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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
- 5
- 6
- 7
***Warnings: Language, hardcore yaoi, mild violence

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

Chapter 5

"He accepted." Alfred said as he came into the tent where Francis and Kiku sat. "Arthur agrees to our plan!"

Kiku gave a little frown from the table. "Are you sure this is wise? Asking him to do so much?" He looked at Alfred.

"Look, Arthur is a hard ass and if he felt like there was ANY type of danger in this he would have said no." Alfred responded. "The fact that he agrees to this proves that he already has everything under control."

Francis lowered his paper and chimed in. "He's not seducing a human or a half-blood, Alfred." he said seriously. "He's playing with a very dangerous dominant demon male. I guarantee that demon is nothing like Ludwig."

Alfred looked over his glasses at Francis. "What did I say about bringing that up?" he warned with a glare.

"Struck a nerve, did I?" Francis gave a smug smile and leaned back in his chair.

Kiku started to panic. "Now, now, we're here to discuss war-related topics and not our social lives." Kiku tried to reason with them.

Alfred scoffed. "Stubble here only said that because Ludwig isn't in the tent. The guy would have your skinny little neck in his hands."

"That's not important right now." Kiku pointed out softly. "Right now our biggest issue is Arthur. We should begin our discussion about how we plan to carry out this procedure."

Alfred took a seat at the table. "We still don't have enough information yet from Arthur's side. I will write him back and ask to meet him at the same spot I meet Matthew at. He's been there for a couple of days so I'm certain he has already started his game."

"Alfred,"Kiku started. "Are you sure you really want Arthur to go through with this? Your eyes look troubled."

"I'm not troubled." Alfred said firmly. "Regardless of any types of feelings or concerns I may have, which I don't, is all part of this war. There are many things we don't always agree with but they have to be done…so best to turn a blind eye to it. What choice do we have?"

Francis cleared his throat. "Have any of you thought about Arthur's reputation once he comes back?"

"I'm sure Arthur has thought about that." Kiku responded, looking over at the Frenchman. "That would be his number one priority over anything else. He is very prideful so-"

Alfred cut him off. "So that means he's already thought it through. Arthur's got this covered, you two, so stop worrying about it." The two men looked at Alfred and he gave a sigh. "Look, once I see Arthur face to face I will recognize any kind of doubt he may have just by his voice or body language. If that is the case then I will terminate the plan. How's that?"

Kiku wanted Alfred's reassurance. "You promise?"

"I promise." Alfred said with a nod in his direction.

"Oh, one more thing of interest that no one has thought of." Francis said and tapped his pencil on the table. "What about Ludwig's brother?"

"What about him?" Alfred asked.

"I mean, let's just say for example, we set up bombs all over the manor. We can't let Gilbert know because he would tell Ivan. They are mates, after all. Gilbert may be our neutral friend, but I doubt he wants Ivan killed. Furthermore, I don't think Ludwig would take kindly to having his brother killed in all this. So what then?"

Alfred looked down at his folded hands on the table. "I would suggest… that we keep this conversation to ourselves. The less Ludwig knows, the better. He is aware of what can happen in war and don't forget that Ludwig did not approve of Gilbert's mate anyway. If possible, let's TRY and get Ludwig to make his brother leave Ivan. That way we can hopefully avoid this difficult issue. We'll just have to play it by ear from now on. If Gilbert doesn't comply… then he'll end up killed or captured by us. Hate to say it, but that's just the way things have to be. We humans are the supreme ones."

"And Ludwig?" Francis asked.

"We'll just have to wait and see his reaction." Alfred answered. "At that point, I wouldn't trust him. Actually, I never really trusted him."

"You say that now only because he slept with Arthur."

Alfred glared. "Arthur and I were broken up by then. It doesn't matter."

"Oh, it matters." Francis said with a chuckle.

"You're starting to piss me off!" Alfred said to the blonde with a sneer. "Let's go, Kiku. I'm tired. I'll write to Arthur in our tent."

Kiku looked at Francis with a frown before getting up and following after Alfred.

/

Arthur leaned against the table, still waiting for Ivan's answer while casually sipping his rum. The demon continued to gaze at him, rolling the vodka around in his glass. Arthur was starting to feel giddy from the

first few sips of rum and blamed it on his exhaustion from the past couple of days. The rum would make this dinner a whole lot easier and he planned on having more than one glass.

He could see the hunger and lust in Ivan's eyes as the demon's gaze wondered over his body. Arthur swore he could feel each movement of those violet orbs that sent tingles throughout his body. Never had he felt this way before with anyone. He figured it had to be some demon pheromones or the like because even Alfred never made him feel this way with just eyes alone. Regardless, he liked it.

"Come on, out with it." Arthur commanded in a soft tone. "Why am I here?"

"I thought we would have a pleasant little dinner, that's all." Ivan replied with a smile. "You're the one standing naked at my table. I should ask what it is you want."

"Hmm…"Arthur downed the rest of his rum and poured another glass. "I just find it odd that you would invite me to dinner after the way I spoke to you in the garden." He walked along the table to stand closer to Ivan's chair. "I know how much you hate to lose."

"Who said I lost?" Ivan countered, but let his eyes travel up Arthur's torso.

"I said you lost."

"But I don't think I've lost. I think I'm winning." Ivan smirked and watched Arthur's throat as the human drank down the rum.

"And why do you say that? What proof do you have?"

"My proof is myself. I always win."

"As do I." Arthur responded with a smirk. "It appears we are at a deadlock."

"So it would seem." Ivan looked him over again. "You don't have the body of a soldier."

"What do you mean?" Arthur asked and focused his green eyes on Ivan.

"You're tone, but still lithe in build. Your body holds very little scars, if any." He smirked. "Not counting the bite marks I've left on you."

Arthur's eyes widened a bit. He had forgotten about those. He had taken the bandages off already, but was too disgusted to look at them. They didn't hurt, so he had paid them no mind until now.

"Those don't count." Arthur responded. "I'm not scared because I use my head for war, not my brawn." He said proudly and downed the glass of rum again before pouring another. "What about you? Are you covered in scars?"

"I may be." Ivan said with a smile. "Why don't you find out?" He offered with a low purr.

"Sorry, but I don't undress anyone." Arthur gave him a smug wink. "You can undress yourself, though."

Ivan purred again at the words. "So you wish to see me in all my demon glory?"

Arthur scoffed. "I think I will be the judge of that." The rum had flushed his cheeks and Arthur became more daring with each sip. "Put your money where your mouth is."

Ivan stood up from the chair quickly and Arthur felt his insides flinch. He thought the demon would advance on him but, instead Ivan removed his cloak. After the cloak came the shirt that revealed Ivan's scared chest and arms. The scars didn't appear to be war wounds, for there was no signs of bullet shaped ones. All of the marks resembled claws or bites, which meant that Ivan had been in perhaps too many demon fights. Aside from the scars, Arthur was pleasantly surprised at the demon's strong build. Ivan's body was wide, giving the illusion, under so many military clothes, that he was fat or chubby. Arthur had already seen Ivan's lower half, so that didn't surprise him when the pants and boots came off. Simply put, Ivan was just big.

Arthur hoped the added heat he was feeling in his face was from the rum and nothing else.

"Like what you see?" Ivan asked with a toothy smile, shimming his wings as a peacock would its tail.

"Well, you look better than I thought you would." Arthur took another drink of his rum. "You're not fat."

"That's rude." Ivan said with a pout. "I am big because I was born an alpha male in my family and my pack."

"Hmph. I don't think you're very 'alpha.'" Arthur said as he walked back to his place at the table, but instead of sitting down, took his plate. He walked back along the table to Ivan's side and gave the demon a little shove to make him sit in the chair. "You seem to forget that right now, with me, you are simply a demon and nothing else. You're not an alpha to me. In my world we don't have such primitive, animalistic traits. We have evolved from that."

"Foolish human," Ivan said with a chuckle. "Your race still holds these same instincts. You fight to be the best. You look around for the perfect mate who will be the most beneficial to you. You all bind together to protect your territory from outsiders. Your race is no better than mine…yours just does all these things little differently." Arthur ignored Ivan's words.

"I will prove to you that I am the alpha here." Arthur stared at him with a smug smirk.

"Oh, will you?" Ivan looked curious. "And just how will you accomplish this?"

Arthur moved closer to him and bent at the waist to face Ivan. "By using your so called 'alpha instincts' to win." Arthur moved Ivan's plate to the side and set his own down beside it. He suddenly sat himself in Ivan's lap, his back pressed up to the strong chest.

"Human…" Ivan's voice was deep and threatening.

"Keep your hands to yourself." Arthur said in a warning tone, feeling the heat from Ivan's erection underneath him. "If you can manage to keep your hands, claws, fangs, tail, and dick away from my body, then you will have won this game. However, if you fail to do so, then it only proves that I am the true alpha here and I will have won."

"You little succubus," Ivan hissed against Arthur's ear. "You're playing with fire and I would be extremely careful… for your sake."

"Then I will simply have to keep the fire going until it burns out."

Arthur felt Ivan's cock jump beneath him and all he could do was grin from ear to ear. Of course, Ivan couldn't see him grinning, but so far everything was going according to plan. He kept his spot on Ivan's lap while drinking his rum and delicately eating his meal. Arthur could feel Ivan's chest heaving against his back and hear the cracking of the arm rests from the demon's grip.

With the rum in his system fogging his mind, Arthur decided to step things up a notch. His grin widened and he had to hold back a chuckle. Arthur would make this demon lose his mind.

"So, you like to drink vodka? I thought demons couldn't drink alcohol."

"Common misconception," Ivan breathed out, but stilled when one of Arthur's narrowed green eyes peered over his shoulder at him.

"I'd bet you'd like to lick it off if it were to accidently spill on me."

"Arthur…" Ivan hissed the human's name through his teeth.

Arthur dipped his fingers into the glass of vodka and brought it to his mouth, sucking the digits. He repeated the process again only to hear Ivan's breath hitching behind him. Already it was working, so Arthur continued further. Picking up the utensils, he began to cut the raw piece of meat. Ivan's growls and guttural mutters only proved that Arthur's tactics were working. He had to take another deep gulp of rum before his next trick. Taking a bit of the raw meat, Arthur brought it up to his shoulder and rubbed the piece of flesh against his skin. The blood and juices from the meat trickled down his back, which earns a twitch from the demon beneath him.

"You are not playing fair." Ivan hissed out, hungrily watching as the fluids dripped down to Arthur's rump.

Arthur massaged his own shoulders with a second piece of meat. "I don't recall you or I setting any ground rules before we started."

Ivan responded with an annoyed hiss.

"You should have thought of that beforehand." Arthur smirked in triumph when he started to feel Ivan's body trembling beneath him as the demon held back. "I bet you're very hungry right now. Hungry for meat… vodka… me."

"All of the above." Ivan let out a laugh. "But since we didn't lay out any ground rules and you haven't discouraged me from talking…" Arthur froze. "I may not be able to touch you but I can damn well command you."

"Bastard…"Arthur turned to glare at him. "I will refuse your requests."

Ivan smirked. "Only because you know I will win if you do."

"Hardly."

Ivan moved his face close to Arthur's. "Try me."

"Very well." Arthur complied but he knew what Ivan was doing. Ivan was planning to get him to do something ridiculous so that the demon could win because, naturally, Arthur would refuse. If he were to refuse, he would have to end the game and Ivan would win. On the flip side, Arthur could still win if he performed the commands with sultry skill. The new twist to this game earned him a twinge of excitement.

"Dip your fingers into the vodka and play with your nipples." Ivan hissed out softly beside Arthur's ear.

"But you can't touch me. Stupid demon, you're only making this harder on yourself." Arthur couldn't contain his smug smile as he did what Ivan commanded of him. He dipped his hand into the glass of vodka and rubbed it together with the other. He pinched the buds between his fingers, letting out a soft gasp at the chill of the alcohol.

Ivan purred behind him. "You said I couldn't touch you, yet you said nothing about me not being able to taste you!"

Arthur whipped around to look at him with enraged green eyes. "THAT COUNTS AS TOUCHING!" Ivan's open-mouthed grin sent a shiver of terror through Arthur.

"Then you should have asked what my definition of 'touch' is! To me, that means only hands and tail, not tongue! And you never said I couldn't use my tongue!"

Arthur cursed himself as he recalled that he did indeed forgot to include 'tongue' in his list. Now who was the stupid one?

Arthur tried to leap up, but Ivan's wings slammed against the ends of the table, the clawed middle latching into the wood. Arthur was trapped again on three sides and his only escape was across the table. The attempt was in vain, for Ivan used the strength in his wings to pull the table closer, trapping Arthur between it and himself.

"Only the table is touching you." Ivan said with a purr. "Do you give up?"

"No!" Arthur responded through gritted teeth. "I will never give in! Never!"

"Oh, but I think you will. The tables have turned. If you don't want to play fair… then neither will I."

Arthur let out a moan when he felt Ivan's tongue reach around to lick at his right nipple. The slightly rough texture of the muscle tingled his nerves, making the little buds peek to hardness. Arthur dropped his head forward and held the table in a white-knuckle grip, doing his best to fight off the sensations. Ivan still could not touch him with his hands, dick, or tail, so Arthur still held the ace.

Then the thought occurred to him that he could touch Ivan. It was the perfect chance to turn the tables and Arthur had just the perfect idea.

Arthur shouted, "Stop cheating!" while his elbow met with Ivan's ribs. The surprise attack blindsided Ivan, but the demon did not let go of the table.

"That was uncalled for!" Ivan growled out.

"You never said I couldn't touch you." Arthur countered and turned to flash his smug smirk, only to have his jaw encased in a vice-like grip.

"The game is over. You may have won in theory, but in the end the alpha is the one doing the fucking."

Arthur felt his chest and cheek hit the table with Ivan's clawed hand gripping his head. The touch rendered him motionless, unable to move anything but his arms. Arthur was aware of what was going to come next, so he braced his hands on the sides of the table. Ivan's strength was just something Arthur could not battle head on with. All demons excelled humans in physical strength and Ivan was no exception.

Aside from the wondering hands that explored his body with gentle scratches, another interesting thing began to happen. While the claws did not break the skin to release the venom, Arthur's nostrils began to flare with the rich, musky aroma of something that wasn't the food. The smell grew stronger as its aroma traveled through his nasal cavity and to his brain.

It was then that Arthur felt his mind grow hazy and his body trembled with lust. He heard a moan escape from his throat and his hips bump up against Ivan's lower regions. Arthur's mind was still in working order, but all he could focus on was the need to be filled. He was still trapped between the table and Ivan's body, giving them both the perfect angle for penetration.

Ivan's hands forced their way under Arthur's chest and pulled the man up so their lips could meet. The act of kissing was one of Arthur's favorites and the new smell affected his thoughts. Arthur let his mouth be ravaged. Ivan's tongue danced around and dueled with his, but Arthur surrendered first.

Once Ivan pulled away his mouth, he attached it to Arthur's neck. Arthur braced himself for a bite, but all he felt was gentle pressure while clawed hands raked their way down his body. The venom was released under his skin and Arthur couldn't contain the wail of delight that filled the musky air. His body shook with its first orgasm and more were to follow. On his lips he could feel a tiny smile forming there.

Once again he found himself pressed to the table while a rough hand found its way to his backside. Ivan's tail wrapped around one of Arthur's legs and pulled, spreading them further. Arthur thankfully

had the table to support his weight while clawed fingers probed his inner regions. He moaned into the mahogany and pressed back against them, wanting to feel more of the pressure. Ivan had started with two fingers and they were pressed deep inside, slowly ejecting the venom. Arthur let out another cry as the venom began its rapid journey through his nerves.

"I can feel you are swollen and still tight from our last time." Ivan said with that same husky voice. "Some of me can still be felt inside of you." He leaned down and licked the shell of Arthur's ear. "Say I won and I will give you time to adjust once I enter you."

Arthur's breath hitched.

"Let me have your answer, Arthur." Ivan pressed three fingers roughly inside and Arthur cried out, arching his back. "I said give me an answer!"

Arthur said nothing, letting out only pants and heavy breaths.

"Either you like it very rough… or you're just plain stupid." Ivan removed his fingers and used the same hand to spread the natural lubricant around his cock. "Be thankful that you can never be fucked dry." He positioned the tip against Arthur's hole, surprised when the slim hips pressed back against him.

"I do like it rough." Arthur hissed out through grit teeth, the demon pheromones and rum clouding his judgment. His groin was aching with the need for another release while the venom made his body scream for more pleasure. "I always have."

Ivan let out a deep laugh before gripping Arthur's hips and pulling the smaller man onto his cock. He could feel the warmth surrounding him as the muscles tried to force him out. Ivan had entered with such a swift motion that the muscles could do very little to fight back. The sounds of Arthur's pleasured filled cries and groans only sparked his want for this human.

If Arthur wanted it rough, then Ivan was going to deliver it to him. He pulled out as quickly as he thrust in, keeping the same fast, steady pace. The feel of Arthur's muscles tightening around him drove him on, rocking the table with them. He had to keep pulling the table back with his wings so Arthur wouldn't fall. After a few annoying sessions of this, Ivan grew bored and decided to change the position.

Arthur cried out pathetically as he felt Ivan pull his cock out, leaving him wanting more. He turned to ask 'why' silently with his eyes only to find his body flipped onto its back. Now Ivan was looming over him again, those large horns and wings outlined by the light from the fireplace. Just the sight of Ivan looming above him forced another orgasm from him, splattering his stomach with hot cum. The dark smile on Ivan's face chilled him to the core, but still he spread his legs for the demon. It was that smell and the venom making him like this. It was slowly taking over his mind and he never felt Ivan pulling his lower body off of the table.

Ivan held him by his hips and positioned against Arthur's gaping entrance. Green eyes met with violet for a moment before they rolled back into his skull when Ivan's cock thrust back inside, traveling deep. His hands, weak as they were, gripped the table's sides as he exploded with completion again.

"I'm gonna die…" Arthur gasped out between thrusts.

"I won't let you."

Arthur felt the tears stinging his eyes but, like always, he would never let them fall. Ivan's cock was rock hard with each solid thrust and it could almost be felt in his lower back. His body rocked against the table as his voice grew hoarse from the thrusts. Each one seemed to be more pleasurable than the last and it truly felt like his heart was going to give out.

The mantra of 'more' and 'harder' from his lips drew such growls from Ivan that Arthur wanted to know what other sounds the monster could make. He let his green eyes meet with Ivan's and he smiled tiredly up at him. Ivan growled deeply and continued with the wild thrusts into Arthur's body.

Arthur's body was too exhausted for another orgasm, so it was only up to Ivan to finish.

Instead of ejaculating inside of him, Arthur felt Ivan pull out and hot cum rain down on his body. The stinky essence covered his belly and chest. Ivan had lifted him back onto the table and towered above him, staring down with those lustful purple eyes. Arthur just panted and stared back up at him, never breaking their gaze. The blonde hardly flinched when the wings came slamming down beside his head, the clawed tips sticking once again into the wood.

The demon leaned down so they were almost nose-to-nose. Green eyes still locked on to purple and Arthur could tell that Ivan was feeling 'something' for him. The smell was wearing off, so his thoughts were coming back to him. It was against his better judgment, but he lifted a shaky hand to cup Ivan's cheek. Ivan closed his eyes and leaned into the touch, purring in delight. Just when Arthur thought everything was working, Ivan leapt back, knocking away the chair as he did.

"Ivan?" Arthur whispered his name and lifted himself from the table to see what had happened. Ivan was standing at the far end of the room, his wings and tail perfectly stiff.

"You must leave. Now."

"Leave? But I—" Arthur tried to stand but his knees buckled, forcing him to tumble to the floor.

Ivan stormed past him and went to the door, calling for someone to fetch Matthew from the kennels. The demon turned back into the room and began to pace in front of the fire. Arthur could do nothing but lie on the floor, green eyes following the moving figure.

He had done something right, for Ivan was all out of sorts. Maybe the demon was beginning to feel for him. If demons even felt things like 'love.' Territory and possession was what the race knew best. Coming to love Ivan would be like a snowball's chance in Hell. He was a human and never would he acquire feelings for a demon. Arthur began to wonder if his fake charms could take things a little too far. He would have to continue to be extremely cautious, keeping his stern and firm attitude with the demon.

A soft voice came from the door. "M-Master Ivan? You wished to see me?" Arthur recognized it as Matthew's.

"Take your friend back to Gilbert's room." Ivan ordered.

"Yes sir. Right away, sir." Matthew hurried over to Arthur and helped him up. "Here, rest your weight on me."

"Thank you, Mattie." Arthur said and kept his arm around Matthew's shoulder as the smaller man helped to lead him from the room. Arthur looked back at Ivan, who was only staring at the fire.

After they were back in the room, Matthew had drawn a hot bath for Arthur and helped him into it. Arthur sighed as the heat soothed his aching back.

All the dogs had joined them in the bathroom with Poochie sitting beside the tub. Matthew was busy trying to get some herbal body wash to help clean Arthur's wounds but Gillie, the Whippet, kept jumping up and down beside him. Matthew tried to shush the dog by pushing her head down but she still craved attention. Gileena, the Beagle, was eagerly sniffing at Arthur's pile of clothes. Gilberta, the German Sheppard, was on the other side of the tub and staring at Arthur. Poochie tried to drink the bathwater but Arthur gently slapped her nose.

"Can't you get these dogs out of here?" Arthur complained.

"I'm sorry, but they get so clingy when Master Gilbert isn't here." Gillie was still jumping up and down beside Matthew. "I hope he comes back soon."

"Hm."Arthur took the sponge from Matthew and dipped it into the warm water, rubbing it over his neck. "Any word from Alfred?"

"No, not yet. But I'm sure we will have a reply by tomorrow morning." Matthew smiled and sat on the floor beside the tub, next to Poochie. "Arthur, I know you still love my brother. Why don't you just tell him?"

Arthur looked at him before turning to focus his gaze on Gilberta. "I said it's over between us. He has chosen Kiku and I have to accept that."

"Then why are you doing this? This whole plan with Master Ivan."

"I really have no other choice. Maybe I'm doing it to show your brother that I'm still the best… that I'm better than him. I am a captive here, so I must do whatever I can to ensure my safe escape."

Matthew smiled softly and stroked Arthur's blonde hair. "Do you still hate Kiku? He is one of your best friends."

"WAS. The correct word is 'was', Mattie. He WAS my friend. He's not anymore."

"Arthur…"

Arthur angrily slammed the sponge into the water, frightening the dogs. "True friends don't go around stealing their friends' lovers! Kiku knew Alfred and I were having relationship issues and he just moved straight on in seeing it as his chance! And that bastard Alfred… jumping like a dog because some tight-assed Asian with doe eyes washed his fucking dishes!"

"Arthur, calm down!"

"But I'm not bitter! No. I'm not bitter by any means! Let that skinny little piece of sashimi play 'housewife' for Alfred! See if I care!" Arthur molded the sponge frantically in his hands. "Kiku, with his stupid little sleeping kimono and his stupid fish cooking and his stupid... hair! Which doesn't frizz in humidity, might I add!" Arthur was so angry he could not find any more words of insults. "But I'm not bitter. I'm better than that."

"Okay, okay, you aren't mad or bitter. I get it." Matthew said, giving Gillie a 'yeah right' look. "Did you… um, ever try just talking to Kiku? You know, sorting things out?"

Arthur turned to Matthew with a death glare, making the gentler man eep. "If I didn't have to work alongside him in the army I would ring his scrawny little neck! Where's the soap?"

Matthew handed it to him, figuring this would be a good time to end this conversation. He was sorry that he had even asked.

After his bath, Arthur dressed into fresh clothes and settled down with a book in front of the fire. While his eyes were on the book, they weren't reading the words. He found his thoughts drifting back to Ivan and their past sex sessions. The second time around he had really enjoyed it, more than he thought. The way that demon cock stayed rock hard for the whole act and never once softened amazed him. Sex with humans, including the few before Alfred and Ludwig, could not match up to that of a demon's. Ludwig, having half demon blood didn't come near to Ivan's level of 'mating.'

Alfred was young and full of energy, but would always finish quickly. Sure, they would go again, but the American never held out long enough for Arthur receive any proper satisfaction. It would always end with Alfred sucking him off, which was an act he never cared for. He didn't always like receiving it and he sure as hell hating giving it. Alfred would always beg for it and Arthur had to be firm, rarely performing the act for him. He briefly wondered if that was one way Kiku was able to land Alfred, for Arthur remembered having told the Asian man about that part of their sex life. If that were true…

"I hate everybody!" He twisted the book in his grasp.

The chamber doors opened and Matthew came in with a tray of tea for Arthur. He smiled at his friend and held up the tray.

"I thought you'd might like some."

"Thank you, Matthew." Arthur got up and took the teacup, blowing on it first before taking a sip. "Mm. Raspberry."

"It was the only tea I could find. I'll have the chefs order more variety."

"Yeah." Arthur sipped it again. "Where's Gilbert?"

"He is back from the hunt, but Master Ivan requested his presence for mating."

"Mating?" Arthur said with a slight frown.

"Yes. Mating. Gilbert is never allowed to say 'no.' He must do it whenever Ivan calls for him."

"But Ivan just slept with me. He needs Gilbert too?" Matthew blinked at that.

"Um…Master Ivan is an alpha demon. That is kinda his job…like Gilbert had told you."

Arthur put the teacup back on the tray.

"I'll be right back, Matthew. I'm going to the library to find a different book."

"Okay, but-"

Arthur had already left the room, but did not take the hall that led to the library. Instead, he cut a few corners so that he was back at Ivan's chambers. He glared slightly at the door, hearing the sounds of pleasure through the heavy wood. Tiptoeing up to the door, Arthur leaned his ear against it.

"Harder, Ivan! Harder!"

"He's faking it." Arthur whispered to himself and noticed a light shining from the keyhole. Lifting his brow, he bent down to his knees and peered through. The keyhole was almost in direct line with the bed, so all he had to do was tilt his neck slightly to see. There, on the bed, was Gilbert's perfectly white and flawless body writhing under those black wings. Arthur hated to admit it, but Gilbert was by far the best looking demon he had ever seen.

Their tails were entwined together and clawed hands were touching everywhere. It looked like they were literally devouring each other. Still, there was something different about their lovemaking then when he and Ivan coupled. Ivan's thrusts weren't nearly as fast or as rough with Gilbert as they were with him. Gilbert had a look of pure enjoyment and esctacy on his face, wrapping those long, white legs around Ivan's waist. Gilbert wasn't faking it, he was fully involved with the 'mating' and made sure Ivan knew it. Ivan was treating him like a porcelain doll, stroking those white limbs and kissing all over. They were making love. But when they joined hands and kissed passionately, Arthur had a flashback that reminded him of something Alfred had said.

'Why don't we ever make love?'

'What do you mean? We did so last night.' Arthur responded, looking at his lover as they washed dishes together.

'No, that was just having sex, Arthur. I want us to make love.'

Arthur scoffed. 'You're just a kid. You don't know what 'making love' is.'

'And I suppose you do?' Alfred put the dishcloth down and flashed him a look of annoyance over those glasses.

'Alfred, making love is something a couple has that is special and unique to them. Ours just isn't candlelight and roses. It's different.' Arthur turned on the faucet to rinse the plate but Alfred shut it off.

'Oh, it's different, all right. Your mind is never on 'us,' it's always on you. Do you feel any connection when we are together intimately?'

"I thought my connection was the same as yours." Arthur said when he came out of his daydream.

He looked back through the keyhole and saw that their positions had changed. Gilbert was now riding Ivan like a lap dancer would do for a client, slow and sultry. Their hands were still joined together with Gilbert bringing one up to kiss Ivan's claws. Ivan sat up to hold Gilbert in his arms, not thrusting, but just letting his hands roam over the other's back. For a second Arthur pictured Alfred and Kiku in their place, wondering if that's what the two looked like together. The image made him angry and jealous, so he forced his mind to focus on the two demons. With Gilbert's heightened cries and gasp of pleasure, Arthur found himself storming away from the door.

Arthur hurried back to the room and ignored Matthew as the man asked if he was all right. He continued through the bathroom and to the other room, slamming the door behind him. Arthur went right to the sofa, pushing Gileena off of it. The dog gave a little bark before trotting away to lie by the fire.

Arthur just rested his face in his hands, unable to get the images out of his head. The images of both couples making love. He wondered if Alfred and Kiku were doing that right now while he was here fighting for the human race. Was Kiku acting like Gilbert? Was Alfred tenderly stroking those pale limbs and kissing that small body all over? The tears threatened to fall, but he held them back as he always did.

"What is wrong with me?" he whispered to himself, thinking back to his final argument with Alfred. "Why can't I be loving and warm? Why? What is the problem with me?" The moment that first tiny drop of a tear hit his palm he stopped. He lowered his hands to the sofa and narrowed his eyes at the wall ahead. "What am I saying? There is nothing wrong with me! The problem is with everyone else, not me!" He got up and began pacing the room, snorting in frustration. "I am who I am! I shouldn't have to fucking change for anybody! You either like me or you don't! I'M NOT GOING TO CHANGE WHO I AM!"

Still, Arthur knew there was a deeper meaning behind his feelings, but he refused to let it surface. Still, the cruel, taunting words of others still filled his thoughts.

'Hugging a snowman is warmer than you!'

'Hey look! It's the Ice Princess!'

'Why are you so bitter and angry all the time? Got an icicle shoved up your ass?'

"That's enough!" he shouted, grabbing at his hair. "I would love to see where all of you bastards are now! You're not high ranking, five star generals, that's for sure! I didn't get to where I am being 'kind' or 'tender'!"

Finishing up with his private rant, Arthur stormed back into the bedchamber and went to bed. He ignored Matthew again and just fell asleep, tired from mental exhaustion. Sleep came easy to him, but his mind was heavy with dreams. There were many, but only one was memorable. He was safely tucked into a pair of strong, warm arms. He did not know who's they were, nor did he seem to care. All he knew was that these arms understood him and that gave him more comfort than he thought he could ever receive, so when the dream was broken by the sound of Matthew's voice, Arthur woke up feeling shallow and empty.

"Arthur? Arthur, wake up!" The sound of Matthew's voice had stirred him from his slumber.

"What is it?" He asked and opened one green eye to look at Matthew. He really wasn't in the mood for any chores or nonsense.

Matthew smiled and held up a letter. "It's from Alfred! It's addressed only to you!"

"What about yours?" He sat up and took the letter from Matthew.

"I have my own! And don't worry, Master Gilbert stayed with Master Ivan last night. We're all alone."

"Perfect." Arthur opened up the letter and began to read.

Arthur,

I know this is probably hard for you, but we are all very relieved that you have chosen to help us. I speak for the others when I say 'thank you.' It is a lot to ask and I'm sure once this is over I'll get some good slaps and insults from you. Keep in mind that your spying and trickery will help ensure the safety of thousands of humans. Whenever you feel like you can't do it, just think of that, and about how much you will be helping people.

You're probably cursing me right now, so let me give you some more things to curse about. In our letters, I want you to write down anything and everything you think will be beneficial to us. It could be the smallest little thing but we don't care, just write it down. I'm sure I don't have to explain to you what those things are. The more we know about Ivan, the quicker we can start carrying out a plan of attack. And please, if you think of any strategies or ideas that can help us take him down, don't hesitate to write them ASAP.

I will be at the secret spot around 2:30 am tonight. I'm sure Matthew can lead you through it. We have to make it fast. I can't wait to see you! Hang in there!

-Alfred

P.S. Don't worry, I'll be coming alone.

"He's coming tonight." Arthur said and looked to Matthew.

"Yes, I know." Matthew smiled softly. "He only wants to see you tonight. If there is time after he is done with you, then I will go and see him. What did he say?"

"Nothing I don't already know." Arthur replied, getting up from the bed to toss the paper into the fire. "What kinds of things does your brother write to you in his letters?"

"What does he write?" Matthew looked surprised by the question. "Well, just the normal stuff. You know, 'how are you?' 'are you feeling okay?' 'do you need anything?' Stuff like that. We also talk about old times and we share jokes."

"Does he ever talk about me or the others?"

Matthew knew that Arthur was trying to get him to reveal anything Alfred says about Kiku. "No." He replied. "He doesn't want to write names in case someone else reads the letter. And what goes on between Ludwig and Master Gilbert is between them. I never see their letters."

Arthur gave him a curious look. "Perhaps we should start reading them."

"But they're private."

"I want to know what type of information is being passed between them." Matthew flashed him a shocked look.

"You don't actually think that Ludwig would be leaking military information to Gilbert, do you? If that were the case then things would have been found out by now! I don't believe it."

"It's logical."

"It's nonsense." Matthew said, giving as stern a face as someone like him could. "I know my Master. He is not like that. They talk about family things, just as Alfred and I do."

"All right, whatever." Arthur should have known better than to ask Little Miss Honest Matthew.

"Let's get started on our chores. Master Gilbert wants his bed sheets washed today. I have to fumigate the rugs and polish the floors. Or would you rather switch?"

"I'll do the sheets."

"Do you remember where the laundry room is?"

"Yes, next to the kitchens." Arthur answered and started stripping the bed of its white sheets. "I'll see you later tonight."

With his arms full of a towering bundle of sheets, Arthur carefully made his way down to the laundry room. This was one of the first times he was actually walking the halls without an escort of some kind. The leers and catcalls he was receiving from other demons infuriated him. He made a mental note to

speak to Ivan about these types of behaviors. Glaring at the demons or giving them the finger may not be the best option given his status. If he let Ivan play the possession card, then Arthur would be able to have some sort of control over the manor's demon population.

When he arrived, the room was full of other human slaves stirring large barrels of steaming hot water. Arthur dropped the sheets in a pile on the floor, staring at the hardcore primitive washing style of the laundry room. The only thought in his head was 'Not even one washing machine?' The demon overseer noticed Arthur standing at the door and went over to him. Arthur just looked into the dark eyes of the demon and said nothing as he was approached.

"Human, get to work. There is an empty tub over there." The demon said in a commanding tone and pointed to the tub with his riding crop.

"I'm sorry, but where I come from, we use washing machines." Granted they were hard to come by, but being in the army gave you certain privileges.

"Well you're not the boss of this room and I say you are to get started or I will whip the shit out of you!"

Arthur gave a smirk accompanied by a scoff.

"You think something is funny, human?"

"Yes, actually, I do."

The demon growled. "Lower your head when you speak to me, slave!"

Arthur gave him the most obnoxious, snobbish look he could muster. "I screw the boss. You watch what you say to ME."

The demon gave an inward gasp and quickly turned away. "Just don't fall behind!"

Arthur watched with amusement as the demon stormed off, but frowned when he took his anger out on an innocent worker. Something else Arthur would have to speak to Ivan about.

After some careful observation and calculations, Arthur managed to figure out how to properly use the primitive washing tubs for the sheets. To his surprise, he found it to be quite rewarding and strangely relaxing. All the heavy scrubbing on the washboard was exercising his arms. He took a quick moment to examine the other human workers and how worn out they all looked. But Arthur knew better than to complain about this to Ivan for the humans' own demon captives were put to slave work just the same. Arthur never really gave it any thought until he was now in that same position. When he got out of the manor, he would make it his priority to do something about the demon slaves.

"Where is Arthur Kirkland?" came the sudden booming voice in the room. Everyone, including Arthur, looked up and towards the door. There stood a demon guard holding a bouquet of roses; red, pink, yellow, and white.

"I am here!" Arthur responded loudly, standing up next to the tub. He felt the corners of his mouth lift up into a tiny smile as the guard brought him the flowers.

"Courtesy of Master Ivan." The guard placed the flowers in his arms. "I also have a message for you. Master Ivan cannot see you tonight, but he will call on you tomorrow. He wishes for you to accept these."

"I accept. Tell Master Ivan I eagerly await his presence."

"I will."

Arthur looked at the overseer and gave him a smug smirk, holding up the flowers. The overseer just turned away and went back to business.

Arthur looked at the flowers and felt the smallest warm blush across his cheeks. No one had ever given him flowers before, much less a full bouquet of roses. (Well, Francis would always hand him some type of flower, but Arthur would sooner stomp on it than accept it from that frog.) It was kind of Ivan to do this for him and Arthur wondered if he should return the favor. The point was to win Ivan over by using charm and lust. Already he was in the driver's seat. With a few more carefully plotted moves, Arthur could have Ivan in the trunk.

From passenger seat to the trunk. That tickled him.

"I suppose I should send one of his own sunflowers to him in exchange for this. He'd probably like that." Placing the flowers beside the tub, Arthur went back to washing the sheets.

Later that evening, Arthur couldn't sleep one wink and neither could Matthew. They were both eagerly waiting for 2:30 to roll around. Arthur couldn't take his eyes off the mantel clock and time couldn't go any slower. If anything, the clock appeared to be moving backwards just to aggravate him. He imagined himself punching out the glass of the mantel clock to push the hands ahead in some useless attempt to make time move faster. Apart from that, he was ready to sit on Matthew if the man didn't stop tossing and turning soon. Now his nerves were on edge, making his annoyance level climb to another height. How he wished there was someone around that he could yell at to relieve some of the tension.

After the hours had passed at their grueling pace, it was finally time to meet Alfred. Even though Gilbert was aware of what they did, the two men tiptoed around the room regardless. Sometimes Gilbert would go and meet his brother the same way. Arthur took the key from Matthew and pulled him along through the corridor, ignoring the other's cries to slow down. Arthur was insistent on meeting Alfred tonight and he could only hope the big lug would be on time. Alfred was always on 'island time' when it came to daily life, one of the traits that had always annoyed Arthur. If Alfred missed this meeting, Arthur vowed to chew him up verbally in their next letter.

"I swear, if he is not out here I... I don't know what I'll do, but it won't be good!" Arthur hissed through his teeth as he shoved the key into the tomb's lock.

"You have to turn it the opposite way." Matthew stated softly and Arthur turned around to glare at him. Matthew jumped back a few inches.

"I would have figured that out, thank you very much!"

Matthew stuck his tongue out at Arthur once the man's back was turned.

Satisfied after hearing the heavy click of the lock, Arthur used his shoulder to push the door open. He peeked around the door, looking for any signs of guards or demons. Ahead was the continuation of the stone wall with a few long barred windows built in. Arthur remembered Matthew telling him something about demons coming to pay their respects to the family through these windows, which he found strange, but would analyze it later. With the coast clear, Matthew led him to the barred window where he said Alfred always stood. They chose the one on the far left because it was the most hidden from view.

Matthew told him to crouch down and to keep an eye out for Alfred, who would be wearing all black. Arthur looked through the bars, searching for any signs of the man and hoping he would turn up.

"Arthur?" came a familiar whisper from the other side of the wall.

Arthur followed the sound of the voice and saw Alfred coming through the brush.

"Alfred."

End Chapter 5 TBC
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Darker Than Morning