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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
- 14
- 15
- 16
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.

Enjoy! xxoxoxox

Chapter 15

Ivan sat straight in his chair, his own plate of cake in front of him. He was hoping no one could see the plate shaking slightly at the mention of Natalia’s ‘next story’. She mentioned husband and mistress so could she have really heard the two of them talking in his parents’ room? Or perhaps she has just started to suspect something between them. Ivan looked over at Alfred to see if he was making a connection with the short story summary that he was. Alfred noticed his gaze and looked over at him as he popped a piece of cake in his mouth. Alfred’s brows pitched up in worry as he quickly glanced his eyes in Natalia’s direction. Ivan gave a curt little nod, knowing that they had made the same connection. He would have to listen to the story very carefully to pick out any subtle hints about what she knows.

“This story happened a long, long time ago. Long before any of your parents were born. ‘In a small village there was a mayor who was highly favored and loved by the king. This mayor had a wife who was cruel to him so he would seek out other beds to warm his nights.’ Ivan had to lower his plate to his lap for this story was already hitting close to home.

‘Then one night, a stray dog follows him home. The mayor felt so sorry for the poor, sickly dog that he took it in and cared for it. When he awoke the next morning and went to his study to start his work, the dog came prancing in. The mayor looked at it and slowly it stood on its hind legs before it grew and grew. The mayor watched as it turned into a beautiful human. He was instantly smitten with the mongrel now turned human and he immediately made it his mistress.’ Alfred almost spit up the cake as he had a small inkling that the ‘dog’ was him.

‘Now this saddened his wife to see him with another and often would cry in their bedroom. For many months, the mistress pranced around in gorgeous clothes, hosted elegant parties, and charmed all those around it. The mistress was taking over everything of the wife and then one night, while crying in the room, a strange visitor appeared. The wife heard tapping on the window and saw the strange looking woman floating on the other side…as if she was peeking in.’ Alfred shove another piece of cake in his mouth and the fork almost hit the back of his throat.

‘The stupid wife let the woman in and asked what she was. The woman said, ‘I am a good witch who has come to give you aid in your material troubles.’ The wife was very happy to hear this from the woman. Even though the wife, in all honesty, didn’t want it, but a human’s nature is always selfish. ‘I would like that mistress gone! I want it out of my marriage and my home! It is not wifely material! The dog should go!’ Ivan and Alfred exchanged glances again before turning their eyes back on Natalia.

‘ ‘I will grant you this wish.’ Said the woman ‘But with all favors…comes a price.’ The wife did not care and promised to give the woman anything she wanted if she got rid of the mistress. So one night, while the mistress was strutting down the halls in all its glory, it happened to come upon the wife. The mistress noticed the wife was acting strangely. The wife pulled out a dagger from the clothing and started attacking the mistress! The two fought up and down the hallways until the mistress tried to make a break to the staircase. The wife stopped it and they struggled again before tragedy happened.’ Everyone (except for Arthur) was leaning closer to hear what happened next.

‘Who knows how it happened, but all we know is that it DID! The wife tumbled down the stone steps and lay bleeding at the bottom. The mistress screamed and ran from the scene so as to not get caught. But SOMEONE was watching. That someone saw what happened and related it to the mayor.’

“Like, what did he do?” Feliks asked curiously and Natalia held her hand up to him.

‘Enraged, the mayor stormed out of his office and told his guards to seize the mistress! The mistress was laying shaking their love bed when the door BURST open!’ She made everyone in the room jump again. ‘The guards stormed in and drug the mistress out of the bed and room. The mistress knew what was going on and pleaded with the mayor that it was an accident. The mayor would not hear the plea. So the mistress was drug out to the center of town where the crowds cheered for its death!’ Alfred started to feel a familiar fear building up in his stomach. ‘The mistress was tied to a pyre where it begged to be heard, but no one cared to hear the cries a lowly, no-named mongrel.’ Alfred froze with the fork in his mouth.

‘The crowd roared as the executioner came before it, a black hooded mask covered his face as he held a torch. He shoved the torch into the wood pile and the sticks ignited!’ Alfred’s face turned white. ‘The mistress pulled at the ropes and screamed as the flames engulfed it! When it looked forward the executioner pulled off his hood to reveal the battered and bloodied face of the wife, grinning in triumph. The mystery woman stood next to the mayor, her arm linked with his as she grinned to her clean victory. The End.’”

Alfred’s body trembled and his eyes were wide but unseeing. He didn’t feel Feliks poking at him or Arthur calling his name. That story…that story was the mirror image of his nightmare! How did Natalia know? He didn’t tell ANYONE about that nightmare! How did she know? How! It was impossible! It didn’t make sense! But one thing was undoubtedly clear: he was going to end up on a pyre. The thought made him jump up from the pillows as he dashed out the room, crying and screaming. He was panicking and he did not know how to stop it. All he knew was that he had to get out of this place and back to the farm. Ivan and Arthur were the first ones to rush out of the room after him, followed by the others.

“ALFED! COME BACK!” Arthur shouted, being more agile and quick with his lithe form than Ivan’s large bulk.

“ALFED! STOP!” Ivan called after him and they had to follow the sounds of Alfred’s hysteric crying to keep up with him. Arthur finally spotted him first as he was trying to get out the door that led to the stables. He was clawing and pulling at it like a madman. When they reached him Ivan was the first to grab him by his arms, which only made Alfred struggle and scream louder. Arthur, forgetting his place, shoved Ivan out of the way.

“He’s panicking! You can’t restrain him! He gets these when he’s very scared! ALFRD! ALFRED, LOOK AT ME!” Arthur made him turn around to face him and Alfred just pressed his back up against door, hyperventilating and sweating. “Alfred…calm.” Arthur lowered his voice. “Come on, deep breathes on my count. One, two, three, deep breath!” Alfred breathed deep. “Let it out.” He did so and Arthur continued to count the deep breaths. Once he saw it was enough he had him intake from the mouth and release through his nose. Ivan just watched silently as Arthur was calming him. “Good…now just relax. Relax. Look at me.” Arthur kept pointing to his face so Alfred would keep eye contact.

“Like, what just happened?” Feliks asked, just as confused as the others.

“He was just panicking, that’s all.” Arthur said softly, rubbing Alfred’s arms to soothe and calm him more. “I’ve dealt with this many, many times before. He’ll come back to us in a few more minutes. But everyone back up a bit, we need to give him some air.” The group did so except for Ivan, who stayed near the two.

“Take him to my room.” Ivan said flatly to Arthur. “I want only him, you, and Kiku.” He ordered.

Yao crossed his arms angrily and looked away. Kiku left his side to do as Ivan said and walked behind Alfred for support as Arthur held his hand and walked him. Ivan followed behind as well; glancing at Natalia who stood behind the rest of the group with her hands behind her back, rocking on her heals as she watched them curiously.

Arthur was more concerned about Alfred than he was for his own safety. He had completely overruled Ivan and took over the situation. He had to because Ivan was doing it wrong and would only cause more damage. Alfred’s hand was sweaty in his and he could hear the other’s breath starting to return too normal. Kiku was with them so if something bad did happen there would be a witness.

When they arrived to Ivan’s room, Arthur was instructed to put Alfred on the bed. He closed and locked the door before going over to the bed where Alfred was. Ivan looked down at him with worry and stroked back his bangs. Alfred looked back up at him, still trembling with tears in his eyes. Alfred did managed to give Ivan a tiny smile before closing his eyes and falling asleep, now limp with exhaustion. Ivan carefully removed the glasses and looked to Kiku.

“Check him over for me.” Kiku nodded and sat on the bed beside Alfred to examine him to his best ability. “So…this happens a lot with him?” Ivan asked with a cold, yet soft tone as he looked at Arthur.

“Only when he is very scared.” Arthur said calmly. “He’s had these since he was little. They always had to do with ghosts or monsters and even, at times, thunderstorms. Those were the worst nights of my life. First I had to learn the right ways to calm him, trial and error, and then I would have him crowding the bed all night. Not pleasant.”

“So you…know how to deal with his issues?” Arthur nodded, worried that he had said too much and now Ivan would punch out his eyes.

“Then, Arthur Kirkland…I want to know these strategies so I can help him. You will teach them to me, yes?” Ivan folded his arms around his back so Arthur wouldn’t see his fists. He hated asking Alfred’s previous lover for help but the green-eyed man knew more about Alfred than he did for obvious reasons.

“…um…yeah sure. I can teach you the strategies and some other tricks to deal with his bizarre and sometimes unruly personality.” Arthur quickly put his hands up in defense. “Don’t get me wrong! I know these things because I raised him and Matthew! I used to bathe them, feed them, change them, at times, discipline them, teach them, scold them, and tried to make them into decent human beings. Matthew came out well but Alfred is a bit…um…”

“Rambunctious?” Kiku added for him.

“Yes! Rambunctious!” Ivan nodded and took a deep breath himself.

“I wish to know everything you do for him that makes him crave your attention, like crawling into bed with you when he is scared or lonely. I want to do all those things so he can forget about you.” Arthur knew Alfred would never forget about him but he didn’t like the way Ivan was trying to erase him from memory.

“Yes, I can understand that.” Arthur said with a quick bow.

“I need to know all these things so when I marry him I know how to properly care for him.” Both Arthur and Kiku looked at Ivan in shock and surprise. Arthur’s jaw almost hit the floor and for a second he couldn’t be sure if he had even heard right.

“B-but Lord Ivan…what about your wife Yao?” Kiku asked softly.

“I will be writing to the king tonight, along with many other papers, for permission to marry Alfred. Yao is my first wife and Alfred will be my second. It has been done in the past. I always get my way and the king favors me above all others.” He grinned at Arthur. “I asked him to marry me when we split from you during our riding. He eagerly said ‘yes’ and we made passionate love in an old hunter’s cabin.” Kiku looked down in embarrassment and Arthur was just at a loss for words. “See this beautiful choker around his neck? That hides the scarred mark I’ve left on him to claim him. It was my mothers. I plan to give Alfred my parents’ room to stay in.”

“A-Alfred…a wife? A noble wife?” Arthur was still in disbelief, his eyes unblinking at Ivan. “But…can he even be your wife? He is common born.” Ivan just laughed.

“Again! I always get my way! No need to worry, Arthur Kirkland! I will take good care of your son or ex-lover. However you now refer to him.” Ivan bent at the waist a bit to smile politely at Arthur, making the blonde haired man tilt back a little bit.

“Uh…I’m more of a big brother and father figure. I see him as a little brother now. I have Francis whom I’m with now.” Ivan clapped his hands together.

“Perfect! Now that I know you will NEVER lay a hand on my precious Winter Rose, I suppose I should ask for your consent to marry your ‘little brother’. It is only natural and proper to ask the highest ranking kin.” He gave him a noble’s bow and both Arthur and Kiku were completely freaked out at the scene. “Arthur Kirkland, may I have the honors of marrying your little brother, Alfred Jones? I do hope you say ‘yes’.”

What was he going to say? ‘No’? Well, he wanted to but that wouldn’t be wise. He could say ‘no’, loose his head, and Alfred is married anyway. Or, he could say ‘yes’, keep his head, and Alfred gets married anyway. The second one was the best way even if his heart and mind screamed no, no, no! Alfred would be ‘leaving’ his care. He had raised the boy from a child and into a man. Now he had to pass his well-being and security over to another. Arthur actually felt tears sting his eyes but he kept himself in check.

“Y-yes. Yes Ivan, I give you permission to marry Alfred.”

“WONDERFUL!” He walked around the bed and brought Arthur in to a very tight, bone-cracking hug. Arthur felt as if his eyes were going to bug out. “I guess I can all you ‘brother-in-law’ now!”

“Y-YES…” He hissed out in pain.

“You may already know, but if you don’t, you’ll find out soon. Something ‘happened’ to my last brother-in-law and we don’t want a repeat of that.” Yes, Arthur knew that story well and there would not be a repeat of it.

“O-OF COURSE NOT!”

“Good!” Ivan let him go and Arthur took in a deep breath. “Welcome to the Braginski family, Arthur Kirkland!”

“C-Congratulations to both of you…I think?” Kiku said softly and Ivan just laughed.

“Well, how is my Winter Rose?”

“He’s fine by the looks of it.” Kiku said. “Just let him continue to rest.” Arthur nodded.

“Yes, that usually helps. When he wakes up he’ll be better. Then we have to find out just what it was that pushed him to have a panic attack. It wasn’t just the story, it was less scary than the first one. Something else is bothering him.”

“I will talk to him when he wakes up and then I will report to you. Oh, and don’t tell anyone else about our engagement yet. Only you two know and I want to keep it that way. I plan on telling Feliks next since he will be making Alfred some wedding attire. It will be a very small ceremony, of course. With just the group of us and my sisters. Wouldn’t that be nice?” He smiled softly and folded his hands together.

Arthur and Kiku just stared at each other before a whining sound made them all turn to Alfred. Alfred opened his eyes and looked around the room. He recognized the three men above his bed immediately. He tried to sit up but Kiku gently urged him back down onto the mattress.

“I-Ivan? Arthur? W-what’s going on?”

“You had a panic attack, that’s all.” Arthur stated softly. “If you are feeling up to it, we would like to know what set you off that way.” Ivan nodded.

“Do tell, Winter Rose. For I want to be able to help ease your fears if I can.”

“I’ll leave since-“ Kiku started but Alfred stopped him.

“N-No Kiku, you can stay.” Alfred figured it was best to tell them about his nightmare and how Natalia’s strange story mirrored it almost perfectly. The three men waited patiently for his answer. “I…I had a terrible nightmare on the way coming here.”

“A nightmare?” Ivan repeated and Alfred nodded.

“I dreamt that…that you and Yao had killed Arthur and Matthew…and I was being taken to the stake to burn.” Ivan raised an eyebrow and the other two exchanged looks of confusion. “Then N-Natalia told that story and it reflected nearly every aspect in my nightmare!” He sat up to look at Ivan. “I know now that you would never do something like to me…y-you have threatened me with it…but I would never do anything that would emit me to the pyre! How did Natalia know about my dream?! That’s what scared me into a panic! How did she know! How?!”

“Alfred, calm down.” Kiku rubbed his leg gently. “Just take your time, don’t get yourself worked up again.”

“B-but she KNEW!” He looked at Arthur. “She knew about it, Arthur. What does this mean? Is it an actual sign that I’m doomed?!” Alfred looked to Ivan with pure concern and worry. Ivan smiled sweetly at him and cupped his face.

“Silly rose. It was just a nightmare and Natalia’s story was only a coincidence. In this life, public death sentences and punishments are carried out all the time. The punishment fits the crime.” Alfred nodded.

“Y-Yeah, I kind of knew that…and burning is used for-“

“Traitors, unfaithful noble spouses, anarchy, and treason.” Ivan pointed out. “Beheadings are strictly for the nobles and the royals. Hangings are for the commoners.” Alfred gulped and clutched the bottom of his tunic nervously.

“Dreams are just bits and pieces from your daily life mashing together in your brain.” Arthur stated.

“He is correct. You were probably worried about your relationship with Ivan and your fear of Yao and it weighed on your subconscious. They don’t have any real meaning or message.” Kiku added on to Arthur’s statement.

“Y-you sure?” Alfred looked at all of them.

“Yes, of course.” Ivan was the first to say. “Natalia was telling a story of common things that happen in the noble world, that’s all.”

Ivan didn’t want to tell Alfred that she had the whole situation pinned down pretty well, right down to the last detail. If Alfred by some chance had hurt or killed Yao, his fate would be to stand among those bundles of sticks…unless he could prove Alfred innocent. Or best of all, keep something like that from even happening. If he had pieced it together correctly, Natalia was the ‘mystery woman’ in the story. She is conniving and dangerous enough to pull a stunt like that and come out smelling like a rose. And she hit the nail on the head with how he planned to have Alfred dress. He would be stunning in his mother’s clothes as well as new ones and he wanted to show him off. His sister did know him well and her unhealthy obsession with him can attest to that. This has proven that Natalia was listening at the door earlier.

“Still…it was pretty damn close.” Ivan smiled at Arthur and Kiku.

“You two may go now. I wish to speak with my Alfred alone.” Kiku bid Alfred ‘goodbye’ and Arthur did the same. He had a lot to think about tonight.

When they were alone, Ivan removed Alfred’s boots as well as his own before lying next to him. He rests on his side with elbow and palm supporting his weight as he looked down at Alfred. Alfred blushes softly at Ivan’s violet eyes on him. He was still frightful of his soon to be husband and he figured Ivan already knew that.

“Alfred, my rose…I don’t want you worrying so much. I trust you never to go against my command or my wishes. You are mine and no one else’s. You will be tempted and flirted with and courted at times by others because you are so damn beautiful. However, I trust you to never follow your body’s signals for it works differently than the mind.” Alfred nodded.

“I know, Ivan. I wouldn’t want to sleep with anyone else anyway. Lovers and spouses tend to stray because they are not satisfied with their bed partner. But me…I am more than satisfied.” Alfred smiled at him and Ivan flashed him a grin before pouncing on him.

“Hmm, do I make you feel that good? Perhaps I need another ‘demonstration’, yes?” Alfred could not say ‘no’ and it was in his best interest to be on Ivan’s good side.

“Yes, I think you do.” Alfred replied and Ivan responded with a hard kiss.

Outside in the guards’ separate quarters, Matthew sat on Gilbert’s tiny bed as he watched the general practice his sword attacks. He held his teddy bear tight and smiled as he watched Gilbert’s every move and swing. It was so exciting to be someplace different than on the farm and he had already experienced more than he thought he ever would. Even though he disagreed with Alfred’s ‘good’ intensions he did have to thank him. It was by his actions that Gilbert brought him here to see his brother in the first place.

“Whew! That worked up a sweat!” Gilbert said and leaned his sword up against the wall. He turned to face Matthew with a grin. “Ah, you’re still here! Awesome! I thought you would have left by now!” Matthew smiled and clutched his bear closer.

“No, why would I? I like watching you train.”

“Really? Even with my loud, obnoxious shouts and curses?” He winked and Matthew nodded happily.

“Yes, yes! You are so good with a sword, Gilbert! It’s no wonder you are a general!”

“Haha! Someone recognizes my awesome skills! You, my friend, have good taste!” Matthew giggled and watched as Gilbert picked up his sword again. “Did you know that all warriors have names for their swords?” He began balancing the hilt on one finger. “I consider myself a warrior general, by the way.”

“No, I did not know swords could have names. What is your sword’s name, Gilbert?” Gilbert smirked and tossed it in the air before catching the hilt. He placed it in front of his groin in an erect manner.

“I call it ‘Dick Stick’.” That left a bad taste in Matthew’s mouth and he let out a sigh. “You don’t know how many times I’ve struck an enemy dumb when I say ‘FACE MY DICK STICK!’!”

“I…I can see how that would…confuse an enemy.” It confused him.

“Precisely! You are one smart cookie!” He put the sword down and went over to the bed, ushering Matthew over so he could sit next to him. “So Mattie, can I call you ‘Mattie’?” Matthew nodded. “So, what’s it like living on a farm?”

“Oh, well it’s a lot of work and you hardly get to rest, especially if Arthur is your boss.”

“Yes, go on.” Gilbert let his index and middle finger do a little ‘walk’ along the bed and started to ‘climb’ up Matthew’s side.

“And-OH!” Matthew shied away from him with a look of confusion. “Y-you trying to tickle me?” Gilbert batted his eyelashes innocently.

“No, these damn fingers have a mind of their own! Don’t worry, they just like to wander around people’s bodies. Don’t mind them.” Gilbert continued to let his ‘fingers’ walk and jump around Matthew. “Tell me about the farm. What kind of animals did you have?” Gilbert had started to inch closer.

“Um…we have cows…ducks…chickens…hor-SES!” He squeaked out when the wandering fingers ‘skipped’ along his groin. “W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? YOU CAN’T DO THAT!”

“Oh? And why not? It’s a little harmless fun!” Matthew just shook his head and buried his face in his bear’s head.

“No, no! I’m not allowed to do things like that! No sex. I can’t have sex. Arthur and Alfred said so.” He peeked his blue-violet eyes up from the bear to glance at Gilbert.

“And why the hell not? Who are they to tell you what you can and can’t do! You’re a grown man! It’s your choice!” Matthew just shook his head.

“But Arthur is always right. He said because I’m so sickly that if I have sex my skin will turn green and I’ll kill the other person I did it with. I can’t let that happen!” Gilbert just stared at him with disbelief. Who the hell would tell a person something like that and who the hell would actually BELIEVE it? Oh wait, Mattie believes it. “I’m sorry, Gilbert. But if I could you would be first on my list!” He smiled at him.

“Ah…ahem.” Gilbert cleared his throat. “Your Arthur is full of shit, Mattie. I can assure you that I won’t die from sleeping with you and you WON’T turn green because of it. That’s a superstitious, childish warning! Did Arthur say anything about kissing?” Gilbert leaned in closer and Matthew shook his head.

“N-No, but Alfie said he would have the guy who kissed me ‘bite the curb’ or something like that.”

“OH REALLY?! Well, I take him up on THAT challenge! Come here, cutie!”

Gilbert pulled Matthew into a kiss by gripping the front of his coat and pulling him close. Matthew screamed into his mouth and struggled to pull away but his body was completely useless and weak against Gilbert’s strength. He whined softly as Gilbert lips moved and sucked against his own. His eyes widened when Gilbert pressed his tongue past his teeth and into his mouth. Matthew had to hold back the gag reflex he felt for the first time. This one was for another reason and not because he was sick. By the time Gilbert pulled away, Matthew was flushed and panting from lack of air. Gilbert smirked at him and poked his nose.

“How was that for a kiss?”

“Uh…uh…um…” Matthew just trembled as Gilbert’s thumb and forefinger held his chin.

“Well?”

“I…I don’t know! Excuse me!” Matthew shot up from the bed and quickly ran out of the room. Gilbert flopped himself onto the bed.

“Well shit. Looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me.” He smirked. “This will add some excitement to the place! Wait until I get his big brother tomorrow!”

True to his own word, Gilbert woke up the next morning and quickly dressed. He took his sword and left the quarters to seek out Alfred. Gilbert went into the castle and asked if anyone had seen Alfred. He was told that he and Feliks were out walking the grounds. Gilbert skipped gleefully outside to search the grounds. They were very easy to spot or rather, Feliks was. The pink fur trimmed long coat and pink hat were a dead giveaway. Gilbert took note that Alfred’s ass look good in all white.

“Hey Alfie! YOO HOO!” Gilbert waved his hand high and got their attention as he ran closer to them. “Good morning to you!”

“Good morning, Gilbert.” Alfred said with a little smile. “I was pleased to find Mattie in his room this morning.”

“Hey yeah, funny thing about Matthew. You see, he told me some pretty crazy shit about what will happen to him if he has sex.” Alfred’s eyes immediately narrowed. “Oh, I didn’t do anything like THAT to him. But I did do ONE tiny thing.” He tapped his chin in mock, teasing thought.

“What…did…you…do?” Alfred said slowly but dangerously. No one touched his little brother without his consent.

“I kissed that pretty little mouth! Tongue and all!”

“How dare you kiss him without permission!”

“He doesn’t ‘need’ permission! He can make his own choices!” Feliks took a deep breath on his pipe and blew out the smoke, enjoying this little ‘show’. “I will challenge you to a duel for Mattie’s free will!”

“A what?” Alfred’s shoulders slumped a bit.

“I will defend his free will and honor!” Feliks let out a smokey laugh.

“You? Defending honor? You’re like, not a knight! You’re just a soldier!” Feliks put his pipe end back into his mouth, biting down with a grin.

“Hey! I’m a general!”

“OoooOOO! A fancy soldier! Oo-la-la!” Feliks mocked him again, making little donut clouds of smoke.

“You know, that fucking mouth of yours should be right here sucking on my dick instead of talking!” Feliks laughed again.

“You couldn’t like, pay me enough.”

“On second thought, who’d want it?” Gilbert countered and Feliks continued to smoke his pipe and silently laugh at him.

“You like, wish you could get this ass!”

“I don’t want some sloppy seconds, babe! How many tavern tables have you been bent over?”

“Seriously, stop it you two! There’s only so much vulgar talk one person can take!” Alfred scolded them and they both stopped. “How did we go from my brother to your dick then to Feliks ass in a single minute? It’s ridiculous!” Feliks just turned away and continued his smoke while Gilbert lowered his sword.

“I just wanted to stand up for Matthew and his free will. He has a free will, you know! You can’t control him and you sure as hell shouldn’t tell him lies!” Alfred put his hands on his hips.

“Look, what I do with my brother is none of your concern. I will speak to Matthew today when I get the chance. And I’m not going to fight you! Don’t be stupid for Ivan will kill you.” Gilbert smirked.

“I know that! I just wanted to ruffle your feathers a bit. It gets my day going knowing I’ve properly bothered someone.” He gave a noble bow to them.

“Well thank you for your time, Gilbert. I’m sure we will be in touch soon.” Alfred said and walked away. Feliks stormed up to Gilbert and pointed the mouth end of the pipe in his face.

“Listen, pink eyes! You like, don’t know me so you better just watch your talk on issues you have no proof of!” Gilbert smirked and took a large puff of the pipe before blowing it in Feliks’ face.

“I’m just going by what I’ve seen and heard, babe.” He grinned and watched as Feliks hurried away to join up with Alfred.

After the morning walk, Alfred was heading to see his brother when Toris stopped him. Toris said it was time for his lessons and Alfred was so excited that he had forgotten about Gilbert and Matthew. He thought he was going to be babysitting for Katsyusha’s daughter but Ivan had given him orders that he was to busy himself with learning instead. Arthur had taken up the job and he would be better at it than Alfred anyway.

It wasn’t long into his first lesson where he could tell that Toris was getting frustrated with him. It was the same as Arthur when he was trying to teach him. Toris had started him first with pictures and words. Alfred already recognized his letters and a few numbers. However, he was just having trouble trying to grip some words and concepts. Toris had him memorize sheet after sheet of picture words and had him copy them down on paper. The glasses helped Alfred to see the letters on the paper better and he actually saw a small improvement with his handwriting.

When it came to writing sentences with some of his picture words and sight words he was still have trouble spelling them from memory. Even sounding out the words like Arthur had taught him didn’t help with the spelling. They worked on it for a while until Toris had to take a swig of his pink stuff before slumping to the table. Alfred’s shoulders slumped with him and he lowered his eyes to his messy sheet of poorly written sentences. At least Toris was calm because Arthur was short tempered and would yell at him.

“I…I think we’ve done enough for today.” Toris said, lifting his head up. “Practice writing your sight words, please. We’ll pick this up tomorrow.” Alfred nodded and watched as Toris gathered all of his sheets of scribbles. “I need to bring your daily work to Ivan for him to see. He wants to monitor your progress.”

“Oh…okay. Hey, Toris?” Toris looked back at him. “Thanks for working with me. I know it’s hard but I will do my best and really work at it!” Toris smiled softly.

“I’m sure you will. Things will get better as time goes on.”

Toris left him and took his time going up to Ivan’s room. He feared what Ivan would say about his teaching skills when he saw Alfred’s first day of work. He stopped at Ivan’s door and took a deep breath before knocking.

“Enter.” Toris did so, balancing the papers in his arm.

“G-Good afternoon, sir. I’ve brought you Alfred’s first day of work.” Ivan pushed his chair out and smiled at Toris. He noticed that next to Ivan on a perch was a messenger hawk.

“Wonderful! Let me see.” Toris handed him the papers and Ivan looked at them. He watched as Ivan’s smile slowly turned into a soft frown.

“Remember sir, it’s just the first day.”

“Yes, of course. How was it?” Toris trembled a bit.

“Um…it was actually quite difficult teaching him. There’s something he’s just not grasping. But I’m sure if I give him time he will start to get it. I mean, Lord Ivan, he REALLY has no type of academic skill at all. He can’t even count up to twenty! He knows his letters and can spell his name. It’s like he was raised in a barn!”

“He was raised in a barn.” Ivan said with a smirk and handed the papers back to Toris. “Lets give him time, he’ll come around. One day it will just ‘click’.” He snapped his fingers. “And I know you can teach him well. I didn’t make a bad choice in choosing YOU to tutor him, did I?” Ivan glared at Toris who ‘eeped’ and turned blue in the face with fear.

“N-No my lord! You didn’t!” Ivan smiled.

“Good! Off with you now. I have quite a few papers to send out.” Toris bowed and quickly left the room for he was always happy to be dismissed from Ivan’s presence.

Ivan rolled up the tiny scrolls and slipped them all inside the carrier. One was about the city and its current conditions while the other was his marriage request. Ivan put the carrier in its tiny compartment on the bird’s leg and opened the window. He unmasked the hawk and let it fly out the window to deliver his messages. He smiled as the bird was soon out of sight and looked down to see some wolves passing through the fields. They had a large amount of wolves around here, which is why their house is named “Wolf Hall”. Ivan had a very good feeling about everything and it made his chest ache in a strange way. Soon he would be able to marry his Alfred and word of victory will come in no time at all. Humming a little happy tune, Ivan closed and locked the window.

By sunset, Arthur was relieved of his duties with Galina as her mother had taken over. He still could not get over Ivan’s news about Alfred marrying him. He knew Alfred was being forced into this marriage. Alfred had no means of escape without loosing his head. The thought bothered him immensely and he just couldn’t shake the image of Ivan and Alfred, standing before one another and exchanging vows. It just wasn’t right! Plus, Alfred had Yao and that whackjob Natalia to deal with as well, both with strong obsessions for the large man. Yao he wasn’t too worried about but Natalia he feared. She looked liked she could do more damage than Yao ever could and she’ll have no regrets. The whole thought of it sent a shiver down his spine as he opened the door to his and Francis’ room.

“Good evening, my love! Dress into your warm clothes!” Francis said from the bed, giving him a wink. Arthur just sighed heavily.

“Why, Francis? I worked all day and I’m tired.”

“Nonsense! The night is young and the sky is clear! I thought we could go into town and have a nice little romantic dinner. What do you think, love?” Arthur rolled his eyes.

“Seriously, Francis?” Francis smiled and nodded.

“Mmhm! So hurry up and get dressed! I already have a horse ready to ride!”

“And what is the point to this ‘romantic dinner’?”

“Why, to romance and court you, of course!” Francis stood up and walked over to him and wrapped his arms around his waist. “I want to show you that being with me is nothing to complain about. I promise that I will show you a very romantic night with no physical touching in a sexual manner.” Arthur snorted.

“Courting? Isn’t that a term used for marriage? Once a man or woman is asked to be courted by a suitor that means they are interested in ma-“ Arthur stopped at Francis’s slowly widening grin as he spoke. “Are you serious?” Francis nodded happily. “Pfft. Good luck with that! You’ll be ‘courting’ me for years, you pervert! One, I’m not marriage material and two, I’m not easily swayed by fancy romantic stuff!”

“You will say ‘yes’ eventually. I know you will. How many men have actually ‘courted’ you, Arthur?” Arthur was silent at his words for he actually never had one suitor.

“I don’t need to have suitors to know that I won’t fall for that stuff. You’re wasting your time, Francis. We can live as lovers without being married. Don’t you think that is a bit silly?”

“Love is never silly! Now get dressed and stop yapping! I’m going to be courting you whether you like it or not so you’d better get used to it.”

He gave his rump a firm pat and ignored the cute angry comment as he dressed in his outdoor gear. Arthur did so too, grumbling and complaining as he normally did. As they walked out to the stables they were surprised to see one of the sleighs hooked up with two black horses and Alfred and Ivan standing beside it. Ivan was dressed in everything rich that showed his status. The sash with his badges and pins seemed unnecessary for a sleigh ride. He still wore that faded pink scarf but was covered gray fur from head to foot. Francis whispered to Arthur that the fur Ivan was wearing was wolf and Arthur was a tad bit impressed.

Alfred on the other hand was dressed similar to Ivan but his fur was all white. It wasn’t the same coat and hat he had worn on the way up. From where he stood it appeared to be rabbit, but it had a slight shine to it so maybe white mink? Whatever it was, it made his little Alfred look beautiful against the snow. Alfred spotted them and waved.

“Hey guys! Where are you heading?”

“We’re heading into town for a romantic night out.” Francis said and pulled Arthur closer to him. “How about you?”

“I thought I would take my Winter Rose on a sleigh ride.” Ivan said. “Next time you two should go!” Ivan helped Alfred onto the sleigh and handed him a blanket to cover his lap with. Ivan got in next and tapped the horses into a gallop as they left the stable. Alfred waved at them from behind and Arthur waved slowly back.

“Well, should we get our night started, love?” He brought Arthur over to their horse and lifted him up onto the saddle.

“I can get up on a horse myself.” Arthur sneered as Francis jumped on behind him.

“I wanted to do it.” He kissed his cheek before sending their own means of transportation into a fast gallop.

Alfred looked all around at the snowy land and trees as he rode by them. He had never been on a sleigh before and the feel of it was unlike anything he felt before. The way the sleigh was gliding along the snow amazed him to no end and he had to keep looking down to watch the snow separate from the sleigh bottoms. Alfred chose to look up then to see if any snow would start falling but what greeted him instead were bright stars.

“Wow Ivan! Look!” He pointed up. “Look at all the stars!” Ivan chuckled.

“Yes, it is a very clear sky this evening. Did you see the moon?” Ivan pointed it out and Alfred laughed with glee.

“This is beautiful, Ivan! I love riding in sleighs! Thank you for taking me.” He leaned over to kiss Ivan’s chilled cheek.

“And this is only one part of snowy fun we can have! Just wait until I take you ice skating!” Alfred grinned.

“I love ice skating! We used to tie some potato sacks to our feet, Tino and I actually, and we would skate on a pond not far from our farm.” Ivan held the reigns with one hand and pulled Alfred closer with the other.

“Well, in a couple of minutes we will be coming up to a surprise.”

“A surprise? You didn’t tell me there was going to be a surprise!” Alfred nuzzled his fur coat and Ivan rests his head on the fluffy hat. Soon they reached a large frozen lake and Ivan slowed the sleigh to a stop.

“Here we are.” Ivan smiled as Alfred stood up in the sleigh to look out at the lake. “Know what we’re going to do right now?” Alfred looked down at him and smiled.

“I think I know. But we don’t have any skates.” Ivan winked at him and stood up, lifting the seat to a large compartment filled with sacks. He found the one he was looking for and took out two pairs of skates. “Wow! Real skates!” Alfred took his pair and looked at them, noticing the blades were oddly carved.

“It’s bone.” Ivan smiled. “We shave the sides of animal bones very thin then tie them to boots. Come, I’ll help you put yours on.” Alfred let Ivan help him out of the sleigh and they held hands to the edge of the lake. Alfred sat on one of the cold rocks and held up his foot as Ivan quickly removed his boot and replaced it with a skate. He did the same to the other and easily did his own.

“I don’t know if I can skate on these.” Alfred said, a little worried but Ivan just pulled him out onto the ice with him.

“You won’t fall. I have both your hands. Straighten your legs.” Alfred’s legs were buckled at the knees as he tried to stay upright but he attempted to do as Ivan said. Ivan kept their speed slow and steady so Alfred could get used to the new activity. Alfred smiled as he straightened his legs and found it much easier “See, you’re doing great. Lets’ practice a bit more before I show you something nice we can do on the ice.”

They practiced for a little longer and the few times Alfred was sent to skate on his own he almost fell, forwards and backwards. Luckily, Ivan was quick enough to be right there to catch him before Alfred’s body hit the ice. Alfred had caught on quick to the mechanics of it but still was wobbly here and there. Ivan thought it was time for Alfred’s little surprise so he skated to meet up with him.

“Alfred, from now on I want you to keep your legs and feet still.” Ivan smiled and took his hands. “We’re going to be doing some dancing!”

“D-Dancing? On the ice?” Ivan nodded and pulled him tight against him. He wrapped an arm around Alfred’s waist and laced their other fingers together in a classic dance pose. Ivan began skating backwards and Alfred gasped slowly, looking down at his feet to make sure he wouldn’t fall.

“No, my Winter Rose. Look at me.” Alfred looked up and met those violet eyes. “Do not loose eye contact with me. Just feel.”

Alfred smiled and nodded, letting Ivan lead him around the ice. Ivan was skating with such skill and poise that he may as well be dancing on a dance floor. He spun them, swung him, and dipped him all while skating along the ice. Alfred did not break eye contact with Ivan as they glided along. He could not pull his eyes away from Ivan even if he wanted to. Those strong hands on his waist that could lift heavy iron and break a man’s spine were holding him so tenderly and with care. The man dancing on the ice with him now was not a cruel lord but a loving, romantic, and charming man.

If the night could not be more perfect than it already was it was going to get better. The clouds had come back and a light snow starting to float from the sky. Alfred looked up and laughed, sticking out his tongue to catch a snowflake. Ivan then placed both his hands on Alfred’s waist and lifted him high, spinning around on the skates. Alfred laughed with joy and rests his hands on Ivan’s shoulders as he let the snowflakes kiss at his skin.

Next, Ivan surprised him by bringing him down and changing his position in his arms. Now he was bridal style as Ivan sped up his skating a bit. Alfred wrapped his arms around Ivan’s neck and locked eyes with him again. His body was growing warm and his heart was beating rapidly. It wasn’t the same as when he was horny. This was a whole new feeling that gave him butterflies in his stomach. All he knew right now is that he did not want to leave this man’s arms or this scene. He wanted to dance with Ivan forever, just the two of them all alone in their own little world.

Ivan placed him back on his feet and returned his arms to his waist. He pulled Alfred tightly around him and they remained still, just hugging each other. Ivan knew the night would go well but this was more than he expected. He didn’t feel like this when he took Yao skating for the first time. They didn’t end that night like this either. Alfred fit perfectly into his arms and even his height was more efficient than Yao’s. Alfred enjoyed most of the activities he did and that showed they had more in common with each other.

“I’m never going to let you go.” Ivan whispered to him. “You are forever mine…I swear by all the spirits and stars above; if you are ever taken from me, I will tear the sky apart with my fury and the world will know my anger. I will bring death to the person who does you harm.” Ivan rests his forehead against Alfred’s to stare into those blue depths. “I swear it.”

“And I don’t ever want someone to take you away from me. I can be pretty mean when something or someone I love is in danger. You must promise not to leave me.” Ivan smiled.

“Are you saying that you love me, Alfred Jones?”

“I’m pretty damn close. What about you…do you love me?” He chuckled softly.

“As of now, our love has met in the middle. Soon it will blossom into a stronger feeling, I know it.” Alfred smiled sweetly and leaned up to kiss him, tightening his hold around Ivan’s neck.

“Lets’ not force it…we’ll let it be a surprise.” Alfred whispered against his lips and Ivan leaned forward to kiss him again.

They remained on the ice in their embrace, enjoying the still of the night and the snowflakes fluttering all around them. No one could bother them here and there was nothing to fear. This moment was theirs and nothing would be able to disturb this memory that will carry on until the end of their days.

End Chapter 15 TBC
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A Storm of Sunflowers