"Yuri!" Greta cried out excitedly and ran into her adopted father's bedchamber. Yuri was sitting up under his covers. He had been drenched and cold when they returned. Gunter naturally rushed him right to bed fearing he may take ill. However he and Wolfram hadn't had a chance to talk since then. They desperately needed to. Despite his concern for his relationship he was very happy to see the little girl who was so dear to him. She clambered in beside him. "Did you miss me?"

"Absolutely!" Yuri planted a kiss on the top of her head. "I'm sorry we had to go. We certainly didn't plan it."

"It's ok. I had a lot of fun with Lord Weller. He's a nice man. His sense of humor doesn't exactly make sense though."

"Boy ain't that the truth. He is a wonderful person though."

Greta looked around. She seemed puzzled by a certain absence.

"Where's Wolfram?"

Yuri frowned.

"I'm not sure, Greta."

"Are you two fighting?"

"I'm afraid so. I think I really hurt his feelings."

Greta nodded with the kind of understand only a child can have. After a moment she spoke with a wisdom beyond her years.

"It'll be ok. He can forgive you. I remember how I was when we first met and you forgave me because you love me. When you love someone anything can be forgiven. That's what you taught me, Yuri."

Yuri beamed. His heart was overflowing with pride for this once bedraggled girl who had witnessed such hardship and demonstrated such strength.

"I think you're right, Greta."

There was knock on the door.

"Come in."

There was the creaking of hinges and the clearing of a throat.

"Good evening, Yuri."

"Wolfram!" Greta stood and ran to embrace him. She looked from one male to the other. "I'll leave you two alone but you have to promise you'll read me a bedtime story later, Wolfram."

"I promise."

There was a pause.

"You don't typically knock. What's the occasion?"

"...There's a ball next week at a foreign dignitary's home. Gwendal informed me of it moments ago. I wondered if you would do me the honor of allowing me to escort you."

"A foreign dignitary? Yuck. Sounds like work. Why are you asking me? If it's official business won't you be going anyway."

"You brat! I'm asking you because." Wolfram regained control of his temper. "I'm asking you because I want...I want to try this idea of yours. I am going to allow you to fall for me...at your own pace."

"Wolfram...I. I would love to go with you."

Wolfram smiled and turned on his heel.

"Goodnight, Wolfram."

"I'll be coming back."

"Coming back?! What about at my own pace? I thought that meant I get my own room for once!"

"I agreed to slow down but I refuse to move at glacial speed."

Yuri only chuckled. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The End

***Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I did my best to stay in character and I did do research on the cultural components. I apologize for any inaccuracies I may have accidentally overlooked. I may write more KKM in the future. Please feel free to check out some of my other stories if you are so inclined.***