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Tempus Vernum	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1527 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I'm making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
***Warnings: Hardcore yaoi, fluff, angst, language

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter 15

Cloaked in all black, King Roderich hurried down the crystal-lined path towards a bright aura of golden light. All alone he traveled, and no one knew he had left the castle. Earlier in the day he had received a secret message from the leader of the Pure Bloods asking for his presence in their land. Unable to decline such an invitation, Roderich snuck out of his bed, kissed Elizaveta's forehead, and made off for the Pure Lands. The Pure Land was a special section of the fairy world cut off from the rest of its inhabitants. Only those of the Pure Blood Clan could reside in its wonders. If it were at any other time, Roderich would have been honored and delighted to be invited to the Pure Lands. But too much has been going on and he began to fear that they 'knew' too much. Why else would they want to see him?

Reaching the end of the crystal path, Roderich stood for a moment to drink in the beauty of the Pure Lands. The land was encased in a large silvery dome; inside of it was the city of the Pure Lands. Everything in the Pure Lands was gigantic in size save for the fairies and the houses. The flowers were so large that they dwarfed the tallest castle. Some of the Pure Bloods resided inside the blooms and did not live in houses like his people did. What separated the Pure Bloods from the rest of them were not only their clean bloodline of perfect fairies, but also their ability to still live off of the land. They did not eat or drink from pottery, only the fruit or nectar from the trees. They wore plain, white clothing. Only the Elite were allowed to own weapons, speak to other fairies, and leave the dome. It was the Elites who had summoned him here, and it had been a few centuries since he had last visited them. Not just anyone could visit the Pure Bloods.

Upon reaching the mouth of the dome, Roderich was halted by a large wooden door swirling with never ending vines of ivy. The green plant curved in and out of the wood, never once stopping in all its years since the first Pure Bloods built this place. It was truly a sight to behold. But when the ivy stopped moving, Roderich knew that his presence was recognized and the magic was allowing him entrance. With a proud smile, the King of the Light Court strolled inside the dorm. All around him the Pure Blood fairies flew, ever so slowly and gracefully. However, they did look upon him with slight distain, and Roderich felt himself sneer at a few of them. But it wasn't just the fairies detesting his presence but the various sized flowers as well. The gigantic flowers remained open, while the smaller ones quickly closed and hide their glowing light as he past. Roderich looked at all the flowers shying away from him, wondering why it was happening now and did not happen the last time he was here. Immediately, his senses went on high alert, which meant that he feared of letting his guard down. While this place was full of old and powerful magic, it was still a dangerous place to outsiders.

"King Roderich." A young fairy woman glowing with a white aura spoke his name. Her hair fanned out all around her in a halo of light.

"Yes, I am King Roderich."

"Come with me, the Elite are prepared to see you." She led him to a large tree that was tall as it was wide. They entered through an archway in the trunk, which then opened up to a hidden palace inside. But unlike a castle, it held no marble, no stone, and no crystal. Everything here was created and formed by the earth. No Pure Blooded fairy ever touched, tampered with, or destroyed any part of it for selfish gain. There were no built rooms, only hollow coves and large holes inside the tree to serve as lodgings. Roderich felt like a stranger in a strange land although he had been here before. Had it really been that long? "This is where I leave you." She spoke softly, holding out her hand to show an entryway into another part of the tree. "The Elite await."

Roderich silently thanked her, fixed his white cloak, and proceeded inside. Right now he worried about how he was dressed, for everything on him was artificial except for the roses on his crown. The Pure Bloods wore only the white silk spun by silk worms, making there clothing into simple garments of robes and tunics. Their bodies were barely covered; only the necessary parts to retain modesty and innocence. 'Innocence.' Roderich snickered inwardly at the word. 'Even the purest of white can be stained red with blood.'

As he moved through the canal of roots and leaves, he stepped onto the grassy floor of the Elite's courtroom. Fireflies, butterflies, and glowing dragonflies littered the air. The magic coming from those insects helped to light up the room. It was the Elite Pure Blood councilmen who really brightened up the place with their golden aura and shining robes of silky white. Roderich looked to his left first, seeing a group of five councilmen standing side by side on a large root. To his right, the same, except there were six councilmen instead of five. Straight ahead stood the oldest and purest clan member of them all seated upon a tangled mass of branches that could resemble a throne. The ancient fairy went by many names; The Green Man, The Spirit of Old, The Father of All, and The Guardian, just to name a few. But almost everyone called him 'Life', for when you spoke to him, you were said to be speaking to life itself.

Once Roderich stood before the elderly man, he bent the knee and bowed his head.

"King Roderich of the Light Court…what an honor it is to have you once again in our home. You may rise." Said the old man in a whispered, wheezing voice. His beard was long and white, reaching down to his knees. His eyes, once the purest color gold (or so it was told) were nothing more than solid white glowing orbs.

"I am honored to have been summoned here, your grace." Roderich bowed in respect once again. "How may I be of service to you?"

Life stood up from his throne on trembling legs but called forth a large golden staff to aid in his stance. "We have much to talk about. Let us first begin with…the matter of that Dark Fairy who was killed in your court. What is his name, again?"

Roderich cleared his throat. "Francis, your grace. His name is Francis."

"Ah yes, Francis. A well known explorer fairy," he walked over to a book that was floating in mid air to flip aimlessly through it. "The lover of our dear Dark King Arthur, yes?"

"Yes." There was no use in hiding it. The Pure Bloods knew the truth.

"This is good news." He turned to Roderich and smiled. "Now our dear Arthur can move on and do his job properly; the way it should be done."

Roderich's eyes narrowed slightly. "What do you mean, sir?"

The old fairy sighed. "All this could be avoided if your own wife produced an heir…but you give her too much power." The fairy glided along the floor.

"We fairies have all the time in the world, your grace." Roderich answered, trying to keep his voice even and hidden of any hint of anger. "My queen is mother to our people, and our kingdom grows more powerful because of it. There is no rush in such matters."

Life flew back to his throne and sat upon it. "Blood is everything in this world…but how could someone like YOU understand that?"

"Excuse me?" Roderich huffed in annoyance. "If I may ask, and forgive me for doing so, but how do I NOT understand? I married a fairy noblewoman. I did as was expected of me and I must say, things had turned out better than I had thought they would. So why wouldn't I understand?"

"Perhaps it is time I let you in on the history of your ancestors." Life held out his palm and a large book appeared before him. The book glowed with a golden light as the pages turned themselves. "King Roderich, why do you think the royals have such power? How do you think they came to be?"

Roderich raised a brown brow. "I'm afraid I don't understand?"

Life chuckled. "Your weapon maker never told you? Pity. He would remember."

Roderich was growing impatient. "Please, tell me of my ancestors, your grace. I am ever so curious."

"At the dawn of time, when the Green Mother first gave us life," he used his magic to conjure up a scene made with smoke to go along with his story. "Creatures big and small, human and magical, went their separate ways."

Roderich stared at the scene in awe.

"The fairies, at that time, were one race. One single, solitary race of pure bloodied fairies. But such a paradise was not to last. Some time after the development of our fairy realm, a small group of fairies decided to leave this place." He showed the group of ten smoke forms walking away from the dome. "A few followed them. From there they started to build their own little society. They wanted to be free of our rules. Your weapon maker was among them, yet he was only a child at that time."

'He can only be speaking of Sadiq.' Roderich said to himself as he kept his eyes firmly focused on the scene being played before him.

"But their 'free will' and 'free thoughts' caused them once again to split. Such sadness, a race being torn apart by greed and hatred." One side of the smoke turned white while the other turned black. "And so began the building of the Dark and Light court. Then, as you know, came the Great War over the ancient land. It only helped to split the fairies further apart."

"I've studied the ancient war…we are still fighting over that land. The humans mean to build onto it."

"Yes, but that is a different matter. You see, as the groups split, a king and queen were chosen on each side to lead. Since they were all still pure blooded, they maintained the magic of old. The others, however, as they evolved, began to lose sight of that magic. Even the royals, over the thousands of years, started to forget as well." Life met Roderich's gaze. "We must keep the blood of the royal families pure, on both sides. Light and Dark. Our friend in the Dark Court, Arthur, chose to ignore his duties. Foolish man." The smoke scene disappeared.

"But we do not know that for sure."

"Don't play dumb with me, King Roderich. You are anything but dumb." He closed the book. "Arthur murdered the fairy nobleman he was to marry. That nobleman was to be the father of his children. Yet like so many of your kind, he chose to follow his own feelings and dreams, building up his own ambitions. He chose to mate with a lowly fairy; a pirate; an explorer. He means to pass off those two children as pure bloods, when we know they are anything but pure."

"So what does this all mean? Why have you called me here? To tell me that?"

Life smiled. "We have come up with a plan now that Francis is out of the way." He clapped his hands and a scroll appeared before Roderich. "Those are our plans; our plans for King Arthur. Right now he is the biggest thorn in our side. BUT, he is still of royal pure blood and death is not an option for him."

Roderich took the scroll. "You mean for me to read this? These terms? What for?"

"You are to deliver them to King Arthur. Not that scroll, of course, but in your own words. We want you, King Roderich, to be the supreme ruler of the fairy realm. You will answer only to us, the TRUE fairy race. We wish to do away with the Dark Court. It is nothing but a bottomless pit and every decade it grows worse. Arthur's people hate him. His bastard sons are hated equally as much. We want the Dark Court gone so only the Light Court can prevail. Your kingdom, King Roderich, is the closest to ours. It is the purer of the two courts. There is more than one solution written in that scroll. Present each one to King Arthur. Whichever he chooses will suffice. King Arthur has a very unique way about him, and we must use that to our advantage."

Roderich opened the scroll.

"Do you consent?"

Roderich looked at Life, took a deep breath, and closed the scroll. "Why me?"

"Why? Because, you are the right choice for this job." Life suddenly formed a smoke image of Ludwig. "Your human envoy is a curious oddity within himself. He knows too much. He even knows a secret that you yourself are not aware of."

"Ludwig?"

"This human, while he should be a neutral envoy, is growing close to the Dark Court. King Arthur confides in him. We cannot trust a human with his sort of power to gain strength in the Dark Court."

"What strength? You speak of Ludwig as if he is something special. He isn't. He is a human who can see fairies."

Life gave a weak laugh. "Oh, he is much more than that. Both kingdoms have let their doom in by the castle gates, had supper with it, and even befriended it." Life's white eyes turned a solid red. "You MUST take care of this matter between you and King Arthur on your own! No longer will a human speak for the both of you! Deliver our terms to Arthur. Force him, if you must, to agree to the terms. If he does not consent to our terms, then such horrors will befall him, and his children."

Roderich glared at him. "I cannot force him to do anything!"

"Oh, you will. You will force him. King Roderich, you can persuade him easily now that he is in distress over the death of his lover. Do as we say, King Roderich, and I promise…everything will be yours. Do you consent?"

Roderich glared at him.

/

The king of the Light Court now stood outside of Arthur's castle gates, alone. Elizaveta did not know he was here. Once he had consented, Roderich decided it would be best to deliver the terms right away. On his way here he had taken a few moments to rest and read the contents of the terms. One part of the terms was just what he and Francis spoke of, so he would try and push for that one. The other two were…well, Roderich knew Arthur would not be pleased with them.

His presence outside the castle did not go unnoticed, and to his surprise, it was Ludwig who came to greet him. "Your majesty?"

"Hello Ludwig." Roderich answered plainly. "I must speak with the Dark King about a matter or two. Allow me entrance?"

Ludwig nodded and opened the gates for him. "The king knows you're here…and he is expecting you in the meeting room. I'll lead you there. May I ask what this is concerning?"

Roderich straightened his shoulders. "I'm afraid I can't tell you. This is between kings. You must not be present when I speak to Arthur. No one can."

/

From the window in Alfred's room, Gilbert looked out at Roderich walking with Ludwig. 'What is he doing here?'

"Gilbert? What is it?" Alfred joined him at the window, his brows lifting in surprise at the sight of Roderich. "What is the Light King doing here? He never mingles with THIS part of the realm?"

Gilbert looked worried as Ludwig entered the castle with Roderich. Alfred shared in his worry. "Something is happening…I just don't know what." Gilbert spoke.

"If Roderich is here all by himself, then it can't be good."

"Exactly." Gilbert clenched his fists on the windowsill. "Hopefully Ludwig will find out what it is."

/

"MAKE WAY FOR THE KING! MAKE WAY!" Shouted a guard as Arthur entered the meeting room, ordering for the doors to be closed behind him.

Roderich followed the Dark King with his gaze, noting how stressed and troubled he was. Arthur took a seat opposite of him, met his eyes, and glared.

"King Roderich…what can I do for you?" He all but sneered.

"Well, King Arthur, I have some…matters to discuss with you. Most of them, I fear, you will not like."

Arthur rolled his eyes and poured himself some wine, without offering any to Roderich. "What matters are these? Please, surprise me."

Roderich's twirl twitched with annoyance. "Your constant sarcastic tone is beginning to annoy me!"

"Forgive me, but I'm not in the best of fucking moods right now, Roderich." He nearly downed the whole goblet of wine. "Now why are you here? Spare me your formalities and just get on with it!"

The Light King folded his hands together on the table. "I was summoned to the hall of the Pure Bloods recently." Arthur slowly lifted his head from the wine goblet to look at him. "THEY offer terms. Terms, I might add, that have to be administered by me. Are you prepared for them?"

Arthur glared, but poured himself more wine. "Tell me."

He took a breath. "There are a few. I will tell you the best one first. That is, of course, the one that I think will work out best for the both of us. And I'll speak it plainly. Step down from your role as Dark Fairy King. If you surrender your crown, throne, and kingdom to me, then you will be free to live with Francis and your boys, free from the pressures of royal duty. Both Francis and your sons will be safe from all harm. It is what the people want…it is also what YOU want. Don't you want to live freely with Francis and your boys? Shouldn't the boys have the option to choose their own way of life? This way, there will be no reason for you to live in fear; or to fear for the lives of your boys. And then you can have as many babies with Francis as you want. Doesn't that sound…nice?" Roderich was certain that his speech came off as forced…along with the fake smile.

Arthur drummed his fingers on the goblet. "Did you take 'stupid potion' this morning, Roderich? You know damn well I would never agree to something like that! I have duties and responsibilities. You and I are a lot alike…we're both terribly stubborn with massive egos and lots of pride. I'm still the king."

"A king of people who hate you; who want your head and those of your sons. I'll straighten them out, have no worry about that."

"I already said 'no'." he glared. "Now what are the other terms?"

Roderich's curl twitched again. 'How dare he dismiss me like that! Very RUDE!' "I'm afraid you'll like this next one even less. But the Pure Bloods are giving you a second chance at doing things 'properly'. In other words, they have a suitor for you."

Arthur just stared at him, and slowly smiled in annoyance. His face a mask of disbelief. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that. A suitor for who?"

Roderich leaned back in the chair. "You heard me. It actually is not as bad as it seems. This suitor, who's name escapes me at the moment, will only share your bed when you're in…woman form. Any other time after that he will be away in his own house. Produce an heir with him, a legitimate heir, and all your fears will be put to rest. And then, whatever children Elizaveta and I have will couple together nicely with yours. As long as you promise your child to be married to one of mine when the time is right we can…rule together. And the people of the Dark Court won't hate you so much. Doesn't that sound…nice?" He tried to smile again, but it hurt to do so.

Arthur swirled the last bit of wine around in his goblet. "The second one sounds easier, to tell you the truth."

Roderich's jaw felt like it would drop to the table. Now it was his turn to question what he heard. "I'm afraid I didn't catch that?"

The Dark Fairy King lifted sad green eyes to him. "Francis is missing. I can't find him."

Roderich squared his shoulders. "Really? You don't say…where could he have gone? Surely he tells you if he is going exploring?"

"Of course he does! His ship is still in the harbor…that I was told. But I can't go out and look for him, or send out a search party because…well…it's for OBVIOUS reasons." He rubbed his forehead. "My heart is killing me, Roderich. I do fear something terrible has befallen him."

"Let us hope that is not true. But returning to these terms at hand…you would consider the suitor?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "I just said it sounded easier. I can keep my throne that way." He sighed. "Not looking forward to having any more children, though. Matthew nearly ripped me apart and the labors are never easy. But it would solve a lot of problems." He poured himself more wine. "Just let some guy do his duty and go about my daily life. Now, what does this make my boys?" He couldn't help his eyes from turning snake-like.

Roderich didn't fear him, and answered plainly. "They will have to be declared bastards and stripped of their titles as next in line to the throne. The child you have with your 'husband' will be the true heir. But at least your boys will have a chance at a normal life where they don't have to fear saying who their father is, or losing their heads."

A single stream of tears fell down his cheeks, but Arthur held a sad smile. "They don't deserve to be declared bastards just because of who their father is."

Roderich wasn't moved by the tears. "I know, but sadly, that is the way things are unless the universe changes and the Pure Bloods disappear." He rolled his eyes at Arthur's show of emotion. He knew it was due to the spiritual bond between the two being broken and couldn't be helped. "Remember, Arthur, you brought all this upon yourself. You should have just stuck to that first nobleman, had a baby with him, and then had your affair with Francis. You wouldn't be the first king or queen to have affairs outside of wedlock. Matthew and Alfred wouldn't be the first bastards ever born either."

"I wanted a life that was mine, Roderich!" Arthur hollered. "I spent my whole life trying to please people, and this was the one happiness I ever had!"

"And what is it doing to you now?" He snuffed him. "You're just beaming smiles full of rainbows, aren't you?"

Arthur hissed at him and bared his fangs. "Watch yourself, Roderich. I'm really in no mood for your insolence."

"Listen, Arthur, I think all this stuff is foolish as well. It's not necessary in the least, but it is the way things are. We have to learn to accept them, or find ways around them." He stood up from his chair. "Take a few days to ponder these terms. Send Ludwig to me with your answer." He did not want Arthur to know just yet of what the Pure Bloods said about Ludwig. Even he himself didn't fully believe them.

"Wait. Weren't there other terms? Were there only two?"

Roderich just smiled flatly. "The last one is a nasty threat, which does not need to be spoken of. That is all I will say."

Arthur stared at Roderich's back as he strolled to the door. "So it is best then that I do not hear this threat?"

"Let's keep it a mystery, shall we? Even I find it in poor taste." Roderich glanced back at him. "Three days. That is all I give you. Three days to make your decision, and choose wisely. The Pure Bloods make living hard on all of us…and you're not the only one here who suffers from their reign. Good day to you, King Arthur."

/

Alfred and Gilbert were dining privately in their bedroom since Arthur had most of the main floor locked up because of Roderich's surprise visit. Gilbert actually preferred to dine privately without the presence of Matthew or Arthur today. It was the perfect chance to talk to his husband about Cupiditas Nocte.

"Hey Alfred?"

"Yeah?" He looked up from his dinner plate, chewing slowly.

"You know the Cupiditas Nocte is coming soon." Alfred nodded. "Do we…have…you know, plans?"

Alfred, holding a knife and fork in each hand, chewed quickly and swallowed hard. "I don't know, do we?"

"I asked your first." He gave a crooked smile.

The prince thought about for a second. "I haven't thought of anything." He turned to Gilbert. "Would you like to?"

Gilbert tapped his fork on the edge of his plate. "Would you want me to?"

"Would you be offended if I said 'no'?"

A grin. "So long as you aren't offended by me not being offended by you for saying no!"

"What?" Alfred was confused.

"Let me try that again," he laughed "As long as you aren't mad, I'm not mad either. We'll just lock this room up and let people think we're in here!"

Alfred tossed a peanut up in the air and caught it with his mouth. "Do you have someone, Gilbert?"

"Does it matter?"

"It might." Alfred chewed the nut, rolling the pieces around his mouth with his tongue. "Do you have someone you're seeing?"

Gilbert grew annoyed. "I thought we agreed to keep our options open since this is an arranged marriage!"

"It is, but I'd still like to know. So who is it? Or are you looking for someone that isn't me?" He chuckled.

Pink lips sneered. "I'm looking for someone. I just don't want to ruin your chance at this night by having to be with me. I'm sure you have someone you'd rather be with."

"What makes you think I have somebody?"

Gilbert rolled his eyes. "Don't try to play dumb with me. I'm giving you permission to go with whomever you choose and not asking questions. So do I have the same permission?"

Alfred picked up his piece of torn bloodied meat, held it over his mouth, and engulfed the rest by sucking the flesh from the bone. After some fat-cheeked chewing, he lazily tossed the bone to the side where it clattered on the stone floor. "Alright, it's a deal. It won't be easy though. We'll have to be very careful about where we go and whom we're seeing. The last thing we need is a scandal, you know?"

Gilbert had to maintain the need to grin from ear to ear. He was allowed to spend the Cupiditas Nocte with Ludwig! He already had the perfect spot picked out for them where they can be completely alone. Gilbert remembered being told of the Crystal Caves some time ago. They ran underneath the biggest mountain in the realm and there were so many caves that being found out was unlikely. He would still have to go there ahead of time and try to map it out, and find the best spot for them. There were fresh springs within the caves too, which would only add to the ambiance of the evening. Gilbert would have NEVER been thinking like this if he had not met Ludwig. He wanted to lean back on the chair, kick his feet madly, and squeal like a girl. Even his fairy heart started to grow warm inside him just thinking about their special evening. And if the sex were good the first time then it would be mind-blowing the second time! Of course, the most important part of the evening is their private time together to share their bond. The sex was just an added bonus.

"You want to slow down there, Gilbert?" Alfred motioned to the monstrous chewing of Gilbert's potatoes in his mouth. "You'll choke."

"Sworby!" he tried to say 'sorry' with a mouth full of potatoes. "Couldn't help myself." He said after he had swallowed. "I'm glad we have an open relationship like this, Alfred. I think it's healthy!"

Alfred gobbled up the rest of his plate's contents. "As long as neither one of us doesn't care about it then it's not hurting anything. Just be discrete, okay?"

"Yeah, same goes for you. Although, I wonder how you plan to get Kiku to spend the Cupiditas Nocte with you?"

Alfred nearly choked on his wine.

Gilbert grinned while cutting off a piece of meat from his plate. "Nothing says 'love' like banging your babysitter." He couldn't help but snicker.

"You're such an ass!" Alfred yelled at him. "How the hell did you know that?"

"Your baby brother blabbed."

"Damn!" Alfred pouted. "I told him that in confidence! Is this the thanks I get for being a very doting big brother?"

Gilbert raised a white brow in amusement at that statement. "Doting? Your father does all the doting. Don't forget I grew up with both of you. Telling me who your secret crush is was Matthew's way of getting back at you for all those years of leaving him out of games."

Alfred clicked his teeth. "He's dead meat!"

"Calm down. I don't care that you want Kiku! I'm just saying he is quite the challenge for you." Gilbert sipped his wine with a snobbish smile. "The one fairy Prince Alfred wants but can't get."

"Oh, I'll get him! Just you wait and see! Once I'm sitting on the throne and become the hero that saved the kingdom, Kiku will be all over me!" Alfred couldn't help but pose proudly in his seat. "I mean, I'll be impossible to resist! I'll have an even BIGGER crown than my father! I'll even have a throne for my throne! Oh! And my face will be put on every flag and banner because I'm the king!"

'This is why the people want your head.' Gilbert said to himself. "That won't win Kiku over and you know it."

Alfred's proud features deteriorated the moment those words registered in his brain. He flopped onto his chair and let his head fall onto the surface of the table, going limp. "You're right."

Gilbert flew over to him and pats his husband's back. "It's okay. You'll figure out something."

"But nothing pleases him! I might as well poor out my feelings to the wall because I'll get the same response!"

"I'll see if I can pull anything out of him. How's that?"

Alfred's eyes lit up. "You'd do that?"

"Yeah, sure. So long as you let me do what I want with who I want?"

White tooth grin met white tooth grin.

/

2 days later…

'I'm going on strike, that's it.' Ludwig said silently to himself. 'I'm going on strike and I will stay on strike until I say I'm done striking!'

He was growing stressed over all the work he had to do in the last two days. Not only was he trying to help King Arthur come to a decision with those terms (and while constantly sobbing about Francis), but also had to spend half of last night finding a secret place for Matthew and Cuba. Then he had to secretly deliver the letter to Cuba letting the fairy know where to go and when to show. As if that weren't enough, he had to help smuggle Cuba out of the city, through the castle, and out the main gates to meet Matthew. Cuba was on his own then. Ludwig had done his part of the bargain. If Matthew and Cuba got caught then none of it would have been his fault. But his stress didn't stop there. Ludwig still had a few bits of paperwork to finish for Roderich; he has a meeting with Sadiq tomorrow about his staff (and something about armor); and the biggest bit of stress was the Cupiditas Nocte. Which was tonight. He had not seen Gilbert all day, or much of him yesterday either.

"Where could he be?"

As Ludwig continued to his room, a curious whistling caused him to stop and look towards the sound. He stared blankly at a winged white envelope, which was the source of the whistling and fluttered towards him. Ludwig purged his lips together and his eye twitched as the letter forced its way into his hands. Ludwig looked at the red wax seal of the Dark Court royal family before slipping his finger between the folds and breaking it. However, the letter opened up on its own, unfolding into a perfect square and levitating in the air. Ludwig gazed at it, wondering where the message was or what it was doing. Should he touch it? His question was answered when a little red spark ignited into a small flame, emitting a stream of white smoke. The smoke was about the length of his hand before it began to change shape. Ludwig watched in amazement as the smoke took the hollow form of Gilbert…a very naked Gilbert. The smoke image of his lover started to move, swaying the hollow body in a seductive dance. Ludwig felt the heat rise up in his cheeks and the crotch of his undergarments tighten at the erotic sight. Gilbert's smoke form even performed some 'very' sexual moves that had Ludwig's hips rocking slightly. He was swelling with need, and was still nowhere near his room to 'take care of it'.

'See anything you like?' Gilbert's voice echoed in his head.

'I see quite a bit that I like.' He responded. 'But what is this? Where are you?'

A chuckle. 'Just follow the silver star! It'll lead you right to me! But don't worry, no one but you can see the star.' The form of Gilbert blew him a kiss. 'Just don't let anyone see you sneaking out.'

The letter poofed into a cloud of sparkling red smoke and a small silver star appeared. It reminded Ludwig of a firefly in size but burned twice as bright. It jingled in the air as it moved, bouncing merrily down the hall. Ludwig hurried off after it, trying to keep up a fast walking pace so no one would suspect him. The star led him out of the castle through the back, behind the gardens, and out to the woods. Ludwig paused a moment to look up at the sky, and saw there why this night was a symbol of lovers. While the sky was pitch black, the stars were shining bright red. Even the moon up high shone with a red haunting glow. The trees, though dark, held a soft red hue from the red orbs in the sky. If this were to happen in his world, the Holy Order would view it as an evil omen. In his world, the color of 'red' stood for evil, pride, and lust. In this world, however, it represented love and sharing in the deep bond between two lovers. He believed in the second one. Ludwig continued following the star before he lost sight of it, and wondered where it was taking him.

Ludwig was growing tired as the silver star kept taking him further and further through the woods. He had been walking for what seemed like ages but was grateful to have brought the staff with him. It helped to ease the weight off his aching feet. Muttering a small curse, followed by Gilbert's name, the forest suddenly opened up to a mountainside. Ludwig glanced up, craning his neck to see how high it was. The star jingled again, bringing his attention back to the mountainside. The star floated above a certain spot and Ludwig walked over to it, seeing a large hole in the ground leading under the mountain. Ludwig looked at the star questionably, and its response was a giggle followed by a sweet jingle. It bolted down the hole, echoing back up its giggling jingle, which motioned for Ludwig to follow. Unhappy about getting dirty and sliding down a hole, Ludwig trusted the light of the star to know what it was doing. He could sense Gilbert was somewhere near, so this was not a trick to deceive him. The hole was dark, and opened up to a wide tunnel. Ludwig had to crawl on all fours and duck his head to follow the silver star. And that was when he saw it; a bright aura of multiple glows appearing before him as the tunnel opened to a cavern.

The cavern twinkled with rainbow light from wall to ceiling. The ground beneath was solid uneven white rock that led further into the cave. Crystals were everywhere; big, small, long, short, fat, and wide ones. A human could make a fortune for himself and hundreds of generations to come with this many crystals! Ludwig was able to stand up now, glancing all around and moving in circles to try and see every inch of this cavern. Hundreds of his reflection looked back down at him and mimicked every move. He actually felt…giddy. There was a feeling of childish joy within him, which brought a true and tender smile to his lips. The jingling of the star was twice as loud and high pitched now that they were in the cavern. Ludwig looked to its bouncing form leading to another tunnel. Unlike the entryway, this one was alight with crystals as well. So he followed the star through two more tunnels until it led him to their destination. Another large, wide-open cavern littered in colorful crystals. There was a fresh spring with water trickling down the rocky wall and into the clear pool. The water was so crisp and clear that Ludwig could see the bottom, even from the distance he was at. But the true beauty was not in the crystals, or the clear water, or the jingling of the silver star. It was the naked form of his Gilbert laid out upon a pile of furs and silk beside the spring. Ludwig stared at the gorgeous sight before him, admiring the long legs and porcelain white body.

Gilbert finally turned to gaze longingly at him, sat up from the bed of fabrics, and held his arms open. Ludwig, unable to resist the invitation for his lover's embrace, dropped his staff and ran to him. He fell to his knees on the mix of fur and silk to throw himself into that safe haven, which was Gilbert's arms. Gilbert held Ludwig tightly to him, standing them both on their knees so the embrace was more comfortable. Already his fairy heart was beating rapidly and glowing silver through his skin. He then clasped his hands on Ludwig's cheeks to force the other to gaze into his eyes. Gilbert touched their noses together, licked his dry lips, and leaned in to tenderly share a kiss with his lover. The second their lips met, both men were driven to a new height of want, need, and love. It was Ludwig who deepened the kiss, pressing his lips hard onto Gilbert's as if to devour him whole. Gilbert pressed forward, slipping his legs around Ludwig's to better seat himself in the other's lap. When Ludwig's hands started to trail over his back, Gilbert had to break the kiss.

"Hey, there's a rule to this night, you know."

Ludwig, breathless with want, asked "And what's that?"

"You can't be wearing ANY clothes!" Gilbert's glare of lust accompanied his hands by undoing the belt of Ludwig's monk robes. "Fuck, fuck, fuck a monk!"

"Stop talking." Ludwig was amused by the little jingle Gilbert just threw together but was now focused on undressing. Unlike the first time they did this he wasn't the least bit shy. It had been too long since that first time for him and the need to couple with his lover was stronger than ever. So quickly stripping himself of the red robes, Ludwig now knelt naked before Gilbert, both silently admiring the other's strong body. He saw Gilbert tilt his head to the side as those pink eyes slowly trailed every square inch of him. "What are you looking at?"

"I still can't get over how beefed you are for spending your growing years as a monk!"

"Just because I belonged to the monkhood doesn't mean I wasn't put to work. Everyone has their job to do. I grew up a laborer just like my father. The monks put me to work just the same. Your muscles came from battles and wielding a sword. Mine come from honest, humble work."

"Nonetheless, they are rather…rippling." Gilbert let his finger trail the hard muscles of Ludwig's chest. "I like it." When Ludwig tried to lean in for another kiss, Gilbert, unfortunately, had to block him. "Not yet!"

"Why not?"

Gilbert reached to the side and held up a large picnic basket. He smiled at Ludwig and winked, tapping the top of the basket with his finger. "We really should eat something and drink first. We're going to need all our strength for tonight!"

Ludwig nodded, watching as Gilbert began to unload the contents of the basket. The first item he pulled was a large stone jug, followed by another of the same. Next came a wrapped plate of pie, some chocolates, a bowl of cream, grapes, and two mugs. Ludwig recognized the smell as ale when Gilbert uncorked the first stone jug of the substance, filling both mugs. He handed one to him.

"This is better than that fancy-pants wine we're always forced to drink at court! Here's to us!" Gilbert held out his mug, as did Ludwig, and they clanked them together. "Drink up!"

Ludwig chugged his first sip of ale, drinking at least half of the mug. He was about to be smug to his lover; but when Gilbert held his mug upside down to show it was empty, Ludwig huffed. "I can drink more than you."

"Oh, no you can't, Mr. Monk!" Gilbert teased. "I was drinking guys under the table back when you were sucking at your mother's-"

"Okay, I get it." Ludwig drank the rest of his. "Pour more."

Gilbert did so, making them clank mugs again and this time, they sipped it. "How about some pie?"

"Sure. What kind is it?"

"Strawberry! I had the chef make it just for me." He pulled out a knife from the basket and cut a piece. "I wanted rhubarb pie [1] but there wasn't enough time to make it. I like strawberry, though!"

"Where are the plates?" Ludwig asked, and then noticed Gilbert's playful expression. "Oh. I see." He picked up the first slice of strawberry pie; its gooey pink contents sticking to his hand as he brought the pastry to his mouth. Taking a bite, he moaned softly at the delicious, fresh taste of the sugary treat. He moved the piece of pie to his other hand so he could lick off the remaining goop, but his lover had other plans. Gilbert reached out and took Ludwig's wrist in his grip, bringing the sticky fingers to his mouth to suck at them. Ludwig watched with a heated blush as Gilbert licked his fingers clean, and shuddered when that skillful tongue teased a fingertip.

"Mmm…strawberry flavored Ludwig. I like it."

Ludwig, feeling slightly playful himself, placed the piece of pie down on the silk before smudging the remaining goop on his other hand all over Gilbert's chest. Gilbert was surprised by the playful tactic and waved his finger naughtily at Ludwig. "Look at what you've done! Now you have to lick it off."

Ludwig gripped him by the forearms, held him still, and bent his head to start lapping at the pink juicy substance. Some of it dripped around Gilbert's nipple, the color almost blending in with the strawberry filling. Once he had the sweet taste of the pink bud in his mouth, Ludwig let his mouth nip, suck, and lick the tip until it hardened against his tongue. He could hear Gilbert moaning above him, feeling those soft fingers glide along his shoulders and back. When Gilbert's chest was clean of the sticky mess and shimmering with his saliva, Ludwig pulled back to lick at his lips to savor the taste. He had never really cared for strawberries, even when he was a little boy. They had a small patch of wild strawberries behind his house, and his mother would often pick them for pies and muffins. Ludwig had never liked them in food, but when the fruit was on Gilbert, suddenly it tasted just that much sweeter.

"Look at what you did with that little act!" Gilbert pointed down to his lap, showing Ludwig the erection he got. "That tongue of yours can do so much more than spat out sermons and prayer." He buzzed his wings.

"May I feel them?" Ludwig asked.

"Of course." Gilbert turned his body to the side so Ludwig had access to the left side of his wings. He shivered in delight when Ludwig touched them, gently, of course, as if he were touching a delicate flower. Gilbert's cheeks blushed pink with the kind caresses of Ludwig's hands on his wings. He nearly ejaculated right then and there when Ludwig planted a chaste kiss on the tip of his wing.

"How can something so beautiful be so cold?" Ludwig asked in a hushed tone. "These wings, so beautiful; yet they are cold to the touch."

Gilbert smiled and answered, "It's because I am a Winter Fairy. These wings help to put the frost on branches and blades of grass."

"I can live with it." Ludwig replied. "After all, the rest of you is warm and that's what really matters."

Gilbert turned to look at him. "I've noticed you've been stressed these past few days. Why don't you relax?" He sat criss-cross and pats his lap. "Lay your head in my lap and like a good lover, I will offer you my strength, support, and comfort."

How could he resist THAT? Ludwig moved to lie down on his back and rest his head in Gilbert's lap, looking up lovingly at the man who is his beloved. Those pale yet strong hands began to rub and brush feather light touches on his forehead, instantly relaxing him. Ludwig closed his eyes to indulge in the touch. He felt Gilbert shifting a bit, and he opened his eyes to see what the fairy was doing. Gilbert lifted a bunch of purple grapes in his hand, plucked one from the stem, and popped it in his mouth. He plucked another to hold it above Ludwig's lips. Ludwig opened his mouth and allowed the grape to be dropped, feeling it pop with sweetness between his teeth as he chewed. Ludwig opened his mouth again, motioning for more to be fed to him. As the grapes were dropped one by one, Ludwig let his bare legs rub against the skin sheets and furs, the texture only adding to the romantic scene.

"Ludwig? Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Would I make a good human?"

Ludwig opened his blue eyes to gaze up at pink. "What?"

"Would I make a good human? I was just wondering." He dropped another grape into Ludwig's mouth.

"Humans are flawed the same as fairies, just without the assistance of magic. You would be like any other human in my world. Now, would I make a good fairy?"

Gilbert's mouth curled into a smile. "You'd be a damned good fairy, Wiggy! I would love for you to be like me so we can live in eternity together! My heart knows it wants to be with you, Ludwig." He said seriously. "If I have to become a human to live with you then I will."

Ludwig closed his eyes, took a breath, and then answered. "We don't have to make such a life-changing decision like that any time soon. Whatever will be, will be. You are teaching me a lot about myself. I know that I want to be with you forever as well…but living a life…an immortal one that runs by millenniums…I just don't know if I want to do that." He saw the look of hurt on Gilbert's face. "However, there is still much time for us to make such decisions. For now, let us enjoy just being together. We don't get nights like this where we can be completely alone. Let us make the most of it, yes?"

That brought the smile back to Gilbert's face. "You're right! We still have a lot of time!" He picked up his ale mug, took a drink, and then held it over Ludwig's mouth. "Open wide!"

Ludwig opened his mouth as the ale poured in, filling it up completely and trickling out from the sides. Ludwig puffed his cheeks for a moment before swallowing the rich ale. "Damn, that's good. We should drink more in the monkhood."

Gilbert threw his head back and laughed. "Yes, you should! Nothing makes one happier than being drunk all the time!"

"So I've heard. More grapes please." He held his mouth open as another grape was dropped into it. "Thank you for this, Gilbert."

"No reason to thank me. I want to do this because I love you; and I know that you love me. I want you to know that I am more than just a fairy warrior. I am a fairy male who needs just as much love and care as the next fairy. And you are giving me that."

Ludwig pointed to the ale, and Gilbert poured more into his mouth. "May I be honest with you, Gilbert?"

He smiled. "Sure."

"I'm jealous of Alfred. Alfred gets to be with you all the time. He holds your hand, takes your arm, you share dinners together…and you share a bed."

"I would have never taken you for the jealous type, Ludwig."

"I wouldn't think that about myself either…until I saw you getting married. I know it was jealousy that I was feeling."

"You don't have to worry so much about Alfred. We have an open relationship, he and I. He's trying to court Kiku right now, and all I told him was that I wanted to go out and 'find' someone. He doesn't know about us."

Ludwig crinkled his nose. "But you still have to keep up appearances with him."

"Let's not talk about Alfred." Gilbert forced Ludwig up into a sitting position. "Let's focus on us instead." He lifted the lid off the bowl of cream, scooped a little with his finger, and brought it to his mouth. "Mmm! You've got to try some, Ludwig! It's for the pie but it tastes just as good by itself."

"I rather taste it on you."

Gilbert grinned and handed the bowl to Ludwig. "I wasn't sure if you liked sweets."

"Only if you are part of the sweet." He went to dip his fingers into the cream when Gilbert suddenly pulled it away.

"Let me!" He dipped his hands into the cream, moved to smear it on his chest, but instead threw it at Ludwig. It landed on his cheek, and Gilbert had to laugh at Ludwig's shocked expression. "Hold still, I'll take care of it."

"Oh, that won't be necessary." Ludwig replied calmly and picked up a piece of strawberry pie. Bouncing it in his hand two or three times, he saw the look of realization on Gilbert's face when the fairy knew what he had planned. With a smirk, he shoved the piece of pie onto Gilbert's chest, smashing and rubbing it in so it trickled down to his belly. Ludwig wrapped his arms around his lover and carefully bent him backwards so he could lap his tongue along the sweet skin.

Gilbert moaned and moved his hands to rest on Ludwig's forearms, stroking them in time with the licks. It felt as if Ludwig had multiple tongues the way he was 'cleaning' Gilbert's chest. Gilbert's body was aching for Ludwig, and they had all night for lengthy foreplay. Pushing Ludwig's head away from his chest, Gilbert motioned for him to lie back on the furs. When Ludwig was flat on his back, Gilbert slid the length of his body along the other. He held himself up with his hands as he gazed down at Ludwig. "This is how it goes." He rubbed himself against Ludwig's cock. "This first time I want you to take your pleasure with me. You can do whatever you want. After that, I want you to make love to me. And then," he licked away the cream "we can do whatever we like. Sound good?"

"I'll do whatever you ask." He was aching with the need for Gilbert's body and rocked his hips upwards to show it. "I want you."

Gilbert leaned over to the basket and pulled out a rounded glass bottle with clear liquid inside. "I snagged this from Kiku's supply closest." He uncorked the bottle and let the oily substance pool in his palm. He kept his eyes firmly on Ludwig's as his hand wrapped around the thick erection to stroke it with the oil. At the sound of Ludwig's groan, and the pulsating organ nestled in his hand, Gilbert planted a quick kiss on his lover's lips before standing up on his knees. Keeping his gaze with Ludwig's, he positioned himself and began a slow descent, feeling himself stretched to the brink with each passing inch. He must have been going to slow for Ludwig, and his lover took the previous words to heart by slammed up into him. Gilbert let out a pleasured gasp as the rest of his muscles were forced to expand quickly to accommodate the girth. He could feel his muscles pulsating around the member buried deep inside, the tip just barely brushing against his sweet spot.

"Spread your wings!" Ludwig lightly demanded, and Gilbert obeyed, spreading them as wide as they would go.

Gilbert rocked his body forward, feeling Ludwig move within in. He shuddered at the feeling of fullness with the second rock, and could see those blue eyes filling up with lust. Gilbert lifted himself halfway off of the burning flesh before taking it back in again, which caused the tip to strike his sweet spot. Both let out a groan of pleasure, but it was Gilbert's heart that started to beat and burn in his chest. Gilbert lifted himself again and again until they found a perfect rhythm. Gilbert groaned and arched his back each time Ludwig's cock slid into him. He was waiting for Ludwig to lose control and ravish him. He wanted Ludwig to do it on his own, not have him say it or tell him to do it. Gilbert paused in his movements, reached over for his mug of ale, and gulped the rest of it. He was hoping this 'pause' in sex would aggravate Ludwig in his lust. "Want some?" Gilbert offered in a sweet voice. His plan had worked. Ludwig sat up, knocked the mug from his hand, and shoved him back onto the silks.

"Now I'm on top."

Gilbert stretched the length of his body sensually along the red silk while spreading his legs wider. To Ludwig, there was nothing else to wait for. He bent down to crush his lips against Gilbert's. He deepened the kiss, no longer teasing or testing his limits, but taking possession. His blood was churning, hot and slow. Gilbert's moans and whimpers in his mouth urged his hips forward to thrust hard. His lover had to pull away to let out a pleasured cry to the crystal ceiling. The echo of Gilbert's pleasure bounced off each crystal, filling the cave with the sweetest melody he'd ever heard. Ludwig wanted to hear more of Gilbert's pleasure, and taking the other's words to heart, he thrust to seek his own orgasm. Ludwig began a pounding rhythm, forcing Gilbert's body to bend further and elevate his hips. His fairy's body closed around the length of him each time, pulsating and pulling him deeper. Gilbert was so hot inside, and Ludwig craved that heat. His lover was writhing perfectly beneath him, moaning his name and words of 'faster' and 'more'.

"You are mine." Ludwig whispered through his teeth in Gilbert's ear, accompanied by a deep thrust.

Gilbert cried out in pleasure first before responding with, "yours!"

He may be married to Alfred, but every part of Gilbert belonged solely to him. At the thought of Alfred coupling with his fairy, Ludwig felt the jealousy churning in his belly. He knew he shouldn't feel that way because there was nothing romantic between them, but it was the sex part that made him wild with jealousy. Ludwig didn't even notice that his thrusts had turned rough, and Gilbert's cries of pleasure had a hint of pain behind them. Although he heard the little whimpers of Gilbert's discomfort, he couldn't stop himself from taking his pleasure. Gilbert's nails dug into his shoulders while shrieking his name. Ludwig hoped his wasn't hurting him too much, but he just had to possess this fairy.

There was some pain with the pleasure Ludwig was giving him yet Gilbert did not protest. His body and heart opened themselves to Ludwig's everything because he loved the human. Ludwig was only showing how much he loved him, but was still new to the art of sex. It was hard to think, though, as Ludwig's thick cock crashed into him over and over again, striking his sweet spot each time. He barely had time to catch a breath in between his cries of pleasure. Ludwig's rough lovemaking was sending tingles of sensual delight all through his body, striking at each nerve and settling in his lower belly. The pleasure was growing more intense with every rock solid thrust, and he wrapped his arms around his lover's strong back to keep his body from slipping on the silk. He felt small compared to Ludwig at this moment, bent and twisted beneath the powerful body as the warning signs of his orgasm began to show. He felt like he would die; feeling as if Ludwig would split him open once the human came inside of him. His body couldn't take any more of the pleasurable onslaught, and with a choking cry to their coupled reflections above, Gilbert came between them. The warmth of his semen pooled at his belly but it was smeared quickly by Ludwig's thrusting. Although he came, Ludwig's cockhead was still stimulating that special spot, which made his eyes roll back in his head. His limbs, weak with afterglow and exhaustion, fell limp against the silk. Ludwig had to hold him still by pressing down roughly on his shoulders and continue his thrusting until reaching completion. When Ludwig exploded inside of him, Gilbert forced his eyes open to gaze upon his lover's pleasured face.

Gilbert made a vow right then and there that Ludwig's pleasure face was for his eyes and his eyes alone. He was Ludwig's, as much as Ludwig was his. He held the larger man as Ludwig collapsed on top of him, relishing in the feel of the still hard cock buried within in. He could feel Ludwig's essence trickling down his skin, tickling the soft flesh and making him shudder.

"Did I hurt you?" Ludwig asked him in a whisper.

"No, you didn't hurt me. I would have told you." He kissed Ludwig's temple.

"I got carried away when I should have maintained control." Gilbert chuckled. "No, it's true." He moved off of his fairy lover to sit up on the silks. "I…thought about you with Alfred and…and I guess I let my jealousy get the best of me. I just wanted to show you that…um…" Now he was at a loss for words.

Gilbert smiled. "I know. You don't have to say it, Ludwig." He took Ludwig's hand in his own. "You were just showing me how much you love me. And let's not forget that you are still fresh to sex." He laughed when Ludwig blushed. "Come on, let's get cleaned up and then we'll make love!"

Ludwig let Gilbert pull him up and they walked over to the spring. He dipped his toe in to test the temperature, and found, to his surprise, that it was pleasantly cool. The bottom wasn't that deep and would probably come up to his waist at the deepest part. Gilbert stepped into it and walked down the rocky slope towards the center. He dove under the water, his white wings sparkling like diamonds as he glided with all the grace of a fish. Ludwig just stared at those sparkling wings until the fairy came back to the surface, shaking his hair of the water and buzzing his wings dry. The water came right up to his belly button, and he beckoned his lover to join him. Ludwig entered the clear water and made his way to the center to join his lover. They shared a tender embrace.

"Do you like this place, Ludwig?"

"I do. It's beautiful here." He pulled away to stroke Gilbert's face, cupping the cheek. "I know I complain a lot about the work I'm forced to do here in the fairy realm…but I know it's all worth it to have been able to meet you, Gilbert."

"I never thought I would fall in love with a human, but my fairy heart doesn't lie." He moved Ludwig's hand down to rest it over his glowing heart. "It glows only for you, remember that. It doesn't glow for Alfred, or for anyone else. Only you."

That brought another true smile to Ludwig's lips. "I hate all this sneaking around. That's another reason why I get jealous of Alfred. He gets to openly show affection for you, whether it is true or not."

"I know, it's hard for me too. I rather have you on my arm any day!" They shared a kiss. "Here, let me show you something." Gilbert suddenly leapt out of the water and stood on the surface with the help of his wings. Ludwig watched and waited to see what he was going to do. Using his frost powers, Gilbert skated along the top of the water leaving streams of frozen streaks in his wake. He made two heart shapes and flew above them. "What do you think? Cool or what?"

Ludwig reached out to touch the layer of thin ice. "It's amazing…I forget that you have this kind of power."

Gilbert smirked and flew back to the furs, sitting on his knees and calling Ludwig over. While waiting for Ludwig to join him he poured them more ale. Handed it to Ludwig as he sat down. "To our love."

"To our love." They clanked mugs and drank.

After their drink they lay on the furs and covered their bodies with the red silk. Gilbert lay against his lover, nuzzling his face against the strong chest. Just laying together like this, all alone, was like paradise. The crystals sparkled and gleamed all around, and along with the trickling water the cavern seemed to sing to them. Ludwig lazily slid his finger up and down the length of Gilbert's arm until he was ready for round two, which was making love. He looked at their first round of sex as making love too, but he understood what Gilbert wanted him to do this time. Gently, he rolled his body so that it was covering Gilbert, making sure the fairy was comfortable beneath him.

Gilbert spread his legs and let Ludwig settle his full weight on him. It was Ludwig who kissed first, bringing their lips together in a soft, passionate kiss. Their tongues dueled for a time, and then Ludwig pulled away to move his lips elsewhere. Gilbert tilted his head this way and that to meet Ludwig's kisses. The kisses extended down to his shoulders, chest, and belly. Ludwig's hands replaced the areas where his lips had been, rubbing and stroking tenderly. Gilbert sighed at the gentle touches, bringing his hands up to rub at Ludwig's shoulders and back. When Ludwig sat back up he positioned himself, waiting for Gilbert's silent approval before moving further. Gilbert nodded, wrapping his hands around Ludwig's back and holding tight as his lover began to press in. Gilbert let out a light moan and his eyes rolled back in his head at the familiar stretching on entrance. Ludwig was really taking his time, entering slow inch by slow inch. He couldn't contain his soft cries as his body stretched to welcome Ludwig in once again. Finally, when Ludwig had fully seated himself inside, they shared a quick loving gaze before entering into another lip-lock. Gilbert kissed him long and hard while bringing his knees up and closer to his chest so his hips could better accommodate Ludwig. Ludwig broke the kiss and gave a shallow thrust; then he took both of Gilbert's hands in his own and laced their fingers together.

"I love you, Ludwig." Gilbert breathed out, his cheeks flushed a delicate pink and his fairy's heart glowing brighter.

"I love you too. My Gilbert. My Winter Fairy."

Ludwig brought his lips to Gilbert's again and began a series of slow, solid thrusts. Gilbert's body rocked against his, those narrow hips arching to meet his movements. Ludwig had to break the kiss to let out his own sounds of pleasure as the tight, slick heat of Gilbert's body threatened to drive him mad. Gilbert's cries were sweet little gasps of air, along with that beautiful smile of his. Ludwig picked up the pace, moving his cock a little faster this time and pulling all the way out to press back in. Gilbert's cries then turned to deep, throaty moans and pale fingers pressed against this knuckles. Ludwig had to detach their hands because he could feel himself nearing orgasm and he wanted Gilbert's body in his arms for that moment. He slid his arms underneath of Gilbert to lift him slightly from the silks and deepen his thrusts, making his lover cry out to the crystals once again. He glanced up at Gilbert only to see streams of tears rolling down his cheeks. Immediately he stopped.

"Gilbert! Am I hurting you?" He asked in a panic.

"No!" Gilbert smiled through his tears and gripped Ludwig's face in his hands to look upon him. "It's just my fairy heart and this night making me act all…all…like this!" he smiled again and wrapped his arms around Ludwig, holding him tight. "And I just love you so much that…that it makes me cry!"

Ludwig lifted his head to kiss away one of the tears before returning to their lovemaking. "Finish with me."

"Yes!"

Together their bodies danced in that age-old rhythm shared by lovers, known only to the crystals all around them. Their duel cries of completion echoed through the cave, and the two taboo lovers lay sated and content in the warm embrace of one another.

/

Somewhere in the woods, the sorrowful, lonely howl of Ivan echoed through the red sky. He too felt the need and want to be with someone. But he knew that the one he wanted, the one craved and yearned for, was happily sated in the arms of another.

/

Matthew looked out at the lights of the Light Court city from his place atop cliff, shivering slightly from the chill in the night air. He smiled as Cuba came to sit behind him and pull his chilled body into a warm lap to wrap them both in a blanket. Matthew cuddled in to his warmth and the gazed up at the red stars twinkling down from above.

"Whatever you do, don't tell anyone what we did." Cuba whispered.

"Of course not." Matthew giggled. "I'll be locked away forever and my father will swallow the key. But thank you for this night."

"We really have Ludwig to thank for setting all this up." Cuba squeezed him tight. "I'll find a way to thank him."

Matthew nodded against Cuba's chest and closed his eyes, nodding off to sleep with a smile.

/

"Kiku…come on! Please?" Alfred had been locked out of his own bedchambers by Kiku, who was hiding inside. Alfred had smuggled him, along with a dinner that HE cooked and a fresh bouquet of hand picked roses from the gardens. And somehow, he ended up on the other side of the door. "Baby…come on, let me in! I just want to talk. We don't have to do anything! Please?" Silence from the other side. Alfred sighed. "Kiku…just let me in, okay? If you let me in then I promise you can leave. Just don't hate me or be mad at me, okay?"

The door opened. Alfred walked in; and then the door closed.

/

"Herc, what are you thinking about right now?" Sadiq asked from their spot atop their mushroom house where the moon was glowing bright. It had been so long since they shared in any type of sexual activity or sweet moment, and Sadiq wanted to make the night last as long as possible. He was hoping for some caring and doting words from his lover, but when he turned to Heracles, he found his lover snoring. "You little shit." He suddenly wondered how fast Heracles could roll down the side of the mushroom?

/

King Roderich and Queen Elizaveta sat side-by-side, cuddled close as they sat upon their bedroom balcony to gaze at the red sky, fingers laced together.

/

Arthur sat in his bedchambers, alone, with a small table of food for his 'dinner'. He was waiting for Francis to show up. His lover never missed this special night. But the food had grown cold long ago. The three-tiered candle stand was covered in wax of the candles and burned all the way down. Only one candle still burned, but then it went out in a puff of smoke. Arthur stared at the table of wasted food, and in a fit of frustration he flipped the table and all of its contents. He went to the window and looked up at the red sky, tears of blood pouring down his deathly pale cheeks.

'Francis…where are you? I'm so alone in this big room…all by myself.'

Arthur dropped to the cold floor and rests his face in his folded arms on the windowsill to cry himself to sleep, hoping that he would be awoken by a kiss from his lover.

End Chapter 15 TBC

***[1] If anyone read my story 'Darker Than Morning', then you get the rhubarb pie joke! XD I couldn't resist.***

***This chapter had a lot of fluff and romance in it, but the next chapter will hold more political talk than anything.***
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Tempus Vernum