death. A kiss from each woman was pressed onto ... cheek and ... could just nod with throat tight.
“Take this, it’ll keep your hands warm too.”
The prince Otabek passed ... a big muff and the prince Yuri grabbed his elbow and tugged ... to the sleigh.
“Common! Get on, there are supplies packed and ready in the trunk on the back. Mila warmed up some coils and put them in a heater so your feet don’t freeze.”
... climbed in hastily, the thick clothes making it hard to move around and turned quickly to the prince to say goodbye. Yet an ushanka was pulled on ... head and over ... eyes, so ... couldn’t see anything at all for a moment. That was all it took for Yuri to use the chance and steal a deep kiss from ..., which lasted short.
“I’m really bad at goodbyes. So do me a favor and let’s make this short, ok? Oh, one more favor. When you pass the woods and it gets suddenly colder, don’t stop at any cost, alright? Promise!”
... clutched his friend’s hand, feeling of the still lingering kiss on ... lips and nodded.
“I promise.”
“Well then! Of you go! With fireworks!”
The last he shouted and as it was the planned command, the fireworks illuminated the sky with loud roar, exploding over the vast courtyard and people cheered the highpoint of the party. The horses moved ahead eagerly and ... held onto the reins, looking back at the crowd and Yuri, who got smaller and smaller, until ... couldn’t see his waving hand anymore. ...s friends shouting their goodbyes and well wishes made ...’s heart was aching with joy and sadness at the same time, wishing ... could meet them once again.
“Thank you!!!”
... called towards them from the distance, waking up from his stunned state.
Perhaps, when ... they can stop by. Perhaps ... would like them as well. Perhaps when there will be still place left in his heart ..., there will be place left for other good people.
Perhaps.
With those thoughts ... clutches onto the reins and settled back into the fur covered seat and tried to enjoy the hot coals warming up ... boots. He couldn’t afford to daydream now, not when ... was so close. ... eyes scanned the road before ..., looking for the first signs of snow.
Notes:
warnings: this chapter has hints of polyamory - exploring bodily love with the girls and boys (everyone's feelings are a little bit more than platonic towards ... and everything happens with ...'s explicit permission.) If that's not your thing, please skip to "The enjoyment was immense..." After this, towards the end of the chapter, Yuri kisses ... passionately to say goodbye.
Hmmm. It does fit the setting very well.
This chapter felt very smooth and flowing. Confortable to read.
Thank you so much for reading! I was very worried about how it will appeal to the reader. The point here was not if ... was attractive. hm... they viewed it as helping ... discover ...self. Friends helping a friend? And sharing something pleasant. I hope it makes sense?
Thank you again! I am working on the following one atm.
...'d have gotten better sooner, if not for all the loving xDDDDD ya know? XDDDDD
But honestly, Yuratchka's ball and dance and that goodbye.. *wipes a proud tear yet bloody again* that was so touching. Gah. But now, now we're getting closer.
But honestly, Yuratchka's ball and dance and that goodbye.. *wipes a proud tear yet bloody again* that was so touching. Gah. But now, now we're getting closer.
And I wanted ... to be loved by all and everyone - I do like physical affection a lot and it felt, right?
So glad you enjoyed it!!!
So glad you enjoyed it!!!
Chapter 5: The bandits - Almost there...
Summary:
... doesn't listen to Yuri's warning and meets the consequences in the woods. A man in need turns out to be a lot more than Yuuri anticipated. He encounters many new people as a result of that, but are they friends?
The night was still deep and the further ... got from Plisetsky castle, the quieter it got around. Just the pale light of the stars sprinkled on the sky watched ... ride through the snow.
The trees around changed fast from thick colorful lindens and beeches. Instead the heavy snow laden pines and spruces caved under the white weight. Crisp fresh snow crunched under the hooves and the sleigh. Suddenly the sleigh bells went off from their lulling song and Yuuri had to grip the reigns firmer, his eyes shooting ahead of the horses backs. Their strong necks flicked through the cold air nervously, but they headed on with the speed Yuuri commanded them to.
Once their mane settled, Yuuri could see what made them so nervous. A person was on the barely beaten path on the ground. They didn’t seem to move and the closer Yuuri got, the clearer it was to him they were most likely unconscious and won’t move out of his way. The path was narrow and the sleigh couldn’t really ride past him. But most importantly, Yuuri couldn’t just pass them by without checking if they are alright.
The promise Yuri made him make, completely flew out of Yuuri’s mind as he slowed down the horses. He stood up from his seat to get a better view over the horses’ backs and cautiously called out to the lifeless form on the ground.
“Hello? Are you alright?”
For a while nothing happened and Yuuri felt anxiety creeping up his spine, the memory of Yuri’s request not quite clicking in the place yet. Quiet groans winning on intensity threw him from his focus and Yuuri strained his ears even more.
The person was a man, at least judging the voice he heard they sounded like a grown up man. The moans appeared to be painful and Yuuri called out again.
“Are you hurt? Do you need help?”
The man got quiet again and Yuuri clutched at the reigns harder. Each breath he took felt like hours passed by and the more ridiculous he felt. What a nonsense. If the man was ok, he wouldn’t lay in the middle of the woods on the snow groaning like a wounded boar. Yuuri should help him immediately. If he was badly hurt, he might have to return to Yuri’s kingdom and delay the travels. Yuuri was desperate, but not heartless.
The moment he stepped from the sleight and his feet sunk into the snow a whole apocalypse went loose. The man on the ground jumped to his feet, a lot more men spilled out of the woods and encircled Yuuri without a means to escape. Air was knocked from his lungs and he was thrown to the ground with boot pressed to his chest. It kept him down but it wasn’t really needed, because Yuuri was so shocked and in turmoil, that he barely managed his head to stop spinning. Once it did he noticed the large group of the attackers seized his sleigh and rummaged through his belongings greedily.
They shouted excitedly and brayed like donkeys with each new item in their hands, exclaiming how rich they will be once they sell all the fine clothes and the team of horses.
It would be fine, Yuuri told himself. He would just wait through this and then head out on the foot if he had to. The bandits would take all he had and his life wouldn’t make them any richer if they took it as well.
The tall man towering over him, wore a red coat and Yuuri realized it was the man from the ground. He worn the biggest grin Yuuri ever saw and his blue piercing eyes held much similarity to ... but was very different.
“I love you hat! I claim it as mine!” Yuuri didn’t manage to blink and his ushanka was gone, settled on top of the man’s head, effectively hiding his undercut and thick eyebrows.
“Hey! JJ, mon amie! Leave something for me, will you? Oh, what’s this? A mink coat!” Another man leaned into Yuuri’s field of vision and his golden eyes glimmered upon Yuuri’s coat and his hands pulled it from him, haphazardly bringing up Yuuri to his feet. He staggered as the piece of clothing was coming of him roughly.
It was fine, he still had his dublyonka. Yuuri tried to assure himself shakily and hugged himself to keep the escaping warmth on him. That caught the eye of the man, who snatched his coat. He was completely wrapped in it, lovingly brushing his fingers over the fine fur but the moment he saw Yuuri hunching, he turned to him predatory.
“Chris, I see you found something to your liking more than a coat.” JJ chuckled and observed them with amusement. Chris, with the hair color of yolk and sideburns reminding Yuuri of dark hollander cocoa, purred in a low voice. “Well, I’ve yet got to see under that last coat. Darling, you are dressed up like an onion, I’ve got to peel you layer by layer.” Chris pulled Yuuri to himself and he hit his chest with his own. He would try to get out of his grasp weren’t it for Chris’ hands firmly pressing Yuuri’s hips to his own, kneading his ass as best he could. The shock was so huge, Yuuri couldn’t find any words nor strength to muster any action. He simply froze in the man’s arms and watched as his face got closer and closer, alarm ringing in Yuuri’s ears.
He didn’t want this. He didn’t want to cause any resistance which could cause him trouble. He just wanted to go on and let the group take what they wanted. He didn’t care about the possessions. One coat was enough, he would find a way. But this was something he didn’t count with and it pushed against his threshold.
“Chéri, I hope you taste as delicious as you look. You won’t mind me taking a taste, will you?” Chris kissed his jaw lightly and whispered into his ear with a sirupy oath. “I promise I’ll be gentle and I know how to reward… very well.” His short stubble tickled Yuuri on his cheek and if it were any different circumstances, he might like the soft quality and enjoy the pleasant fragrance, but only thing he could feel was anxiety gripping on his throat and a shout crawling up.
And just like that the argument was over. JJ laughed, Chris was insulted, but no one dared to opposed the captain Mari. And Yuuri helplessly tried to keep up with her quick stroll through the woods. A small young looking man, perhaps a boy - Guang Hong rode the sleight to their camp and the rest of the troupe arrived after a while.
Fire was waiting for them and their cook Leo had a soup ready boiling in a big cauldron over the fire. Tents made from leather and covered by pine branches huddled close and Yuuri understood it was the camp of the bandits. They just waited for him to pass by and surprise him. The initial shock worn off of him and he started to build his resolve, planning how to get out of there as soon as possible. Maybe he could reason with the captain and she’d let him go. And so he tried.
At first she didn’t seem to hear him or notice his advances, didn’t bat an eyelash about his reasoning. In the end, when he simply begged to let him go, she just sat down at the fire and tugged his rope to make him sit as well. Mari handed him a bowl of the soup and started to eat from her own hungrily, exchanging talk with her men about the spoils. They were all pleased and ate calmly, calculating how much money they could get from selling Yuuri’s trousseau.
“What are you two talking about there? Are you talking him into helping you escape? I should show you my dagger again!” Mari appeared out of nowhere with lightning in her eyes, anger clear on her features and hands firm on her hips. She bit into her pipe all irritated called Yuuri to her side, swooshing her hand in the air. Yuuri threw a last pitiful glance towards Takeshi and headed after Mari to her tent.
When she made herself comfortable and held the cover up for Yuuri, he stood there hesitantly watching on her in light undergarment, nested between the furs. “What? You never shared a bed with someone else?” Mari questioned flatly. The many nights they shared the tiny bed, clutching for the littlest bit of warm, they all weighted on his shoulders again. He bit his lips nervously.
Mari commanded him relentlessly. “Strip down and come to bed. I won’t repeat myself.” And so Yuuri put away his dublyonka, pavlovo-posad shawl and boots. He quickly crawled under the furs and laid there a good arm’s length away from Mari in the effort to keep his distance. It didn’t last long because Mari simply scooted closer and wrapped her arm around him, pushing his chest on hers, similar much to the embrace that Yuuri shared in past with Victor. He couldn’t hold back anymore. “Mari, please, I can’t-...”
“Shut up, just let me hug you ok? I won’t do anything. Or do you want me to send you to Chris to make a point?” She sighed exasperated and Yuuri could hear her ragged voice, her body tired and in need of rest after the hard day. She worked hard, was tight bundle of muscles and rough edges. Yet now, she looked worn and very, very tired. She pat him on his cheek and observed him with great attention. “You remind me of my brother. He died very young along with my parents. They drowned in a lake, when their carriage fell of a cliff. I think he would have looked like you, you’re his age now.”
“I’m sorry.” Yuuri didn’t know what else to say, but let Mari rest his head on her bosom and pet his hair. Once again he found that if he met her under different circumstances, she could indeed be his sister. Maybe they could be good friends even. Her and Chris. Guang Hong, Leo and...even JJ. Yuuri couldn’t imagine they were bandits just for fun. There must have been something good inside every one of them. The heat slid into his exhausted body and enveloped him in coming sleep, Mari’s embrace and petting strengthened its effect and Yuuri forgot his plans to sneak out in the night and head alone on foot. Almost.
As strange as it was, Yuuri didn’t try to escape, taking her warning into account. He wanted to be ready and full of strength before he set ahead on his journey. The last thing he needed, was to tire out from fruitless escaping attempts. All the worry and anxiety run away from Yuuri, he felt so resolved about leaving the camp, he grew more sure each day.
The big difference from the past was, that he didn’t sleep away the years ... and didn’t spend the time half conscious in a princely bed with pneumonia. Yuuri has plenty of time to get to know others with caution, but gathering confidence. He hardly recognized himself sometimes.
Three days into his stay with the bandits, Yuuri stood at the fire, quiet murmur around him. Leo played on his mandolin and Guang Hong accompanied him with a guitar. The song rippling from their plucking among all present, making Yuuri think of Venice and the beautiful aquarelles he saw in ... encyclopedia. The beautiful, slim gondolas swimming in the narrow canals. The talk turned into caresses and unconscious touches, the ones gathered around the bonfire clung closer to each other on an instinct.
But it wasn’t meant to be, because he was ripped out of his memories quite suddenly. Chris’ hand slid from his shoulder down his elbow, aiming for his behind and it would arrive there in a particular lustful grab, but Yuuri put an unexpected twist to it. Literally.
He held Chris’ wrist, making a turn with his body and leading Chris’ hand so that it landed on JJ’s muscular butt. It was protruding very nicely since JJ’s jacket was cut shorter on the back. It served as the best target for Chris’ hand to end upon.
“Oh.” Chris whispered and JJ slowly turned towards, not moving an inch. Chris gave the buttock a tentative knead and purred. “Oooh!” It was very clear Chris found the test pleasing, completely losing interest in Yuuri. JJ’s eyebrow has risen and suddenly he uncrossed his hands, moving onto Chris. The next thing they knew, the music stopped, everyone watched on completely flabbergasted as JJ literally swallowed Chris’ lips and claimed his ass with his fists closing around the globes tightly.
Yuuri was glad to see his dance skills could be put into good non aggressive way and preserving his chastity pristine. He couldn’t help but smirk as the two completely melted into each other, fell down into the snow and continued their affectionate exchange with loud whistling of the rest of the band.
He felt eyes on himself and found Mari watching him with interest. Her lips curved in an appreciative manner and she nodded lightly. That night Yuuri didn’t feel as bad, when she brushed off his question.
“May I leave in the morning?” He inquired as she held the tent’s curtain open for him. “Ask me tomorrow.”
Yuuri didn’t mind as much because she said it slower and with more hesitation than each day before. And that did count as progress.
***
The week was almost over and the morning met Yuuri with another crisp load of snow. His breath evaporated in the air in big milky clouds. It was so thick one could cut and serve it as Pavlova cake. Quickly observing the present ones in the camp, he noticed a lot of men were missing. Only Chris stayed behind and very quickly Yuuri guessed why. With everyone, including Mari, gone; Chris was the one to keep an eye on him.
Surprisingly their time together passed quick. Chris was a remarkable host, who had an ability to make anything mundane or poor look intriguing. Even something as simple as lard and onion looked like the most top notch delicacy. Chris spread the cut onion like a flower on a diagonal slice of bread, accompanied with flourish commentary and Yuuri started to salivate just from listening to him.
Surprisingly their time together passed quick. Chris was a remarkable host, who had an ability to make anything mundane or poor look intriguing. Even something as simple as lard and onion looked like the most top notch delicacy. Chris spread the cut onion like a flower on a diagonal slice of bread, accompanied with flourish commentary and Yuuri started to salivate just from listening to him.
Yuuri didn’t manage to finish the first slice and Chris had a full deck of tarot cards laid out for him, making a reading for Yuuri’s lovelife. While the specific details made Yuuri’s face burn and caused him to choke on breadcrumbs, a topic stretched into another one and soon enough the hours passed by without Yuuri realising it. He had to give it to Chris - he was very entertaining, well-read and a great conversationalist. He didn’t try to harass Yuuri anymore and haven’t shown any interest in him, apart excitement for Yuuri’s tale.
He mentioned only briefly that Mari would be gone for the most of the day and that she’s on an errand. Whatever that meant, Yuuri wasn’t keen to figure it out, since she returned in a sour mood, throwing daggers with her eyes at everyone in her way. She disappeared in her tent briefly, then rolled out a small barrel and proclaimed that the evening was a content in who will get drunk as last one. She didn’t spear Yuuri a glance, which was odd, since before she was keen on guarding him like a hawk.
Guang Hong offered him a cup full of scarlet wine. He declined and just shook his head, observing Mari downing the alcohol like water. The way she went about it, it looked like she was trying to lose the contest. At that rate she would be the first to get drunk. Uneasiness settled within Yuuri as he watched her from afar. The more he saw Mari abandon herself, the more his fingers fidgeted. It was odd. She didn’t seem to have fun, even though she laughed heartily and sung loud. It felt forced how she threw herself onto JJ’s shoulders and swayed with him in the rhythm. She looked… desperate.
At some point Mari must have had enough, because she detached herself from the group and walked away from the fire.
Yuuri hesitated, thinking if he should enter the scene and casually convince the bandit captain to go sleep it off. Mari behaved very much not like a bandit captain would. Takeshi was lost at first but hastily went ahead to uplift her spirits. “No! You’re not bad! You’re fine.” Mari looked up and glared with a glazed eyes. “But. There’s always a but. What is it? Tell me. Now.” She tugged at his fur lightly and Takeshi shivered, making strange noises. Yuuri judged that he was ticklish and Mari found his sensitive spot. She chuckled a few times, tugging at Takeshi again and cooed. “Tell meee. Takeshiiii!” He nudged her gently away with his snout and mumbled. “You’re a very nice girl, who is lonely. I know you could have sold me by now and you will let Yuuri go.” She eyes the animal quietly, pondering about what he said. It took longer, since she was drunk, so Yuuri and Takeshi almost thought she didn’t hear him properly.
“I will? But, he’s so small. He was small. So, so small. He fit right into my hands! He was thiiis tiny. See?” Mari held her palms facing each other and imitated a hold in which a person would carry a baby. “If only I haven’t let him go...” Her brows knitted and a shadow spread on her face, her hands dropped lifeless to her sides. Takeshi bowed his head, hiding her underneath himself, murmuring quietly. “Now, now. It was an accident. It wasn’t your fault. You were too small.”
Yuuri stepped back behind the tree, not willing to mock his luck. He wasn’t discovered and by now knew for sure he shouldn’t eavesdrop on that conversation. His heart ached, very close to the sensation he felt when he discovered that his parents in Minako’s weren’t real. A strange hurtful hope filled his head, a wish that perhaps just a little - maybe just slightly, he could have a place for Mari in his heart. That kind one would reserve for family. And maybe that space wouldn’t be small but quite large.
Yuuri leaned onto the trunk and was trying hard to breathe deeply. He counted the stars and traced the bark with his fingers, trying to feel each hard ridge on its surface. Literally anything just to ground himself. Mari thought of him as of his own baby brother and his presence recalled old memories for her, which hurt her soul for many years. Yuuri didn’t know what to make of his emotional rollercoaster, but the one thing he knew was that he wanted to help her. He wanted to be kind and show compassion. Therefor he braced himself, coughed loudly and made his appearance.
“Took you long enough!” Takeshi grumbled, lifting his head and shifting awkwardly underneath Mari’s weight. Yuuri winced, he wasn’t as sneaky as he thought after all. “Yuuri!” Mari called him all jolly. The happy grin on her face didn’t last long, because as drunks tend to do, she switched to sadness very quickly, hanging herself on Yuuri’s elbow like a coat hanger. “Come now, we go sleep now, ok?” She shook her head and pouted. “I’m not tired.” Yuuri led her slowly to their tent and thought of what to reply as they passed a log. “But I am. Keep me company?” She considered and affirmed with a nod. “I can do that. Will you tell me a fairy tale?”
To get her in a state prepared for sleep was a challenge. That even sounded like understatement. Yuuri could barely pull of her coat and almost gave up midway. Mari rolled in the furs like a fat seal, heavy and uncoordinated. As he cradled her on his arms, he saw her for what she was. Smaller than him and perhaps very similar to him in her sadness. Yuuri pretended that night he wasn’t a prisoner, but that he chose to be her support in her weakened state. He thought of ... and all the people he met during his travels. He prayed he would see them on his way ... Dreams came easy.
The awakening came abruptly. A loud whistle whipped the morning air, Yuuri jolted from his sleep and grabbing his coat he run out of the tent. The pure whiteness blinded him momentarily and he held his hand in front of his face, squinting around to get some picture what was the alarm. Mari, now completely sober with no trace of a hangover, stood on a small mound and shouted orders on her men, who rushed back and forth. Everyone was gathering something, people were assembling. Yuuri was about to ask, when Guang Hong caught the sight of him and dragged him to Mari.
“What’s going on?” Yuuri asked. “Ah, we’re packing up. We’re moving on to a new location.” Guang Hong tugged at his sleeve with insistence, when Yuuri delayed their progress. “The camp is leaving. Hurry! She’s not in a good mood today.”
Yuuri could barely connect the dots, the fright of him getting even a bit further away caused him goosebumps. He couldn’t let that happen anymore. He would make final appeals and if need be, he’d fight. He scanned the surroundings, trying to figure out in panic how he could escape from the camp the easiest way. But Chris gotten in their way, pulling Guang Hong to the side. He stood in front of Yuuri, effectively barricading his field of vision completely, the smug troubadour smile on his lips and a familiar mink fur coat wrapped under his elbow.
“You’ll need it more than me.” Chris threw the coat over Yuuri’s shoulders and kissed him heartily on both cheeks. The loud smooch almost popped Yuuri’s ears. “Thanks for borrowing it to me, chéri!” Borrowed? How..? Guang Hong pulled Yuuri away and he could only catch a glimpse of Chris winking his way. The next thing knew, Mari wrapped an arm around his shoulders and practically carried him over to Takeshi. Was he going to be sold along with him, or?
“Mari, stop! I have to leave now. I can’t stay any longer. I must-” His attempt to sound resolute and impositing was cut off by his backpack thrusted roughly in his arms. If he didn’t catch it, it would fall down. “There is rum and bread inside.” Mari wasn’t looking his way as she spoke and busied herself with untying Takeshi. Yuuri looked at the bag and back at her in confusion. “You don’t understand… I can’t go with you. I won’t.” He stuck out his chin and stood his ground, ready for whatever she’d throw at him.
“Ok, you won’t.” Mari walked past him and led Takeshi by the leash to the edge of the camp. The reindeer looked back at Yuuri in confusion. “What? Where are you going?” Yuuri was right behind her, searching her face for some signs that could give him understanding. “You’re going away. Not with us.” She didn’t look at him still, but instead watched her boots. All three didn’t breathe for a moment. Then Yuuri couldn’t help it anymore.
“Are you letting me go? Are you serious?” His lips stretched in a reluctant smile, but he was careful to interpret the situation. Mari scowled at him and stripped Takeshi of the harness. “Well, don’t just stand there like a fool! Hurry up!” Yuuri didn’t hesitate a moment more and climbed Takeshi with Mari’s help. Once he was up, he glanced down on her with a strange mixed emotions. Their eyes met and Yuuri really wished, she was his sister. He wished he could spend an evening with her. But something in her gaze told Yuuri she’d not appreciate such unrealistic things. She was a woman of action and sound thinking. She smiled awkwardly and caressed Takeshi’s side as if she didn’t know how it felt under her fingers. Once more she was a complete bundle of uncertainty.
“I’m really bad at this. I won’t say Goodbye.” Mari squeezed Yuuri’s knee and smacked Takeshi’s butt. His offended welp would make them chuckle otherwise, but Mari stepped back, her captain of bandits demeanour back in full force. A lioness sending him off. “Now go! And you know… all the rest.”
Yuuri was glad it came down to such farewell. Even though she babied him at first, this silent approval filled Yuuri with pride and confidence. Mari was strong and recognized his strength in return. Yuuri straightened on Takeshi’s back and felt as if he grew several inches. With everyone's confidence put in him, he was growing more confident.
Notes:
warnings: Yuuri is robbed by the bandits, they knock him to the ground, Yuuri momentarily looses air. Chris is making advances at him in a quite handy manner - groping and offers for sex. Nothing happens.
Thank you for reading!
For a brief moment you actually had me worried for our Yuuri a little! XD Falling for such an age-old trick! (Though most decent human beings would probably do the same, so I dont blame him.)
Man, Chris is such a lech! Cant keep his hands to himself in any AU, tsk, tsk. That was not nice of him - but then again, bandits are not nice people.
... Curse your good heart, ya lil stupid idiot.... *sigh* but hey, at least ...
warnings: Mari gets very drunk; there is a slight attempt by Chris to make an advance on Yuuri which is quickly cleared, nothing happens.
Hehe, Chris and JJ! Didn't see that one coming!
It just happened suddenly. I mean...imagine.haha. and you know....I look forward to it too! (I lie. Im lost).
Mari!!! Good good thief chieftain Mari!
PS... NO HONEYMOON IN FOREIGN LANDS FOR OTABEK AND YURIO! But still it was heartwarming to cast these two as my favourite fairytale royals ever...
The closest we get is this reference in the last chapter:
The chamber (the large door with symbol of a crown on the name plate) was smaller than expected, it wasn’t ornate like Prince Yuri’s one. The walls were plain, bare and only one frame hung above the hearth.
Another thing that surprised was the bed with red, velvet cover cast over it. Nothing personal was left behind in the room, just marigolds stood in the vase, completely frozen. The King’s room was devoid of life and covered in hoarfrost, but it still was the most human friendly place in the whole castle.
