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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
- 6
- 7
- 8
**Warning: Language, slight yaoi

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

Chapter 6

"Arthur! I've been worried about you! Hey Mattie!" Alfred said excitedly as he came up to the bars, greeting Matthew first with a hug.

"You're still so loud even when we're trying to be discreet!" Arthur hissed quietly at him.

Alfred rolled his eyes. "Can't you just give a simple greeting? Even if it is forced and fake?"

"Please, no arguing." Matthew whimpered out, already able to sense the tension in the air.

"Mattie's right." Alfred said with a smile. "We're here to discuss business! But we can't stay long so let's get right to it! What kinda stuff do you got for me? Anything good? Juicy? Details guys, details!" He grinned.

"Try to speak like a civilized person!" Arthur scolded him but continued on with business. "I haven't found out much but there is something I want you to look in to for me. For all of us." Alfred urged him to continue. "Find out all you can about the Beilschment family. Not Ludwig's human side, their demon side. I think the family is very involved in the war I just don't know how much. Gilbert speaks little of it. See what you can find out and I will continue to snoop around on my end."

"That's all fine and dandy," Alfred responded. "But what about Ivan? I want to know more about HIM. How far have you gotten with him? Has he told you anything?"

Arthur chose to keep the sex part out of it. "Hardly anything at all. I fight him tooth and nail, though. You know me. But from a few things I have heard and analyzed…the human's aren't doing too well in the war. Currently, that is."

Alfred nodded. "It's true. Our forces in this region are starting to fall back. We need you to work faster, Arthur! The sooner we get Ivan and his army out of the way…well, let's just say that us humans can make a massive comeback!"

Matthew looked from one to the other. "You guys…I really rather not be here when you're discussing such things." He said with a whimper. "Master Gilbert is my friend and I don't want you hurting him."

"Mattie, you may be my brother but you're too gentle and sweet. Gilbert is a demon and he always will be. His loyalty is to his race, not you."

Matthew shook his head. "Master Gilbert doesn't attack humans! He never has! Not on purpose, anyway. Anything he ever did was in self-defense! And you have him to thank for Arthur even being here right now!" Matthew tried to say all this with a firm tone but failed. "Arthur may be dead if it weren't for Master Gilbert!"

"Did you say something, Mattie?" Alfred asked, having already lost interest in Matthew's babbling.

"You are such a jerk!" Matthew said firmly, or at least as strictly as he could. "I will meet you again shortly!"

"Bye Mattie! Take care!" Alfred waved at his brother's retreating form as it went into the tomb. Alfred then turned his eyes back to Arthur, his features softening a bit. "Arthur, are you alright? And I mean for real. Are you REALLY alright being here?"

Arthur crossed his arms. "Of course I am doing well being in captivity. I thrive in all environments no matter how dark or brutal."

"Is he better than me?" Alfred asked, making Arthur turn an angry red.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Is he better than me. Ivan, the demon? Demon sex is supposed to be mind blowing or something like that. Is it?"

Arthur put his nose up in the air. "Well, it's certainly better than any human I've ever been with. I will have that over-grown polar bear eating out of the palm of my hand!" He said proudly, flashing Alfred a sideways glance and smirk. "Child's play."

"Yeah, well, just be more aware about what's going on. You don't want to get your hand bitten off. Any animal could bite the hand that feeds them."

"Hmph. Just like you." Arthur responded with a sneer.

"The hell is that suppose to mean?" Alfred asked, his eyes narrowing.

"You wouldn't even be a general if it weren't for my good word and perfect status backing you! I gave you everything because of your 'dumb dog' nature and in turn I get brutally bit. And it wasn't just a little 'nip', it was a 'bite'! Remember how you GOT this position, Alfred!"

"I remember all right!" Alfred said with a hiss. "And don't think it was all you, Limey! Half of it was ME. I'm capable of doing everything a general is expected to do and MORE! You were just the hot fudge topping on my triple-decker ice cream sundae of coolness!"

Arthur's green eyes gave the other a cold stare. "How dare you! You…you ungrateful little leech!"

"Sure, go ahead and blame me for everything! That's what you do best! You're so cold and sour, Arthur! That's why we broke up. I couldn't take all your flat sarcasm and constant scolding. I need a lover and a companion, not a fucking father!" Alfred hissed at him through grit teeth. "I came here in hopes of something civil and not having to get into ANOTHER argument with you!"

"We agree to disagree! As usual!" Arthur sneered at him. "You're just a foul-mouthed lazy slug of a man! Forgive me for trying to turn you into a respectable member of human society!"

"See? There you go again! Treating me like a child! I'm not a child, I'm a man!"

"I suppose Kiku makes you feel like a man, then?" Arthur countered. "Is that why you ran off with him? He does everything you say and acts the way you want him to? Like a puppet?" Arthur scoffed. "Forgive me for not rolling over to your ego."

Alfred had to contain his laughter. "Oh my god, I can't believe you just said what you did. That just goes to show you why we can't be together. You still don't get it, Arthur. Or you do get it and you just don't want to admit it."

Arthur put his nose in the air, turning his head from Alfred.

"You're hard to love, Arthur. Granted, you have your own charm that makes you likable but lovable is something you aren't. I don't know why but I guess that's just the way you are. I'm sorry but I can't take that. Being bitter and angry all the time is just…it sucks. And it's draining. This is why you're perfect for this job of seduction. You don't grow attached to anyone."

Arthur made no response.

"We're keeping our letters and meetings strictly business from now on." Alfred stated firmly. "I was happy coming here but now you've pissed me off. I'm going back to someone who does care about me and greets me with a smile!"

Arthur fumed and turned his angry red again at Alfred's retreating figure. He wanted to shout insults at him but couldn't give away his place. Instead, he picked up a rock and threw it at Alfred, hitting the man in the shoulder. Their eyes met in an angry glare before Alfred continued on his way, disappearing into the woods. The blonde man turned on his heels and went back into the tomb, locking the door behind him.

Arthur felt like he was going to be sick. The words from Alfred's fat mouth shot through him like a bullet. Alfred just didn't understand him. Nobody could understand him or his feelings and it infuriated him to no end. He had hoped this meeting with Alfred would have changed things but now he was just as angry at the man as he always was. He could see now that Alfred had no intention of getting back together with him. It could still happen through the success of his plan but if it didn't then Arthur wouldn't be too surprised. Not after tonight.

He started to wonder, on his way back, if it was even worth having a 'special someone' at all. It only seemed to bring drama, heartbreak, and grief. Three things he could do without in his complicated and busy life.

"Should I abandon this mission?" He asked himself before entering back into Gilbert's room.

As he settled down in his blankets he thought over and over about this plan, weighing out the pros and cons. Originally he wanted to do this to win Alfred back but now that seemed hopeless. Alfred wanted him to change and Arthur refused to do so. He was proud of who he was even if it did make others think differently. One thing Arthur always held true to was his strong sense of character and will. No one was going to be allowed to change that. He decided right then and there that he would continue on with the mission for his race, not for Alfred.

Ivan was a demon and therefore very hard to love. Arthur would never fall in love with such a creature, if Ivan were even capable of love. On the flipside, Arthur didn't think he was capable of love either. Arthur was never sure of what he considered was love between two people. The way Alfred saw 'love' was not as Arthur saw it. Arthur wanted a mutual relationship, one that didn't make him feel claustrophobic or trapped. He didn't want to be attached at the hip with his lover at all times. He wanted his own space and time to himself. Perhaps he wanted a relationship that was more like the one Ivan and Gilbert shared.

The two were mates for military business reasons and they were perfectly content with each other. Both males went their separate ways, enjoyed their own hobbies, and still met for sex when it was necessary. Sometimes they spent time together and behaved more like old friends than a couple. Still, they were happy with just the way things are. Gilbert's possessiveness of Ivan was simply demon instinct and not based on love. Perhaps the demons were doing something right in their culture.

"Hm. 'Perhaps' is the key word there." Arthur said out loud softly as to not wake the sleeping Matthew beside him.

Content with his little pep talk to himself, Arthur settled down into the blankets for a good night's rest. That all went to hell as he tossed and turned with images of Alfred, each one making his anger linger on.

/

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING ARTHUR BUTTER-HEAD!" Gilbert's loud, obnoxious wake-up call forced heavy lidded green eyes to shoot open. "IT'S A LOVELY RAINY DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND YOURS TRULY HAS NOT RECEIVED HIS AWESOME BREAKFAST YET!" Gilbert gave Arthur's rump a light kick. "Seriously, time to get up. I'm hungry."

"What about Matthew?" Arthur grumbled out.

"He's out with the bitch brigade! My girls need their exercise. Now get moving! I'm hungry!"

Arthur knew that sleep was lost to him so he tossed the blankets off. He stood up and straightened out his clothes before leaving the room. Gilbert said something about his rudeness but Arthur paid it no mind. If Gilbert thought he was rude on a regular basis then the demon shouldn't be surprised what an extra grouch Arthur could be when he's had lack of sleep. Like a zombie Arthur went down to the kitchen to order Gilbert's breakfast. He twirled a carrot on the counter while he waited for the food to be prepared, half the time falling asleep.

The cook startled him awake with a gentle shove to his shoulder. The demon gave him an annoyed look and held out the tray of raw meat, cooked eggs, and a tall glass of milk. Arthur gave the cook a sarcastic smile before making his way back to the room. With his defenses down from lack of sleep, Arthur did not hear Ivan coming up behind him.

"Good morning!"

"BLOODY-!" Arthur stopped himself from yelping when he saw the food on the tray almost topple over. With an angry glare he jerked his head around to see the horseshoe smile of Ivan. "Oh, it's you."

Ivan pouted. "That's all I get after I sent you a bouquet of fresh cut roses?"

"Ah, yes." Arthur spun on his heel and smiled at him. "I wanted to thank you for that. It was very…flattering. And surprising."

"Hasn't anyone sent you flowers before?" Ivan asked but motioned for them both to continue walking.

"Not really, unless you count my mother putting fresh wildflowers in the green vase in my room. When I was child, of course."

"Yes, of course. But you do like flowers?"

"I do. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to deliver this to your mate."

"There is no harm in me walking with you, is there." Ivan said with a smile and walked beside him.

"No, there isn't but I would prefer you not too." Arthur forced a pleasant smile on his lips.

Ivan's brows went up. "Aren't we getting bold?"

"Look, Ivan, I had a really bad time falling asleep last night. And when I lose sleep, I get cranky. And when I get cranky, I get snappy. And when I get snappy, I get-" Arthur stopped when Ivan put his hand up.

"I get it. You're grumpy." Ivan continued walking with him despite Arthur's prior suggestion. "I know a good way to relieve some grumpiness. All you need is-" Arthur cut him off with a disgusted sigh.

"Look, sex isn't always the answer to relieving stress or crankiness!" Arthur noticed Ivan's confused blinks. "You demons are so horny all the time! Honestly, have some decency! There are more important things in life than 'mating'! And shame on you for thinking that is what I need to feel happy again!"

Ivan gave him a sheepish smile. "I was going to suggest some warm tea in the parlor."

"Oh." Arthur flushed slightly and cleared his throat. "Well, you must forgive me for not assuming you would do something so civilized."

Ivan tilted his head.

"I think you'd be surprised what things I'm capable of. Your misconceptions of demons are so…narrow. It's like you're looking at us through tunnel vision, which I'm quite surprised about, coming from someone as intelligent as you."

Arthur's brows went up at the last comment.

"Unless, of course, you would like to have sex instead?" Ivan grinned at him, fangs and all.

Arthur scoffed. "Sorry, but I have chores to do."

"Ah, yes you do. I had forgotten. Surely you'll be wanting to get them all done before tonight." Ivan smiled and it was Arthur's turn to be confused.

"Tonight?"

"Yes. My mate is having a little get together in the party room tonight." Ivan smiled and folded his hands behind his back. "Surely he's told you?"

"Gilbert said nothing of it." Arthur responded. "But your mate can be quite the party animal. I don't need to see it to believe it. Parties like that aren't my cups of tea."

Ivan nodded. "I understand. The loud, pumping beats give me a headache most of the time. I prefer my simple parlor music and quiet time. It's so nice to sit, relax, and just enjoy the peaceful moment. It's a nice break from smashing skulls and splattering blood everywhere with the constant sounds of battle. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Except for the skull crushing part, yes." Minus the human bashing reference, Arthur was pleasantly surprised by Ivan's choice of 'quiet time'.

"So then my next question is; would you care to join me tonight for some parlor music and tea? Instead of the party?"

"No sex, right?" Arthur narrowed an eye at him.

"No sex. Unless it happens. Or you want it."

"Just tea?"

"Just tea." Ivan confirmed.

"Vey well then, Ivan. I accept your invitation. Although I do have some demands on how my tea is to be presented to me."

"Oh?" Ivan looked slightly amused.

"Number one, I am a fan of all teas that aren't Earl Grey or something brewed from a creature, human or animal."

Ivan blinked.

"Number two. No cream. No cream, milk, sugar, or anything of the like. Just plain hot water and tealeaf. Or bag. Or however it comes."

"I-"

"And like with all my tea, I would like simple little cookie to go with it. Any kind, as along as it is plain and simple tasting."

Ivan chuckled and went up to him, looking down his nose at the human.

"You speak like a leader when you are just a slave."

Arthur glared. " 'Slave' in current title. I always am and always will be a leader. You can't take that away from me."

"I don't plan too. I have a feeling you may just cave all by yourself without my doing."

"Oh, do you?" Arthur straightened his back and puffed his chest. "Is that a challenge? For if it is then I will take you up on it and I will win."

Ivan smirked. "You would make a great mate." He said and stepped around Arthur to continue walking.

Arthur turned his body to look at him with slight surprise. "You want me to be your mate?"

Ivan chuckled and peeked over his shoulder at Arthur. "Now I didn't say that. YOU said that. I was just stating the obvious."

Arthur's mouth dropped open in pure shock and humiliation. Ivan just twiddled his fingers at the blushing human and practically skipped away.

"Oh…oh why you- you- you- OH!"

Arthur wanted to throw the tray to the floor but kept himself calm by counting to ten and taking deep breaths. Once he was satisfied with his level of temperament the blonde continued on his way, tray held in a white-knuckle grip and false smile on his lips. Stupid. Stupid. STUPID. That damn demon got him not once but TWICE. Arthur had made a fool of himself in front of Ivan and now the demon was thinking that he was hot for him.

"Well, this is a fine pickle you've gotten yourself into, Arthur Kirkland!" He said out loud to himself before he barged through Gilbert's door.

"Finally! It's here. I'm fucking starving!" Gilbert grinned. "Did they do my eggs over-hard?" Gilbert jumped a bit when Arthur slammed the tray down on the table in front of him.

"Piss on your eggs!" Arthur swore angrily and stormed off to the other sitting room.

"What the hell did I do?" Gilbert shouted in slight outrage at the blonde's retreating figure. "He's on the rag, that one." Gilbert said with a sigh before gathering some of the egg onto his fork to pop in his mouth. He frowned and dropped the fork in annoyance back onto the tray. "Now my eggs are cold!"

In the living room, Arthur was silently cursing himself for his many slips with Ivan. He came off like a horny schoolgirl poorly playing hard-to-get. Arthur wished he could blame it on his lack of sleep but he couldn't find a logical answer. Maybe it was the compliments Ivan had given him. Or it could be because of his slight falling out with Alfred last night. Whatever the reason, Arthur was excited about meeting Ivan in the parlor tonight. There was going to be tea, cakes, and tasteful music. Ivan even called him intelligent, which made Arthur start to wonder what the demon's philosophical level was. If the demon even had one, that is. Whether Ivan was smart or a big dumb brute still proved a mystery to him. Hopefully tonight he would learn more about Ivan's intelligence level.

He and Alfred never sat down to drink tea and listen to music. Arthur liked classical while Alfred preferred loud rock. Arthur liked tea and Alfred liked coffee. Arthur preferred water and Alfred preferred soda. Arthur enjoyed more vegetarian options while Alfred woofed down cheap fatty meats. Of course, Ivan ate bleeding raw meat but a demon didn't have a choice like humans did. The more Arthur thought about it he kept coming to the conclusion that he and Alfred were just too opposite to work as a couple. Arthur always thought he could change Alfred but he was proven wrong. The younger man was simply too stubborn to change. He wanted Arthur to change but Arthur wouldn't even consider it. He wanted Alfred to change because it would be better for the younger man, that's all. Still, something in the far back of his mind was still saying 'you want him'.

"Oh, who am I kidding? If I don't want to change then I can't expect Alfred to change." In the back of his mind, Arthur was saying, 'He should change because I'm better.'. Arthur couldn't help his feeling of superiority when it came to Alfred. "I really am a horses' arse sometimes."

/

"Master Ivan, the ransom letter was sent." Toris said with a salute once he entered Ivan's office.

Ivan looked up at the demon from his glass of vodka. "Well done, Toris. Now we simply wait for a response."

"What if the humans say 'yes' to our terms?" Toris asked, lowering his hand to his side. Ivan gave him a lopsided smirk.

"Then I won't give him up."

"Sir?" Toris was confused.

"I want to keep Arthur here, with me. I don't want to give him over to the humans. I will have him killed before I let the others have him." Toris just nodded. "And have the parlor prepared for me tonight. I invited Arthur to tea instead of attending Gilbert's party."

"Gilbert will be saddened by your absence, sir."

"Oh, he'll get over it. Some weed and liquor will make him forget fast. Don't concern yourself with my mate, Toris."

Toris bowed. "Forgive me."

"Done. Now go."

Toris saluted him again and left the office.

Ivan stood up from his hand carved red oak chair to stand by the bay window. He sipped his vodka while staring at the sea ahead. Ivan preferred the warmth of the shore and the smell of the ocean air. It was much better than the cold, wet snow of the far north. He did love his native land and would often go back to visit, if not for the climate then for his sisters. Ivan was behind on his letters to his eldest sister but promised himself he would write to her tomorrow. He wanted to tell her all about Arthur, his human.

Picturing the sharp-tongued British shrew in his mind made his loins stir. Oh how the human intrigued him. Arthur was so bold and stubborn that most demon males would have devoured him by now for such insult. The human walked around Ivan's manor with his back straight and blonde head held high, like a king. Ivan knew his human would prove to be a very fun and unbreakable toy. Arthur was strong in spirit and will, which made up for his lack of body strength. Ivan wanted to know more and more about this human with each passing day. By tonight he would hope to have found out more about the Butter-Head Brit.

Then there was always the lust in those bright green eyes when Ivan dominated him. Arthur was able to sustain his sanity and will during a demon mating, which Ivan found (rather heard about) to be rare. Humans and demons rarely mated for just that reason. There was more rape between the races than actual mating, or 'love making' as the humans usually called it. But Arthur seemed to like it and when the right buttons were pressed the human would be a very active partner. Currently, it was Ivan who came on to Arthur first, making all the sexual moves and dominating him. The lust in those green eyes was from the act alone and not for him. Ivan was certain he could change that. Having the Brit lust after and peruse him wrung a heavy purr from his throat. He wanted to break the stubborn human as much as possible, even if it was just to see how long Arthur could hold out.

Ivan thought back to their previous sex in his chambers, remembering how he left Arthur on the floor. Ivan wanted to hear his name on Arthur's lips. He wanted the human to be more vocal with words rather than sounds. Arthur's voice was always laced with venom and sarcasm but Ivan knew there was a softer tone hidden. It was Ivan's job to find it and he would. He was prepared for Arthur to fight him the entire way but that only excited him more. The evening couldn't come any faster.

/

"Master Ivan?" Toris called to him and knocked softly on the parlor door. "I've brought Mr. Arthur."

Arthur stood in his slave clothes behind Toris with his arms crossed.

"Send him in." They heard Ivan's muffled voice from beyond the door. Toris turned to look at Arthur.

"Do you need anything else?"

Arthur shook his head. "I'll be fine. Thank you for escorting me here." He entered through the door when Toris opened it for him.

"Enjoy your night." Toris said softly before closing the door behind him.

Arthur stood at the door and took a quick glance around the parlor. Like all the other rooms it was richly (and gaudy) decorated. The large oak bookshelves with engraved medallions and swirls were filled heavily with books. Arthur made it a note to come here on his free time and look through the colossal selection. Hardwood floors and Persian style rugs stretched out across the room. The windows were wide and long with Parisian style silk curtains. The wine color of the curtains matched the cream colored walls perfectly but he could do without the four-swag valances. Simple dark oak tables and chairs littered the room with the center holding the luxurious matching sofas.

The fireplace was black marble, which was a very rare and very expensive style to find. Above it was a painting mounted on the wall of what could only be Ivan's family. Ivan was standing in the middle with two women sitting beside him. Arthur assumed the two women were his sisters yet Ivan only spoke of one. Ivan was painted in his military uniform while his sisters were modestly dressed in simple dresses. The painting was attractive and Arthur decided that he would have a massive portrait of himself painted for his own pleasure.

"Do you like the painting?" Ivan's voice cut through the silence.

"Hm? Oh, yes I do. I was admiring it. Those are your sisters, I'm assuming?"

Ivan nodded with a smile. "Yes, they are." He held his hand out towards the other sofa. "Please, come sit."

Arthur walked over and took his seat across from Ivan, looking at the silver tray presented on the coffee table. The silver set was clearly antique, probably something dug up from the pre-apocalypse era. Many of the items and decorations they used now were found in the ruins of the previous Earth. Arthur couldn't help but stare at it in awe.

"I'm guessing we like the tea set?" Ivan asked with a chuckle.

"It's pre-apocalypse, isn't it?"

Ivan nodded. "Indeed it is. Will you pour us some?"

Arthur rolled his eyes but did so, holding the top of the pot gently. He poured the tea with care and sighed at the calming aroma.

"It smells wonderful. What kind is it?" Arthur asked him as he handed Ivan the cup and saucer.

"Orange oolong. I have a friend who specializes in teas. I buy only from him."

Arthur poured himself a cup. "So where is this music? I hear only silence." He pointed out before taking his seat.

"Oh, silly me!" Ivan smiled. "I forgot to wind it up!"

"Wind it…up?" Arthur blinked and watched as Ivan went over to the poorly remade gramophone. "Really? You don't…have a radio?"

Ivan scoffed and turned the handle. "Who needs that? I find the hollow scratchiness of this machine much more delightful than those fancy plastic boxes." Ivan leaned his ear towards the barrel and shimmed his wings when the music was heard. "Perfect!"

"Oh, classical." Arthur listened for a moment. "Very nice choice."

"It's a favorite of mine." Ivan replied and shifted his tail to the side as he sat down. "So, what do you think of demons now?"

The question caught Arthur off guard. "Well, my views have changed little." He sipped the tea. "I've learned that aristocratic demons act more like humans than animalistic creatures."

Ivan gave a flat smile. "Who said I was an aristocrat?"

"I assumed you were. Given the size and decoration of this house…you're far from poor. You have more than I do and I'm a five start general. I came from a little town and built myself up. I plan to keep climbing the ladder of success until I'm dead."

Ivan looked at him with amusement and sipped his own tea. "I wasn't born an aristocrat." Arthur's brows went up. "Like you I was born in a small tribe…a tiny little snowy village nestled deep within the mountains." Ivan gripped the handle of his teacup. "My humble little home was attacked one day by humans. An air raid. How strange that so few planes could deliver such damage." Ivan's violet eyes focused on Arthur. "Why do you think your humans attacked a defenseless demon village? We never hurt anyone. So why would they attack brutally as they did? Answer me that."

Once again, Arthur was caught off by the sudden story and question. It was a question that was very difficult to answer.

"Perhaps I should answer your question with another. Why would a herd of demons attack my sleepy little town? We did nothing, other than grow wheat and harvest wine. So why attack a harmless little town? Answer me that."

Ivan smiled over the rim of his cup. "The world is cold and dark. We're just trying to survive. Enemies become friends. Friends become enemies. Families turn on one another. It's a never ending vicious cycle."

"Kill or be killed. Some philosophies never die…even after so many eons have passed." Arthur added. "My humans were simply trying to destroy the demons before they grew too powerful or numerous. I think it's fair to say that each side shares the same fear of that."

"So you would call useless murder a 'precaution' then?" Ivan asked over the rim of teacup.

"A necessary evil. Both our races are guilty of it. Either we learn from it or we continue with the cycle. I, for one, have NEVER given an order to purposefully raid a demon village without proper documentation or reason. I have never attacked a demon dwelling with my armies. Only demon armies after terms have been swapped."

Ivan chuckled softly. "I can't say I wear the clean white gloves when it comes to that. I've attacked many human cities and towns just because I feel like it."

Arthur narrowed his eyes at the demon, reaching for a teacake. "I think you're lying."

"Do you?" Ivan answered back.

"Yes. I followed up on and studied everything about your military background and never once did it say you raided human dwellings."

"Hm…technically you are correct. Perhaps I had…'dwindled' in those little affairs but only because of the way I was treated. Attacking helpless little humans doesn't give me any type of joy. They're so boring to kill. I like a good fight. A good, strong, bold fight with others who share in the same style as me. Someone like you."

"Like me?" Arthur repeated.

"Yes. You are such an interesting human. Unlike any I have ever met." Ivan put the teacup down before he walked over to Arthur. "Why I haven't ripped out your tongue and eaten your inners for your constant disrespect is beyond me."

Arthur saw this as another opportunity to get closer to Ivan.

"Simple. I give you something you don't get often, if ever." Arthur responded with a smirk and placed the teacup on the table. He stood in front of Ivan and looked up at him, green eyes heavy with lust and defiance. "A fearless challenge." He flicked Ivan's nose. "You may tame my body for it is only human and prone to sexual desire. But this," He tapped his temple. "THIS is untamable. And this," He pointed to his heart. "Is wrapped in the sharpest barbed wire you have ever come across." He turned on his heels to walk over to the fireplace. Arthur heard Ivan's boots following up behind him.

"What if I want more than just this human body?" Ivan asked him.

"Because the rest is not yours." He placed his hands on his hips and peeked over his shoulder at Ivan. "You can lie to yourself and say everything that is mine belongs to you. Yet, you will know it is false, for it is only important if I know the truth. And I know myself better than anyone."

Ivan's arms suddenly wrapped around the lithe human form and pulled Arthur close. Ivan let one clawed hand rest at Arthur's thigh while the other stroked the creamy neck. Arthur closed his eyes when Ivan's fangs could be felt against his neck. Dark wings wrapped themselves around his body, seeming to shield him from the world. Ivan wanted Arthur to know only his world, no other.

"You are still mine. I fought you. I captured you. I claimed you. Therefore, you belong to me. A war prize. One I will not give up."

Arthur scoffed. "You really don't think you're the only one in my life, do you?" Arthur could hear and feel Ivan growling.

"You have others?"

"Perhaps you are not as good at sex as you presume yourself to be if you couldn't tell that I wasn't a virgin."

"But you were a virgin. You were a virgin to demon sex." Arthur felt himself smile because he thought of Ludwig but chose not to mention that. Not yet anyway.

"You're right. Score one for you. But what if another demon…full blooded or half, wanted me instead?"

"I wouldn't give you up." Ivan's grip on him tightened.

"What if I simply said no?" That clawed hand encircled his neck, applying soft pressure that make breathing difficult.

"Then I would tear the other demon apart, limb by limb. His head and cock will be made into bedpost accents for your viewing pleasure."

Arthur tensed up for that was not an answer he expected in the current mood.

"I let you get away with a lot around here, Arthur Kirkland. One thing I will not let you get away with is lusting after another, demon or human. You see…deep down within this barbed heart," He moved his hand from Arthur's neck to rest above the heart. "There is a soft, sweet, and delicate side of you that longs for release. However, surrounding this handsome rose are needle-sharp thorns that are used for defense. A constant barrier to keep others from recognizing its beauty."

Arthur let out a soft moan as Ivan's hands caressed his body as the demon spoke.

"Once the thorns are removed it doesn't change the fact that the rose is still a very beautiful flower."

"You speak pretty words from the mouth of a cold-blooded killer." Arthur responded and turned in the demon's arms to face him.

"And yet I sense your arousal." Ivan grinned with his fangs. "I know when to be cute and poetic." He slipped his arms under Arthur's rump and lifted him. "I also know when to be that rough blood-thirsty killer you so desperately want."

"I do not come on to you." Arthur responded as Ivan laid him on the rug closest to the fire. "You come on to me." Arthur let himself lay flat on his back as Ivan crawled over him.

"Soon it will be the other way around. I will make you come to me. I want to hear my name on these pouty little pink lips." Arthur's answer was to purge his lips together. Ivan smirked. "Still fighting. I like that. Don't worry, we have all the time in the world."

"Not if I kill you beforehand." Arthur said, wrapping his arms around Ivan's neck.

"You're cute."

Ivan leaned down and gave Arthur a gentle kiss before slowly deepening it. Arthur lifted his hips and moaned into Ivan's mouth, moving his hands down to rest on strong arms. The moment was quickly cut short by the parlor door flying open and startling them. Four eyes looked to the door to see a drunken Gilbert leaning against the doorframe. The white demon's eyes were bloodshot and glazed over from brooze. His white hair was plastered to his face with sweat.

Gilbert gave a lopsided smirk. "Well, well-" He hiccupped. "What a sight to behold."

"You're back early." Ivan said from his spot above Arthur.

"Yeah, I am early. Just thought I'd leave the party for a bit…catch my breath…some fresh air…a good fuck, or whatever. I see you're already busy doing that though."

Ivan's tail swayed back and forth slowly in the air. "Yes, I am. It doesn't concern you mate. Go back to your party or go to bed."

Gilbert growled low. "You've been spending too much time with him, Ivan! It's my turn now!" He smirked devilishly. "Or maybe…I can have a go at him!"

Arthur gasped softly, his eyes wide.

"I think not." Ivan responded.

"Stop denying me!" Gilbert hissed loudly through his teeth, which forced his eyes to glow red. They bore into Ivan and the demon rolled off of Arthur to gasp for air. "This will teach you!"

"KNOCK IT OFF!" Arthur shouted at Gilbert, sitting up from the floor.

"And you!" He hiccupped again, focusing his glowing red eyes on Arthur's form. "You're next!"

Ivan's breath suddenly came back to him but only because Gilbert focused the power on Arthur. The dominant demon got up on his hands and knees just in time to see Gilbert flying at Arthur. Arthur looked ready to block or dodge but Ivan knew a better way. He waited until Gilbert was closest to Arthur before leaping into action. He had one of his handkerchiefs in both hands that he used to wrap around Gilbert's head, covering the male's eyes. Gilbert hissed and struggled against him but Ivan held him fast. The larger demon used his free hand to grip Gilbert's wrists together while the other held the makeshift blindfold over his eyes.

"Let me go!" Gilbert pleaded angrily.

"Not until you calm down! You're drunk!" Came Ivan's firm response.

Arthur looked at the two of them, confused.

"Why did his power stop?" Arthur asked.

"Gilbert-" He was stopped suddenly by another frantic, useless struggle by Gilbert. "Gilbert can't use his power if he cannot see. I find this way very effective in controlling him."

Arthur saw and heard a light bulb click on in his head, storing that little tidbit of helpful information into his memory bank. He was curious to see what Ivan would do next to Gilbert.

End Chapter 6 TBC
- 6
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- 8
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Darker Than Morning