A Storm of Sunflowers

***Thanks for all the emails and reviews! :D

***I have gotten a few emails asking about the specific time period of the story and it has no actual set era. I leave it up to you, the reader, to distinguish it to our own tastes. I started writing it with Medieval Europe as the strongest lead in mind and the 1500’s for decoration and style. But it can be warped to the reader’s liking. :) Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia and I am making no profit off of this story.

Chapter 8

By morning Gilbert had finally arrived back in the city with his bundle still in tact. His horse was in desperate need of rest but the Mini Alfred in his arms was apparently sick and needed to be in a bed as soon as possible. Matthew was his name but Gilbert preferred to call him ‘Mini Alfred’. He slowed his horse to a light trot and held the smaller man closer to his body. He heard Matthew mumble some words and whimper against him. Gilbert thought he had heard ‘brother’ and another word that sounded like ‘scared’.

“Don’t worry. Big and Awesome Gilbert will deliver you to your big bother! And we’re almost there to boot! Just wait until your brother sees you! He’ll be really excited and surprised I’ll bet! But you’re my Mini Alfred now and we are going to become fast friends!” Gilbert could have sworn he felt the small body against him tense up at his words but it was probably just his imagination. Who wouldn’t want the privilege of being cared for him! A deep cough from his bundle reminded him that he had to pick up the pace and fast. He kicked his horse into another run so he would sooner reach the manor.

When he finally arrived the guards let him in without questioning the bundle in his arms. The guards had known better then to ask what kind of ‘things’ Gilbert brought back in fear of finding something strange and unusual. Gilbert brought the horse back to the stables and carried Matthew the rest of the way to the garden. He knew he couldn’t have a defenseless beauty like Matthew shacked up in the barracks for his recovery. He would be groped and molested the first night he was there. Besides, bringing a sick person into the manor was one of Ivan’s rules until the individual was diagnosed properly. So what better place than Kiku’s garden hut? The man spent most of his summer nights there and it is usually where he could be found at all times of the day. Plus, he had a bed and that was what Matthew needed.

“KIKU! YOU IN THERE?” He shouted as he kicked the door to substitute for knocking. He heard shuffling from the other side and the latch lift before Kiku opened the door.

“Ah. Good morning, Gilbert.” He saw the bundle in his arms. “What do you have there?” Kiku’s face became white with fear and suspicion. “It’s not another one of your dead animal hybrid makes, is it?”

“FOR FUCK’S SAKE! I did that ONCE when I was drunk and I found that cat and chicken both dead and called it Chcatken!” Kiku shivered at the memory of the monstrosity that was Chcatken.

“Gilbert, you sewed the head of a chicken onto a cat’s body…that’s not normal.” He grinned at Kiku.

“That’s why I’m a top general and you’re a gardener! But back to more important matters,” He pushed past Kiku, inviting himself inside. “See this here? This isn’t just any ordinary bundle of blankets, oh no!” He grinned and placed Matthew carefully on Kiku’s bed. “This is my very own…wait for it! This is my very own generic Alfred! TA DAAAA!”

Kiku held his breath and was expecting to see another hybrid monster but instead he was greeted with a soft face and curly blonde hair. The young man looked just like Alfred did when Kiku first met him. Kiku noticed his heavy, wheezing breaths and soaked hair stuck to his scalp and face.

“What’s wrong with him?” Kiku asked and Gilbert shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know. When I got to the farm I was first greeted by a large, angry man holding an equally large cowbell in a threatening manner. After explaining I knew Alfred and brought the money and blah, blah, blah, the cuter brown eyed man let me in and that’s where I saw Mini Alfred!”

“What’s his real name?”

“Matthew, I think.”

“Did they tell you what was wrong with him?”

“They just said he gets sick really often and he immediately fell ill when Alfred left the farm.” Kiku went over to Matthew quickly looked him over, checking his eyes, throat, and pulse.

“I’m not really a doctor but I can tell what he has is pretty serious. And he’s very malnourished and unclean.”

“You have all kinds of herb leaves and shit like that. You can help him, right?”

“I’m not a doctor, Gilbert. I have something that can bring the fever down but not get rid of it. Not when it is this high…” He felt Matthew’s forehead again. “This is really bad…he needs a real doctor.”

Gilbert blinked his eyes and appeared to Kiku to have a look of confused concern on his face. Doctors were in rare form with the kingdom engaged in war and trying to come across one was difficult. Many of them were needed on the battlefield and at base camps to tend to the wounded. They also demanded a lot of money for their medicine and diagnosis’s that only the middle and upper class were able to afford one. Ivan had one that served only the noble lords and if Matthew was to get any better he needed proper doctoring care.

“So…what are we going to do?” Gilbert asked him. “We can’t afford a doctor ourselves.”

“Well, we need to let Alfred and Arthur know he is here. Maybe Alfred can persuade Lord Ivan to call for his doctor to look at Matthew.”


“If that’s the case then Alfred better learn to shake his ass and crawl on the floor after Ivan like a puppy dog. Just blowjobs won’t be enough for that persuasion.”

“You can be so vulgar at times…go find Alfred and Arthur, let them know that Matthew is here and what his condition is. I will mix some herbal tea to help bring down the fever.”

“Right! I’ll be back soon, Mini Alfred!” Gilbert told Matthew and pet the boy on his damp head before leaving Kiku’s hut.


In Francis’s room, Arthur woke up to the sounds of the man shuffling around the room, dressing in casual clothes rather than his chef ware. Arthur sat up and rubbed his eyes, watching the blonde man dress himself. Did he have the day off or something? Why wasn’t he down in the kitchen making food for him to eat? Arthur glared as Francis made kissy faces to himself in the mirror. If the man wasn’t such an annoying pervert Arthur would say that he was indeed very attractive with a great body. That is only IF he was a normal male. Not for any other reason, of course.

“Where are you going?” Arthur asked him as Francis started heading for the door. Francis smiled at him.

“Oh, Ivan came and spoke to me last night. He has a special assignment for me today so I won’t be in the kitchens. You can go down whenever you are ready to eat breakfast. Just let the chef know you are my guest and he will feed you.” Arthur did not like the look of mischief on Francis’s face. The man was hiding something…or he knew something and wasn’t telling him. That little gleam in his eye and that wide smile clearly read ‘I know something you don’t know’.

“No, you’re up to something. I can see it in your face! What is it you have planned for today? I want to know!” Francis laughed and winked at him.

“Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over.” Arthur growled and glared at him, jumping out of the bed.

“You will tell me!” Arthur demanded but Francis smirked and quickly left the room, closing the door behind him. Arthur cursed and tried to open the door but he could tell that Francis was holding the knob. “Open up you goddamn pervert!”

“Is that any way to talk to the man who has done nothing but try to please you and make you comfortable? Must you always mistreat me so?” Arthur had an idea then and he smirked at his own trick. This would be easy! He let go of the doorknob and grabbed a nearby vase on one of the decorative end tables and then went back to the door.

“You’re right, Francis.” He said his name for the first time. “I am always mean to you and I really shouldn’t be.” He could mask his voice but couldn’t mask the look on his face. Good thing Francis was on the other side of the door. “You have been so kind to me.” He said in a soft voice. “I should be nicer to you…I’m sorry, Francis. Lets start things over from the beginning. Just you and me…a bottle of wine…the soft bed…our hot bodies grinding against one another…fighting for dominance…” Before he knew it, Francis had burst in the door.

“I’m coming to love you my little ma-“ Arthur lifted the vase and smashed it atop Francis’s, the shattering sounds music to his ears. He grinned in triumph and laughed villainously. His laugh died in his throat as he quickly realized that Francis was not on the ground unconscience, but rather STANDING with a lustful grin on his face.

“Nice try, my little mare! But I’m used to those types of tricks and attacks! They don’t affect me anymore!”

“GAAAAAHHH! STAY AWAY FROM ME!” Arthur tried to run from him but Francis’s strong arms gripped him and tackled him to the floor. “LET ME GO!”

“You’re in too deep now, Arthur! The confession of your desire and love for me shall not be ignored!”

“WHAT ‘LOVE’?!” He screamed as he felt his arms pulled behind his back and his wrists tied with the bandana Francis was wearing around his neck. “WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!” Francis said nothing and forced him up from the floor and shoved him to the closet where all of his extra fancy clothes went. He opened the closet door and there was a large hook in the top center of the door. With ease, Francis picked him up and hung Arthur on the hook by the back of his shirt. Francis looked over his handiwork.

“Hmm…now THIS is a coat I would LOVE to wrap myself up in.”

“In your dreams! Now let me go!” Arthur kicked his feet frantically, trying to jump off of the hook but to no avail. He was stuck…pure and simple. “Damn it! Take me down right now you stubble, wart faced frog!” He was met with one of Francis’s sleeved handkerchiefs balled up and stuffed into his mouth.

“Can we subdue ourselves from childish name calling?” Francis asked with a playful pout before latching his lips onto Arthur’s neck, sucking and kissing the soft skin there.

Arthur shouted in muffled protest through the cloth gag as he felt the gentle, wet suction of Francis’s kisses as they left red marks on his neck. He didn’t need to be able to see to know what Francis was doing. Arthur flushed as the blonde man’s hands traveled all over his body with such speed that he couldn’t keep track of any kind of pattern. He was hanging by his shirt, being touched and molested by his ‘host’. Arthur’s plan had backfired on him. Who would have thought that anyone could be used to the act of having something smashed atop their heads?

However, to his alarm he felt his body slowly responding to Francis’s prowling hands and kisses. It had been a while since he and Alfred had last done anything like this with intensity and his body must have been craving some type of bodily affection. But did it have to be Francis of all people? Arthur’s eyes widened as he inhaled deeply through his nose when Francis’s hand had slipped under his nightshirt to fondle his rapidly growing member with precise expertise. Arthur moaned through the gag and shut his eyes tight, trying to swing his body away from the man who was currently setting his body on fire and he was completely helpless to stop it.

“My sweet Arthur…you moan so perfectly for me…see? There is nothing to keep fighting against. Just let yourself go…relax…feel good.” Arthur could do nothing to stop the warm hand that was stroking him into hardness until it actually hurt from being pent up for so long. Arthur was just letting his body relax to the pleasurable feelings when his fears returned with two probing fingers rubbing at his entrance.

Arthur wiggled again against the hook but still could not escape from the pleasurable clutches of this man. Being of the bottom for sex was not one of his favorite things. True, the few times he had been taken were by one or two tax collectors or a government official. Those were all memories he had locked away in his mind, never to be reminded of them again. He tried to fight them back, to keep them from emerging and disrupting his sleep again. Arthur knew Francis was not like those men. Francis was doing this for his own satisfaction as well as Arthur’s, not for money or goods. He was being held down and forced like he had before but with Francis it wasn’t malicious. Arthur’s pride just kept him from giving in to the truth about Francis.

Instead, he focused on just those fingers massaging him tenderly, making his member throb with the need for release. He wanted Francis’s fingers to press up into him for his body was craving more the splendid pressure. But the fingers had suddenly pulled away, as well as the soft hand from his groin. Arthur opened his eyes, lidded with lust and confusion as he looked at Francis. Francis smiled at him and kissed his forehead.

“As tempting as this is I still have work to do. I have my orders from Ivan and I must fulfill them.” Arthur glared at him and Francis pat his cheek with a smile. “Don’t worry, just ‘hang around’ here until I get back.”

“MWHA?!” Arthur hissed through his gag as he struggled more. Francis meant to LEAVE him here until he got back? Handing from a coat hanger with raging hard on and no way of getting down? What was that asshole thinking!?

“I don’t want to keep Alfred waiting. Ivan asked me to teach him some simple dance moves. I think Alfred is a quick learner for things like that so you shouldn’t be ‘hanging around’ for too long.” Arthur started screaming and kicking wildly in his bounds as Francis blew him a kiss before exiting the room leaving a still hanging Arthur…well, hanging.


Feliks room was the first stop on Alfred’s agenda today for his special ‘night’ with Ivan. He still had no clue what Ivan had planned for him but if it meant he would get a pair of those glasses then it would all be worth it, no matter what is was. Right now, he stood on Feliks tailoring stool in a plain robe, watching as the man fumbled through one of his many clothing and fabric trunks.

“I know I have, like, something like it started SOMEWHERE in this mess!” Feliks said out loud as he tossed the articles of clothing all over. Alfred just watch all the beautiful clothes fly this way and that, admiring Feliks handiwork. He was a really good tailor, Alfred thought to himself. “AH HA!” Feliks stood up and proudly held what he had found. “I knew I had one started!”

Alfred looked at the piece of fabric in Feliks hand, tilting his head. It was an awfully small piece of fabric and Alfred wondered how Feliks planned to make anything out of something so tiny. Feliks opened it more and Alfred saw that it was almost like a woman’s slip, but very short. Alfred blushed as he hoped that it was just a piece to another article of clothing that was more…modest? He hoped.

“This should fit you just as it is. It might be a bit big though in the hips because I like, made it for a girl some while ago. Lets try it on. Strip.”

“Uh…I have to strip right here?” Feliks rolled his eyes.

“Like, yeah! As if I care about your body and I have the same stuff as you! So stop being so damn modest!” Feliks forced him out of his robe and Alfred tried to cover himself but Feliks slapped his hands away. “Hold still! I need to see if this fits!”

Alfred remembered about the glasses and he stood still as Feliks slipped the clothing over his head. It was a dark, deep blue with a few straight lines of embroidered beads. Alfred straightened it out and it fit his midriff but it was a bit too short and he desperately tried to pull it down. Feliks batted his hands away again and told him to stand still and stand straight. Alfred blushed but did so, watching as Feliks fiddled with it. Feliks pulled and folded the fabric first before pinning it.

“This won’t take long to like, mend. I’ll have it done in no time.” Feliks smiled at him and Alfred gulped, blushing more as he looked down at his outfit.

“Hey…could you tell me what this is for? Lord Ivan obviously spoke to you last night or this morning.” Feliks chuckled as he carefully helped Alfred pull the slip over his head.

“I really should like, tell you but I was told not to.” Alfred pouted. “Bah! Alright, you’d find out from Francis anyway. Speaking of the dancing-“ He quickly went to his large closet and started looking through it.

“Dancing? But I don’t know how to dance! And why would Francis need to teach me to dance anyway?” Feliks ignored all his questions and soon pulled out two large peacock feather fans. He posed with the two fans and smiled at Alfred who just looked stumped and more confused as before.

“You are like, going to be Ivan’s special little peacock! And these fans here? Francis is going to be teaching you to dance with them! Like, seductively.”

Alfred just clutched at the robe as his body started trembling with fear once again. So he was to wear that skimpy little blue slip while wielding those big fans? It would be to embarrassing! He couldn’t do that even if he tried! He would just stumble over his own two feet, drop the fans, bump his nose, and loose his chance at getting those glasses. The glasses…that’s right, he wanted to those glasses. He needed them. Alfred’s brows drew into a serious stare as he stood straight and tall, taking a deep breath. If these little games of Ivan’s were going to earn him more money he could save up then he would just have to make the best of it. He had to remember there were worse things in the world that he could be facing. Cold, hunger, poverty, hard labor, thirst, illness, war…he should count his blessings that all he had to do was look pretty.

“Alright, you’re like done here. I’ll have this taken in before the evening so just hang around here until Francis comes to get you.” Alfred nodded and dressed himself before taking a seat at Feliks bay window to watch the deer frolicking in the massive fields. He wasn’t sitting long until a knock came at the door. He figured it was Francis but was surprised to hear Gilbert’s voice instead.

“Lady Feliks, you in there?” Gilbert called and Feliks face grew red with anger at the false title.

“How many times do I like, have to tell you NOT to call me ‘lady’! And no! I’m not here!”

“Just open the damn door already! Is Alfred with you?” Alfred and Feliks exchanged looks before Feliks answered him.

“He may be. Why do you want to know?”

“HEY ALFIE! YOU IN THERE?!” Gilbert shouted again and Alfred stood from his place at the bay window.

“Yes, I am. What is it?”

“Ah! Good! You are in there! Feliks open up this goddamn door before I kick it down with my massively awesome big boot!”

“You touch my door and you’ll be met with a shower of pins!” Feliks countered in defense but Alfred went over to the door to let him in.

“Oh yeah! Well this boot will feel like a thousand pins when it’s shoved up your a- Alfred!” Gilbert said as the door was opened for him. Alfred had to admit he was getting annoyed at their foolish bickering. “Just the man I wanted to see!”

“Yes Gilbert, what is it?” Gilbert wrapped his arm around Alfred’s shoulder.

“Have I got a surprise for you! A funny thing happened on the way to the farm!” Alfred’s breath caught in his throat.

“Oh no… you lost the money?!”

“What? No! No the money was delivered to a really tall looking mean guy who had hit me with a cowbell upon knocking on the door. No worries, everything is fine there.”

“So what is the surprise? Did you talk to my brother, Matthew? Is he alright?” Gilbert smacked his lips.

“Ah! You see, that’s the surprise! I brought your brother here with me!” Alfred’s eyes widened.

“W-what?! Matty is here?! Where is he?”

“Right now he is in Kiku’s hut. Problem is…he’s very sick and Ivan doesn’t want sick people coming into the manor.”

“Alfred has a brother?” Feliks chimed in then looked at Gilbert. “How many more people are we, like, bringing back from this farm?”

“I want to see him! Take me to him right now!” Alfred demanded and looked back to Feliks. “Please, don’t tell Ivan if he comes by!” Feliks crossed his arms but nodded.

“I’ll let Francis know the moment he comes that you’ll be late for dancing. I’m sure Arthur would want to know about your brother as well.”

“Thank you! Come on, Gilbert!” Alfred pulled him out of the room.

“Dancing? What kind of dancing?” Gilbert grinned and Alfred just ignored him.

Ivan sat at his desk, carefully reading and signing his large amount of paperwork. Once he finished with all the legal nonsense and governmental bullshit he turned to writing up his report on the latest information discovered about the missing supply wagons. He had had Ludwig and some of his men outside last night on the main road to stop said ‘raid’ that was going to happen with the medical supply wagon. Ludwig’s men had succeeded in stopping the raid and capturing a few of the gang members as they tried to escape. Ivan smiled as he sighed the paper and finished it off with his wax symbol. He looked up as there was a knock on the door.

“Lord Ivan, Ludwig is here to see you.” Toris voiced called softly through the door and Ivan granted him entrance. Toris opened the door and let Ludwig go in before closing it. Ludwig bowed.

“Good morning, sir. You will be pleased to know that the raid was stopped and the medical wagon is being seen safely to the battlefield.”

“Yes, Toris informed me late last night. Well done indeed.” He gave a polite smile before leaning back against his chair with a sigh. “However, some bad news did come in this morning from one of the king’s other army generals.”

“What kind of bad news?”

“Their army is starting to fall back as more troops from our enemy are pouring in.” He held up a large paper. “I have been told to send my troops to join with one of Yao’s kingdom’s army to aid them in this battle. Unfortunately, that means you will have to lead the troops this time to give Gilbert a rest.”

“So soon? But…the troops just got back.”

“I know but this isn’t my decision or command it is the king’s. With your army and Yao’s we may be able to deliver a big enough blow to our enemies to push them back for a while. Then we can all get a break.” Ludwig nodded but his thoughts immediately went to Feliciano and how mortified he’d be at the news. “I already know what you’re thinking. Feliciano will not take this well at all. But you can’t let it get to you on the battlefield. This is a very important battle and I need you with all your military wits.”

“I understand that fully, sir. My duty comes first on the battlefield. When do we leave?”

“In a day’s time. You need some time to rally everyone up and break the news to Feliciano. If I didn’t have all the legal paperwork to do for the king I would be right out there on that battlefield with you. But I’m stuck here doing the king’s work.” Ludwig nodded.

“The troops will be ready to go by tomorrow afternoon.” Ivan handed him the scroll with all the battle information on it.

“I know you will do well. Believe me, I much rather have you here keeping control of the city and taking down the gangs, but the kingdom calls. I will tell Yao to give Feliciano the night off so you two can spend some time together. You are dismissed.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Ivan watched him leave before getting up out of his chair and turning to look out at the city. He didn’t want to send his armies back out to the battlefield so soon but he had no choice. In a couple of days there is to be a conference with the king and his noble lords to discuss the way the war is going. Ivan had a few things prepared to say about the war and they weren’t going to be pleasant. Just as he was beginning to fill with dark rage he noticed his Alfred and Gilbert running into the garden. He raised a curious eyebrow at the two retreating figures and he couldn’t help becoming suspicious at the behavior. Gilbert usually couldn’t be trusted with anyone, especially with someone like his Alfred. With a growl, Ivan stormed over to one of the sitting chairs and easily ripped one of the legs off, intending to use it as a club to bash the white haired man’s head in.


When Gilbert and Alfred got to Kiku’s hut, Alfred wasted no time in barging through the door. Kiku stood up immediately from his spot next to the bed where Alfred saw Matthew’s blanketed body. Alfred ran to him and carefully sat on the bed beside his heavy feverish brother. Alfred looked at his brother’s sweaty face, his cheeks darkened red by the high fever. This wasn’t anything new to Alfred for Matthew got sick all the time. On more than one occasion they had thought they were going to loose him. But Matthew always bounced back after helpings of warm milk and tea. But this time…Matthew looked worse than he ever had. Kiku’s pillow was already damp with sweat.

“I’m trying to get his fever down with some of my herbal teas.” Kiku said. “He just managed to drink a full cup.” Alfred nodded, listening but not taking his eyes off Matthew. Gilbert peeked around Alfred to look at Matthew, frowning a bit as he could see that the boy appeared to get worse in a short time.

“A-Alf-red?” Matthew’s wheezed voice spoke his name and Alfred smiled, the sound making his eyes sting with tears.

“Yes Matty! I’m here! I’m right here!” Matthew opened his eyes, the whites gray with fever, as they rest on Alfred.

“Alfie? You’re home? Is-is th-that really you?” Matthew slid his hand out from the blanket to shakily reach up to touch Alfred’s face. Alfred took his hand in both of his, which were cold and clammy.

“Yes, I’m right here…but we aren’t home on the farm, Matty. You’re here with me.”

“Oh..o-okay.” Matthew didn’t seem to understand in full what Alfred was really saying. “This…isn’t a d-dream?”

“Nope, you’re right here with me.” Alfred said “And you’re going to get better really soon, okay? Then I can show you the gardens and we can pick flowers and we’ll let Francis fatten you up with fresh meat and-“ The door flew open again and everyone (except Matthew) turned to stare at the person. There in the doorway stood Ivan, the leg of the chair clutched in his fist by his side. Gilbert and Kiku immediately bowed, both starting to shake at the sight of Ivan with a blunt object. Alfred stood up but didn’t let go of Matthew’s hand.

“Lord Ivan…” Alfred said his name softly, tears welling up in his eyes. “Don’t hurt him…please.” Ivan looked around, seeing nothing sexual in nature but noticed the small figure panting on the bed.

“Who is that?” He asked Alfred.

“My brother sir, Matthew Jones. G-Gilbert brought him back from the farm…please…he is very ill don’t send him away!” Ivan walked over to Matthew on the bed and looked down at him. He did look like Alfred but his hair was lighter and curlier. But it was damp with sweat and Matthew didn’t even seem to notice him standing above him. Ivan looked at Alfred whose beautiful eyes were silently begging him to help with tears streaming down those perfect cheeks. “Please sir…he is my only family! He’s always been sickly and I’ve taken care of him but I’ve never seen him like this I’m really worried and really scared I want to help and care for him but I can’t I’m afraid-“ Alfred rambled on through his tears before Ivan politely shushed him.

“Alfred…calm yourself. Take a breath.” Alfred did so. “There, now relax. Tears are not very becoming of you. I never want to see tears on your beautiful face unless they are ones of joy or passion. You are a beautiful rose that needs to be in full bloom. A weeping rose does not suit you at all.” Gilbert stuck out his tongue in disgust at all the words to Kiku who just turned his head. Ivan brought Alfred’s face close to his. “Stay in my room with me tonight on choice, and I will send for my doctor to help your brother.” Alfred answered without any doubt or thought.

“Of course I will! I want to spend the night in your bed, Lord Ivan! I will dance and dress for you tonight like you want me to!” Ivan smiled at that and kissed both his cheeks.

“It is a deal, then. I will send for the doctor right away. He works nearby so he should be here fairly soon. Kiku, keep up with your herbs to help the fever.”

“Yes sir.”

“Alfred, you may stay with your brother until the doctor comes and goes. And don’t worry about the dancing lesson today.” Ivan told him and Alfred nearly threw himself onto his knees in gratitude. He didn’t care if he would have to face the wrath of Yao or that his backside would ache terribly by the morning. Everything would be worth it.

“Thank you, Lord Ivan…I owe you so much!”

“I know you do and everything will work out in time, yes? I know you will never go against me or do things that would make me regret being so kind to you, yes? Because then things won’t work out so nice, right?” Ivan gave him an eerie smile and Alfred wiped his eyes but nodded.

“Yes…yes sir.” He said fearfully and Ivan chuckled as he pat him on the head.

“Your brother is very cute. It must be a family trait.” Alfred had a light blush across his face.

“Thank you, sir.” They all watched as Ivan left and Alfred went back to coddling Matthew, who had a feverish smile on his face.

“You have a frog on your head!” Matthew chuckled as he looked at the non-existing frog. Gilbert laughed at that.

“Mini Alfred is awesome!” He said proudly but Alfred and Kiku ignored him, both returning to try and get Matthew’s fever down slightly while waiting for the doctor.


Francis had heard from Feliks that Alfred’s brother Matthew was staying in Kiku’s garden hut. He whistled as he walked back to his room, eager to tell the good news to Arthur. He carefully opened his door to be sure that Arthur hadn’t escaped and planned to attack him. Luckily, Arthur was still handing on the door hanger, appearing to have fallen asleep. Francis snuck over to him and tapped him on his shoulder. Arthur’s eyes flew open and they immediately glared at Francis, muttering a stream of curses.

“I have some good news to tell you. If you promise to be a good boy, I will let you down, untie you, and tell you what I know.” Arthur just wanted to get down so he nodded and Francis unbound him. Arthur rubbed his jaw, trying to get some of the feeling back from the handkerchief that used to be there.

“Now what is this news?” Francis smiled.

“Gilbert delivered the money to the farm, as asked, but he brought back Alfred’s brother.” Arthur’s eyes widened.

“Your shittin’ me…don’t make up stuff like that!”

“It’s true! He’s very sick and hiding out in Kiku’s hut. Come on, I’ll take you.” Arthur was reluctant to go.

“How do I know this isn’t a trick to ravish me?” Francis rolled his eyes.

“Please, I would be more creative than this if that was the case! Now come on!”

Arthur was drug out of the room and he did struggle halfway along before finally giving in. And besides, what real reason would Francis have to lie? And Arthur was pretty sure Francis did not know that Alfred had a brother. When they got to Kiku’s hut, Francis knocked first and Gilbert answered.

“Did you bring me food?” Gilbert asked and Francis shook his head.

“No, but I brought Arthur to see the brother!” Arthur looked around Gilbert and saw Alfred sitting on the bed with none other that Matthew.

“Holy shit! That IS Matthew!” Arthur pushed past Gilbert and ran to the two on the bed. Alfred smiled at Arthur.

“Look Arthur…Matthew is here…and Ivan is getting him a doctor! A doctor, Arthur! Matthew’s going to be all right! Better than ever, I’m sure!” Arthur acknowledged Alfred’s words but was more focused on trying to believe that Matthew was really here. Matthew was muttering some incoherent words and pointing at hallucinations he saw. Arthur knelt next to the bed and swept some stray hairs away from Matthew’s face.

“There shouldn’t be so many people in here.” Kiku said. “I’m sure his resistance is very low and we don’t want to keep bringing more germs in here. And Arthur…Ivan still doesn’t know you are here.”

“I don’t care. As far as he is concerned I’m just one of Francis’s lovers.”

“Thank you, darling!” Francis tried to lighten up the mood but Arthur ignored him, still staring at Matthew.

“Everyone but Alfred, Arthur and myself, out.” Kiku demanded softly. “It’s too crowded in here and it is bad for Matthew! I do know that much. Out! Shoo, all of you!” Kiku managed to shove them both out the door and latch it shut. Francis and Gilbert just looked at each other, both slightly hurt by their harsh dismissal.

“Kiku threw me out…” Gilbert said softly.

“I know, he always throws you out…but not me. I’m hurt. I don’t bring in any germs! When I walk into a room I bring sunshine and lilies along with me to brighten up the atmosphere! I may as well be Matthew’s medicine.” Francis said proudly, leaning over Kiku’s bird bath to admire his reflection.

“I think your mother told you all that stuff because deep down she hated you but felt guilty about it, because I would hate you too.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Francis asked and Gilbert was going to respond when they heard the sounds of a carriage coming up from behind. They both looked back to see the recognizable doctor’s wagon pulling up. “The doctor is here!”

Kiku opened the door and waved the doctor over as he stepped out of the wagon carrying his medical box. They doctor bid them a ‘good day’ as he stepped into the hut. Both Arthur and Alfred were standing by Matthew’s bed to give the doctor room to work. He greeted them as well before sitting on the bed next to Matthew. Francis and Gilbert wanted to be inside as well but Kiku slammed the door in their faces and latched it again.

“Hmm…we’re in some bad shape here, little one.” The doctor said as he lifted Matthew’s eyelids to check them. He felt his throat and checked his pulse. He pressed against Matthew’s chest, feeling a tightness there and it made him cough. “It’s just a bad cold and fever, brought on from malnutrition and probably stress.” Arthur glared at Alfred, blaming him for the ‘stress’ part but Alfred just looked away.

“I have some medicine to give him that will bring down the fever within a day or so as well as loosen up his chest. It’s a powder so you will have to mix it in with his food. You don’t have to worry about his health getting worse he’ll only get better. With proper rest, free of stress and healthy food, he will be back on his feet in no time.” The doctor took out a small glass bottle of the powdered medicine and gave it to Kiku. “Two pinches of that in or on his food will be enough. And give it to him twice a day.” Kiku nodded.

“Thank you, doctor.” Arthur said and shook his hand.

“Yes, thank you so much for coming to see him!” Alfred shook his hand as well.

“I will check in on him in a couple of days or so. Just keep him warm and rested. I want him to remain in bed for another day or so. Better yet, make it two days of bed rest.” Arthur nodded.

“We will see to that.” He said and Kiku went over to the let the doctor out, thanking him for his services.

“Can we come in now?” Gilbert pouted.

“No, not yet.” Alfred said.

“Yes, Francis, go get something for us to feed Matthew his medicine. Soup would be good.” Arthur ordered and Francis was going to complain but the look of worry and concern on his face for Matthew made him think twice about his words.

“Of course. Gilbert, come with me.”

“Why do I have to go? HEY! LET GO OF ME!” Francis pulled Gilbert away so Arthur and Alfred could have some time alone with Matthew.


Yao sat at his favorite window seat, sipping a cup of tea as he stared out into the courtyard. Ivan had told him the news about Ludwig and his army. Much to his dismay, Ivan had singly elected HIM to give the news to Feliciano. He looked over at the young brown haired man singing a tune as he dusted some of Yao’s knick-knacks. Yao had to tell him very soon, it was already sunset and poor Ludwig leaves tomorrow.

“Feliciano? Come here for a minute.” He said softly and Feliciano walks over to him, smiling happily.

“Yes, is there something you need?” Yao smiled at him.

“Eh…no, not really. I just wanted to tell you that Lord Ivan gave you the night off.” Feliciano smiled and gave a little chuckle.

“Really? What for?” Yao played with the beads on his bell-sleeve as he tried to find the right words.

“Why don’t you…have a seat.” He offered a spot next to him on the window seat and Feliciano sat down. “Feli…there is some trouble on one of the battlefields and our army and troops were requested to aid them in the fight. I’m afraid Ludwig is leading the army. He leaves tomorrow afternoon.” There. He said it. Straight to the point. “So you have the night off to spend time with him.”

Feliciano sat there on the cushion, his face white and his expression unreadable. Yao said his name but he didn’t answer. He quickly excused himself and darted out of the room, running as fast as he could down the halls. No…no it couldn’t be true! This was his darkest dream come true! Ludwig couldn’t be going off to battle! He couldn’t! Yao must have things mixed up! Deep down Feliciano knew he was lying to himself but at the moment it gave his legs the strength to run to the barracks.

‘Please don’t let me see him preparing for battle…please don’t let me see him preparing for battle…’ He repeated those words over and over in his head as he entered the training gates and hurried into the barracks. Ludwig’s room was one of the first ones on the lower level and he didn’t even bother knocking, but burst through the door. Ludwig looked over at the door as Feliciano entered.

“Feli?” He said softly and stood up from his stool. Feliciano saw his large sword laid out on its sharpening table and his pieces of armor taken out from its protective trunk. Feliciano wasted no time and ran into the room, jumping into Ludwig’s bare chest, not caring about the sweat.

“Please tell me you’re not going! Please tell me you are just getting ready for some practice battles. It is a practice battle, right? Right?” Ludwig could feel Feliciano’s body trembling against him as his lover tried to believe his own words. Ludwig wrapped his arms around him and held him close, stroking his back in hopes to calm him. There was no answer he could give that wouldn’t have his lover crying in his arms.

“No…it’s not for practice. I leave tomorrow afternoon.”

End Chapter 8