Heine gazed out over the crowd that was gathered in front of Viktor. He stood off to the King's right side. Viktor never ceased to amaze him, commanding the attention of his subjects while speaking with a gentleness that reminded Heine of times long past.

Heine was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of the crowd cheering loudly. Viktor turned to him, giving a small nod, signaling Heine to follow. The shorter man was careful to stay a step behind the king until the pair were out of sight. Viktor sighed.

"I hadn't intended for the speech to go on for so long. I'm sorry, Heine."

"You are the king, nothing is ever certain, not even the length of time needed to address the concerns of your subjects. I'm surprised that you invited them to bring them up to you."

"Well, that's what happens when you learn from the best of tutors, all those lessons you gave me are being put to good use, as promised."

"I see that. You really have been doing very well, I'm impressed." Viktor chuckled.

"That's something I don't hear everyday." He teased. "Alright, I'm all yours, what should we do first, there are so many things to see, so much to do." Heine gazed around at all the festivities. Crafting tables had been set up along with fruit stands and other small objects for sale. Just ahead of them, crowded game stalls stood in the middle of the square.

"I have no preference. What would you like to do?" Heine asked, Viktor turned to him.

"Nothing in particular interests you?"

"I can't say that it does." Heine replied, straightening his red jacket. "I've never cared much for crowded places. I only agreed to come because it was something you had given a lot of thought to and we would have some time together." Viktor smirked.

"Have I told you how stunning you are in that outfit, almost like a beautiful little doll." Heine glared at him but didn't reply.

"Some of the shops are still open, why don't we take a little walk to the bookstore, maybe you can get yourself some new-"

"We can go there if you like, but I see no point."

"You've been going there every week, save for the last few." Heine looked up at him in surprise.

"That's right, I know about that. What I don't understand is why it suddenly stopped. Did someone-"

"No. I have better uses for my money at the moment. ."The tutor said as they began to make their way down the street.

"this wouldn't be in connection with Marie's letter about becoming a surgeon would it, Heine?" The shorter man remained silent.

"So that's it, I suppose that's also the reason behind you-"

"University is expensive, Viktor. Contrary to what most believe, doctors don't make much and Marie is quite generous, she often waves her fees for patients who can't afford medical care. She asks nothing in return and although it isn't much, it is going to a good cause."

"Of course. Our responsibility doesn't end once our little ones grow, that's the way of a parent. I was going to bring this up to you later, but before you write back, bring the letter to me, I have something to add to it. After all, what kind of father allows his children to struggle if he can help?"

"Viktor, you have no obligation to-"

"Heine, I love them the same as I love my sons and daughter. You should know that by now. You and I have a beautiful family and I would love to bring them all together again to meet their little brothers and sister. You would like that, wouldn't you?"

"They have their own lives now, Viktor. We can't-"

"Lives that they obviously want you to be part of. You created a beautiful family, Heine. You taught them to survive and better themselves. You're still making sacrifices for them. It shouldn't all be on your shoulders."

"Thank you. It means a great deal to me that you would do such things." Heine said. Viktor chuckled lightly.

"All this talk about our children reminds me of an interesting story, remind me to tell you later, won't you?" Heine shook his head in mild amusement.

"It's sure to be intriguing." Heine teased. " If it's half as 'interesting' as the story you told me about the elephants who were joined at the trunk." Viktor laughed.

"Ah yes, the elephants, you can't tell me you weren't entertained, for the longest time, anytime anyone said elephant around you, you would smile. What a beautiful smile it was, I do wish you'd do it more often."

"Don't be a jerk, Viktor. " the king pressed a hand to his chest.

"Me, never once." He scoffed playfully.

"Really, I seem to recall a time or two when you easily fit into that category."

"Name one" The king challenged.

"Don't ask questions you don't want answers to."

"Why would I have asked if I didn't want to know?"

"You tell me, you're the one who makes a habit of it, then, when I do try to answer, you cut me off."

"Because you always bring up the embarrassing stories."Viktor countered.

"If you had listened to me in the first place, there would be no embarrassing stories to be told, would there?"

"Probably not, but where's the fun in that, for you at least. What do I get out of it?" The king teased.

"A good life lesson." Heine quipped. Viktor chuckled.

"Who better to learn from than you, my dear Heine. You've always taught the best lessons. Tell me, when was the last time you and I had one of those strawberry and cream cakes?"

"It's been a while. I believe the last time was just after our first...lesson."

"Far too long then, I should really be doing more for you, to show my appreciation. Taking the job with the boys wasn't exactly the easiest task."

"No." Heine said. "But I don't regret the decision. I find it to be quite rewarding. They've more than made up for the rocky start. " Viktor led Heine through the street, until they found themselves at a small café. They chose a corner table which was largely out of the way and in the king's opinion "The perfect spot." The king lowered himself onto the chair, while Heine remained standing.

"Majesty, welcome. What an Honor it is to have you with us today." The waiter said, bowing. "Please, let me know if there's anything I can do to make your experience better."

"Thank you.' Viktor replied, receiving a menu. He ordered their favorite drink.

"I'll bring it right away." With one last bow, the waiter was off.

"Heine, come and sit down, relax a bit."Viktor requested.

"Don't you think it's a bit odd, the King's personal guard 'relaxing' while-"

"It's also a 'bit odd' as you say for a king's personal guard to argue with him, wouldn't you agree?" Heine hesitated, but joined him at the table. "We're far enough out of sight to not cause any suspicion. The king continued.

"Of course, that's how rumors get started. The king is acting strangely, having lunch with his guard and drinking. Try getting out of that, the entire kingdom can see you." Heine challenged.

"Everything's going to be fine. Trust me." Heine glared at him but said nothing.

"You'll feel better when you've had something to eat. We missed you this morning for breakfast."

"I regret that I couldn't attend, but circumstances being what they are, I'm sure you understand." Heine said.

"Were you not feeling well?"

"I only needed-"

"Heine, if I-"

"You didn't. This isn't something we need to discuss at the moment."

"Later, then...maybe next weekend we can take the time to have another little adventure." Heine shook his head slowly raising his glass to drink. Viktor smirked.

"I'll take you to see the elephants." Heine nearly choked on his drink,grabbing a napkin from the table. The king laughed.

"Are you all right?"

"You're banned from that word, permanently." Heine said.

"You can't ban someone from using a word." Viktor countered.

"I just did."

"That's not how it works, you can't-"

"You should know better than to challenge me. Remember last time?"

"You certainly showed me. Dare I attempt round two?"

"Only if you want a repeat of round one."

"That could be fun."

"You would say that." Heine countered. Viktor chuckled. After finishing their drink and cake, the pair made their way back out into the street.

"As much as I've enjoyed our time today, it may be time to think about going back. " Heine pointed out.

"The day's still young, why are you in such a hurry to get back. There's so much left to see." Viktor said, looking to the handmade craft tables. "Excuse me for just a moment. Wait for me here." The king walked over to the small group of tables, leaving Heine alone. The tutor studied his surroundings, listening to the soft chatter and laughter from the villagers round him. He wasn't fond of the crowd and hoped that Viktor wouldn't take long. He grew more and more uneasy.

"all right," the king said, appearing beside the red haired man. In his hand, Viktor held a small box. "Let's go and find a quiet place to sit, the sun will be setting in a few hours and they'll have fireworks. I think we should at least stay for the show. It's the perfect ending to the day. But before we do, I mentioned earlier that I wanted to do more to show you my appreciation. I think you'll find these enjoyable." He offered the box to Heine.

"You shouldn't be concerned with getting me-"

"nonsense, I just want you to know how much you mean to my family. The fact that you accepted the position at all was a miracle in itself."

"Miracle is quite an exaggeration." Heine said taking the object.

"Just open it." The taller man encouraged. Heine did as he was asked. A faint smile appeared on his face as he peered inside to find a pair of elephant shaped book ends.