Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Decadence Escaping
By : FlayraDowitcher
Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers
Views: 2961 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.
Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
***Warnings: Mild violence, crude talk, oral, some fluff

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia

Chapter 10

Alfred couldn’t help the fact that his legs were trembling at the sight of all the cloaked outlaws. He was seriously outnumbered and Ivan was flopping around in the net like a fish. As the outlaws proceeded to the ground floor not one wavered in loosing their bow. Never in his life has he had so many pointed objects closing in on him. Seeing that he was clearly outnumbered and these men were far more skilled than him, he dropped his bow and put his hands up.

“We’re just travelers passing through!” Alfred said. “We don’t mean any harm!” The outlaws stopped their pursuit but still kept their arrows pointed. If they did not have the upper hand Alfred would have yelled at them for having so many arrows pointed at one single man. He had learned from the past not to speak sarcasm to those above you. He saw two of the outlaws go to their horse and start taking the furs. “HEY! THOSE ARE OURS!” Alfred called.

“Yes, and we thank you for your generous donation!” The outlaw said with a mocking laugh.

“Just take what you want and let us go!” Ivan shouted from the net.

“Hey captain! This guy’s got silver hair!” Ivan looked up at the voice and saw that two outlaws were on the rope bridge above him. “I think he’s from the mountains.”

“From the mountains, you say?” The man who could only be the captain looked up at Ivan in the net and smirked. “Ah, I do believe you are right. Silver hair means he’s from the Cycra area!” The man laughed. “Sons of dogs, they are! And I don’t mean that as a joke either!” The other outlaws laughed with him and Ivan grinned dangerously through the diamond shaped net.

“Lower me down and say that to my face.” Ivan challenged him and the captain just laughed.

“HEY! LET GO OF ME!” Alfred was grabbed from behind but kicked his feet up to nail a few outlaws in their chest or face. They tried to grab his legs but Alfred continued to struggle and peddle his legs wildly in their hold. “I SAID LET ME GO!”

“Calm down, little guy! We just want these fine garments you’re wearing and THEN we’ll let you go!”

“NO! THEY’RE MINE YOU THIEF!” Alfred words fell on deaf ears as the outlaws started to yank and tug at his clothes. Many hands were holding him down as he was forcibly stripped, first his cloak and then his tunic. Alfred could hear Ivan shouting and cursing for them to stop but he was ignored. He may have been held down but with all his squirming Alfred made sure to keep it difficult for them.

“Wait, stop!” Shouted one of the outlaws stripping him and they did but kept their hold on him. “Look, he has a slave’s brand!” The man pointed to the burn mark. “He’s a slave.”

“I’m not a slave anymore!” Alfred protested. “I am free man! Both myself and my lover!” He felt all the hands lifted from him and Alfred scrambled to his feet, fixing his clothes.

“Captain! They are escaped slaves!” Another shouted over to him.

“Shit!” Cursed the captain. “The leader says we have to let them go…” The captain looked up at the two outlaws above Ivan. “LOWER HIM TO THE GROUND!” The men gripped the ropes and set to gently lower Ivan back to the ground. When the net landed on the ground and the top loosened, Ivan easily removed himself from its confinement. He turned to the captain and glared at him, cracking his knuckles.

“Anything else you wish to say to me?” The captain crossed his arms and turned away, giving the floor to another outlaw who lowered his hood. The man was plain looking with dirt smeared all over his face.

“We’re sorry but we did not know you were slaves. You were both dressed in fine clothing…those of fur traders.” Alfred pushed through the men and hurried over to Ivan to stand by his side. “We are friends to all those less fortunate and seeking a better life for themselves.”

“We’re heading to the Northern city.” Alfred told him. “We were told there is freedom for slaves there.”

“I don’t know much about it but our leader does. Not that man over there…he’s just our captain. Our clan has helped many slaves cross the road to the Northern city.”

“Really?” Alfred smiled and looked to Ivan. “What do you think?” Ivan just shook his head.

“I don’t trust them.”

“We really did not mean for all this to happen. This is one of our prime stalking grounds for travelers and imperial soldiers. I know it is a very dark and dreary place filled with the dead but many travelers pass through here. It’s a shortcut to the Northern city. Why don’t you both come with us and speak to our leader? He really can help you. We have warm food, fresh water and beds. You’d be fools to pass up a few days of good rest.”

“Come on, Ivan! They won’t do anything to us, they’re outlaws! They’re almost in the same boat as us.”

“Your lover speaks true.” Ivan thought about it for a moment and the idea of some proper food made his stomach rumble.

“Very well. We will accept your hospitality.” Alfred smiled at Ivan’s approval and hugged him tight.

The same outlaw who spoke to them also escorted them through the woods as they made their way to the camp. The man explained to them about how the imperial guards had destroyed the magic wielders village some time ago. He said that their village and his camp had been working together for years as one unique clan. The outlaw’s leader was apparently a descendant of the magic wielders and had founded this particular band of outlaws. Many of the items or goods they steal are either used for themselves or sold in the Northern city. The man explained that their leader would hide the slaves in his cart on his way to sell the necessary items and smuggle them in. The procedure of smuggling seemed reasonable but Ivan would still have to talk to the leader himself before they proceeded further.

Ivan was expecting a village hidden among trees but instead they were led to a cave. The man took their horse by the reigns and told them that the village was deep inside the cave. Another outlaw, appearing to be one on watch duty, greeted them and lit a torch to light their way. Alfred was a bit skeptical about going inside but Ivan assured him that it was safe. The outlaw led them inside and they walked quite a ways before they could see more lights up ahead. When they were at the entrance of the village the two couldn’t believe their eyes. It was a large open area made entirely out of stones and rocks from floor to ceiling. A variety of huts stood in no particular order or arrangement. It was almost like a very small city hidden within the side of a mountain.

“What is this place?” Ivan asked him.

“It used to be an ancient burial tomb for the earlier Emperors and their families. The bodies have long since been cleaned out and have been an outlaw’s hideout for centuries!”

“Wow, this is amazing!” Alfred said and looked all around the hideout. “Why don’t they use this anymore?”

“I’ve been told that the earlier people thought if you buried your family members nearby they would come back from the dead. But if you buried them very far away then they would never be able to find their way back.”

“It’s all superstition, Alfred.” Ivan told him.

“I can tell our leader is not back yet from the city but I will help you get situated.”

The man took their horse and gave it to the stable hand to care for. They had only four horses so the make-shift stable was very small and in the far corner of the tomb. Above them was a crisscross rope bridge with various lanterns handing from the sides. Someone walks along the bridge and lights up all the lanterns to give them light. Various other wall torches and fire pits were scattered throughout the area. Families of the outlaws looked at them as the two men were brought to the center of the tomb. In the middle of the floor there was a large stone pit with a blazing fire and a pyre above it. Along the iron rod there were various cooked carcasses of hunted animals. The man sat them both down on one of the rugs and woman brought them two charred boar legs. Ivan and Alfred both stared at the seasoned meat they held and then looked at each other.

“Is this for real?” Alfred asked.

“It’s one thing I want to be real!” Ivan licked his lips and felt the drool dribble down his chin before he sank his teeth into the meat. Alfred had a harder time biting into the tough meat but Ivan was already nearing the bone of his.

“We have more than enough meat for you.” Said the woman with a smile. “Eat all you want. I even some rabbit stew on the fire. I will bring you both a bowl.”

They half listened to her speak but focused more on the meat. Another young girl brought over a small bucket of water with a ladle for them to drink. Alfred filled the ladle and slurped it loudly, shivering at the mixed feeling of hot meat and cool water pooling in his belly. Ivan had finished his boars’ leg and was greedily sucking on the bone, trying to get every last bit of meat he could. The woman handed him another piece of meat, this one without a bone. Ivan held it in both hands and grinned madly as he sank his teeth into it.

Alfred was still working on his first piece of meat and he had to admit Ivan’s way of eating was a bit disturbing. He knew Ivan, like himself, was not fed well in their time of slavery. Ivan had slightly better food but it was never anything fresh like this. If Alfred wasn’t wrong, he could have sworn Ivan was growling as he ate. The meat was a bit raw and Alfred could see the red juices dripping down Ivan’s chin and neck. He wasn’t sure what urged him to do it but Alfred leaned closer to him and licked at a stream of juice. Ivan paused in his eating and looked at him with the meat dangling between his teeth. Alfred just blinked at him and shrugged his shoulders, feeling slightly embarrassed. Ivan dropped the meat into his hands and held it out to Alfred, offering him some.

“Haha, no, that’s okay, Ivan. I have my own.”

“I thought you wanted some…”

“No, I’m fine. I don’t know why I did that…just eat your fill, okay? And don’t forget to drink some water. I don’t want you choking.” Ivan nodded and used the ladle to drink as much water as he could. He tried to pick up the bucket to chug it but Alfred was able to stop him. “Ivan…I know we’re very hungry and thirsty but we are still guests here. These people need to drink as well, you know.”

“Ah…you’re right. I just got excited.” He cleared his throat and went back to eating his meat.

Alfred had finally finished his and eagerly accepted another charred leg of some animal. Now that his stomach and brain were registering his body had food it threw him into an eating frenzy, just like Ivan. When their second round of meat was done they were given the rabbit stew, which didn’t last long. Now that their bellies were filled, the outlaw from before took them to a small tent where they could rest. The two men were able to lie comfortably on the pile of blanket-like fabrics but they couldn’t stand up in it. If Ivan sat up his head would reach the top. At the moment, the two rather be lying down beside one another while their bellies digested the food. Ivan couldn’t remember a time when he was exhausted from food and not from hard labor.

“Hey Ivan? Do you think they’ll let us stay here for a few days?”

“I doubt we can stay and lounge around…we’d have to help them in some way. You know, pull our weight around. We do need to build up our strength.” Alfred smiled and gave a pleasant sigh, rubbing his slightly bloated belly.

“Damn…I haven’t eaten this good since the winter festival in my city.” He turned to Ivan. “What kind of celebrations did your tribe have, Ivan?”

“They weren’t necessarily ‘celebrations’ but rather days where we ‘give thanks’ to our tribal spirits and other deities. We would tell stories and dress up like the spirits and dance around. Nothing exciting.”

“Sounds like fun to me.” Alfred turned his gaze back to the fabric ceiling and pat his belly, waiting for the slight gnawing pain of fullness to dull. It was a pleasant ache that he wouldn’t mind having again. He felt Ivan staring at him and he turned to see that the sense was right. Ivan was on his side with his head resting in a folded arm, smiling at him with heavy eyes. “What’s that look for?”

“I never get tired of looking at you.”

“That can be taken as a little creepy, Ivan. But I like it.” He turned on his side as well to face him.

“You’re my everything, Alfred. I know I haven’t been…well, you know what I mean. But I really love and cherish you. It must sound odd coming from someone like me.”

“No! It’s not odd at all! I like it.” He smiled.

“Then may I ask you something?”

“Sure, ask me anything.”

“Will you marry me?” Alfred blinked at him, both surprised and taken back by the question.

“Marry you? But…that’s kind of a…man and woman thing, isn’t it?”

“It’s the same process. We have a little ceremony, share some vows, and then consummate. The only difference is we can’t have children so we don’t have to worry about producing ‘legitimate’ heirs. It’s simply laying claim to one another and promising to share a life together. And we wouldn’t have to legalize it either. It’s just a little something for us. What do you say?”

“Well, I-“

“Wait! Don’t say anything!”

“Eh?” Alfred was confused and a little put off by Ivan’s large grin.

“I’m going to do this the Cycraian way!”

“Which is…?”

“I can’t tell you! I have to show you! But it is going to be a special surprise, which means we’re going to be staying here for a few days.”

“Really Ivan? That’s great news! We could use some decent rest.”

“Yes, and then we can-“ A voice interrupted them.

“Hello? I’m peeking in.” A blonde haired man with large eyebrows poked his head in. “Am I interrupting anything?”

“Who are you?” Alfred asked and sat up.

“Ah, I’m Arthur, the leader of this band of outlaws. Come on out.” Arthur moved so Ivan and Alfred could crawl out of the tent to greet him. “So, you got caught in one of our snares?”

“He did.” Alfred jutted his thumb towards Ivan who just rolled his eyes. “I’m Alfred and this is Ivan.”

“Pleasure. And I was told you’re escaped slaves on your way to the Northern city?”

“Yes.” Ivan replied. “We were told that you have helped others like us cross safely into the city.” Arthur nodded.

“I have. But I have just come from there after trading some goods and it’s best to lay low for a while. The imperial guards are swarming the city as the workers are gathering up the iron. You’re more than welcomed to remain here until my next trip in, but not for free.” Ivan smiled at Alfred.

“See? I told you we’d have to pull our weight around here.”

“I don’t mind.” Alfred smiled at Arthur. “Thanks for letting us stay here! You’re taking a big risk holding slaves like us.” Arthur chuckle and threw his arm out to the bustling of the inhabitants.

“Look at all these men and their families. All of them are wanted for something…some minor and some extreme. Everyone here is a big risk to each other. You’re in good company. Now, what can you do? Being slaves I’m sure you’ve had to do a lot of hard labor and with Ivan’s build we can defiantly use him around for heavy lifting.”

“Yes. I’m very familiar with building and fixing things. I was trained a fighter more than a laborer. And Alfred was…um…” Ivan wasn’t sure how to refer to him.

“A pleasure slave.” Alfred said easily and Ivan just looked at him. “What? It’s the truth. I’m a free man now so I don’t care anymore. But my father was a very well known blacksmith in my city so I’m fairly good at making that kind of stuff! I’m not the best but I could defiantly help out.”

“Ah, we don’t have a blacksmith here. We more or less rob what we need.” Ivan smiled and pat Alfred’s shoulder.

“He needs to build up some labor skills. There’s no reason why he can’t stay with me and help with lifting.” Alfred pouted. “Love, if we’re going to build our cabin together you have to learn at least the fundamentals of structure.”

“Build a cabin? Are you thinking of setting up house somewhere?” Arthur asked them and then noticed Ivan’s silver hair and violet eyes. “Wait! I can’t believe I didn’t recognize it before! You’re Cycraian, aren’t you?” Ivan just nodded. “I should have known by your features and your scarf.”

“We’re trying to find his white buffalo tribe or at least join up with another. After we’ve been in the city for a bit, that is.” Alfred said.

“White buffalo? You know, I do have a man here who is from the mountain tribes as well. He’s in his middle years but said he was part of the White Mountain Lion tribe.” Ivan’s eyes blinked in surprise.

“Yes, I know them. They were one of the clans closest to us yet they lived further below our mountain territory. May I speak with him? It has been at least fifteen years since I’ve talked with someone who understands my culture.” Alfred gave him an annoyed look but said nothing. He understood what Ivan meant but it still stung him a bit.

“I will take you to him. Follow me.” Arthur led them through the huts and tents until they stopped at a middle-aged man sitting on a log. He was sharpening the edge of a stick, which appeared to be the beginning of an arrow. The man didn’t look up until Arthur spoke. “Will?” The blue-eyed man looked up at the sound of his name and gasped when he saw Ivan.

“You’re of the tribes!” He said in awe and Ivan just nodded.

“Buffalo.” He replied.

“Mountain Lion. Please, sit.”

Ivan nodded again and turned to Alfred, asking him if he could have some time alone. Alfred agreed and he left with Arthur for a grand tour. The two tribal men sat beside each other as they spoke of old times and traditions. Ivan had to ask about the other tribes and if the man knew of any that were still around. Will looked sadden as he explained to Ivan what had happened to his tribe as well as a few others in his area. They had been ambushed and destroyed in the same manner that Ivan’s tribe had experienced. Since they were more primitive the imperial soldiers easily overtook them, burning their homes and snatching the inhabitants for slaves. He had also mentioned that most of the tribes have broken up after the raids and formed smaller, more manageable tribes. It was easier to move from place to place with smaller numbers as the empire expanded.

After hearing the man’s stories Ivan had felt all his hope of finding a tribe float away from his spirit. The world was changing rapidly and pushing out the old ways of living. Will had pointed out that even the forests were being destroyed for resources and expansion. After a couple of decades the woods they were currently hiding in would cease to exist. With all of the production there would be less animals in the area, which would make the food supply extremely low for the remaining tribes.

Now Ivan was faced with an even greater challenge. If they did, by some chance, find a tribe then they would always be on the run. The tribe wouldn’t be able to stay in one place for long so he and Alfred couldn’t settle down. They needed the protection and stability of a tribe if they were to survive in the mountains. Just the two of them living alone in a small cabin wouldn’t be enough, especially in the snowy woods. They would face starving packs of wolves, stampedes of elks, wandering bears, night cats, mountain lions, wild horses, and many more that would kill them off easily. Just a bear alone would be enough to destroy their cabin and with the size of the animal, just two men couldn’t fend it off. Ivan remembered when an angry mother bear had tore through his village, swiping her massive paws wildly as they destroyed huts and smashed the skulls of men. It had taken almost seven men to bring it down, a few lassoing it with a rope to hold it still while the others used their hunting weapons to kill it. Even the sled dogs were circling it, snapping at the massive feet.

The tribe ate for weeks off of that bear and her cubs but that was with the manpower of skilled hunters. All a bear would need to hunt them is one piece of meat hanging out to dry and they’d be killed. Alfred doesn’t even have the skills yet to take on something so gigantic as a mountain bear. Their pelts were so thick that arrows did very little damage to it when penetrated. Alfred would have to fire more arrows than his quiver could carry take down something of that size. It would take his lover quite some time to learn all the skills that he needs to survive and hunt in the wilderness. Alfred, being from the city, had never even slaughtered his own kill but bought the meat already fixed and packaged. It would take Alfred some time getting use to the massive change of environment and culture but he was certain the young man would come to like it. He was a little worried and frightened now because everything was new to him but with the right training and experience Alfred would make a fine addition to any tribe. He was fast, light footed, and agile. The man just needed to be taught how to use all of that effectively. Ivan decided that when they weren’t working with the outlaws he would take the extra time to start training Alfred. That way, if they do stumble upon a tribe they will find him useful rather than excess baggage.

“Well…thank you for sharing all this with me, Will. I am rather saddened that the world as we know it has come to this.” Will nodded sadly in agreement.

“It’s not just the tribal sizes that have changed but the system as well.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, many leaders inherit the right to control a tribe through their bloodline but that has changed. Now that the tribes are smaller…men have been fighting each other for the title of ‘leader’.” Ivan frowned at the floor, draping his arms limply over his knees. “They are turning against one another.”

“I don’t want to have to live in the city.” Ivan told him. “Alfred is from the city, the capital city really. And I know once we get to the Northern city he may not want to leave…at least not right away. Now that I know all this about the tribes I’m not sure if it is safe to find one.”

“True, but if you live in the city you still run the risk of the empire fucking you over somehow. Yes, it is a safe haven for slaves but what if the current emperor dies and another takes his place? That one may just change everything. Or what if they find other means to gather iron? Then they won’t need to kowtow to the Northern city. At least with the tribes, you can always escape. And you’re a trained fighter so you would have no trouble taking over a tribe. I’m sure your skills in the art of combat are nothing like what the tribes have seen or can even do.”

Ivan hadn’t thought about it that way but there remained one issue with being a leader that he did not have. A woman. The tribe would not accept Alfred as they would a woman and Ivan wasn’t even certain that his lover would take kindly to being second best. Alfred, he knew, could gain a hearty confidence in himself and show exceptional courage. It was Alfred that gave him the courage, hope, and strength to even make it this far. The young man had some flaws along the way but he also was not used to the extreme climate and conditions of the woods. As he had thought before, Alfred would be very useful in a tribe but wouldn’t settle for a woman’s role. They couldn’t share a wife because multiple marriages were frowned upon and infidelity was equally as bad. And Alfred couldn’t reproduce, something else that would be spit upon. Too much hatred and drama would come with being a leader so he would have to scratch that off of his list. There may even come a day where Alfred might challenge him for the role of leader for he could see him doing that. He wouldn’t win but he would offer a challenge. The very idea of it tickled him and he found himself chuckling softly.

“What’s funny?” Will asked.

“Nothing. I was just lost in thought for a moment. I guess I’ll have to see where things go once I get to the city. Thank you for your time.” The two shook hands.

“I wish you and your friend luck. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

“Thank you.”

“So, you wield magic?” Alfred asked Arthur while they toured the grounds.

“I’m a descendant of magic wielders, so yes.”

“What exactly do you do with it? Turn people into frogs?” Arthur looked at him with an annoyed look.

“No, nothing of the sort. I mostly do healing, protection, and cursing spells.” Alfred took a moment to register the words and he got an idea. One that would help Ivan if Arthur was all that he said to be.

“Hey, do you think you could keep Ivan from seeing ghosts?” The two paused in their walking.

“Ghosts? What do you mean? Spirits?”

“Aren’t they the same thing?” Alfred asked and Arthur just shook his head.

“Not technically. If he’s from the mountain tribes then he must believe in the gods and spirits that wonder there.”

“Ha! Ivan is very anti-gods and spirits. He doesn’t believe in them and says they’re just stories to explain things we can’t understand. Yet he is always seeing either the Dark Wolf or the buffalo spirit or ghosts of those he’s killed. He gets strange dreams that he reads as messages and warnings. I think they are really haunting him. So what I’m asking is, do you have any spell that would help him stop seeing these things? Or…are they really real?”

“Well, the magic wielders and mountain tribes have never gotten along well do to these types of religious beliefs. They believe in deities while we believe in the earth working together as a whole to create. It’s extremely complicated and difficult to explain if you don’t come from the background but I may have something that could help him. It’s a simple woven talisman that he can wear to fend off anything that is trying to hurt him. But he has to believe in the magic for it to work.”

“So you don’t believe in all the tribal gods?”

“No, I don’t believe in them. What he is seeing and dreaming about could be anything astronomical. He may even, if you don’t mind me saying, be a little funny in the head.” Arthur tapped his temple as he looked at Alfred. “No doubt he has come from a very harsh life so it wouldn’t surprise me if he was a bit loopy.” Alfred sighed.

“Yeah, I can see that. I haven’t been in slavery as long as he has so it’s understandable.” They continued to walk. “Even if he is crazy he is still very special to me.”

“So you two are lovers?” Alfred smiled and nodded.

“Yup! We desired each other from afar even though we were in the same house. As I said before, I was a pleasure slave who spent most of his time with Ivan’s trainer and master.”

“That must have been hard…being a slave with no will of your own.”

“It was horrible. For a while I protested and fought but I would be punishment with either a harsh beating or even torture. It wasn’t worth it so I hated silently…and then started to share that hate with Ivan. He has suffered much more than I. You know, before I was taken I always thought that I could fight off anybody and get out of anything. I was fearless and nothing could scare me. But once I was actually in those situations…where I had no actual control or power…I was scared.”

“There’s no shame in that, Alfred.” Arthur said. “The world is filled with cruel and frightening things. We don’t think about them until we actually come face to face with it and then we have a completely different reaction.”

“In the city, when I was growing up I would get into fights with other boys all the time. I always won. But…” Alfred’s hand went up to his throat and rubbed it gently. “But when you’re father is killed right in front you…and you are taken away by an organized crime group to pay off debts…and you’re raped with a dagger pressed to your throat…all rational thought seems to leave you.” Arthur put his hand on Alfred’s back.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. I could have let them slit my throat and leave me to die but I rather be alive.”

“Alive you can change things.” Alfred smiled at Arthur’s reply.

“Exactly. If I’m dead, then I lose. If I live, then I can change things. I had to help put that mentality into Ivan’s head if we were to escape together. I think before he met me he was slowly falling into a depression that he would have let kill him. I don’t truly know his heart but that’s what I think. To many we must look like a very odd pair. But we understand each other on a different level than most people do. We come from such a harsh and brutal living that we have to grasp happiness when we can get it. And in a slave’s life it’s just as hard to hold on to it for everything is working against you. Right now, Ivan and I only have each other in this world. I’m sure it’s like that for you guys here as well.” Arthur chuckled.

“We outlaws have a lot in common with slaves. It’s true, we are free men but we do not live an honest life. With the way the world is this life is all we have and we try to make the best of it. This band is more of a family than just a group. Many people here have been shunned from society and have nothing else. They come here seeking acceptance and looking to belong. I do my best to give it to them.”

“And you’ve done a great job, Arthur! Everyone seems very happy here so you’re doing something right.”

“Thank you for noticing.”

“Alfred!” The both turned to see Ivan coming up to them.

“Did you have fun talking to Will?” Alfred asked him.

“Yes…I’ve learned some things that we have to discuss, but we will in time.”

“Just take the time to enjoy the rest of the evening, okay?” Arthur offered them. “Every night we have a celebration and I would like you two to enjoy it with us.” Alfred grinned.

“Yes! I love parties!”

“We eat, drink and dance.” Arthur said and Alfred gave a ‘whoop’ of excitement. “I don’t dance, though.”

“Neither do I.” Ivan said with a smile.

“Then I will do all the dancing for you! Loosen up a bit, you guys!”

“Shall we head to the town center, then? The musicians will be starting shortly.”

Ivan sat with a group of men around one of the fires, indulging in some heavy ale drinking. The men passed the jugs around as they laughed and joked about various subjects, most of them being about women. Alfred was out in the dancing crowd, grandstanding for the most part. Ivan had never seen Alfred dance but wasn’t surprised at his skills for it. The young girls seemed to enjoy it and they were swarming around him like bees to honey. Alfred didn’t seem to mind it at all, probably reliving happier times in the city where he claimed to be popular with the girls. Ivan never denied it about Alfred but now he could see just how his lover was so popular. He was surprised that he felt very little jealously of Alfred paying more attention to the girls than him. If they had been men they would have found the ale jugs smashed against their skulls. Ivan felt something like a nut or a pebble thrown at him to get his attention.

“Hey Ivan!” It was one of the outlaws that had lowered him down from the net. “Stop staring at the kid! He’s chatting up the ladies!”

“Yes, I can see that.”

“Maybe the kid will get lucky! The girls are thrilled to have a young one around here other than us old farts!” Laughed another.

“Alfred’s never lain with a woman before.” Ivan pointed out and all the men in the circle let out shouts of surprised protests. “He’s never had the opportunity when he was a slave.”

“What’s stopping him now?” One asked and Ivan pointed to himself.

“He’s with me.” They all booed him teasingly.

“You can’t deny him THAT! Women are the whole reason us men were born with these!” Another said and pointed to his crotch before taking a swig from the jug. “I’m sure you’ve had women.” Ivan nodded and accepted the jug as it was passed.

“Yes. I’ve had my fair share of women.”

“Slave girls, I’m assuming?” Asked another.

“Mostly. Although I’ve been called on by a noble woman or two…because their old skinny husbands couldn’t satisfy them.”

“So there’s no, say, scheduled time or anything for sleeping around? I’ve heard slaves are very scheduled and stuff like that.”

“Yes, most of the time I was forced to sleep with women because the head masters wanted to breed out stronger slaves.” One of the older men shook his head.

“That’s horrible.”

“It wouldn’t stop me!” Laughed a particular drunk who nearly dropped the ale as it was passed to him. Ivan was not going to waste his time explaining his reasoning to a bunch of drunken men.

“So that’s why you don’t sleep with women anymore? You were forced?” Asked another.

“The system for it was disgusting.” Ivan answered. “If you had been there, you’d understand. I wouldn’t immediately ‘deny’ a willing woman if the situation was right, I’m not dead.” They all laughed and even Ivan found himself chuckling. “I just prefer him. You don’t get all the emotional baggage with a man as you do a woman and you don’t have to be gentle.”

“Pfft, depends on the lady!” Laughed another and few agreed. “Uh oh, looks like he’s found one!” Ivan looked back over to Alfred who was speaking to a girl around his age with brown curls and freckles.

“I think that’s Rosemary.” Said one, squinting through his liquored blurred eyes. “She’d be good for him.”

“No.” Ivan stated firmly and the other men all hollered at him in protest.

“Loosen up! All men need to experience it! You’re holding back his god-given right!” Ivan just smiled and shrugged his shoulders, taking another swig of the ale.

“He’ll chicken out if I let him go.” Ivan saw Alfred look over at him as the girl took both his hands in hers, trying to pull him away.

“One gold coin saying he doesn’t chicken out.” Said the first outlaw and Ivan raised his eyebrows a bit.

“You’re on.”

Ivan accepted the bet and waved his hand in the air, silently signaling for Alfred to go with her. Maybe it was the booze making him so lenient and agreeable but at least he wasn’t threatened by Alfred’s choice. He trusted his love not to drop what they had together over one night with a girl. Alfred smiled again at him as he let the girl lead him out of sight.

“He’ll be fine! Let me tell you about my first!” Said another and Ivan just slumped against the log, dreading the long night of exaggerated ‘first time’ drunken stories.

By early the next morning, Ivan was asleep in their little tent when he felt the blankets shifting around him. He blinked his eyes open and turned to Alfred’s side, hoping to see his lover there. Alfred let out a content sigh as he lay on his back and wiggled around a bit. Ivan knew that relaxed, smug look anywhere and he frowned at the loss of a gold coin. His ‘fist’ would have to say differently.

“So…did you enjoy yourself?” Ivan asked him and Alfred flashed him a smile.

“Yeah! It was totally different than what I’m used to!”

“Imagine that.” Ivan said with a hint of sarcasm.

“I’m really surprised you let me go with her! I thought you said I could never sleep with anyone other than you!”

“Ah, that was the booze talking but…I realized that a woman was much better than a man for you. And you should experience it as well. I saw the look on your face when she was trying to lead you away and I couldn’t say ‘no’ to it. Just like I can’t say ‘no’ to you with many things.” Alfred smiled and rolled over to cuddle into him.

“I still prefer you. The pleasure with her was NOTHING like the pleasure you give me. But it wasn’t unpleasant at all! It was a different kind of pleasure and release all together!” Ivan wrapped his arms around him and smiled, nuzzling his nose into the wheat colored hair. “Hey Ivan? Is it normal for a father to chase you around after he catches you in bed with his daughter?” Ivan scoffed.

“Yes. Very normal. Although, if she was that quick to welcome you to her bed then you weren’t the first she’s had. And you won’t be the last. That’s just what fathers do…and brothers too. I remember one time I caught my big sister and one of the boys from the village alone together. She was noticeably popular with the boys because she had a very big chest and this guy she was with I didn’t like. She made one unpleasant face when he touched her and I chased him with a sickle. He never came around her again. It’s a protective thing.”

“Ah, okay. But I feel a little bad…”

“Don’t. It was her decision. Now, we have some work and training to do today.”

“Huh? Training? But I’m tired! I want to sleep!” Ivan let out a laugh.

“Oh no! You were out having fun all night, not working hard! I don’t take that as an excuse. I have to start training you to survive properly in the woods!”

“But…but just…one little nap? Please?” He whined.

“No. Get up.” Ivan sat up from the blankets but Alfred immediately pushed him back down. The smaller man straddled his lap and smirked at him, resting his rump against Ivan’s semi-hard erection. Alfred never ceased to turn him on.

“How about this? If you are wide awake after some heavy sex we can go train. But if you’re exhausted and tired then we sleep until Arthur hits us with a broom to wake up.”

“Deal.”

This was his second deal in the past day but this was one he was sure to win. Alfred leaned down and kissed him, softly at first before letting it become more passionate. Ivan moaned into his mouth and stroked the length of Alfred’s body, stopping at the linen pants to push them down. Alfred wiggled out of them but had to remove himself from Ivan shortly to slip off his boots. Once he was naked from the waist down, he surprised Ivan by sitting between his legs and not back on his lap. Alfred pulled Ivan’s pants down just enough to free his erection, his lips going straight to the base to give a little nibble. He preferred the smell of Ivan’s arousal to that of the girls’ and he found himself growing painfully hard. Ivan’s moans urged him on and he kissed his way up the engorged length to the tip, giving it a lick. He sucked on the tip, lapping at it with his tongue a few times before slowly taking him in all the way. He felt Ivan’s back arch into his mouth and his cock press deeper into his throat. Alfred easily opened his throat to take it in and suck more of Ivan that was offered.

Ivan ran his hand through Alfred’s hair as those moist lips sucked up and down his length with just the right amount of pressure. His tongue swirled and dance with every suck, making Ivan’s head roll back against the blankets. He gripped Alfred hair in his fist and forced him to move faster with his bobbing motions. Alfred did not protest but groaned deeply around his cock, sending little vibrations that made his balls grow tight as he neared completion. He felt Alfred’s teeth gently bite at the base and it was enough to make his body release into that hot mouth. Alfred greedily swallowed every bit and surprised him by sucking hard to pull every last drop from him. The extreme pressure made him gasp out with another small orgasm. Once Alfred had finished sucking him dry he pulled away and licked his lips.

“I bet we’re feeling very tired right now, aren’t we?” Alfred winked at him.

“You little rat.” Ivan was not going to let himself be controlled by Alfred’s seductive wiles so he cut the pleasure off here. He tossed Alfred’s pants back to him and stood on his knees to fix his own.

“Hey! We’re not done yet! Our deal was full sex! That was just a bonus for you!”

“Nice try, but that was trickery on your part.” He poked Alfred’s nose. “You never mentioned sucking me off, only sex. Therefore, you broke your end of the deal.” He grinned.

“Oh, fuck you!” Alfred grumbled and pulled his pants on before slipping into his boots.

“We have some heavy training to start. I want you to become almost as good as me.” Ivan smiled sweetly.

“What if I become better?” Alfred said with a snobbish tone.

“You won’t.”

“Oh yeah? Well we’ll see about that!”

They had picked a deserted spot in the tomb where they could begin Alfred’s training. Alfred was off to a rocky start but he blamed it on his lack of sleep. Ivan wouldn’t hear any of it and continued knocking him around. They started off with basic hand-to-hand combat. He had already taught Alfred how to properly punch so now came defense and techniques. Alfred did well with the beginning exercises, which Ivan knew he would be able to. The young man could do many sit-ups and push-ups, even having to show off by doing a handstand. Agility was something Ivan had very little of and Alfred could run marathons around in that department. Ivan was certain that if he taught Alfred to use his agility correctly he wouldn’t have to depend on brute force like he did. Ivan even preferred brute force because he was well trained in it. There was something exciting about smashing a person’s face into the wall or twisting their heads around to hear a satisfying ‘crack’. That wasn’t Alfred’s type of attack.

Alfred had caught on quick to the swift movements, easily dodging many of Ivan’s faux attacks. Ivan wasn’t using his full skills or Alfred would be dead by now. The chances of Alfred meeting up with someone who was trained to fight like himself were extremely slim. Though he was pleased with how fast Alfred was learning, he was getting a bit annoyed at all the strikes his lover was landing him. They had agreed on just taps or pokes and Alfred was delivering many of each. If he didn’t love the man he would have let his fist ‘slip’ and knock him back a few steps. He did have some pride in his fighting ability.

When it came to using blunt objects Alfred was having some trouble. He could wield them easily but couldn’t do it for long. Ivan made a note to work on building up Alfred’s endurance for heavy maneuvering. He was doing well with a sword but had to use two hands to wield it. With proper muscle building he would be able to hold it with one hand. He was handy with the spear because it was lighter and he knew to use it in more ways than just stabbing. Alfred had used his spear to whack wildly at Ivan’s and succeeded in breaking it in half. Ivan looked at the two pieces of split wood in his hands and Alfred laughed triumphantly. Ivan took this opportunity to lightly tap Alfred’s shoulders with both sticks. If he had used his full strength with the sticks he would have split Alfred’s collarbones. When they had finished with the spears Alfred wanted to try out Ivan’s morning star but the man wouldn’t allow it. One thing Alfred didn’t need to be doing was swinging around a spiked iron ball. A weapon like that could easily swing out of grip if it wasn’t held right. Alfred had protested but eventually gave up and went on to do more reps.

By the end of the training session, Alfred was laying flat on his back and panting softly. He thought he would have blisters on his hands from all the weapon gripping but he was free of that. His body ached from the intense workout that Ivan gave him. He knew after a few more sessions of the exercise his body would get used to it. Ivan was a slave driver and he had to laugh at the irony of that. He knew his lover was only trying to better him so they could work as a team. Alfred heard some giggling and looked to his right to see three young girls watching him. One of them was the girl, Rosemary, whom he had slept with last night. Alfred grinned and immediately leapt up from the floor. They giggled and clapped at his little performance.

“You were so great, Alfred!” One said.

“Yeah! You’re so fast to learn!” Said another. “Show us what you can do!”

Alfred couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show off his new skills. He knew he was a showoff sometimes and this was one of those times. He had just been with Rosemary last night and she must have told her friends about him so he had to keep up appearances. Plus, he could show Ivan what he had learned today! Ivan was fussing around with the broken spear so Alfred tiptoed over to him.

“Hey Ivan, think fast!” Ivan turned and was met with Alfred’s elbow nailing him under his chin. Ivan had not been expecting anything like this so he stumbled back and fell to the ground. Alfred blinked in surprise and gulped a bit. “W-Whoops…heh heh…sorry Ivan! But you didn’t think fast enough!” He laughed proudly and the girls clapped in excitement.

“I see…so that’s how it is. We’ve gotten openly cocky.” Ivan smirked and wiped the blood from his mouth. He stood up and Alfred just smiled sheepishly at him. He never actually expected to HIT Ivan. Ivan cracked his knuckles. “You want to rumble, Mr. Hero? All right then, let’s rumble. We’ll show the ladies who the real alpha is.” The girls squealed with excitement and Alfred had to prepare himself for the fight of his life.

End Chapter 10 TBC
- 9
- 10
- 11
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Decadence Escaping	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 2961 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.

Decadence Escaping