Author: Mosh
Fandom: Kyou Kara Maou
Title: One Thing Remains the Same
Pairing: Conrad/Yuuri
Rating: PG
Summary: A few years down the line, things couldn't be more perfect.
Disclaimer: KKM belongs to Tomo Takabayashi. No copyright or trademark infringement intended.
A/N: A short future-fic, written for Shoey because she is a doll and squees with me about ConYuu. :) 450 words.

Note: You may not archive, re-post, or alter any of my stories without my permission. Please contact me first. Thanks!

Conrad stands beside the fountain, dandelion filaments catching on his jacket as a warm breeze snakes through the surrounding cornfields, rustling the stalks. It's near-silent this far out in the country, cradled in the arms of rolling sun-bleached hills and speckled fur trees lining the horizon like tall green soldiers. It's a stark contrast to the heady bustle of town and the constant business at the royal palace.

Out here, at the cottage, it's a little like being in a different world. Like being on Earth. Here, there's no real rush to maintain the castle, or strategise with Gwendal, or humour Gunter, or try to figure out what's really going on behind the lenses of the Great Sage's glasses.

Out here, there's nothing but the two of them, and the little private place they've built together.

"Oy, Conrad! Sorry I took so long."

Conrad smiles, turning in the direction of the cottage to see a figure emerge from under the lattice porch. Blue flower petals snow onto Yuuri's black hair and slip down into his collar from above. They just can't bring themselves to cut the vines.

Yuuri walks across the garden with different strides than when Conrad had first met him. Now Yuuri's steps are confident and sure, wider and heavier to accommodate his tall stature. Not for the first time, Conrad acknowledges the years have been very kind.

"Are you ready to go?" Yuuri says, coming to stand before the fountain.

"When you are," replies Conrad, and watches Yuuri stare at the statue in the centre of the pool. It's an Earth creature - a dolphin - and rises in a firm, proud arch from the dusky ripples of the water.

"What are you staring at?" Yuuri says as he turns to him. There's a small smile lurking at the corners of his mouth, playful in the way it wavers there. There's also a blush, but not as pronounced as the blushes of yesteryears - this one is peachy and satisfied.

Conrad bends a little way and kisses Yuuri's smile. "Nothing, your Majesty," he breathes against Yuuri's mouth, feeling the other man thrum at the touch.

"Huuhh," says Yuuri. It's so easy to distract him. "I give up telling you about the name thing. You never listen." He takes Conrad's hand in his own and breathes in deeply, savouring the fresh summer air for a final moment.

Conrad squeezes Yuuri's palm, and they both fall forward in tandem, hitting the water at the same time and holding fast for the duration of the ride.

When they emerge they're no longer in Shin Makoku and the cottage is nowhere in sight.

But one thing remains the same, always.

They are together.

~Fin~