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Darker Than Morning	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 2275 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. This fic is for fun. I'm not making any money off of this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
**Warning: Language, suggestive themes

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic. It is purely for fun.

Chapter 4

It was dark.*

Arthur wandered around a cold room, looking all around for the source of his fear. Every twist and turn he took there was a fleeting shadow of a form. It was massive in size and seemed to always be one step ahead of him. If he couldn't spot the shadow before him, then it was behind him. No matter where he ran, the form continued to follow.

The fear started to get the best of him and he fumbled for the flashlight he had on his belt. Banging it with his hand, he was able to force the light back on. With a shriek he shined the light before and all around him, desperately searching for the dark form.

The light hit something up ahead and the eyes sparkled like a nocturnal animal's would. He gasped and backed up, only to stumble on his own two feet. The flashlight smashed against the floor and all was dark again.

Childish laughter echoed through the room as it seemed to bounce off from wall to wall. Arthur was hopelessly searching for the source of the sound, but only succeeded in making himself dizzy. He felt so helpless in this dark place that all he could think about was the rapid beating of his heart for fear of what was haunting him. It seemed that he should know, but all thought was vacant to him. Nothing made sense anymore.

Beneath him he could feel the floor start to vibrate as something was coming towards him. The trembling grew louder as the darkened form came crawling towards him with lightning speed. Arthur quickly tucked his head into his lap and shielded his head with his arms. Something hit his body with brutal force and he shot up from his bedroll.

Panting heavily and pushing sweaty blonde bangs away from his eyes, Arthur gripped the blanket in his fists. Green eyes darted around the room, taking in all their surroundings: A dying fire, a snoring Gilbert, four sleeping dogs, and a dreaming Matthew beside him. Only once Arthur confirmed to himself that it was only a dream and the room was safe did he let himself relax. His dream stemmed from his rape and the shadowed form chasing him was Ivan, of that he knew.

Looking out the balcony door windows he could still see the moon and stars. The moon was low in the sky and the very faint light of morning was beginning to emerge. Either way, he knew that sleep was finished for him for the evening.

Now that his chains were removed, he could wander around freely. The chamber doors were always locked at night to prevent anyone from sneaking in. The only doors available were the balcony, unless he could find that secret door Matthew spoke of.

Since sleep was impossible, Arthur thought he would do a little exploring. Quietly getting up from the bed he limped over to the hurricane lamp and lift the glass to light the wick. He glanced over at the pile of sleeping dogs as he turned the key to strengthen the size of the flame. If the dogs woke up, they may give him away, so he had to be quiet. He was aware of the risk he was taking, but after what had happened he needed to regain some dignity for himself. Gripping the center of the hurricane lamp tightly with his right hand, he moved towards the wall tapestry.

His body was still sore and aching, but he had had worse in the midst of battle. The pain was easy to ignore; the memories were the tough part. As long as his pace was even and slow, the pain would be easier to ignore. Between his thighs he could feel the sticky liquid dripping out of him and he sucked his teeth in annoyance. Gripping the center of his pants, he stuffed the fabric between his cheeks to help dry up what was leaking. For a moment he had to bite back a bit of vomit less he give away his place.

Now came the task of finding the door Matthew spoke of. The tapestry was thick and heavy as he ducked behind it, mindful of the lamp against the fabric. He leaned both his face and the lamp close to the wall so he could look for any signs of a door, from hinges to doorknobs. All he could feel was the wall, along with some engraved carvings. Pausing, Arthur bent on his haunches and gazed more closely at the engravings.

As he let his hand travel up and down he felt something cold that appeared to be a hinge. Following a straight path downward he stumbled upon another, then another. With a smirk he brought his hand up to the center hinge and slowly slid it left, searching for a knob. His heavy brows lifted when he felt a loop handle in the center of the door. Lacing his index and middle fingers through the textured iron, he gave a little tug.

The door was heavy and the iron squeaked in its halter. Arthur's shoulders slumped as he waited to hear a whine from a dog or a snort from a demon. When no sounds came, he attempted the door again. Taking a few steps back, he gave a harder tug that succeeded in opening the entry. The hinges creaked softly, but it wasn't enough to wake anyone in the room. Once the door was open at an acceptable space he wormed his way through, still mindful of the lamp. The door shut easily behind him and, using the lamp as his light, held it forward.

It was a corridor, and a very narrow one at that. Cobwebs crisscrossed along the ceiling and old, burnt down candles remained in their holders. Looking down before he moved, he noticed two stone steps. He testing the first with a few taps of his foot to make sure it was stable before he put his full weight upon it. Once to the floor he continued on his way, dodging the cobwebs as they floated around him. He kept the lamp low and close to the floor so as to not ignite a cobweb or fall into a hole.

A faint light up ahead and to the right made a heavy brow rise in curiosity. Moving forward he cautiously examined it, finding it to be an old barred window. Only a quarter of the window was still visible to the outside while the rest was layered with years of dirt. Arthur could only imagine how old this manor must be if the ground had risen this high.

Arthur found himself smiling at all this, feeling like he was on a little adventure and was making new discoveries. It was nice to have the feeling of a simple thrill, but he knew he must continue on to find out where exactly the corridor led.

He came upon another archway that seemed to lead into a deep cavern. Holding his breath, Arthur climbed the three steps and peered inside with his lamp. He gasped softly as he saw the various stone tombs and coffins of owners past. This must be the family tomb Matthew spoke of. The idea that a massive family tomb was next to a person's dwelling made a shiver wiggle down his spine.

Unafraid of the dead, he continued through the aisle until he came to another door. He bent down and pressed his free hand against the bottom, feeling the movement of air. This had to be the door that lead to the outside, where Matthew had said he'd seen and met secretly with Alfred. However, unlike the first door, this one was heavily sealed with a large, mechanical lock. It was still primitive in its design, but no less did its job of keeping people out. Arthur held the lamp closer to the lock to get a picture memory of its size. He would most likely need a key and Matthew would know how to obtain it.

"I should head back and- GAHH!" Someone had touched his shoulder and he whipped around, throwing his back up against the door. "What? MATTHEW!" He shouted the man's name, relief washing over him as it was only his friend. "Don't EVER sneak up on me like that!"

Matthew whimpered and bit at his nail nervously. "I'm sorry I frightened you, but I was worried when I woke up and saw your bed empty. I knew the door was locked from the outside and since you weren't anywhere else in the room… I figured you had come here." He looked at the lamp. "And I noticed that was missing."

"Yes. You were correct. I did come here on my own. Did Gilbert see you leave?"

Matthew chuckled. "Oh no, he's still sound asleep. I can tell the difference between his deep sleep snores and his light sleep snores." Matthew took his hand. "You shouldn't be here, Arthur. Not by yourself, at least."

"Why not?" Arthur gazed at him. "You've come this way before."

"Yes. I just don't want you wandering around like this. You don't know these walls like me and Gilbert do."

Arthur gasped and gripped Matthew's shoulder tightly. "Gilbert knows about his way too?"

Matthew nodded. "Yes, he does. Remember when I explained to you that we all exchange letters from this path?"

Arthur cursed. "Damn it."

"Please, let's go back." Matthew pleaded softly. "I promise I will tell you more about this place. I'll even show you were the key is!" He grinned at Arthur. "I keep it in a very, very special place! Only myself and Gilbert know where it is!"

Arthur smiled at him and pated the same shoulder he was squeezing. "Good. Let's go back, then. I think I did enough exploring for one evening."

Gilbert was still asleep by the time they returned to the room, but the dogs were already up and stretching. Arthur remained in the room while Matthew ordered all the dogs to follow him for outside time. Arthur fixed up his blankets and settled back down upon them, figuring he could catch a quick snooze before he had to get up to work. He could hear Gilbert still snoring and he crossed his green eyes, thinking back to the many times he had to squeeze Alfred's nose or mouth closed. Snoring drove him crazy.

Once again his thoughts reverted back to Alfred and he buried his face in the pillow. He let out a few annoyed grunts and mutters into the fabric, wishing he could just sweep all these thoughts from his brain. Arthur thought he would be able to get over that part in his life, but he was wrong. He had always wondered if Alfred had gotten over their relationship, but with that recent letter perhaps he didn't.

Arthur couldn't wait to speak to Alfred to find out if he was missed. He hoped that Alfred would or did get bored of being with Kiku. He understood why his ex-lover would choose the soft spoken Asian man. Kiku would do everything for him, whereas Arthur would tell the American to get off his fat ass and do some real work. Kiku would think these things, but would never say them. Arthur had no problem at all speaking his mind.

Despite those reasons, Arthur still had feelings for the loud mouth American and wished to have him back. Time had a way of changing things and his anger was beginning to melt away. Granted, the two had been apart for almost half a year, but Arthur knew he was a pro at holding grudges. It was more the feeling of betrayal when he caught Alfred and Kiku in bed together.

He had done a lot for Alfred, even going as far as to help the younger man become a general. Alfred relied on his strength and athletic skill to get him where he wanted to be, but he couldn't do it without Arthur's help. Arthur had already been a general for two years before he met Alfred. The man was only a Sergeant and six years younger than him. A year later they were going steady and drawing many looks of disapproval. It was strange for a superior commanding officer to be dating someone of lower rank and age.

Sex with Alfred was nothing like what he experienced with Ivan. His ex-lover never gave him enough sex and would push Arthur away if he was too forward. Arthur always assumed it was just the inexperience of a young man, but over time it started to prove to be a big problem. He couldn't hide the fact that he preferred the more adventurous and kinkier side of sex. Ivan certainly wasn't a gentle lover, but the multiple orgasms made up for it. Thinking back on it now, the feelings were just right. It was the way the act was carried out and who had done it that made it unbearable.

Arthur knew he could follow through with this plan and have fun doing it. Love and lust were too different things. Lust didn't need commitment that love did; however, he did enjoy the emotional feelings he would get when they would cuddle. It was the few times Arthur allowed himself to be tender and loving.

Maybe that was the biggest issue that doomed their relationship. Alfred was very 'touchy-feely' and more open with his emotions than Arthur was. Arthur knew he felt them, but he could never properly show or verbalize them. He just wished Alfred wasn't so easy to like. He wished he could forget him. Or why couldn't the man be more like Ludwig at least?

There came a yawn from the bed and then the call of his name. "Arthur? You awake?" Gilbert asked with another yawn.

"Yes, I am." He sat up. "Do you always get up this early?"

"Hell no." Gilbert scratched his lower back. "I have to piss, but I'm too comfortable in bed." the demon said with a writhe and a whimper. "Arthur, go pee for me?"

Arthur frowned and puffed out his cheeks. "That is highly impossible! Urinating is a necessary functioning of the body that has to be-"

"Whoa, whoa, back it up, string-bean." Gilbert gave him a bizarre look. "It was a joke! A joke! You know, 'ha ha, hilarious.'"

Arthur was fully embarrassed now. He should have known it was a joke. "I wouldn't say it was 'ha ha, hilarious.'" He responded flatly, trying to save his pride.

"You know what, you need to loosen up a bit, pal! Tonight we'll rock out in my party room with a few other demons! You and Mattie will have a great time!" Gilbert said with a grin and Arthur looked a bit concerned.

"'Rock out?'" Last time Arthur 'rocked out,' he ended up in a storage closet with Ludwig. "As long as there is no alcohol."

Gilbert threw his head back and laughed. "Of course there's alcohol, dummy! What's a party without some booze? A boring one, that's what!" Gilbert slipped from the bed. "I mean, who wants to sit around, drink tea, and talk about the weather while someone is playing a stupid old piano? Or any lame instrument for that matter?"

Arthur puffed his cheeks and straightened his back. "I think that would be a fine celebration of 'fun.' It defines the words 'class' and 'sophisticated.'" he said proudly.

"Yeah, if you're an old fart!"

"WELL!" Arthur said with a gasp and turned away from him.

"Get off your high horse and come dress me." Gilbert ordered casually and Arthur just looked at him.

"You're an adult male. I think you can dress yourself." Arthur said.

"Hey, when you're in the type of position I am, you want others to do these sorts of things for you! I'm the boss here and if I want you to rub my feet and massage my tail, then you must do so. I make you do it because I can." Gilbert grinned at him and snapped his fingers. "Up, limey. By the time I get back from the crapper I expect some clothes prepared for my viewing."

Arthur had to keep his mind focused on the plan; part of it was being corporative with the system. He stood up from the floor and went to Gilbert's wardrobe, taking out various shirts and pants for the demon to view. When the demon came back, Gilbert was being purposefully picky and saying that Arthur had no eye for color when the blond man clearly did. Gilbert finally settled on a loose black shirt and dress pants, which Arthur had to help him put on. To make the situation more annoying, Gilbert chose a red bow tie that he ordered Arthur to put on him. Gilbert made him tie the fabric four or five times when it was already straight. Arthur wanted nothing more than to pull the bow tie tightly across Gilbert's jugular and strangle the obnoxious demon.

"Perfect!" Gilbert said proudly. "Do I look awesome?"

"Smashing." Arthur responded with a fake smile.

Gilbert smirked. "Do I sense a hint of sarcasm?"

"You might." Arthur replied.

"You're lucky I like you, Arthur." Gilbert said with a smile. "Just don't get too carried away."

Arthur assumed Gilbert was referring to Ivan with that last comment. He had come to the conclusion that Gilbert was a person you could only trust so far before he turns. Arthur had to remember that demons were very possessive and territorial. Gilbert was an exception by allowing Ivan to do what he wanted without consequence. But Arthur knew he had to keep on Gilbert's good side so the demon wouldn't view him as a threat to his mated relationship with Ivan.

Arthur wasn't quite sure how different same sex demon mating was compared to same sex. If the old saying, 'the female of the species is deadlier than the male' held true for same sex mates, then Arthur should have to keep an extra careful eye on Gilbert. Arthur currently saw Ivan as the biggest and most dangerous threat, but Gilbert could either be on the same level or even stronger.

'What have I gotten myself into?' Arthur asked himself.

Gilbert's red eyes suddenly appeared upside down in front of his face and he shouted, "Boo!"

"GAH!" Arthur yelped and leapt back, hissing as the pain from his backside shot through him. "What the hell was that for?"

"You were completely lost in thought!" Gilbert answered and flipped in the air so he was now right side up. "I bet you're one of those 'deep thinker' types. One should always be wary of a man who thinks too much." Gilbert said with a wink and Arthur just squinted his eyes at him. "I'm just kidding with you. Once Matthew gets back with the bitch pack we'll head down to breakfast and then you get to accompany me to my duties."

"Which are?" Arthur asked him with slight curiosity.

"Well, first will be sitting in the meeting room with Ivan while we are read our most recent community news and battle reports."

It was on the tip of Arthur's tongue to say 'why would you let me be there for something like that,' but figured it would be best to keep his mouth closed. The more information he had the better. "Then what?"

"Then it's outside for some dog time and we'll probably have a picnic in the gardens. You look like a loser who would like the flowers."

"Oh, most definitely! Flowers are- wait a minute!" Arthur started and then stopped when the word 'loser' registered in his brain. "RUDE!" He frowned at Gilbert.

Gilbert just chuckled and flew through the air on his back. "I calls 'em like I sees 'em. You'll love this garden. Ivan's elder sister had it put in a long time ago. Girls are good with flowers." Gilbert grinned again and Arthur just gave him a look of annoyance. "This really is HER manor. That's why most the decorations are very...feminine." That did explain a lot for Arthur. "She's back in Russia while the war is going on though, so you'll never see her. …Where the hell is Matthew?"

As if on queue, Matthew came in with the dogs running past him. The dogs greeted their master with enthusiasm, but it was Poochie who went to Arthur after she was finished with Gilbert. She sat down and patted Arthur with her paw. Arthur reached his hand down and stroked behind her ear. Gilbert made some sort of comment about the dogs, but Arthur had already tuned him out.

Before they could leave, Gilbert had to make sure all the dogs were fed in the other living area. With the room door locked, the three went on their way to the meeting room.

The entire time both Matthew and Arthur had to walk a few paces behind Gilbert. This irked Arthur to the point where he was biting his inner cheek. It was always him who was walking ahead of the group. Being a general, everyone followed and obeyed him. Now he was walking behind a pair of white wings and swishing tail. It made the bile rise up in his throat.

Even though his mind kept telling him he had fallen from grace Arthur just refused to accept it. Soon he would have his revenge and the two demon mates would be begging for his mercy. The image of the demons groveling before his feet almost put a little spring in his step if he weren't so reserved. That is, until they entered the meeting room and violet eyes met his.

Ivan was dressed in his honorary military uniform that was awarded to only the most elite and skilled demon warriors. It resembled most military uniforms with the double buttons, belt, medals, gloves, leather boots, and a hat. The most interesting thing about the hat that Arthur noticed were the half-moon indents on the side. The indents helped the hat to fit comfortably on the head without the horns getting in the way. (He assumed that each hat had to be specially made to suit each demon's horn size.) The color was a deep wine or burgundy. It was made of heavy wool, which meant that it was made for a cooler climate. Arthur knew Ivan hailed from Russia where it was cold, so naturally his uniform would be wool. If Ivan was hot, he certainly didn't show it. Arthur would be scolding in that uniform with this heat.

Arthur and Matthew were barely noticed as Gilbert took his seat beside his mate. The two humans had to stand behind and far back from their masters as the meeting went underway. Much to Arthur's disappointment, the meeting held trivial information. It was all simple, small town politics and local news. Not one story or report was about the demons' defeat in battle. Each one was simply stated as the demons had won and the humans suffered causalities.

Arthur stared at Ivan's profile as the demon sat in the chair. Ivan was listening to all this without moving one facial muscle. He just kept that smirk on his face that Arthur wished he could slap off. Just last night he had his legs spread and wrapped around the demon's waist as he was brought to orgasm multiple times. While he was getting his kicks with the demon general, thousands of his human comrades were slain. The thought angered him and he clenched his fists at his sides. His place was on the battlefield, not in the bed of a demonic monster. Arthur was slowly starting to regret this plan of Alfred's. But the need for his ex-lover was stronger.

After the meeting, Ivan had wandered off with some of the other demon military officials. Matthew was ordered to go and fetch the dogs for their outside time. Arthur followed Gilbert into his most sought after place, the garden. He immediately inhaled the floral scent of the garden, first noticing the fragrance of roses in the gentle breeze.

The garden was a decent size encased in a stone wall covered with wisteria and ivy. Black iron spikes adorned the top, giving it a gothic look. Along the base of the wall grew tall sunflowers, which he found strange to be in such a beautiful garden as this. There was a stone path leading straight through, bearing off in a few directions. A small pond was at the end of one path with a few croaking frogs and a turtle. Another path end sported an apple tree with a small swing hanging from it. One had an arch of three white benches and the last was the garden shed.

All along the paths there were various flowers ranging in size and shape. Simple flowers such as violets, lilies, azaleas, morning glories, and grape hyacinths lined the main path. Arthur could hardly contain himself with all the types of flowers surrounding him, each type in their own section. He passes the blue hydrangea bushes and the lilacs before coming upon the roses of red, pink, yellow, and white, all in full bloom. Arthur wanted nothing more than to stay right here in this section and forget about his problems.

The garden was nothing like some of the ones in England he had visited but it weren't any less beautiful. If his comrades were here to see him rubbing rose petals between his fingers they would all laugh at him, Alfred especially. Before his mind could go to thoughts of Alfred, someone had interrupted him.

"Do you like them?" came Ivan's voice from behind.

Arthur's body froze and his back went straight in alert.

"I planted them for my sister."

Arthur said nothing but went back to feeling the petals, ignoring Ivan.

"I prefer sunflowers myself, but roses are pretty." Ivan came up behind him and Arthur could see the shadow of his wings on the red rose bush.

"They used to be my country's flower…long ago. I have a fondness for them." Arthur finally spoke, moving his fingers to cup the rose in his hand. He could feel Ivan's body heat close behind and soon strong arms were wrapping themselves around his waist.

Ivan rested his chin on Arthur's shoulder, letting the horn press into the back of the blonde hair. "I should say I have a fondness for them, too." Ivan let his hand creep up Arthur's chest, feeling the human shiver slightly under the touch. "I like how they are so beautiful to look at, touch, and feel-" He kissed Arthur's neck and let one of his hands slip under the white shirt to tweak a nipple. "Yet will make you bleed."

"Just like me." Arthur gripped Ivan's other hand to keep it from traveling into the waistband of his pants and turned to gaze at him. "Keep touching me like that and I will make you bleed!" He pushed out of Ivan's grasp and moved to the other side of the rose bush, glaring at him.

Ivan made no move to advance but just smiled. "I know you have many thorns, my English Rose."

"Don't call me that." Arthur hissed at him. "I'm not your 'English Rose.' I am no one's 'rose.' I am myself, Arthur Kirkland." He flashed Ivan a teasing smirk before slipping behind the rose bush.

Ivan giggled and peeked around the bush, spotting the other's back turned towards him. "But you are my human. That makes you my English Rose." Ivan reached for him but Arthur playfully ducked out of his way.

The game was beginning and Arthur already had the lead.

"Why would I want to willingly be your 'human?' Aren't you trying to win my affection by threatening to blackmail me?" He looked over his shoulder at Ivan before moving towards the white roses.

"I will not blackmail you as long as you tell me what I want to know." Ivan shook his wings and stretched them quickly before advancing to Arthur.

"What if I were to say I didn't care about being blackmailed?" Arthur countered, and this time moved towards Ivan, stopping the demon in his path.

Ivan just smiled sweetly. "You do care about your pride and honor. That means everything to you. What a pity it would be to lose all that."

"A pity, yes, but it wouldn't be anything I couldn't win back." Arthur flashed him a smirk and Ivan's smile dropped to a straight line. "I can win back my respect easily. We humans are aware of the demons' mating abilities, so over time it would be forgotten about. I will regain my title and my pride. Now that you know I will kill myself should I be tortured and no longer fear blackmail, what will you do now? Riddle me that, my demon friend."

"Clever." Ivan responded. "You are the very first human I have ever encountered with the courage to talk back to me."

"Well, I'm not your average human." Arthur said and picked off one of the roses, just the flower, to hold in his hand. "I'm just full of surprises." Before he knew it Ivan was in front of him.

"How very brave you are, to turn your back to a demon." Ivan said and cupped Arthur's chin in his hand. "I could twist your neck and snap it in half. My tail could shove its way through your gut. My claws can rip the flesh from your skin…" He leaned in to whisper. "But I'd rather fuck you again."

Arthur tensed, but felt a stirring in his loins that caused him to let out a little gasp. Ivan poked Arthur's nose before walking away, keeping their eyes locked over his shoulder. Arthur remained where he was and just watched the demon leave the roses and continue back into the manor.

Arthur swallowed the lump in his throat and then slapped his own cheek. He was angry at his body's betrayal to Ivan's words and actions. Arthur wanted to have fun while conducting this plan, but he also didn't want to get carried away. He was doing this to win back Alfred's affection and help save the human race from one more demon.

"And nothing else." Arthur said under his breath.

Ivan watched the human from one of the hallway windows that looked down into the garden. He noticed Arthur, Gilbert, and Matthew having a small picnic with the dogs around them. Ivan couldn't help but stare at the blonde haired, green-eyed human who had captured his interest. He found Arthur to be intriguing and wondered if the Englishman had an ulterior motive for being so compliant. Ivan wouldn't rule out that the Brit knew he couldn't win and was playing a different role in hopes to gain his favor. Whatever the reason, Ivan did not know the man fully to make a proper judgment. Arthur's guard was always up and on high alert whenever Ivan was near. He had to start chipping away at that stone façade if he was going to find out anything.

"General Ivan, you wished to see me?" came a soft voice from the door and Ivan turned to see one of his lieutenant, Toris.

"Yes, I did." Ivan said and turned to him with a smile. "I'm sure you know about my new human?"

Toris nodded. "General Arthur Kirkland. Yes, I am aware of his presence here."

"And I'm sure everyone here has heard as well?"

"Of course, sir," Toris responded, his bottom lip trembling.

Ivan smirked. "What is it, Toris? You look like you have something to tell me. Out with it."

"Well…it's just…um…it's just that you have many in the manor concerned and bewildered at your…sudden treatment to the human general."

Ivan narrowed his gaze and rested his hands on the stone windowsill. "Go on."

"They wonder why you haven't extracted information from General Arthur."

"Well, I have my reasons for that. But that is not what is important right now. I want you to carry out a task for me." Ivan waited for Toris' response, which was a 'yes.' "Have a ransom letter conducted and sent to the Human World Alliance closest military base. Let them know we have one of their most beloved and influential leaders in our grasp. If they want to have him back then they will have to cooperate to our terms."

"Forgive me, sir, for saying so…but doesn't a ransom note sound a tad bit…immature?"

Ivan laughed at that. "It may sound that way, Toris, but that is not my priority. You see, our dear human general here thinks that his men and race love him. He thinks they respect and honor him as an esteemed leader. He believes if he loses all respect he can easily gain it back, which both you and I know is a fruitless battle. With the rejection of the ransom letter for our demands, the human will realize that he is already forgotten about and can be easily replaced. I'd rather break his will and spirit before he tells me any military secrets."

"C-Can we afford to wait that long? He is a general! He must know almost everything that is going on!"

"True." Ivan stated. "But even I am not worried about military secrets. We don't need them right away, Toris. We're doing fine on our own." Ivan pouted at him. "And all my toys get boring after a while…I would like a new one."

Toris gulped, but nodded. "Alright sir, I will do as you ask." Toris turned to leave but Ivan's voice stopped him.

"Oh, Toris, one more thing!"

"Yes, sir?"

Ivan smirked and shimmed his wings. "Get Gilbert out of the castle tonight. Take him hunting and tell him that if he catches a white fox I will make him that shawl he always wanted. I want to have a special 'dinner' with my human friend."

Toris bowed. "Yes sir."

"And send our beloved general the normal invite, only I want it a bit different for him."

oris looked at him and waited for the order.

"A single black rose with a green bow tied to its center."

"A black rose?" Toris blinked. "I…I will have to get the gardeners to paint it black, but it can be done. Why a rose and not your normal sunflower?"

Ivan bowed politely with both his wings and arms spread out behind him. "I want to appeal to his tastes."

Arthur found it strange that he was left alone in Gilbert's living area while the white demon went out on a hunt. How strange it was to hunt at night, but this particular breed of fox was active during the evening. And they were supposed to 'party' tonight, not that Arthur was actually looking forward to it. Still, it would make the night fly by faster. Even Matthew was taken from him. The man was told to take the dogs to their kennels and give them all baths. And yet here he was, alone, sitting on a plush sofa and staring at the wall paintings. He would have to ask Gilbert for more things to entertain himself with. Arthur felt safe enough where he could ask for some needlepoint and books. He loved to embroider in his spare time, in private, when he was away from the battlefield.

A knock at the door alerted his attention. "Mr. Arthur?"

Arthur got up and went to the main door. "Who is it?"

"I am Lieutenant Toris. General Ivan sent me." The door opened and Toris let himself him. He smiled at Arthur, who only stared back at him. "I come with an offer."

"An offer?" Arthur repeated and raised a thick brow.

"Yes. An offer from General Ivan." Toris handed him the black rose with the green ribbon tied around it.

Arthur looked at it curiously. "What is this?"

"General Ivan invites you to privately dine with him and spend the night in his bed."

"His bed?" Arthur looked at Toris and then at the rose.

"Yes. He requests your answer immediately and, if you comply, I will take you to his chambers. Please, I beg of you! Please comply!" Toris pleaded with him.

Arthur looked at the pitifully trembling demon with a sneer. "What in the blazes is wrong with you!" he shoved Toris away. "This is what I think of Ivan's little 'proposal'!" Arthur stormed over to the fireplace and threw the rose into it, letting the flower burst into flames.

"NO!" Toris wailed, his hands clutching the sides of his head. "He will be furious! FURIOUS!"

"Relax, Toris." Arthur said. "I didn't say I wouldn't accept his offer. I just thought the invitation was stupid." In truth, Arthur was pissed at the invite, but it would be a perfect time to go forth with the plan. And he had a few ideas of his own. It would be a BIG leap, but he was certain it would put the ball in his court. "Take me to him."

"Oh thank you, Mr. Arthur! Thank you!" Toris waved him on. "Follow me, then!"

Arthur followed the demon out of the room and through the halls. The little twinge of excitement in his belly was disturbing him, but he tried to ignore it. Toris had brought him to Ivan's chamber doors and waited for Arthur to enter the room. Arthur didn't wave or say goodbye but just walked in, closing the doors behind him.

Before him, in the center of the room, was a bigger mahogany table than the first one Arthur saw with Gilbert. Ivan sat at the end of it, dressed in a simple short-sleeved black shirt and jeans. He was dressed very casually for a dinner Arthur thought was going to be more extravagant.

This was the first time Arthur got to see any part of Ivan's naked body that wasn't his crotch. The demon's arms were solid with muscle and adorned with old battle scars. The black shirt was tight, but still hid the muscles Arthur knew were beneath. There was no doubt that Ivan carried around a bit of access weight and it did little to hinder him.

Ivan smiled at him and held out his arms. "Wonderful of you to join me. Please, have a seat."

Arthur examined the table first, looking for any signs of human meat or the like. In the center of the table sat a roasted chicken with a vase of fresh cut roses behind it. A bowl of fruit and another of salad were on Arthur's side of the table. Table wine, rum, and vodka sat next to the roses. All Ivan had was some raw meat on his plate and the breadbasket. If Arthur had cared for the demon, he would have accepted this dinner as very romantic, something Alfred could never do properly.

"I was surprised you invited me to dinner." Arthur smirked. "I thought I would be dressed better for the occasion."

To Ivan's surprise, Arthur completely stripped where he stood, letting his clothes pool on the floor. Arthur smirked as he stood proudly naked before him for a moment before sauntering slowly over to the table. Ivan purred and stood from his chair to advance, but Arthur put a hand up to stop him. Ivan easily obeyed, never taking his eyes of the human. Immediately his cock sprang to life while Arthur poured himself a glass of rum and sipped it. Ivan watched as Arthur leaned back against the table in a casual manner, focusing those green orbs on him.

"So, what do you have planned for this little surprise dinner?"

Ivan didn't answer him, but just kept his eyes glued to the bare human body at his table.

End Chapter 4 TBC

***Author's Note: We all know what Arthur thinks of ridiculous proposals! XD
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Darker Than Morning