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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
- 20
- 21
- 22
***Thanks for all the reviewing!

***Author’s Note: Okay, I hope many of you read this because I have attempted to write a shorter chapter this time around. I know my chapters can range from twenty five to thirty pages and it can make ones eyes go cross and numb the rump lol!

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.

Chapter 21

The dungeon was damp and cold, without a straw pile to sleep on or even a mat. It was too cold for bugs but he did see the occasional rat scurry along. There was only one torch that was lit near him but the flame was starting to die away. Hopefully a guard would be by soon to relight it or else he would be in total darkness. With the rats running around he was fearful of not being able to see if they were to surround him.

He shivered in the far corner of the dungeon, arms wrapped around his knees in a vain attempt to keep warm. It brought him back to the times in the cold when he would give up his blanket for Alfred or Matthew, or his cloak or hat so they could be warm. This way, he found, was the most effective way but without a fire to help with the warmth it was useless.

Which brings him back to his current situation and why he was put there. Frankly, he couldn’t blame Ivan for putting him here because in a way he deserved it. Arthur let all his years of pent up lust and jealously get the better of him. For so long he had kept himself away from Alfred and it had been successful until now.

Everything had happened so fast that his brain couldn’t wrap around the fact that Alfred was married. Arthur had always wanted Alfred to marry someone he loved and surrender his innocence to them. Arthur did not want to take that away from him, nor did he ever feel that marriage was right for them. The thought of marriage between them never occurred to him and he wouldn’t even want it. It was just lust all those times; a neutral agreement between two souls to keep the other company.

So what was it that drove him to sleep with Alfred like he did? The jealousy he felt was intense but why was that? Was it because he secretly thought that Alfred would have never left him or the farm? Was it just the jealous ‘big brother’ in him that did not want to give up the ‘sibling’ that he had worked so long and hard to care for? Perhaps he was just trying to hold on to something he knew and what he was comfortable with. He was comfortable with Alfred, even if the man drove him nuts and disobeyed him all the time.

All he did for that boy seemed to just shatter and break before him when he had handed him over to Ivan. The Alfred he had raised was going to crumble under the weight of this man while he was powerless to stop it. Perhaps when he slept with Alfred that was some part of him looking for a still sign of control. Despite Alfred’s wild ways, big mouth, and disobedient nature he would still respect him and honor his words to his best ability.

That had to be it. He was loosing control over Alfred when he had raised the man from such a young boy. All the troubles he went through, all the sacrifices, all the fights and beatings and scolding’s he had to deal with just so Alfred and Matthew could be comfortable. Alfred was the only thing in his life he had ever had control over. Growing up there was nothing he could do to save his mother or help his deceased siblings he just had to watch it happen. He had always been under the thumb and rule of some boss, whether it be farm or factory. He never had a say in anything he did but at least in raising Alfred and Matthew he could SOMETHING.

How was he going to patch things up with Alfred now? He had gotten Alfred out of his system and it felt like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. How little he knew this issue would bother him so much. What a shitty way to share a first time together. Thinking back on it, Arthur just wanted to get it done and quick…before Alfred would slip through his fingers again. It was selfish of him. The opportunity had struck him and he jumped at the chance, not thinking of the consequences of his actions.

What was Alfred doing right now, he wondered. Was he all right? Was Ivan beating him or raping him? And what of Gilbert? As things stand now, it would all depend on that man and what he chooses to say. Gilbert’s word could make or break them. And what about Francis? Arthur had betrayed him as well by sleeping with Alfred. Francis was going out of his way to court him to gain Arthur’s appreciation and all he could do was sleep with another behind his back. What would he tell him when he got out of this dungeon? That is, IF he got out.

“Gilbert you numnut…I hope for all our sakes you say the right thing…”

Matthew sat up in Gilbert’s bed, trembling and crying as he clutched under the spot where the hot poker had burned him. The pain was so intense it awoke him from his sleep and seeing Ivan above him with a poker frightened him even more. Why had he burned him like? Why didn’t Gilbert do anything! What was going on? A million thoughts were rushing through head as his arm throbbed and ached. Looking up again at Ivan he noticed the man had a very serious and confused look on his face as he stared at Gilbert. His Gilbert was standing boldly beside the bed, his fist clenched at his sides.

“I told you those two did nothing.” Gilbert hissed out and Ivan narrowed his eyes. “I have always been a VERY trustworthy general to you, Lord Ivan! I would think you would take my word as true before going to such lengths to get an answer!”

“I hardly burned him.” Ivan started as he walked over to the fire and placed the poker back in its spot. “And as cruel as my method was, I DO hold your words to be true and this was a very effective way. If Alfred and Arthur had slept together and you knew it, you would have jumped to defend Matthew yourself but you didn’t.” Ivan smiled. “So I guess I look like the fool here then, yes?” Gilbert didn’t want to answer that so he just straightened his shoulders.

“But I’m sure after the BIG display I put on in the castle and this little situation right here will make everyone think twice before they follow through with their ‘attempt’. But Gilbert, in all honesty, can you blame me for being suspicious? My new wife had a few flings with Arthur in the past and they went off together where I couldn’t see them. Surely you would be suspicious too?”

“Yes sir. I would probably be thinking the same thing as you.”

“Hmm…” Ivan rubbed his chin as he smirked, clearly thinking about something devilish. “I think I will keep Arthur in the dungeon for another day or so. I want him to have a lot of time think about his place here and his role with Alfred. I want him to be aware of the consequences I lay down while he is under my roof. My word is law here.”

Matthew wanted to beg Ivan to let Arthur out but he knew it would only be a useless mistake. What was he talking about with Alfred and Arthur sleeping together? Arthur would never couple with Alfred because they were like brothers! They all were! And Matthew knew his brother would never cheat on Ivan! Alfred was proud and noble and he had morals.

“I guess I will be getting back to the castle now. I’ll let Alfred have some more brooding time before we have a little chat. Matthew, thank you for being a good sport.” Ivan smiled and pats his head, making Matthew twitch a bit in fear. Ivan didn’t seem to notice. “Gilbert will get you patched up.” Once Ivan left the room Gilbert immediately lowered the latch on his door before running to Matthew.

“Matthew I’m so sorry!” Gilbert said, hugging him carefully.

“W-what is going on, Gilbert? What did Ivan mean about Alfred and Arthur?” He whimpered out, still rubbing his arm.

“Don’t worry about it. Right now we have to get your arm healed. Here, I’ll carry you to Ludwig’s room, he has a medical supply box.” Matthew let Gilbert lift him in his arms and carry him out of the room.

Alfred woke up from his exhausted sleep, feeling his body ache all over. Even his teeth seemed to be sore and were bothering him. He tried to sit up in the bed but a pain shot up his back and with a hiss he fell back onto the pillows. His breath came in short gasps as he searched the room for Yao but found he was alone.

“Damn it…what the hell happened?” He asked out loud to himself and began to replay the events over in his head.

Ivan had seemed to figure out that now Berwald and Tino were with him and the farm was burned he didn’t have to ‘kiss ass’. But Alfred knew that Ivan was right. If Alfred had REALLY been himself he would have never been able to support the farm like he wanted. Arthur had always told him he was too rash and speaks when he should be quiet. He remembered the cow getting its throat cut because he stood up to the tax collector and voiced his opinion.

If he had started out that way with Ivan the man would have probably turned him away onto the street. Playing a submissive role worked in his favor and things were going great until the news of the farm came. He knew that he had to play in to Ivan and choose his words or actions carefully around the man. The man was paying him so Alfred could feed his family and keep the farm. There was no way in hell he was going to ruin a good thing.

Even though he knew all this Alfred kept it stored away in mind so he could only focus on his goal; save the farm and show the others (mainly Arthur) that he was good for something. He had always wanted to be a hero and he thought this way he could achieve his own personal goal and keep the well being of the others. Alfred had thought that once everything worked out in his favor he could sit back and laugh triumphantly. He could have come out on top and been a hero!

But what was he now? He certainly did not feel like a hero even though he had rescued Berwald and Tino. He had started out being an avenger on a mission to free his little world of its taxes to a wife of a noble lord. Alfred couldn’t help but fear that all of this had been in vain, now that everyone from the farm was here and working through their own problems. Arthur had Francis who was courting him, Gilbert and Matthew were hitting it off, and Berwald and Tino would eventually fall in with the rest of them. At first he had felt needed but now he felt like they were in the same position as before, just not starving. Everyone had somebody, even him!

Thinking back to what happened earlier with Ivan, he couldn’t believe that he let himself get beaten like that. Under normal circumstances, Alfred would have put up a fight but the shock from Ivan’s reaction seemed to have rendered him useless. Of course, Ivan was still larger and more brawn than him and his strength really was incredible. Alfred’s body was still trying to recover from his many years of poverty and bad food. It would be some time before his body started to fill out and build more muscle.

But would just his strength alone be enough to fend off Ivan in the future? Alfred remembered seeing one of the guards let out a heavy grunt as they lifted and moved one of the iron candle stands where as Ivan could easily pick it up and swing it! How do you compete with strength like that? Alfred would never be able to reach THAT kind of superhuman strength. And yet, short little Yao was easily able to stand up to him without even a flinch. The smaller man had protected him and stopped Ivan from carrying on with the assault. Ivan didn’t even raise a hand to Yao, but just smiled and went on his merry way.

If Yao could control Ivan then certainly he could! Yao had managed to turn the large man’s black rage back to the simple, almost childish one Alfred had known. That night on the ice…why couldn’t Ivan be like that again? Or what if they could never be like that again? Alfred knew running off without Ivan’s permission with Arthur wasn’t the best choice but he was not going to loose his two friends to a life of pain and suffering!

And then there was him and Arthur giving in to long awaited feelings. It was a mistake, he knew it was but at the time he really didn’t think anything of it. Rarely did he get to see Arthur so determined like that and the situation worked in their favor. Alfred knew Arthur was just feeling hurt and deserted because he was married to Ivan. Arthur had been fighting his want for him for years and this was probably the only chance he would ever get. Arthur had done so much for him that he found it difficult to say ‘no’ to him.

It was Arthur after all, the one who had taken care of him and raised him. Alfred always hated when Arthur would deny them both full intercourse back when they were ‘together’. Alfred was always ready for him but Arthur would restrain himself. Each time Alfred had been disappointed but knew why Arthur was doing it. However, Arthur clearly did not like his ‘reasons’ coming true. Arthur disliked Ivan and him being with the man was probably what led to their ‘love making’. It was stupid, he knew that but he wouldn’t take it back. Like Arthur had said, their relationship could go no further and Alfred wouldn’t want it to. They gave in to their needs, that was all and they were punished for it.

“Arthur…I hope you’re alright…I know Gilbert will keep his promise…Ivan…” He whispered out the words, covering his face with his hands.

Disobeying Ivan was his biggest mistake and now he knew what it would be like if he did it again. Ivan had told him he found Alfred’s new side ‘interesting’. Should he start acting like his real self now that he had nothing to loose? It seemed pointless to hide himself now that he had nothing to fight for. But what was he suppose to do now? Obviously he would never have to lift a finger again and cold, hungry nights were in the past.

But was he even fit to be a noble? This life was nice right now but what would it be like after he enters the king’s court for the first time? Just hearing how the nobles talked that night at the masquerade was enough to make him sick to his stomach. Now he WAS one of them? Would he be able to keep his big mouth shut? Would Ivan kick the shit out of him again if he made a fool of himself?

“GAH! SO MANY DAMN QUESTIONS!” Alfred said out loud to no one, pulling at his hair. Why was everything so confusing? His life right now was just one big uncertainty and it was going to drive him mad.

“Alfred?” Someone had said his name and knocked on the door. “It’s Feliciano. May I come in?” Alfred forced himself to sit up and slide his back against the pillows.

“Yeah, come in.” Feliciano pushed the door opened and peeked around it meekly.

“Ve~ I heard about what happened…are you okay?” He stepped the rest of the way in and shut the door.

“As good as I can be, I guess.” He said with a sigh and looked at him. “Do you know where Yao is?” Feliciano shook his head.

“No, I don’t. But…well…I feel like I should tell you but…” he twiddled his fingers in front of him. “But it won’t make you happy.”

“What is it?” He asked him seriously and he felt his heart leap in his throat with what Feliciano was going to tell him.

“W-Well…Arthur has been thrown in the dungeon until both your names are cleared and-“

“WHAT?! IVAN PUT ARTHUR IN THE DUNGEON!?” Alfred shouted and Feliciano fidgeted some more.

“H-He will be freed when Lord Ivan finds out that you and Arthur did not sleep together!”

“Did he speak to Gilbert?” Alfred felt the knots in his stomach tighten.

“Y-Yes he did. Gilbert said that you two did not sleep together.” Alfred let his head fall back as he let out a sigh of relief. He was sweating that one. “But…but it had to involve your brother, Mattie.”

“Mattie? My Mattie? Why? What does he have to do with anything?” Alfred looked at him and Feliciano looked even more uncomfortable than before.

“Um…you see…I’m not suppose to tell you but you will find out anyway…but Ivan said…said told Gilbert that…that if he…he-“

“For fucks sake, Feli! Spit it out already!” Alfred was starting to loose his patience with the brown haired man. He felt the anger in him rising as he thought about what Feliciano was going to say about his brother.

“AHH! Okay!” He whimpered before speaking. “He told Gilbert that if he protects Matthew from being burned by him that means you and Arthur slept together and if he doesn’t protect Matthew that means you two did not sleep together! And Matthew got burned because Gilbert did not protect him! S-So Arthur will be out of the dungeon soon!”

Alfred just sat there, frozen solid with every ache in his body now numb. Arthur was in the dungeon? Matthew was burned for information? Ivan did all those things because he disobeyed him? This was not right, not at all! Even though he disagreed with it he had the right to throw Arthur into the dungeons but to burn his baby brother was going too far!

“Feliciano! Get my white deer cloak! Now!” Alfred ordered him to do as he struggled to get up from the bed. His body ached terribly and he stumbled a few times trying to stand erect. Feliciano did not dwindle and quickly received the cloak, helping Alfred put it on.

“Are you sure you are well enough to stand?”

“I’m fine! I need to see Ivan!”

“Is that smart?” Feliciano trembled in worry but Alfred was determined.

“I don’t care! Ivan had no right to harm my little brother! And Arthur needs to be OUT of the dungeon! If Yao isn’t afraid to stand up to him then I won’t be either! He’s gone too far!” Alfred struggled to step into his boots but after he did he was already out the door and down the hall.

His legs ached as he walked and his back screamed out in rage but Alfred ignored them, concentrating on his walking. How dare Ivan use that kind of force against Matthew! Alfred did not blame Gilbert in any way because the man had a very tough decision to make and he had stayed true to his word. From now on he should make sure he was a nicer to Gilbert. And if their names were cleared then why was Arthur still locked up? He was not going to be scared when he walked in to Ivan’s room but stand firm on his concerns. When he got to Ivan’s room he didn’t even bother knocking but just opened the door and stumbled in.

“Ivan!” Alfred yelled his name as he regained his balance, standing as straight as he could. Ivan was taking a sip of vodka from his class at his spot at the desk. He looked at Alfred and smiled sweetly.

“Up already? That’s good news, yes? Have we thought about what we’ve done?” He smiled over the rim of his glass as he took another sip.

“Don’t talk to me like I’m a child!” Alfred said firmly. “I’m acting on my own free will because there were people who NEEDED me and I couldn’t wait for you! It was wrong, yes, but it was necessary and good thing I did or else something horrible could have happened to them!”

“Ah, my Little Rose, how noble you are. Noble and stupid. It’s kind of cute in a way.”

“Cut this sweet shit off! I bet you weren’t speaking this way to Matthew when you BURNED him!” Alfred hollered, bracing his feet on the floor. “You have no right to touch my brother! He had nothing to do with my choice!” Alfred stood his ground as Ivan got up from his chair and walked over to him.

“It was the most effective way. Gilbert’s testimony and your brother helped save your precious Arthur’s head.”

“Then why is he still in jail? I demand that you let him out!” Ivan’s eyes widened at his command and he smirked.

“ ‘Demand’? That’s a pretty strong word for you to be saying to me.” He stood close to Alfred, which forced the man to have to look up slightly at him. Alfred kept his features hard and wouldn’t waver.

“I’m not saying it I’m telling you! I want Arthur out of that dungeon! Our names are cleared so he should be freed!” Ivan nodded and reached his hand out to twirl a piece of Alfred’s hair in his fingers.

“Yes, he should be freed, but in a short while. I want his prison time to remind him that he should be more ‘careful’ when choosing to do things with you.”

“No! Free him now!” Alfred narrowed his eyes and Ivan poked his nose.

“You’re cute when you’re angry. I’m guessing I struck a pretty big nerve by using your brother to my advantage.”

“Wouldn’t you feel the same if your sisters were treated in such a way?” Ivan paused for a moment at that and tilted his head to the side.

“So I was right. Now that you have nothing to strive for you don’t have to be my sweet little innocent rose.” He wrapped his arms around Alfred and held him tightly against his chest. Alfred struggled and tried to push away but it hurt to put any pressure on his limbs. “Have I gone from a Rose to a Tiger Lily?” He smirked and Alfred just glared at him.

“Let me go! You can’t just kick the shit out of me and then stroke me! I’m not a dog! And yes, it’s true! I had to be nice so you would keep paying me! I didn’t expect a marriage proposal from you! All I wanted to do was work and make money to support the farm! Last time I spoke out of term your fucking guards killed our milking cow! Arthur always said I couldn’t keep my mouth shut…” Ivan chuckled and squeezed him more, making Alfred gasp a bit.

“You should have just been yourself! I would have found you just as humorous as I did before!” He grinned and let go of Alfred only to bring his hands up to his face and pinch his cheeks painfully.

“OWWWW! LET GO!”

“You’ve got a lot to learn, my Little Rose. I’m sure we will have many more scuffles in our lifetime and I look forward to them.” He smiled and let go of Alfred’s cheeks, who rubbed them soothingly. “Peasants have so much more secrets hidden about them then nobles! I can’t wait until you get to meet all the court members!” Alfred turned his back to him.

“I don’t care about that now…I want an apology! You falsely accused me of adultery, burned my baby brother, and locked Arthur in the dungeon! You lost your silvery head there, ‘Sunflower’.” Alfred felt strong arms wrap around his waist and hold him carefully. Ivan’s chin rested on his right shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Alfred. Perhaps I did get carried away and I know it will take you a little while to cool off. Love has many obstacles, yes?” He grip suddenly tightened painfully and Alfred let out a cry. “Just don’t let it happen again.” Alfred felt as if his stomach was being pressed to his spine and he had to double over in a vain attempt to escape the pressure. “I’ll let it go this time but the next I may not be so lenient.” He let him go and Alfred almost stumbled to the floor but he caught himself. “I will leave you be for the remainder of the day but tomorrow night I will share you bed. And prepare yourself or travel, for we will be leaving for the royal court the day after tomorrow.”

“What about Arthur? I want him freed!” Alfred reminded him and Ivan just waved his hand lazily.

“Yes, yes. He will be freed shortly. I will send Ludwig to do so once he is finished writing up his battle report. Now go and take a rest, Alfred. You have nothing to do but just relax and heal up. Once you have cooled down maybe we can talk about this again.” Ivan smiled and Alfred just narrowed his eyes at him before leaving the room, slamming the door behind him. “Hm. Interesting. My precious Little Rose has some thorns. I should have known.” He walked back to his desk and poured himself another glass of vodka. “I wonder if I should start pruning him…” He stared at the glass with a smirk but chose to leave that question a mystery to himself.

Matthew sat on the bed and watched as Gilbert carefully rubbed some green-ish salve onto his burn. The salve cooled it for a few seconds but then it went back to aching again. After a minute or so the pain started dull as the salve helped the burn to go numb. He smiled softly as Gilbert gently wrapped the bandage around his arm, tying it in the front.

“Is it too tight?”

“No, it’s just right.” Matthew smiled. “It stopped hurting so much.”

“The salve will do that. I’m sorry this had to happen to you, Mattie.”

“You were only doing it to protect Alfred and Arthur’s good names! I know they would have never slept together.” Gilbert smiled softly at the secret he kept but knew he could never tell Matthew. Some things were best kept secret. “You’re so kind to me, Gilbie. I don’t know why Alfred is mean to you.”

“He’s afraid I’m going to take you away from him.” Gilbert smirked and nuzzled his ear. “But I’m not ‘taking’ you from him. You’re coming to me.” Matthew giggled softly.

“I like being with you. Can you sleep with me tonight? I’m afraid to be alone after what happened.”

“Of course I will. We can try-“ The door opened and they both turned to see Alfred wrapped in his deer fur cloak with a guard.

“General Gilbert, I’m sorry! He just came barging in looking for you!” Said the guard but Alfred just slammed the door on him, going over to Matthew.

“Matthew! Thank the gods you’re okay!” Alfred said as he looked him over, seeing the bandage on his arm.

“I-I’m okay, Alfie. Gilbert made sure to heal my burn.”

“It wasn’t too bad of a burn and it won’t leave a nasty scar.” Gilbert pointed out. Alfred nodded and just hugged Matthew close to him. It hurt his arm to move but Matthew returned the hug.

“I was so worried about you…thank you Gilbert, for doing your best to protect him.”

“Mattie was my main priority.” Gilbert replied and then asked a question that made them both break from the hug. “So now may I have the privilege of courting Matthew?” Both of them looked at him in surprise at the question. Matthew’s mouth slowly grew into a smile and Alfred had to clear his throat.

“I don’t see how I could let you-“ He saw Gilbert’s stern features and knew just what the man was thinking. Gilbert had kept their secret against his better judgment and had to sacrifice Matthew in order to keep all of them safe. As much as it made his gut wretched he could not deny Gilbert his request. “-not court him after the wonderful thing you did!” He changed his sentence. “But it has to be up to Mat-“

“Yes!” Matthew said quickly, his burn forgotten as he gazed at Gilbert lovingly. Alfred frowned at first and then forced himself to smile.

“I thank you for your generosity, Lady Braginski.” Gilbert smirked and let Matthew cuddle into him as he sat with him on the bed. “How is everything at the castle?”

“Oh…it’s going good. Things are working themselves out. I suppose you will be staying with Gilbert tonight then, Matthew?” Alfred asked and Matthew nodded.

“Yes! I want to Alfred! Please let me stay!” Alfred sighed.

“I can’t tell you ‘no’. Just…use your best judgment, both of you. And you know what I mean.”

Alfred warned them and Gilbert knew what he meant but Matthew was too naïve to catch on. With a kiss to his brother’s cheek, Alfred left the room and proceeded to make his way back to the castle. A hot bath was in order to relax his body and his mind. He had a lot to think over.

Meanwhile, in the dungeon, Arthur held his chest as he coughed harshly as the heavy amount of mold was starting to get to him. His chest was growing tight and his body shivered with cold. Even though he didn’t want to he laid his body on the cold stone floor. Arthur knew he was getting sick, from the mold and the dampness and the extreme cold of the dungeon. His stomach was gnawing at him in hunger and he wrapped his arms around it like he had done so many times before.

He coughed again and sneezed once or twice. His mind was getting hazy and he stared at the wall ahead of him, trying to figure out where he was. In his fever induced mind he began to see their old cabin. Arthur himself was lying on his bed, staring at the wooden wall as his body ached with cold and hunger. Alfred and Matthew were sleeping peacefully, their bellies full with warm milk and bread.

“Alfred…d-don’t eat all the bread…” He spoke out loud, believing Alfred was there with him. “I know you’re hungry but…” He could hear Alfred’s voice speaking back to him but he couldn’t make out the words. “Fine…have mine…you have to chop wood tomorrow…Matthew, get a fire going…I’m going to just…just go to sleep…for awhile…”

His body felt hot but he was still chilled to the bone. His quickly growing fever was getting the best of him and he kept mumbling various bits of nonsense about chores and work. Arthur didn’t hear the lock on the dungeon door open or feel the strong arms lifting him from the floor. His mind was still in its illusion of his old life. The bouncing of his body in the arms seemed to bring his mind back to reality but he still had no clue what was happening. Whoever was carrying him offered little warmth to his already chilled body and the heavy smell of something alcoholic burned his nose.

End Chapter 21
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A Storm of Sunflowers