A Storm of Sunflowers

***Warning: Yaoi ahead!

***This chapter is fairly long. Sorry everyone! I promise I will kill the upcoming chapters shorter! Thanks for all your reviews and emails! I love them! :D XOXO

***Disclaimer: I don’t own Hetalia. I make no profit off of this story!

Chapter 10


Alfred sat in front of his bedroom window, looking out at the night sky and all its stars. The room was quiet and empty without Feliciano here to keep him company. Sleeping alone was always one of Alfred’s fears and usually he had his brother or Arthur to crawl in bed with. Arthur…he always felt the safest when he was in his bed. Arthur was under the same roof as him but he could not see him or share his bed…in fear of Ivan’s wrath.

He could not put Arthur in danger for his own foolish insecurities. For all the times they fought and argued, Alfred still valued Arthur’s company and his opinion. On more than one occasion Alfred had displeased Arthur when all he really wanted was his approval and to make him proud. That brought a question to Alfred’s mind. Did he look and think of Arthur as a lover or as a father? He had told Arthur he was ‘like a father figure’ but was that really what he thought? Was it Arthur’s love he sought by attempting to please him? Or was he just a naughty child striving to please their parent and make them proud? Alfred folded his arms on the windowsill and rest his chin in them, thinking back to times when he was a little boy and when his life changed.


Alfred held his younger brother’s hand as they followed behind their father down a dirt road. The three had walked in silence with only their father peeking over his shoulder now and again to make sure they were still there. Their little legs were getting tired, especially Matthew’s who had just gotten over a slight spring cold. Both little boys knew where their father was taking them. He had woken them up this morning saying that they were going to go work and live at a nearby farm while he went out ‘looking’ for a new place for them all to live. Their mother had died a few weeks ago after she had been sick for a while. It was hard for him to remember but both his mother and Matthew always seemed to be sick. He tightened his hand around Matthew’s, always fearing that his brother might join their mother.

When they got to the farm their father started talking to a mean looking man who obviously was scaring his brother due to the fact that Matthew moved closer to him. Alfred could not remember everything his father had said but soon he said ‘goodbye’ to them with a simple smile before walking off. Matthew called to him but he didn’t look back.

“Well, come on, boys! Lets get you both to work!” The mean man took their hands and brought them into the center of the farm that was full of cows, pigs, geese, goats, chickens, ducks, bulls, oxen, sheep, and more. “KIRKLAND!” The man shouted a name and out from the goose house came an older boy with blonde hair and green eyes, cleaning off an egg with a cloth.

“Yes sir?”

“These are our new farmhands! Free of charge! They will be staying with us so I leave it to you to show them the ropes and look after them.”

“But I don’t know anything about children! Let one of the milkmaids watch them!”

“They will be sharing your hayloft so you better get used to them. I have work to do, here.” He shoved the boys to him and stalked off, kicking some free range chickens out of his way. Alfred and Matthew looked up at the blonde haired boy, his younger brother clutching his stuffed bear tightly.

“Um…hello.” He said to the boys. “I’m Arthur Kirkland.”

“I’m Alfred Jones and this is my little brother, Matthew!” Alfred replied.

“How old are you?”

“Well, Matthew is six.” Alfred held up three fingers. “And I don’t remember how old I am.”

“Oh, um…well, that’s okay. You look seven or eight? It doesn’t really matter. I’m twelve winters.”

“Wow! You’re old!” Alfred said and Arthur rolled his eyes.

“Gee, thanks. Come on, I’ll show you around.”

“When will daddy be back?” Matthew finally spoke up in a small voice and Arthur wouldn’t answer him.

A week had passed at their new home and Alfred had come to the conclusion on his own that their father wasn’t coming back. Reading Arthur’s facial expressions when they asked was enough to let him figure it out. He and his brother always did their chores together, gathering eggs and picking crops. They would sometimes help Arthur feed and water the animals. Alfred had gotten to know all the animals on the farms, giving them all respectable names. He especially loved the dog (whom he named ‘Sniffer’) that guarded the farm from animals like foxes and weasels. He was a big white dog with brown spots and mangy fur. Matthew was afraid of the size of the dog so he never wanted to engage in their playful wrestling. There was nothing more Alfred enjoyed then having wet, sloppy kisses from Sniffer.

But then one morning, when he headed outside to collect the eggs, he saw Sniffer staggering up the front walk of the farm. Sniffer had ran off after a weasel a couple of days ago and did not come back until now. Alfred squealed in joy and clapped his hands.

“SNIFFER! Sniffer’s back! Arthur, come see! Sniffer’s back!” Arthur came out from the hogs’ pen with his work shovel and saw the dog stumbling towards Alfred. Arthur looked closely and saw his hindquarter was caked with blood and he was snarling. He gasped ran to Alfred, grabbing him by his arm.

“DON’T GO NEAR HIM!” Arthur shouted and backed them both away from the dog.

“Why not?!” Alfred looked at Sniffer and saw the wound on his body. “Oh no! Sniffer’s hurt! He needs our help, Arthur! Let me go!”

“NO ALFRED! STOP STRUGGLING!” Arthur was trying to balance the shovel and still pull Alfred.

“NO! He needs us! He’s hurt and he’s thirsty!”

“He’s not thirsty!” Arthur saw the corn storage hut and quickly opened the door and threw Alfred inside onto the ears. Alfred tried to push the door open but Arthur had already latched it shut from the outside. Alfred screamed and banged on the wooden door to be let out so he could go to Sniffer. He heard Sniffer growling and snarling outside and he fell silent as it sounded like the dog was fighting something. He jumped when he heard a heavy ‘clunking’ sound and Sniffer’s yelp before the snarling started up again. The clunking sounds grew louder and more frequent and Alfred started to cry in frustration at being locked up and not knowing what was happening outside. Sniffer’s yelps and growls had finally stopped and it grew quiet outside. Alfred was ready to scream again to be let out when he heard the mean farmer’s voice.

“What the hell happened?”

“He was mad, sir.”

“Shit…now I need a new dog! Get rid of it before it infects something! I want that thing thrown far away from here! Get to it!”

“Yes sir.”

‘Get rid of it?’ Alfred repeated the mean man’s words in his head. Where was Arthur taking Sniffer? Why did he need a new dog? Why couldn’t he hear Sniffer anymore? Alfred cried and banged on the door, not wanting to believe that Sniffer was chased off or worse, dead. His voice became hoarse after a short while of screaming and Arthur took a long time to come and get him out of the corn hut. Finally the door opened and Arthur stood there.

“Come on out, it’s safe now.” Alfred rubbed his red-rimmed eyes and glared at Arthur.

“What did you do to Sniffer?! Where is he? Where’s my dog!” Arthur bit his lip as he tried to think of a way to explain what happened. He managed to usher Alfred of the hut first and sat him up on the duck fence.

“Alfred…Sniffer got very sick.”

“But Matthew gets sick and he always gets better!”

“Yes, but Sniffer had something so bad that he would never have gotten better. I can’t really lie to you, Alfred, I did have to kill him.” Alfred’s eyes widened and his chin trembled as his suspicion was realized.

“NOOO! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DO THAT!? I WANT SNIFFER BACK! YOU’RE SO MEAN, ARTHUR! YOU’RE MEAN!” Arthur grabbed him by his upper hard and gave him a quick shake.

“Listen to me! If Sniffer had bitten you the way he was you would have gotten very sick and would have DIED! He could have bitten me or Matthew or one of the other animals! He wasn’t ‘Sniffer’ anymore! He was sick and confused and mad! He would have gotten to me if I didn’t have that shovel to defend myself! Sometimes you have to make hard decisions like that, Alfred! It was either my life or Sniffer’s, and I chose Sniffer’s.” Arthur looked at Alfred little grief stricken face and he could tell the boy was scared by Arthur’s tone and rough handling. Arthur sighed and tried to think of something else he could say to make Alfred understand.

“Alfred...Sniffer was in a lot of pain. I’ve seen that sickness take over many wild animals before as well as domesticated ones. They can’t remember anything and their bodies cry out in pain and they will continue to suffer until the pain finally kills them. I didn’t want Sniffer to suffer so I did him a favor…I ended his pain early and I know he’s happy wherever he is now, okay? You didn’t want Sniffer to be in pain, did you? Would that be fair?”

“N-No…but-“

“You’re young…I know it’s hard to understand it now but you will when you’re older.” Alfred wiped his eyes and looked at Arthur.

“Where are you taking him?” Arthur was supposed to drop the corpse off far in the woods but he couldn’t tell that to Alfred.

“I…thought we could bury him. I know a very nice spot out in the field by those evergreens. That way, whenever you miss him you can just go there and see him.” Alfred nodded and jumped off the fence.

“I want Matthew.”

“You wait here and I’ll go get him.”

After he had gotten Matthew to join them Alfred held on to his brother’s hand tightly as he watched Arthur struggle to lift the heavy covered bundle into a wheelbarrow. Alfred had wanted to see Sniffer one more time but Arthur had refused to let him. Arthur pushed the wheelbarrow with the two boys following behind him. He was going to suffer for lost time later. Burying Sniffer would take some time. The boys were too little for the shovels and Arthur had to dig down deep enough into the dirt to keep scrounging animals from discovering Sniffer. That would be a sight for Alfred to see and no doubt the boy would be more traumatized then he already was. Arthur should be husking the kernels off the corn ears right now but he would do that late tonight after the other chores. He would be met with a lashing for late work but he couldn’t abandon Alfred’s pain and sorrow right now.

Once Sniffer was buried and Alfred’s tears were dried up they had walked back. Matthew had cried for his brother’s pain and he wouldn’t let go of his hand. Alfred was quiet while walking but he did reach his hand up to hold Arthur’s dirt covered one. Arthur returned the gentle grip. When they got back, the sun had set and the farm was growing dark. Sure enough, Arthur saw the head farmer outside the corn hut and he tensed up.

“KIRKLAND! Where the hell have you been?! These barrels should have been FILLED with kernels right now!” Matthew and Alfred shifted behind Arthur.

“I-I’m sorry, sir. I got caught up in something and-“

“Shut it, kid! You can forget about sleeping tonight! They’re coming to pick these up tomorrow morning! Send those brats to bed and then I will deal with you!”

“Yes sir. Come on.” He ushered the boys over to the storage barn quickly and pushed them inside before sliding the large doors closed.

“Arthur…are you in trouble?” Matthew asked, clutching his bear.

“Don’t worry about it. Up the ladder now, come on. Off with you.” They climbed up the ladder and Arthur watched to make sure they climbed onto their haystack bed covered in blankets. “Now I want you both to go to sleep. No wandering.” Arthur blew out a couple of the lanterns before leaving the boys in the dark. Matthew and Alfred had lay awake for a long time just holding each other and talking before drifting off to sleep.

Alfred’s sleep came in short naps and every time he woke up he thought he was back in his old house only to remember that he was at the farm. Matthew was sound asleep behind him, holding his bear close to his chest. The door to the barn slid open and Alfred looked over the loft to see Arthur’s darkened figure come in. He pretended to be asleep as Arthur slowly climbed up the ladder, hissing and muttering to himself. From the dark he watched Arthur take off his boots and shirt before getting into his actual four-post bed.

Alfred waited until he was settled before sliding off of the hay and tiptoeing over to Arthur’s bed. He hoped Arthur wouldn’t push him away but tonight he was frightened and trouble by everything and he just wanted to feel safe. He used to climb in bed with his parents when he was scared. Matthew never seemed to be troubled in the night he always slept deeply, unlike Alfred.

He sneaked under the covers and climbed up onto the bed next to Arthur who’s back was to him. Alfred’s eyes widened as he saw all the dark lashes and welts on Arthur’s back. It was too dark to see them clearly but they were the same types he saw on the cows when the mean farmer would hit them with a riding crop. Did the mean farmer hit Arthur?

“Alfred…go back to your bed.” He heard Arthur say softly.

“But I’m scared…”

“There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ve already told you there are no ghosts or monsters in the barn.”

“…Arthur…why do you have so many boo-boos on your back?” Arthur chuckled. “That mean farmer hurt you?”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about. Now go back to your bed.”

“No.” Arthur rolled over with a hiss of pain before letting out a sigh. He was now facing Alfred and looking into those large blue eyes that were always visible in the dark.

“I don’t have time for you stubborn-“ Arthur stopped in mid sentence as Alfred curled up into his chest. “No. No you have to go back in your own bed!” He tried to push him away but Alfred held onto his skin with his little hands. “Ouch! Let go!” Alfred said nothing as he continued to hold on to every part of Arthur he could find. “You’re worse than a fungus! Get off of me!” Arthur’s back was screaming in pain and he couldn’t wrestle with him anymore so he just gave up and let the boy snuggle into him. If he wanted to get any sleep in what little was left of the night he would have to surrender to the parasite at his chest.

Weeks had past and all Alfred managed to do was cause trouble for Arthur and the older boy always had to pay for it. He didn’t follow the rules like his brother and he was too curious about everything and anything. Arthur always called him a ‘troublesome pest’ but Alfred didn’t mind. His favorite pastime was playing with the animals. One of the young lambs had grown up since he has been there and Alfred would prance and play with him in the barnyard pen. Alfred had named him Rammy.

“Alfred!” Arthur called his name and Alfred jumped up onto the fence to wave at him. “Look what I’ve got for you.” Arthur smiled and held up a leather ball.

“That’s for me?!” Alfred grinned happily and Arthur nodded.

“Yup! I found it while cleaning out the corner of the barn! Matthew is in the hen house right now. Why don’t you take this ball and go up to the hill to play catch for awhile?”

“But don’t we have work to do?”

“Nah, today is a light work day. I will be busy with the farmer though. And I don’t want to be BOTHERED, okay? This is a special gift I’m giving to you. Now go find Matthew and please listen to what I say. We will be doing big people’s work and it’s not for little boys. Now will you obey me?” Alfred smiled and nodded, taking the ball and leaping over the fence. “What did I tell you about doing that! You’ll break an ankle!”

Alfred just laughed and ignored him, going to find his brother. They started playing catch like Arthur had suggested but it ended with Matthew crying as usual. He always complained Alfred played to rough and would normally cry. Alfred was unimpressed with his crying and looked over at the farm when something caught his eye. He squinted and saw the farmer and Arthur pulling a struggling Rammy into the animal barn.

“I’ll be right back, Mattie!”

“Where are you going?” Mattie asked through his tears. “Arthur said for us to stay here! ALFRED! COME BACK!”

Alfred had already run down the hill and to the animal barn. He snuck up to the closed doors and listened inside. He could hear Rammy’s strangled cries of distress. Ignoring what Arthur told him, Alfred slid open one of the barn doors as silently as he could. He peeked around it and saw Rammy hanging from his hind legs on a rope in the barn. Arthur held Rammy’s front legs still and Alfred stood in shock at the door as the farmer slit the sheep’s throat. Alfred watched the blood pour into a bucket beneath it. Arthur did a double glance when he noticed Alfred standing wide eyed at the door.

“ALFRED!” He shouted. “I TOLD YOU NOT TO COME IN HERE!”

“What’s that brat doing here?!” The farmer hollered and Arthur ran to Alfred to get him out of the barn. Alfred cried out and dodged Arthur’s arms, running towards the sheep and the farmer.

“STOP IT!” He knocked over the bucket of blood and the farmer shouted something angrily as Alfred grabbed the wrist of the hand that was holding the slaughtering knife.

“GET OFF ME!” The farmer tossed him away but Alfred picked up some scattered tin cups and threw one at the farmer’s head. “YOU LITTLE SHIT!” The farmer stormed over to him and Alfred started to regret what he had done and began to tremble. Luckily, Arthur came to his rescue and quickly shielded his small body with his own from an oncoming blow. “DAMN IT, KIRKLAND! GET THAT FUCKING KID OUT OF MY SIGHT BEFORE I KILL HIM!” Arthur wasted no time in scooping Alfred up and rushing him out of the barn.

“YOU KILLED RAMMY!” Alfred cried out in Arthur’s arms but the older boy wasn’t hearing him. Alfred felt how tight Arthur’s arms were around him as he carried him behind one of the hen houses. He got down on one knee and laid Alfred across his raised one. “What are-!” Arthur pulled the back of Alfred’s dirty trousers down to his bare rump and started a series of slaps. Alfred struggled and cried out in Arthur’s firm hold as he was spanked. Arthur finished and pull the pants back up and Alfred fell off his lap, rubbing his backside with angry, tear stained eyes.

“You never listen to me!” Arthur hissed at him. “I told you to stay up on the hill! I told you NOT to come to the barn! Why do you always disobey me?! I have to always cover for you! You always stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong!” Alfred just continued to cry. “No! Your tears will do you no good right now! Do you know how much trouble we are in? That sheep’s meat is going to be sold and that’s how we get money to fill that chubby tummy of yours and keep a roof over our heads! Do you want food in your mouth or a stupid animal with a name? Our priorities are higher! Our quality of life is more important than Rammy’s!”

“I DON’T THINK THAT WAY!” Alfred cried out and covered his eyes with his fists as he cried.

“Then you are a fool, Alfred! I promise you that if you were starving and all you had is Rammy, you wouldn’t hesitate to kill it to feed yourself!”

“BUT RAMMY WOULDN’T EAT US!” Arthur cried out in frustration at the sky.

“YOU’RE IMPOSSIBLE!” Arthur stormed off and left Alfred there crying behind the hen house.

The two didn’t talk for three days until Matthew fell ill one stormy night and Arthur was busy trying to nurse him. The older blonde was called down from the loft by the farmer that night when it was late and Alfred was pretending to be asleep. He lay very still as he listened to what they were saying.

“I don’t want that kid here. He’s sick and who knows what he has! I want him out.” That was the mean farmer’s voice.

“You can’t just get rid of him like that! He’ll die!”

“He could have something that will kill ALL of us! Carry him far into the woods and leave him there. The disease can’t travel to us if he is far away.”

“He doesn’t have a disease! He just has a cold and a fever! I’m not leaving him in the woods to die!”

“You will, and the slave traders are stopping by tomorrow for a donkey but I plan to sell that little shit of a kid to them as well! He causes too much trouble and he’s completely useless!”

“But-“

“Shut your mouth, Kirkland! You’re lucky you’re in a job in the first place! Don’t make it worse for yourself! I want the sick one GONE and the other ready for the slave traders! Do it!” The farmer left the barn and Alfred lay on the hay, trembling in fear for his own life as well as his brothers. Would Arthur really do it? He waited anxiously for Arthur to come back up the ladder. He must have been down there thinking for a long while before he climbed up the ladder with haste.

“I know you’re awake.” He said firmly to Alfred. “Come on, get up! Put your cloak on!” Alfred sat up.

“What’s going on, Arthur?!”

“Don’t ask questions! Get your boots and cloak on, now!” Alfred did so and watched as Arthur wrapped a sick Matthew up in the blanket as well as the one from his own bed. Arthur put his cloak on before carefully picking up Matthew in his arms. “Lets go.”

“Where are going?”

“We’re leaving!” Arthur carefully climbed down the ladder and Alfred followed right after. Arthur tucked Matthew inside his cloak and pulled up his hood. He took Alfred’s hand and they hurried off into the dark night as the heavy rain covered their footprints.

Their escape would soon lead them to a horse breeding establishment where they first met Tino and everything would pick up from there.


Alfred did not know what to do, or what he could do now that he had to worry about Ivan’s wrath. He really wanted to see Arthur, to talk to him and crawl in bed with him for some security. That’s all he wanted, no fooling around under the sheets, no blowjobs or kisses, just those familiar arms around him making him feel at ease.

Alfred had a thought then. What if he just TALKED to Ivan about his and Arthur’s relationship? If he explained to him that it was just a ‘big brother’ or ‘fatherly’ relationship then maybe he would be able to see Arthur without fear of Ivan bashing the green eyed man’s skull in. That was another thing that confused him…Ivan’s savage possessiveness of him. There was no way Ivan got as far as he did in this life being ‘nice’. The man had to have been strong in body and mind to climb this far up the aristocratic ladder. He had to admit that Ivan’s barbaric overprotection of him was sexually stimulating and it made him blush. Alfred always hated when old men would come up to him and flirt, or smack his ass or grope it, or even grab his front. He once had middle class man jump over his market stand to fuck him behind it just because Alfred gave him a wink. If Ivan had been there he could only imagine what his strength and anger would do to them.

He slipped his hand down between his legs to rub himself but immediately stopped at his surprised wanton nature. This wasn’t like him to be so horny and hot for one person. Maybe it was just because he was feeling alone and vulnerable right now? Seeking out Arthur right now would be a mistake before talking to Ivan. And he couldn’t go see Ivan because he was sleeping with his wife tonight. Alfred gulped at the word ‘wife’. Ivan had called him his ‘mistress’ and ‘second wife’, but what did that really mean? The first person he thought to go to was Feliks but it was to late to bother the man now and he also had a depressed Feliciano with him. He had his work cut out for him right there.

Seeing as he had no other options, Alfred got up and went over to his bed, climbing under the covers. He turned onto his side to look out the window at the moon and stars, hoping that sleep would come to him. Tomorrow he would talk to Ivan about Arthur but then he realized that the two have never met. Francis was hiding him and calling him his ‘lover’ so not to raise Ivan’s suspicions. But it wasn’t fair that Arthur had to stay hidden all day. He would be more useful out and about just like he was. It was settled then. He had a plan for tomorrow and as long as he played his words right, bat his lashes and stroked Ivan’s ego, he should have free reign of anything he wants. Feliks had told him that he held more power over Ivan than he knew. ‘You just have to know how to do it’. Alfred smiled and closed his eyes; feeling relaxed and content enough to fall asleep on his own.


Francis opened the door to his room for Arthur to step in first. The blondes’ mood was very lax and sullen all after watching the army leave the manor. His wit was weak and he chose to roll his eyes rather than snapping back at Francis’s words or actions. Arthur went and sat on the bed, sliding his boots off and kicking them out of the way. Francis went over to his window and opened it to let in some night air.

“What’s troubling you, Arthur?” Francis asked, now that they were alone together in the room. He could tell that Arthur was the type to keep his problems out of public ear shot.

“I’m not really sure…I guess just everything in general. All this change.” Francis walked over to the bed and knelt behind him, starting to rub his shoulders. Arthur closed his eyes and let his shoulders relax under Francis’s hands.

“You’re very tense…”

“Pick up a few shovels and chop wood sometime. You’d be stiff too.”

“Come on, love. Tell me what’s wrong? I want to help.”

Arthur hated himself for wanting to confide in Francis but as it was he did not have anyone else to go to. Usually he would complain and rant to Berwald but he wasn’t here. Arthur couldn’t put his finger on his own emotions at the moment but one he did recognize was that he felt lonely. Something about Feliciano’s meltdown this afternoon affected him and he couldn’t figure why. Maybe he was just feeling basic sympathy for a fellow human being. But then why was he allowing Francis to touch him and worse why was he willing to talk to Francis about his emotions?

“I think I’m just missing the farm and the others…I practically raised Alfred and Matthew and that one’s sick and the other is a courtesan to Ivan. And I think about my other friends Berwald and Tino back at the farm while I lay in a soft bed and eat good food…”

“Hmm…well, look at it this way. There are only two mouths to feed rather than five. I’m sure Berwald and Tino are eating more than enough now.”

“I guess you’re right…but I still feel guilty. And Alfred with that creep Ivan…I’ve hardly seen him and I already don’t like him. From the whispers I hear from the servants and the fear I see in their eyes I can’t help but worry for Alfred. What if he ends up with his head mounted on the wall like some buck?” Francis chuckled softly at that but he could actually picture that happening but he wouldn’t tell Arthur.

“Don’t be silly, love. Lord Ivan is just…misunderstood.” That was an understatement.

“Hmph…” Was Arthur’s only reply and he leaned back into Francis’s touch. Francis smiled and bent his head down to nuzzle the short blonde hairs behind Arthur’s ears. Arthur normally would push him away but this time he just closed his eyes and let Francis do as he wished.

When Francis felt no resistance from Arthur he decided to take a chance let his hands travel away from the tense shoulders. If this morning was any indication then Arthur would quickly become aroused. Francis let his hands roam over Arthur’s chest, feeling the normally tight body become loose in his arms. This was the most they had done together without having to restrain Arthur and Francis needed to ask.

“Can we, Arthur?” He whispered in his ear, knowing the man knew what he meant and hoped that the answer was ‘yes’.

Arthur considered Francis’s question carefully. Normally he would have said ‘no’ before Francis could even finish the question. Being left hanging on the closet door and on the brink of orgasm was still fresh in his memory and his body. He hadn’t felt that good in a while and Francis’s talent hands were bringing the feeling back. The only thing holding him back was his pride because he had fought off Francis for quite some time and now he wanted to just give in. All his resistance would seem futile if he just surrendered. And if he did give in, what would happen? Nothing. It would get Francis off his back for a while (hopefully) and he would just be scratching an itch. Anyone asks, he can always deny it.

“Yes.” Arthur turned his head so his lips were close to the other man’s. “So long as you keep out anything ‘weird’.” Francis smiled.

“Aww, you’re old fashioned! I find that adorable!”

“Eh? Old fashioned?! Hey! Listen, blue eyes!” Arthur turned his body around to poke Francis in the chest. “Sex has been done the basic way since the dawn of time! There is nothing ‘old fashioned’ about it! And another thing-!” Francis shut him up with pressing their lips together in a kiss. Arthur wanted to pull away to continue his argument but Francis held his head still while he deepened the kiss. Arthur told himself he would argue the issue later and let himself be kissed.

He thought Francis would be more quick and eager to get the job done but he was surprisingly gentle. His hands roamed over Arthur’s back as he pulled the smaller man closer to him. Arthur moaned softly and wrapped his arms around Francis’s neck as he felt the man start to lower him to the bed. He had never willingly been bottom before but since it was Francis he didn’t seem to care enough. He had to stop thinking and just feel.

“I should be romancing you.” Francis said when he pulled away from the kiss, their lips inches from each other.

“What do you mean?” Arthur panted out the words softly.

“Romancing you. You know, a nice dinner, some wine and roses, a gentle love song or a hot bubble bath-“

“I’m not a woman…what makes you think I would like all that?” Francis smirked and kissed his forehead.

“I know, you’re eager to get the show on the road.” He licked his lips. “And THAT I don’t mind, but I promise you I WILL romance you and you’ll love it.”

“Whatever. Shut up and get back to kissing me.” Arthur lifted his head up so he could lock lips with Francis again. His body was growing hot and he didn’t want loose the feeling by thinking of wine and roses. He was merely out for himself tonight and he wouldn’t promise Francis there would be another ‘time’ for them to do this.

Francis pulled away from the kiss only to start stripping himself of his clothes. Arthur leaned up and wiggled out of his own shirt, tossing it to join with Francis’s clothes on the floor. Francis was naked before he was and when he tried to untie his pants a hand stopped him.

“No, let me do it.” Francis whispered and Arthur moved his hands away and let the other strip the rest of him. Arthur blushed a bit when his body was exposed but he told himself it was just the heat of the summer night and nothing else. Francis carefully rest his weight on him and started kissing down his chest, pinching a nipple before letting his hands follow his lips. Arthur closed his eyes and moaned softly at the still gentle touches and kisses. When was he going to speed things up?

His questioned was answered when Francis’s head rest above his growing erection. Arthur lifted himself a bit to see what Francis was doing. His head fell back to the pillow as a warm tongue started licking at the tip before traveling and swirling around the rest of it. Arthur groaned and arched his hips up to get more contact. Francis read his silent motions and with ease he swallowed Arthur whole in one gulp.

Arthur shot up from the bed and let out a wail of surprise and pleasure at the sudden warmth and suction. Francis was no stranger to this and Alfred could never take all of him in just one go. The feeling was amazing and he started to thrust up into Francis’s hot mouth. He was thoroughly enjoying himself when Francis’s mouth left him and pulled back to lick his lips.

“I don’t want you cumming yet, love. We still have something else to do.” He purred and nuzzled Arthur’s belly.

“Well you’re taking too long with all this sweet stuff! Another time you pervert! Now do what you need to so I can finish or I’m getting up right now and leaving!” He said with an angry flush and Francis chuckled.

“Just this one time because I’m lucky to have gotten this far with you at all. I will obey you for tonight, my little dove. BUT…be forewarned that this man’s love with come at you full force and you will be unable to stop it.” Arthur raised an amused eyebrow at that as he took one of Francis’s hands to bring the fingers to his mouth.

“Oh, I’ll be able to stop it.” Green eyes met blue ones, silently challenging his words and Francis accepted it. He would have the upper hand shortly in this relationship.

“Anything you say, love.” He moaned softly at the feel of Arthur’s tongue swirling around his fingers. He removed them from his mouth and slipped his arm around Arthur’s back. Arthur gasped softly as one of Francis’s fingers pressed into him. “You’re so warm here…” He purred.

“Your finger is cold.” Arthur replied and gasped again as another finger pressed into him, joining the other. Once again he was going to slow but for this particular action Arthur didn’t mind it. He felt his insides slowly relax unlike the other times when he had to force the muscles to relax. They shifted around until they found his sweet spot. Arthur arched forward into Francis with a soft cry. “Hurry…I’m ready! You take forever and I’ve been denied to long! Have some sympathy!”

Francis chuckled and slid Arthur closer to him to comfortably position himself. Arthur moaned as Francis’s member began sliding into him with gentle ease, his body strangely welcoming it. Francis held himself still (much to Arthur’s dismay) and savored the warm feeling of being buried inside his wild mare. Arthur grunted in frustration as he tried to lift his hips enough to start fucking himself on Francis’s erection.

“Always in a rush.” He chuckle and nipped his ear. “Relax…just enjoy the feeling of me nestled inside you.” Arthur actually let out a whine of disappointment then bit his lip for showing such a tiny weakness.

“Please, Francis?” He said softly, mock pleading with him. “Please don’t make me wait…you just feel so good I want all of you right now! Why do you resist me?” Arthur inwardly smirked as he used the own man’s words against him.

“Those pleads aren’t fair…” Francis whimpered as he wanted this moment to last but those words were enough to make his mind go straight to his cock. And it did. Without warning, Francis started a fast and hard thrusting motion that went deep inside him. Arthur arched off the bed and gripped the curly locks of Francis’s hair as he cried out in shock. Long overdue pleasure started filling his body from top to bottom as Francis hit all the right places with just the right force. For a split second Arthur wondered how many lovers Francis had actually been with to be able to reach such accuracy.

“More…Francis…” he panted out and gave a little cry as Francis angled himself and quickened his pace. Arthur started rocking forward onto Francis’s thrusts, crying out his name and letting go of his pride. The thrusts rocked him against the bed and Arthur chose to grip the sheets rather than the man above him. Francis gave a small grunt and with a strength that momentarily surprised Arthur he brought the man’s thin arms up to wrap around his neck.

“Keep them there.” Francis panted out as he slid his own hands under Arthur’s back to hold him close as he kept up his pace. Arthur tightened his arms around the wide shoulders like he was told and closed his eyes, just feeling the pleasure building up inside of him. He bit down on Francis’s collarbone as he felt his release coming on quickly. His muscles tightened around Francis’s member as he let go of the skin to voice his pleasure as he came between them. Francis was only a few second behind him for the clamping of his lover’s muscles were too much for him. He moaned Arthur’s name in his ear as he let himself release into the trembling body beneath him. The two just lay there in each other’s arms completely spent.

“How was that?” Francis panted out with a kiss to Arthur’s temple before pulling out of him.

“It was good…I guess you were right about your skills.” Arthur moved to get up but Francis yanked him back and pulled him in for a deep, passionate kiss. Arthur gave a little moan and opened his mouth to meet Francis’s tongue in a playful duel.

“Does it have to end with just one round?” Francis asked him as he made Arthur lay next to him. Arthur looked at him and smirked, rolling over so he was half laying on Francis’s chest. He held himself up with his hands and stared down at him with a pure look of seduction. He was up for another go for his body was still tingling with aftershock. Since he’s come this far he may as well go the full mile.

“The night is still young.” Arthur purred out before leaning down to kiss him.

That morning after he had tended to Yao, Alfred mentally made a list of what needed to be done today. While Ivan was having breakfast with Yao, he would go check up on his brother’s condition first. After that he would go and talk to Ivan about Arthur and then he would talk to Feliks. He had a busy day ahead but it looks like it would be a great day!

Skipping out to Kiku’s garden hut, he found the dark haired man coming up to the door with a basket of beautiful purple flowers. Alfred called his name and waved to him as they met at the door.

“Hey Kiku! What kind of flowers are those? They’re so pretty!”

“Hm? Oh, these are Irises. We grow a lot of them at the far side of the garden by the pond. Would you like one?” Alfred grinned.

“Yeah!” Kiku gave him one and Alfred held it to his chest, giving it a sniff. “Do you make all these flowers beautiful like this?” Kiku flushed at the comment but chuckled softly.

“N-no, they all look like that. I just help the flowers grow to their full perfection. It takes a lot of work and a LOT of time.”

“Well, you must work magic then! I’ve never seen flowers so pretty before until I came here!”

“Thank you for the kind compliment, Alfred.” He smiled softly. “Um…I guess you’re here to see your brother?”

“Yes, how is he doing?” Kiku open the door and let him in.

“Quite well. His fever broke sometime early this morning and now he’s just resting. He’s probably exhausted from the fever and hallucinations.” Alfred nodded and went over to his bedside. “Try not to wake him.” Kiku whispered and Alfred gave him a thumbs up. Matthew’s face was back to its normal pale appearance as his breathing was soft and smooth. Alfred smiled and stroked his cheek with the back of his hand. The door flew open and Gilbert came barreling in, startling the two men.

“Is Mattie awake yet?” He asked and was holding a bouquet of hydrangeas that were cruelly ripped up from the base of their bush. Kiku’s face turned blue and he started to tremble.

“M-my hydrangeas!” His legs turned to water and he had to hold on to the back of his chair to keep from falling. Kiku stared at the large clump of dirt at the base with its white roots sticking out and there was even a WORM still wiggling around.

“Yeah! Aren’t they pretty! I thought of Mattie when I saw them! I wanted to give them to him.” Alfred smiled.

“That’s very nice of you, Gilbert.”

“Yes…it is a very kind gesture…” Kiku said softly, brooding at the table.

“His fever broke so now we’re letting him sleep so lets not bother him.” Alfred offered and Gilbert understood.

“Sure, no problem.” He placed the hydrangeas on Kiku’s table, some of the dirt falling off the roots and littering the surface. Kiku just watched with a heavy heart as a lone roly-poly bug made a drastic escape to the floor and for a second Kiku wanted to tuck and roll with it. “I’ll just leave these here. I have troop training today now that Ludwig’s not here. Speaking of which, have you seen Feli? Is he committing suicide by suffocating himself in Francis’s pasta dish?” He laughed at his own joke.

“I’m going to go see him today and you shouldn’t be so mean when he’s obviously heartbroken.” Alfred said as he stood up to face Gilbert who just slapped him on the arm.

“It’s all in good faith! No worries! I’ll be seeing you around then!” he said and left the hut. Alfred looked back at Kiku who was staring at the clump of dirt and the mess on the table.

“Um…would you like help cleaning that up?” He offered.

“No thank you…I’ll just…put these in…in water until…Matthew wakes up.” He flicked a speck of dirt into the air.

“Oh…um, okay? I’ll be back later to peek in on Mattie, okay?”

“Yes. Have a good day, Alfred.”

“Y-yeah…you too.” He said and left the hut, a bit confused with Kiku’s sudden change in mood.

Alfred went back into the manor and asked a servant if Ivan was finished with breakfast. The servant had said yes and that he had gone to his office to do some work. Alfred thanked them and made his way to Ivan’s office. He was a bit timid about speaking to him concerning Arthur but he had to be brave. He held more control than he knew. He just had to keep telling his mind that. With a deep breath he knocked on Ivan’s office door.

“Yes? Who is it?”

“It’s Alfred, sir.”

“Ah, you’re always welcomed in my office, Alfred! Do come in.” Alfred struggled to pull open the heavy door but he did and stepped inside. Ivan smiled at him from his desk full of papers. “Good morning to you, my Little Rose. I’m glad you’re a here for that saves me the trouble of finding you. I have some good news for you.”

“What is it, sir?”

“An old friend of mine, Eduard, has accepted my request to help tutor you in reading and writing. Eduard is a fine teacher and I expect you to do your very best in learning all he is teaching you.” Alfred nodded and smiled.

“I can’t wait to learn, Lord Ivan! I’m very excited about it!”

“Perfect, because if you are going to be my second wife you have to show SOME type of noble upbringing.” Alfred wanted to say that there was nothing wrong with his upbringing but made a wiser choice and kept his mouth shut. “Now, what is it you came to see me for?”

“Lord Ivan, I have something to ask of you.” Alfred said as he walked over to Ivan and plopped in his lap. Ivan gave a little ‘oof’ sound but wrapped his arms around Alfred’s slim waist.

“What is it, Little Rose?” Ivan nuzzled his ear.

“It’s about a old friend of mine…a very good and dear friend to whom I owe a lot.” Ivan pulled his head back to look at him.

“A friend?”

“Yes, you see, his name is Arthur. Arthur Kirkland. And he helped raise my brother and I when our father left us to work on a farm.”

“I…see.” Ivan frowned a bit, not liking where this story was going.

“And well…it was always the five of us: me, Matthew, Arthur, Berwald, and Tino at the farm. Arthur is like my big brother…he always protects me and stands up for me. And he even followed me here to make sure I was okay!”

“Where is this Arthur? Is he here?”

“Yes he is. He is actually staying with Francis. I think the two of them are an item or something. But last night I was really lonely and whenever I felt that way as a little boy I would crawl into bed with Arthur. I wanted to crawl into bed with you but you were already sleeping with Yao. I doubt your wife would want me squeezing in between…and I followed your commands and didn’t seek out Arthur to share his bed. We wouldn’t have done anything! I swear it! It’s just a comfort thing…that’s all.” Ivan looked at him seriously and tightened his hold around Alfred’s waist.

“Little Rose, just what is it you are asking me?”

“Well…I’m asking that…on night when you are with Yao and I am feeling lonely, may I sleep with Arthur? I don’t really care if Francis is there…I just like the comfort of safe company. I’ve been through a lot of sad and scary things in my life…I need the security and comfort of someone trustworthy.” He brought his face in to kiss Ivan’s lips. “Arthur would just be a substitute for my stupid boyish fears…if you are alone in your bed I will ALWAYS come to you.” He kissed him again and hugged his head into his neck. “Please, Ivan?”

“How can I say no to you when you butter me up like that.” He chuckled and nipped at Alfred’s neck. “I give you permission to lay with your friend Arthur when I am not available. I will have to meet this Arthur of yours. I want to personally thank him for keeping you safe and helping you grow so you could become mine.” He hugged him close.

“Thank you, Ivan!” He kissed him again. “And if I’m a ‘Little Rose’, then you’re my Big Sunflower!” He pinched his nose and Ivan snorted a bit before smirked.

“ ‘Big Sunflower’? Hmm…I like it. Just don’t call me that in front of anyone. Only when we are alone.”

“Yes sir.”

“Now run along, I have a lot of work to do before the masquerade ball.”

“M-Masquerade ball? What’s that?” Ivan smiled and tapped his quill tip against some paper.

“It’s just a big party that all the nobles and lords go to on the first night in August. Everyone dresses in their best clothes and everyone wears a distinctive eye mask.” Alfred smiled.

“Wow! That sounds like a lot of fun!” Ivan shrugged his shoulders.

“It makes a night go by. Now shoo.” He smirked and slapped his ass playfully. Alfred didn’t mind it and he just smiled at him.

“Yes sir. Don’t work to hard. And thank you for all you do! If you’re not busy tonight with Yao, maybe we could spend some time together?” He let his eyes meet Ivan’s violet ones and he saw the same sparkle of mischief and lust in those depths.

“After Yao goes to bed. My chamber door will be open and I will want you to bring me a bottle of vodka.” Alfred winked and bowed to him before leaving the room.

Once the door was closed, Ivan growled and snapped the quill pen in half. He wondered who that blonde man was with Francis all the time. He had seen him around. So that was this ‘Arthur’ he spoke so fondly of and whom he wishes to lay with. He trusted Alfred to come to him first if he was available like he said, but he didn’t know this Arthur. The two weren’t blood related and if they all lived alone on a farm in the middle of nowhere then something had to be going on. Maybe it wasn’t anything major because Alfred was a clear virgin but that doesn’t mean they didn’t fool around.

He had to get to the bottom of this before he maimed someone. First he would go and talk to Arthur to find out what their relationship was. If he couldn’t get the truth out of Arthur then Ivan would have to turn to his brother, Matthew. Alfred seemed the type to share things with his brother and with some passive aggressive threatening he bet he could make his brother spill everything if Arthur didn’t.

Ivan smirked to himself and opened one of his drawers to take out a thin dagger. He had many weapons all over the manor for just a case like this. He tucked it into his belt before leaving his office, whistling as he did. As he walked through the halls to go to the kitchen he noticed the servants looking wary of him. The servants knew that when Lord Ivan walked with his hands behind his back and whistled, something was about to happen. Knowing that only made Ivan put a little spring in his step.

When he got to the kitchens he could smell something sweet baking and knew Francis was making a dessert. Ivan peeked around the frame and saw Francis decorating a cake and the blonde man Arthur sitting at the island table talking to him. Ivan stepped in then and cleared his throat, making the two men look over at him.

“Lord Ivan!” Francis quickly bowed and Arthur bowed his head, swallowing hard. He knew he would have to meet Ivan eventually.

“Good morning, Francis. I never got around to it but I’ve seen you with this man, Arthur, before.” Arthur looked at him, wondering how he knew his name.

“Um…yes, this is Arthur Kirkland. He’s-“

“Alfred’s caregiver and big brother figure, yes?” Arthur was dumbstruck but nodded. Something wasn’t right.

“Well Arthur, it is a pleasure to meet you! Alfred was telling me so much about you! He said you were planning on staying here since you are seeing Francis, correct?” Arthur wanted to protest but figured now wasn’t the best time when he didn’t even know what was going on.

“Yeah…I am seeing Francis…we’re lovers.” Ivan chuckled and looked at Francis.

“Don’t be afraid to ask me to keep your lovers around, Francis. I trust you enough to make good decisions when you bring strangers into my house.” Francis gulped softly but nodded.

“Yes…thank you, sir. I’ve been meaning to tell you but you’ve been busy.”

“Ah, it’s not a problem. But I would like to get to know you more, Arthur. Why don’t you come into my office and I’ll enroll you in my services here.” Arthur looked at Francis who jutted his head towards Ivan, telling Arthur to go with him. Arthur got off the stool and cautiously walked over to Ivan. “What pretty green eyes you have! It’s a shame your eyebrows are so big.” Ivan playfully gripped the ends of both Arthur’s eyebrows and pulled.

“OW!” Ivan laughed and ruffled his hair.

“Come along then. Don’t be shy, Arthur. I’m really quite friendly, aren’t I, Francis?”

“The nicest guy I know!” Francis replied with a smile and waved with a spatula. Francis was well trained for he knew what to say.

Arthur walked a few steps behind Ivan, getting a good look at the size of the man. He was fairly tall and broad shouldered. He wore such big clothes for the summer and Arthur couldn’t tell if he was fat or just solid. The longer he followed the more nervous he had become. His mouth was dry and his hands were sweaty. When they finally came to Ivan’s office the man opened the door for him and smiled.

“Go on in, have a seat.” Arthur held his breath and walked into the office. Ivan closed the door behind them.

End Chapter 10 TBC