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A Storm of Sunflowers	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 4890 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or any of the characters. This story is strictly for fun and for the enjoyment of fans.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
***Warning: Hardcore yaoi ahead!

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia

Chapter 14

“Say you’ll marry me.”

Ivan’s words struck him like a thunderbolt to the head, leaving him completely stunned and silent. Alfred thought Ivan had been joking around when he called him his ‘second wife’ that last time. He never in all his life thought that Ivan would ask him to marry him. Alfred did owe a lot to the man and Ivan had just granted one of his biggest wishes by gifting him with a pair of glasses. But how could he actually marry the man? Ivan was already married to Yao and he couldn’t have two wives, could he? That would mean a one-way ticket out the top window of Yao’s room.

“Alfred? You haven’t answered me.” Ivan’s voice made him turn his eyes to those violet ones, which were serious and unblinking. It was hard to read Ivan’s emotions but Alfred was fairly certain that the man was not playing around.

“I…I…well…Ivan…this is all so…shocking. I wasn’t…expecting something like this!” Ivan’s arms tightened around his waist a bit harder than before. “B-but how is it possible for us to marry? You are married to Yao.”

“Yes, I am married to Yao. But I plan on getting the king’s permission to legally marry you.”

“B-but what about Yao?”

“That is for me to worry about, yes?” Ivan smiled softly. “I understand Yao better than you do so trust me on this. I will deal with Yao.”

“B-but I…I…w-what if Yao tries to do me in! Like that other guy!” Ivan smirked at that and chuckled.

“Toris and Feliks telling tales? I assure you that was completely accidental. Yao just happened to be there when it happened. Yao wouldn’t stoop so low as to push someone out a window. He acts more smoothly than that.” Knowing that didn’t make Alfred feel any better it just made Yao unpredictable. “Now, I don’t want you to worry about Yao but I do want your answer.” His gripped tightened again on Alfred’s waist and he gasped a bit.

“Ivan…of course I would marry you.” He said with a small smile. “I’m just…worried about all the complications that will come with our union.” Ivan smiled and gave him a deep kiss before he pulled away.

“You don’t have to worry about politics, let me take care of all that. I just want the world and the court to know that you are my wife, my Winter Rose.”

“I thought I was ‘Little Rose’?” Ivan smiled.

“I will call you that when the weather is warm but for now you are my Winter Rose. Now say in all honesty that you will marry me. I will give you three minutes to think it over. Starting now.” His grip tightened again and his breath hitched.

Alfred wasn’t sure what his real feelings were for Ivan because it was way to soon in their relationship. Or at least that’s what he thought. Saying ‘no’ to Ivan would result in death and he liked living. What would Arthur think when he found out that he was going to marrying Ivan? Arthur would flip out and do something crazy. And if he married Ivan he would never see the farm again. He could go and visit of course, but it wouldn’t be the same. And since he was going to be a wife now, would he still be allowed to send money and support the farm? So many questions were bouncing around in his head and the biggest one was if he would be comfortable living a noble life. But as things stood now, he’s damned if he does and he’s damned if he doesn’t. ‘Control yourself, Alfred…you can do this.’ He said to himself then looked back to Ivan.

“Yes Ivan, I will marry you…and I would be honored to become your wife.”

Ivan’s lips pressed hard against his as he passionately kissed Alfred’s cold lips. Alfred gasped softly into the kiss and let his arms wrap around Ivan’s neck. Ivan’s tongue pushed through his lips and he started to devour his mouth with more force than ever. Alfred made sounds of gargled gasps as it felt like Ivan’s tongue was thrusting down his throat. It was a feeling that at first appalled him but then quickly turned to excitement as he felt Ivan’s growing erection press up against his leggings.

“I know where we can go.” Ivan said when he pulled away from Alfred’s swollen lips. Alfred let out a gasp as he sucked in some much needed air.

“G-go?” He asked as Ivan lifted him up in his arms and brought him to the horses.

“You’ll see! I have a little ‘something’ that needs to be taken care of.” Alfred blushed at his lustful smirk and knew what that ‘something’ was. He placed Alfred on his stallion’s saddle before climbing up behind him. Ivan untied both horses and he kicked his into a slow gallop. “You’re going to need this horse when I’m done with you.” He said to Alfred and nipped at his ear. Alfred shuddered against him and felt his lower half grow hot, first in his belly and then in his groin.

It was a short time before Ivan brought the horses to a halt inside a cluster of trees. Alfred looked in front of them and saw an old hunter’s cabin. Was Ivan actually serious about having sex in the middle of nowhere in a small little cabin? It was more of a hut than a cabin. Ivan helped him down off the horse and tied them up again before choosing to carry Alfred into the hut.

“I used to come to this hut as a child and pretend it was my castle.” Ivan said as he shoved the door opened. The small room was old and cold, without a bed or any real furniture, just four walls and a floor.

“I-Ivan…isn’t it a little…cold to do it out here?” Alfred looked at him and Ivan paid his words no mind as he lowered them both gently to the icy floor. Alfred didn’t feel the cold on his back right away because of the fur but it was starting to seep through. Ivan covered his smaller body with his own so they were nose to nose.

“My sweet Winter Rose…you have pleased me beyond my wildest dreams today. To hear those words from your mouth are like a siren’s song. Now you will be completely mine to posses and cherish throughout our days.” He pushed the hat off of Alfred’s head and pushed his bangs back. “These eyes…” He took the glasses off. “These picturesque eyes are mine. Close them.” Alfred did so and felt Ivan’s cold lips kiss both lids. “And this nose,” he kissed it “And this mouth,” He kissed it before continuing the journey of his lips over Alfred’s skin.

Alfred shivered from the cold as his coat was unbuttoned and spread open around him. He gasped when Ivan ripped his tunic to mercilessly attack the skin beneath as his mouth continued its conquering of his body. Alfred couldn’t help but moan and writhe under Ivan’s mouth as his tongue circled a peaked nipple made hard from the cold. Alfred clutched at Ivan’s coated back and arched his body forward to press further against the hot mouth. Ivan shoved him back down to the cold floor as he made his way to Alfred’s belly button, biting and sucking so he would leave a litter of red spotted marks.

“Ivan…!” Alfred gasped out as his breath vaporized before him.

Ivan’s hands went to his leggings and started to pull them down until they were wrapped around his ankles. Ivan lifted Alfred’s locked legs over his head as he settled his face and mouth about Alfred’s hardening erection. Alfred’s body protested at the cold biting against his naked body but he started to warm up as he felt Ivan puffing clouds of his hot breath into the air around his member. The tingling sensation from hot to cold in a second made Alfred shudder and his cock jerk.

Ivan wouldn’t let up on his puffs of heated pleasure as he slid his hand up Alfred’s body to force his gloved fingers into Alfred’s mouth. Alfred was going to ask him to take the gloves off but they were shoved to far back to do anything but suck on them. The leather tasted stale and heavy as he wrapped his tongue around the encased digits. He gripped Ivan’s wrist with both his hands so the man could not take his fingers away until they were good and wet. When Ivan removed his gloved fingers from his mouth he settled himself lower between Alfred’s legs so he could take his ‘wife’s’ manhood into his mouth and press two fingers fully inside.

Alfred shot up from the floor with a cry of pleasure and gripped Ivan’s hair for support at the sudden duel sensation. Ivan sucked his length as the leather clad fingers thrust in and out of him. Alfred’s body was growing hot but the cold air was clashing with his heated skin and making him shiver. Never before had his body experienced so many conflicting feelings and they were threatening to overload his brain and body. Ivan scissored his fingers and stretched him but purposefully making sure not to strike his prostate. Alfred tried to push again him to make him touch that special spot and whined in frustration as Ivan’s fingers expertly avoided his motions.

“Ivan! Please s-s-stop te-te-asing!” His teeth chattered from the cold as he tried to speak clearly. Ivan pulled his mouth and fingers away at Alfred’s plea and looked up at him to see those blue eyes lusted over with a furious need. It was the entire look that Ivan needed to cum right then and there but he held it in. It was painful now but would be well worth it in the end.

“Do you want me, Alfred?” Ivan whispered out as he lifted Alfred’s still locked legs up and over his head to settle at his waist.

“Yes…yes I w-want y-you I-Ivan!” Alfred flushed as he could hear the wantonness in his own voice. “P-please Ivan!”

“Please what?” Ivan smirked as he shifted his long coat out of the way to unbuckle his pants. Alfred flushed and looked away, his body hot with excitement yet shivering against the cold. “Please what, Alfred?” Ivan pulled his engorged erection out and pressed it against Alfred.

“P-please t-t-take me!”

“Uh, uh, uh.” Ivan said with a singsong voice. “Try your choice of words again, my Winter Rose.” His erection was throbbing with the need for release but he couldn’t let this situation go just for his own satisfaction.

“M-Make l-l-love to m-me?” Alfred gasped out as he felt Ivan press just slightly against him.

“That’s for our wedding night.” Alfred’s face blushed a deep red as he said the words Ivan wanted to hear.

“F-F-Fuck me, I-Ivan!”

That was all he wanted to hear before he shoved into Alfred’s tight cavern, moaning at the warmth that surrounded him. Alfred’s head fell back against the cold floor and he voiced his pleasure to the silent air around them. Ivan stretched and filled him to his inner most parts, the pressure being a welcoming weight against his prostate. His fingers laced through Ivan’s hair and gripped the short strands, curling his body forward as Ivan started a pace of deep, pounding thrusts.

This time around, the extreme pleasure that was being unleashed on his body was unlike the other few times. Ivan’s powerful thrusts were striking his prostate and setting his body alight with hot waves of pleasure. Beads of sweat speckled his forehead and chest but quickly turned cold as the frigid air kissed at them. Alfred’s back and waist were already aching at his bent angle but he just could not lie flat on his back. His body was able to feel and experience more of Ivan’s cock deep inside him. Their forehead rest against each other and hot breath danced together in a spiral of vapor.

“Say you’re mine…” Ivan huffed out, keeping his steady pace.

“I-I’m yours…!” Alfred panted out and let out a shrieked gasp at a particularly hard thrust. “Yours…”

“You will truly become one with me…say it again…who do you belong to.”

“Y-you…! AH! MORE!”

“Say it again…my Winter Rose.”

“Y-YOU IVAN!”

Ivan growled in a harsh manner and slammed Alfred’s shoulders down to hard frozen floor as he bit down painfully on a soft spot of his neck not far from his jugular. Alfred’s eyes filled with tears of pleasured pain and his cock twitched as it threatened to release. He felt the trickles of blood dance down his frosty body before Ivan moved his mouth away to lick and lap at the droplets.

When Ivan lifted his head to look down at him while still thrusting, Alfred saw the blood, his blood, smeared around Ivan’s lips. Alfred’s eyes widened at the sight of Ivan’s facial features, reminding him of a predator that had just killed. Ivan’s grin was large and would be frightening in any other circumstances. But as for now, the animalistic side of Ivan was more than enough to make Alfred’s body cry out for more of the dangerous pleasure.

Dangerous…that word wrung in his head as his lust-sated eyes gazed up at the rocking ceiling above him. His body was burning cold…burning cold with- and he stopped, eyes widening. Burning cold…his dream…that purple flame…it was hot yet burned cold. His body was burning hot but aching with cold. Ivan was that purple flame and his person was a perfect likeness of it. But Alfred was to wrapped up in unbearable pleasure to think clearly about it now.

“Cum for me, my Winter Rose!”

His body tensed up as Alfred felt his own climax coming on. Ivan reached between them and started stroking Alfred who didn’t need a lot of work before coming between them. Ivan shivered with the hot seed of his Alfred as it struck his cold belly and with a couple more hard thrusts, he shot his load into Alfred’s tightening muscles. Alfred’s stomach clenched and his eyes rolled back in his head as he could feel the burning heat of Ivan’s seed warming his insides. He whined pitifully as Ivan pulled out of him and the heat was gone. Ivan held his breath as he licked his lips clean of Alfred’s blood so he could lean down and lovingly kiss the smaller body beneath him.

“My Little Rose, are you all right?” Alfred just panted up at him and nodded, blushed with afterglow.

“M-More than all right…” he reached his gloved hand up to stroke Ivan’s cheek. Ivan rest his larger hand on top of Alfred’s and held it tight, closing his eyes peacefully.

“My Alfred…my soon-to-be wife…your touch is so soft, kind and gentle…I own these hands now. They are mine.” He kissed Alfred’s palm.

“Y-yes…” Alfred said before his legs were lifted up over Ivan’s head and then he helped pull the leggings back up. Ivan was going to button up Alfred’s coat but saw the blood still trickling down his neck and shoulder to plop on the floor. Ivan purred and leaned down to lap at it again, licking the wound clean of the blood.

“I have something very special I want you to wear to hide this mark. This mark will forever scar you but it proves that you are mine.” Alfred just tilted his head back as Ivan continued to lick the wound clean until it had ceased its bleeding. Afterwards, he buttoned up Alfred’s coat and fixed his own pants before pulling his lover up from the floor. Alfred’s legs buckled underneath him and Ivan caught him before he fell.

“S-sorry…st-still feeling good.” Alfred said with a smile and wasn’t surprised when Ivan lifted him into his arms to carry him back outside.

“I’m honored to have pleasured you so much, my love. But we cannot let the others know what we did. I’m afraid you’ll have to ride on your own horse.” Alfred nodded and let Ivan help him back onto his white mare. Once Ivan was mounted they untied the horses to go back to the others.

Arthur was still atop his horse, looking around with slight worry wondering where they had gone. His first thought was that Ivan had turned into some kind of werewolf and eaten Alfred. But in reality, he thought they may have lost their way or fell down a snow slope.

“Don’t worry, Arthur.” Katsyusha said as she walked her horse up to him. “Ivan knows these woods very well so I can assure you they are both all right.”

“But what is taking them so long?”

“They’re probably just having a little romp in the woods.” Francis said next to him on his own horse, giving him a wink. Arthur glared at Francis and gave him a sneer when Katsyusha let out a small gasp.

“Oh no…don’t tell me that Alfred is my brother’s-“ She blushed when she couldn’t say the word and Arthur had to share in her reaction. Francis just chuckled nervously.

“Well…you would have found out sooner or later…”

“Poor Yao…I have got to talk to my brother about the things he does!”

‘Good luck with that.’ Arthur said with a sigh and then perked up when he heard the sound of hoof beats coming towards them. Ivan and Alfred both appeared from a gathering of trees and joined the other three in the clearing.

“Welcome back you two! I was starting to freeze over here!” Francis said with good cheer. The first thing Arthur noticed was the pair of glasses Alfred was wearing. He was also flushed (despite the cold) and his breathing was heavy. Arthur knew then just what they were doing.

“A-Alfred? Where did those glasses come from?” Arthur asked and Alfred smiled proudly.

“Lord Ivan gave them to me for doing such a good job with everything! Aren’t they wonderful! I can see EVERYTHING now!” Arthur frowned a bit as he wanted to be the one to surprise Alfred with a pair of glasses one day. But it was more important to him that Alfred was able to see.

“Ah, you look very handsome, Alfred!” Katsyusha said politely.

“Yeah, they frame your face perfectly.” Francis said and Arthur just nodded. “Oh, and I’d hate to ruin all the fun but if Lady Katsyusha wants a freshly baked cake I will need to get started on that soon.” She smiled at Francis.

“Absolutely! I think we’ve done enough riding today and judging by the sky we may be getting some sleet our way.”

When they got back to Wolf Hall, Ivan immediately escorted Alfred inside much to the surprise and confusion of Arthur. Ivan ignored any servants and their looks as he held Alfred’s hand in his own, bringing him through various halls and up stairs. Alfred’s lower body was pleasurably sore and he had tried to keep up with Ivan’s long strides as best he could. They walked up a small flight of stairs that led to a wooden door and the small area was lit by two iron torch stands. Ivan smiled at Alfred as he reached into his coat pocket and took out a heavy key.

“This is my parent’s room. When I am here I am obligated to hold the key and only I can let people in.” He stuck the big key into the lock hole. “Katsyusha does it when I’m not here.” He turned the key and jiggled it a bit before a ‘clicking’ sound was heard. Ivan pushed it open and let Alfred step inside first. He pulled his coat tightly around him for the room was terribly cold. Everything was neatly in place but some decorations and furniture were dusty.

“It’s nice…but what did you bring me in here for?” Ivan smiled and closed the door behind them.

“Two reasons. One, I have some things to give you and two, this is going to be your room…as well as ‘my’ room.” Alfred gulped.

“W-why isn’t…Y-Yao staying in here?” Ivan laughed.

“It’s funny, actually! He wouldn’t stay here the last time we visited because that bed was where I was born, along with my sisters. He thought it was a little disturbing.” Alfred hung his head a bit and shivered, for he thought it was a little disturbing as well. But then again, his mother died in the same bed he and Mattie were born in. Plus, the sheets were clean and fresh (as they could be). “I will have the servants come in here and clean it first. You will be staying with Francis and Arthur for another night.

“Okay, sure.” Alfred said with a nod and then Ivan took his hand and brought them over to a trunk.

“This is what I wanted to show you.” He pushed in the brass buttons and unlocked the flaps before opening the large chest. Inside were various pieces of warm clothing made from fur and wool. Most of the fur was white or grey. “The clothing in here is my mother’s. She was tall like you so you will fit into these perfectly. Feliks may have to do a bit of mending here and there.” Alfred looked at him again, his eyebrows up in worry.

“Ivan…I appreciate EVERYTHING you are doing for me and giving to me…but I fear you are putting me on REALLY bad grounds with Yao. I want him to try and be a friend rather than an enemy.” Ivan stroked his cheek and smiled.

“I told you not to worry about Yao, okay? My feelings for you are very different then they are for him. Yao could never fit into my mother’s clothing for he is too short. The whole outfits would have to be redone. I want very little change made to these.”

“But-“

“Besides, they are going to waste being locked up in this chest. Most of the furs in here are either mink, cashmere, white fox, or rabbit. Very hard to come by and they are all expensive. Better to reuse than buy new, yes?” Ivan smiled gleefully and Alfred gave a lopsided smile in return. Ivan had a point about saving money and not buying anything new…but these were his mother’s clothes.

“They are all beautiful, Ivan…but are you sure you want me wearing these? They are your mother’s.”

“All the more reason for you to wear them. They mean a lot to me so I would like to see you in them. My mother never wore many dresses because she liked to ride, so you will find many leggings, pants, and tunics in here.” Ivan noticed Alfred still looked nervous and worried about the whole thing so he had to reassure him everything would be fine. “Look, after we let our ‘engagement’ be known, one of the things we will tell Yao is that he gets all the brand new clothes since he’s the first wife and you get hand-me-downs.” He grinned.

“I…I guess that will work. W-When are we going to tell everyone?” Arthur was going to kill him.

“We’ll find an appropriate time, don’t worry. For now we will act like nothing is different. However, I do want you to wear this and cover up my mark.”

Ivan rustled through the clothing and pulled out a red velvet piece of material with a brass button. He loosed the golden tassels before laying it on the floor between them. He carefully unfolded the flaps to reveal some pieces of jewelry from rings, to bracelets, and necklaces. One piece that caught Alfred’s eye was a thick white choker with a blue pendant in the center. It was simple yet elegant and Ivan’s hands went right to it.

“I want you to wear this all the time to hide my mark and it will also show your new status as ‘Lady Alfred Braginski.’” Alfred flushed at the title as Ivan held up the choker to put it around his neck. Alfred moved the coat down to his shoulders and Ivan carefully wrapped it around and tied the back. “It is not too tight?”

“No…it’s just right.” Alfred brought his hand up to feel the pendant and the texture of the material.

“It’s velvet. You will find a lot of clothing in this mountainous area to be primarily fur, wool, and velvet. Velvet is a heavier material than most but light enough to keep your body comfortable. Besides…the blue pedant is a sapphire and it matches your eyes…and that white…well, you can expect to be dressed in many whites and reds.” Ivan grinned.

“W-why white and red?”

“White for your purity and red for your lustfulness. My mother has many white clothing and Feliks will be fitting you soon for more clothes!”

Ivan seemed more excited about this than he was. What was bothering Alfred the most was the uncertainty of all of this. How was Yao going to react? What about Arthur and Matthew? Would he have to prance around noble gatherings like Ivan and Yao do? If those nobles all whisper rumors about Yao’s being without any background knowledge, then they will have a field day with his! They’ll all know that he was a poor farm boy taken in by a rich lord. He was doomed.

“Alfred? You seemed to fade out on me. What are you thinking about?”

“To be honest, Ivan…I’m worried about actually becoming a noble. I mean…I see all the nasty things that go on with those lords and ladies…and remember I can’t read or write! I’ll embarrass you more than anything.” Ivan smiled and poked Alfred’s nose, making his eyes cross.

“You’re so cute! Worrying about those bastards at court!” he poked Alfred’s nose again. “You have more personality, life, and knowledge in you than they do in their little fingers! I know I called on Eduard to tutor you, but seeing as the city may be stormed I sent word to him not to come. But don’t worry, my Winter Rose. I’ll have Toris educate you instead. He can take time out of his schedule to teach you for a couple of hours once a day.”

“I..I just don’t want you to be disappointed in me, that’s all. I’m…kind of a screw up. Ask Matthew or Arthur, they’ll tell you. I never really MEAN what I do I just-“

“Sh.” Ivan pinched Alfred’s lips shuts. “You do run off at the mouth sometimes.” He smiled before removing his fingers and then kissed his lips. “For now, lets get you to Katsyusha so she can show you how to care for Galina, yes?” Alfred nodded and let Ivan help him up as they went to the door. When Ivan opened it, both he and Alfred jumped back at the sight of Natalia standing there, poised and refined. “Ah! N-Natalia!”

“Hello brother…I thought I heard your voice up here and I can to see what you were doing in our parents’ room?” Ivan bit his lip nervously.

“J-Just showing Alfred around! You know, just a tour!” Ivan hoped that Natalia was not standing behind the door for long. And like Ivan himself, reading her expressions weren’t easy. She may be boiling with rage right now from what she heard or she did just happen to pass by.

“A tour of their room?”

“Yes, I thought he would like to see how rich people live.” Ivan forced a grin and Alfred, feeling awkward through the whole thing, wore an equally stupid grin. She just stared at the both of them before pushed Alfred to the side to grip Ivan’s arm.

“My turn. You stay behind us, ‘servant’.” Alfred huffed a bit at that and waited for Ivan to say something in his defense but no words came out. Natalia just started pulling him down the steps and Alfred quickly followed. Maybe it was best for Ivan to keep his mouth closed at this particular moment and Alfred to just follow dutifully behind.

As the day went by, everyone was still settling in and getting comfortable. All of their real jobs would start tomorrow so this was their last night of relaxation. Francis had baked a large yellow cake and decorated it with white frosting and even went as far as to put a matching snowman on top. Katsyusha had wanted everyone from Ivan’s city house to gather in the grand sitting room to enjoy Francis’ cake. There was a windstorm outside and the grand room had the largest burning fireplace to keep warm.

A servant had brought in tea for all of them and Arthur was the first to jump for the hot liquid. He and Francis were nestled in a blanket together on one of the large area rugs. Yao had graced them all with his presence for the chance to eat some cake but he sat away from Ivan. He chose to sit on the long sofa next to Katsyusha and Kiku. Natalia was seated in one of the chairs near the fire with some embroidery she was working on. Alfred was rocking back on one of the many pillows he and Feliks, had piled together on the floor. Matthew was actually with Gilbert in guard’s quarters, much to the dismay of Arthur and Alfred. They three had had a very lengthy fight about Matthew going anywhere with Gilbert but they were overruled by Ivan. Katsyusha offered to cut up the cake and serve it to everyone who wanted a piece.

“Natalia, why don’t you tell us a story?” Katsyusha offered as she sat back down on the sofa with her cake. “She is a wonder at telling them!” Natalia looked up at her older sister, pausing in her needlework.

“On a night like this, I would say a ghost story is in order.” She suggested and both Ivan and Katsyusha exchanged looks of distress with each other. They didn’t think that her ghost stories were appropriate for ‘guests’.

“Yes! I love scary stories!” Alfred threw his arms up in the air and Feliks had seconded him. Arthur just sipped his tea, glad that he was no longer able to share a bed with Alfred. Alfred after a scary story was like having a tick crawl under your skin and you can’t remove it. It just sits there and sucks you dry.

Natalia put down her needlework and went to the small display table where she lit a small candle. She blew out the large ones, making the room even darker, with only some extra light from the fireplace. Alfred raised an eyebrow as Natalia walked over to the center of the room and sat on the rug, placing the candle down in front of her and fanning out her dress. The room was silent except for the whistling wind outside and the pitter of sleet on the shutters. Francis pulled the blanket a bit tighter around himself and Arthur. Feliks and Alfred settled down on their bellies to rest against the pillow pile with their cakes in front of them. Natalia cleared her throat and began to tell her story.

“Long ago, not far from the woods behind this very house, lived a young man and his wife. They owned a small house, which was built from stones, sticks and tall grass. It was only the two of them all alone in the woods with only one path that very few people traveled on. They would walk in to town by following the road, but they hardly ever had travelers passing by.” Arthur was sipping his tea as he looked over at Alfred, checking to see if he was frightened yet. Alfred’s eyes were just wide as he stared at Natalia.

“So one warm summer’s night, the air thick with heat and smell of pine, a man was sitting on his front porch enjoying the still of the night. He heard the sound of hoof beats and wagon wheels coming up the road. He stood up and walked down his little dirt path to the road and looked both ways. To his right he saw a darkened figure, complete with horse and carriage. Only one tiny, dim lantern hung on the left side of the carriage. The man thought ‘He must be in need of a light. It is way to dark to be traveling this unsteady road with no light’.

So the man waved the carriage down and sure enough the carriage stopped in front of him.

‘Good sir?’ He asked ‘Why are you traveling in the dark? Do you need an extra candle?’ The driver was dressed all in black and heavy cloaked, for the man could not see his face. The driver replied with a deep, silky voice.

‘More than a candle little man. I require a place to rest from my travels. Allow me to rest in your house.’ The man shook his head.

‘I’m very sorry sir’ He told the man ‘But my wife is heavy with child and she fears strangers. Should you come in she will be very upset and I would not want harm coming to the baby. We have a small wood shed nearby, you may rest there.’ The dark man laughed.’ Natalia laughed darkly at Alfred who ‘eeped’ and bit the pillow in front of him. She continued.

‘A wood shed?’ Hissed the man in black. ‘What kind of hospitality is that? Do you show ALL passersby this treatment for a simple bed and blanket?’

‘No, sir, not at all!’

Ivan always enjoyed the fact that Natalia liked to act out in different voices for each person and it was clearly frightening Alfred. He glanced over at Yao on the sofa who was just huddled under a blanket and not looking at him.

‘I just fear for my wife and unborn child.’ The dark man laughed again, sending a chill down the man’s spine. For with this laugh, his mouth grew in a wide grin and the man could have sworn he saw fangs.’

‘A second time you deny me! You foolish mortal! I curse you for your ill treatment of me! A gruesome fate will befall you and the sight will drive you mad! Farewell foolish man! Farewell!’ He laughed again and brought his horse into a gallop, disappearing into the heated mist of the darken road. The man just stood there in shock and confusion…and most of all, FEAR.’ Natalia said the word with her fingers wide spread, making them reflect their shadows on the wall. Feliks gulped a bit and squeezed his pillow. Arthur was unimpressed with Natalia’s story but he suspected Francis was frightened a bit by it for he kept inching closer. If he inched any more he would be in his lap or worse, spill his tea.

‘A month later, nothing bad had happened, until one night, during a terrible thunderstorm, his wife had gone into labor. Due to the storm the man could not get to the village in time to get a midwife, so it was just him. Her labor lasted a long time before everything seemed to go wrong. She started bleeding heavily, which frightened and worried the man. The baby had already died but it must be delivered. The man finally saw the baby emerge and he picked it up in a rag. He quickly brought it over to the candlelight to get a better look at it. What he saw made his jaw drop, his eyes wide, and heart stop!’

“What was it?!” Alfred asked, nearly chomping on the pillow to get at the stuffing. Ivan was just listening to the story calmly, not getting caught up in the ‘Fear Extraordinaire’ that was Natalia. He did enjoy her stories and by the looks of it so was everyone else. Except for his Winter Rose, who was trembling wide-eyed on the floor and inhaling the pillow.

‘What the man saw in his arms was not just a baby, but a shrunken, miniature corpse of himself!’ Feliks let out a gasp and even Yao started to show a bit of fear, pulling the blanket up to cover his nose. ‘The man trembled in fear and dropped the small dead body to floor. ‘A demon!’ The man thought ‘A demon!’ Francis jumped at her shouting voice and nearly toppled Arthur’s teacup off of its saucer. Arthur hissed at him and Francis just gave a lopsided smirk.

‘He looked over at his wife, who was limp from exhaustion and still bleeding from the birthing. With a loud crash of thunder, the man grabbed his woodcutting axe,’ Feliks put the pillow over his head and Alfred shared in the motion, both shaking and peeking out. ‘And he walked over to the bed…’ Natalia let her voice go very low. ‘…his wife was looking at the axe as it shimmered in the lighting. He raised the axe above his head and his wife screamed loudly. The shadowed figure of the carriage man loomed above the husband as the axe was brought down- CA-CHOMP!” Natalia made the axe motion with her hands, which made Alfred jump two inches off the floor and a few intakes of breaths or flinches from the others.

“That was uncalled for.” Ivan said flatly but Natalia ignored him.

‘The man kept swinging his axe and screaming until there was hardly any full part left of his wife. He stood there, panting heavily, the axe limp in his hands. From behind him he heard the sound of a baby’s cry and a ‘thump’. He turned and looked around, seeing only the blue lighting flashes blanket the room. The next thing he saw, or rather felt, was something tugging at his pants. Slowly he looked down…and saw the small baby-ish corpse of himself looking up at him, its eyes round and black…and unseeing. The man screamed and swung his axe, striking the tiny body with all his might. But as he did, the same strike he gave the infant mutant mirrored on himself!” Alfred gasped and shoved Feliks out from under the safety of the pillow, making him give a startled ‘hey!’ as blue-eyed man took over the spot.

‘His shoulder and chest were sliced, his collarbone sticking out from the gash. Shaking and convulsing with shock, he collapsed on the floor, slowly bleeding to death. The last sound he heard was the sound of crackling thunder…or was it the laughter of the carriage man?’ Natalia said in a soft, spooky voice. “The End.” A loud gush of wind rattled the windows and Alfred jumped again.

“THAT WAS A SCARY STORY!” Alfred said loudly, still clutching the pillow.

“Thank you. And for my next story, I will tell you about a husband, his mistress, and a unexpected visitor.”

Meanwhile, back in the medical wagon, Feliciano was snoring peacefully before he was jerked awake by his transportation coming to a stop. He yawned loudly before rubbing his eyes and turning to the flap to peek out. In front of him were pitched white tents and he knew that they had arrived.

“Ve~! I will get to see my Wiggy now!” Two guards pulled the back flaps open to start unloading the cargo when one recognized Feliciano.

“S-Sir Feliciano? Wh-what are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to help take care of General Ludwig, of course! He’s been hurt so I want to be with him.” Feliciano hopped out of the wagon. “Can one of you take me to him?”

“Sir…he will be very angry that you have come here. This is not a very good time for you to even be here.” Feliciano shook his head.

“I don’t care, I want you to take me to Ludwig. Please?” The two soldiers looked at each other before coming to a conclusion.

“Very well…follow me.”

Feliciano thanked him and followed the man through the various rows of tents. He had never been to a camp before, much less a battlefield. It wasn’t like he thought it was going to be. The smell was horrific, a combination of blood, heat, and pottage. All around him were died bloodied weapons, cracked armor, broken arrows and various other disturbing things. The sounds of coughing and groans echoed in the air as well. He hoped Ludwig’s tent wasn’t like these around him.

When they approached a larger tent with two flags of the kingdom’s symbol, Feliciano knew he was at Ludwig’s. He was so excited to be able to see his lover but also feared what might greet him behind that flap. How badly wounded was Ludwig? He hoped it wasn’t anything serious. The guard told Feliciano to stop in front of the flap with him.

“General Ludwig will not want you here. He is wounded, as you know. But he has developed a fever from the infection.” Feliciano gasped.

“Can he be helped?” His heart stopped beating as he waited for the soldier’s words.

“With the medical supplies we’ve just received then yes, he can be taken care of. A lot of it will be up to him, though.” Feliciano smiled.

“Ve~ I know my Wiggy will pull through! I want to see him now! Please let me go in?”

“Yes, one moment.” The soldier peeked his head in. “General, you have a visitor.”

“W-who is it?” Came a soft but gruff voice.

“See for yourself.”

The soldier held the flap open for Feliciano and he walked it. The man closed it behind him and Feliciano looked at Ludwig on the small cot. His tent was like a tiny office, with a table filled with maps and papers. All around were various other things needed for quick living. Ludwig looked over at the flap. His face was flushed and sweating with fever and he had to blink his eyes a few time.

“F-Feli?”

“LUDWIG!” Feliciano rushed to him and fell to his knees beside the bed. He hugged Ludwig’s shoulders and neck, crying into his pillow. “Ludwig…my Wiggy…I’m so glad you’re alive! I was fearing the worst for you!” Ludwig’s eyes widened as he realized it really was Feliciano and with a wheezed grunt, he shoved him away with his arm. Feliciano let out a shriek as he fell to the ground.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!?” Ludwig sat up on his elbows to glared down at him. “How dare you come here! I told you this was no place for you!” Feliciano looked at him with fresh tears and a mask of hurt.

“B-but I heard you were wounded! I just had to come and see you! I wanted to take care of you!”

“YOU IDIOT!” He growled out. “You’ve only made things worse for me by coming here! You’ve only added to my shit pile! Get yourself on the next wagon OUT OF HERE!” Feliciano just fisted his hands and brought them to his eyes as he cried pitifully. Ludwig dropped back down to the bed, his fever being too much for him and Feliciano’s whines were going straight through his head.

“I only wanted to care for you! I just wanted to be by your side in case you needed me!” Feliciano continued to cry and whine. Ludwig did some heavy muttering before shouting his name. Feliciano stopped crying at the sound of his name.

“I-I’m sorry for yelling at you.” He hissed out. “I’m just angry that you did not listen to me…this is no place for you. But…I guess half of me is relieved that you are here.” Feliciano smiled at that and wiped his eyes. He got up from the ground and went back over to Ludwig’s coat.

“What’s happened to you, love?” He asked.

“I got shot in the leg with an arrow and before that I got slashed with a sword.” Ludwig moved the covers so he could see the bloodied bandage on his thigh. His chest was also wrapped in bandages and slightly brown with old blood. “The leg is infected…”

“I came on the medical wagon, so we’ll fix you right up.” Feliciano said with a smile, stroking Ludwig’s check. “I’m just glad you’re alive…” Ludwig brought his dirty hand up to touch Feliciano’s hand. His body was covered in dirt, dust, and grime. “What can I do to help you?”

“Actually, you could wash me. I wouldn’t let anyone else do it but now that you’re here, I rather it be you.” Feliciano smiled and clapped his hands.

“Of course I’ll bathe you! Where do I get the water?”

Ludwig gave him directions to where the fresh water was. It wasn’t far from his own tent and he hoped he came back with it. Luckily, Feliciano came back with a small bowl of water, looking concerned at its size. It would not be enough to properly clean all of Ludwig.

“We need drinking water more than washing water.”

Ludwig told him and Feliciano understood. Ludwig told him where to get a fresh rag and he did so. He drug a small table over to the bed and placed the water there. Carefully, he pulled the blanket away to reveal that Ludwig was completely naked underneath. Feliciano paid it no mind as he figured the air was so hot that he was more comfortable this way.

Dipping the rag into the water, he proceeded to start cleaning Ludwig’s body. He began with his arm, gently scrubbing all the dirt away. Ludwig moaned at the cool feel of the water on his hot skin. Feliciano smiled and continued with his gentle caresses, mindful of the bandages. With what little water he had he was unable to fully clean him but he was better than before. Even though the water was dirty, Feliciano dipped the rag into it and placed it over Ludwig’s forehead. Ludwig sighed softly and closed his eyes.

Feliciano removed the rag when it felt warm again and replaced it with more cold water. Ludwig’s fever was burning so high that the rag was quickly drying out each time. When would somebody come to help his lover? Didn’t the generals get treatment first? As cruel as it was for him to think, the general was needed more. Ludwig seemed to read his thoughts.

“Soon the doctor will come to care for me. You don’t have to worry. I’m going to be all right. It will be a long recovery, but I’ll pull through. My only fear is that we will have another attack.”

“W-what will you do if that happens?” Feliciano asked nervously. “You’re in no condition to fight!”

“I would have to trust my second in command to take over. But Feli, I want you to be armed if an attack should arise. While I am resting, I want you to use one of my weapons and start practicing with it. You need to be able to defend yourself since I won’t be able to. Of course, I would do what I could to protect you but I would feel better knowing you were able to protect yourself.” Feliciano stood up and saluted.

“Yes sir! I know just the weapon sir!” Feliciano started fluttering around the tent, making lots of noise and dropping things. Ludwig just kept his eyes closed, trying not to picture the damage being done to his tent. He had everything in order but now Feliciano was here and it would all go to hell. After a few minutes he heard Feliciano come over to his cot again.

“I’m ready!” Ludwig opened his eyes and looked over at his lover, who had a stick in his hand with a white flag tied on it made from a torn piece of cloth. Ludwig sat up on his elbows again and glared at him.

“J-just what do you call that?” He hissed through grit teeth.

“I call it being safe! This way, I’ll just wave it around and cry and they will know I mean no harm and step over me!” Ludwig reached out and ripped the stick from his hands. He snapped the stick in half with one hand and threw the remains to the ground in front of his lover.

“I CALL IT GARBAGE! PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER! THIS IS A WAR! WE WON’T SURRENDER!” Feliciano just fell to his knees and cried over his broken weapon. Ludwig flopped back onto the bed and mumbled as he wiped the sweat off his forehead. He hoped the doctor would get here soon and give him some painkillers so he could block out Feliciano’s cries. His lover was stuck here with him and the whole war will be topsy turvy. He feared for his life, Feliciano’s life, and the life of his men.

“GENERAL! GENERAL!” Ludwig and Feliciano looked at the flap as a soldier rushed in. He quickly bowed to one knee.

“Rise!” Ludwig commanded, doing his best to sit up in the bed. Feliciano got up and went over to his bedside.

“General…our scouts just came back! They say there is an army on the way here but they can’t tell if they are friend or foe!”

“Shit!” Ludwig hissed. “Must I do everything myself? Damn it!” He clenched his fists.

“What are your orders?”

“Send the scouts back out! I want to know whom this army belongs to. Did any messenger birds come?”

“None sir.” Ludwig drug a hand down his face. “Should we organize the troops?”

“Yes, get the troops ready for a possible attack. I know many of them are sick or tired…but we have to do this. Lets hope that it is an ally, not an enemy.” The soldier bowed and hurried out of the tent. Feliciano looked at Ludwig with worry.

“Wiggy…”

“It’s too late to send you home now…I just hope we won’t have to fight. I don’t want to put you in danger.” He lay back down on the bed, his fever still burning hot. Feliciano covered him with the blanket and settled on the ground next to him. He rest his cheek on his folded arm on Ludwig’s stomach, looking at him.

“I wouldn’t go home anyway…it’s very scary but I wouldn’t leave you here like this. You’re Feli is here…I won’t let anything bad happen to you!”

Ludwig looked up at the tent roof and feared for both their lives. Feliciano’s words only filled him with dread rather than comfort. He closed his eyes and rests his hand on Feliciano’s hair. At least Feliciano was here with him even though the situation wasn’t the best. He only hoped that things would work out to his favor.

End Chapter 14 TBC
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A Storm of Sunflowers