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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
- 8
- 9
- 10
***Warning: Language, mild violence

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

Chapter 8

Alfred sat at the meeting table in his tent, twirling a dagger on its surface. He stared at the blade as it spun slowly. The battlefield had been strangely quiet, and Alfred was growing bored. The young man wanted something extreme to get his mind off of the rude letter he sent to Arthur; he knew it wasn’t a smart move on his end, but his ex-lover just annoyed the hell out of him sometimes. Alfred knew he was putting a lot of pressure on Arthur, but it couldn’t be helped. Arthur’s position was beneficial to them no matter how the Brit looked at it; it was a necessary evil that Alfred would hear dearly about later once this was all over.

“Lost in thought again?” Francis spoke as he walked into the tent.

Alfred was slightly startled. “Oh, it’s you,” he sighed. “Anything happening on the front?”

“Nothing. Perfectly quiet. You could hear the rabbits nibbling on grass.”

Alfred dropped his head back against the back of the chair. “Where the hell are those demons? What are they plotting?”

“Many parts of these grounds are controlled by Ivan, and he’s very ‘busy’ right now.” Francis said with a little smirk, which earned him a slight glare from the other man.

“Funny.”

“I don’t know why you get so annoyed by this. Most of it was your idea.”

Alfred looked away. “I’m pissed that we had to involve Ludwig in all this. I don’t trust him.”

Francis took a seat at the table. “You’ve fought side by side for a few years now. Don’t you think if he were to betray us he would have done so already? Or are you more worried about him being around Arthur while playing the lover?”

Alfred slammed the tip of the blade into the table. “Arthur is a massive snob. He would never have slept with Ludwig that night. Ludwig saw Arthur was distressed and took advantage of him.”

Francis threw his head back and laughed. “Do you honestly believe that? I’m fairly certain Arthur got himself drunk and cheated on you with Ludwig to get revenge.”

“You’re full of shit.” Alfred glared at him. “I know how Arthur gets when he’s drunk. He would have never gone to Ludwig, a half demon. He may be loose when drunk, but he still has his pride.”

Francis just looked at him with amusement.

“You have no right to be mad at Arthur for sleeping with another,” Francis started. “For it was you who was running around behind his back with our dear friend Kiku.”

“Shut it, frog.”

Francis tapped his chin. “If I recall… all those nights you told Arthur you were ‘working’ were always lies. Near the end of your relationship I should say. And here Arthur was proud you were doing your military work when you were ‘playing’ with his best friend. You would have let it continue, but it just so happens you were caught with your pants down. Literally.”

“I don’t need to hear this,” Alfred said with a growl and stood from the table. “You don’t know what it’s like being in a relationship with him. He’s not the easiest person to be with! Don’t’ get me wrong, Arthur does have his good points, but-“

“So you shouldn’t be jealous of his affairs.”

Alfred glared at Francis. “He’s jealous of me and Kiku, so I think I’m entitled to being a little jealous myself. He’s at that castle playing whore to Ivan and now acting the role of ‘lover’ with Ludwig.”

“Do you even HEAR yourself, Alfred?” Francis said, slapping a hand to his forehead. “Typical American. You want to have your cake and eat it too. And as usual, you think you’re entitled to everything.”

Alfred flipped him the bird. “Fuck you, Frenchie.” Before Alfred could walk out of the tent Francis’ next words stopped him.

“Arthur thinks that by going along with this plan you’ll fall for him again.”

Alfred turned to look at him.

“How do you know that?”

Francis smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “A hunch. I’ve known Arthur for a long time. Longer than even you.”

“You don’t know him like I do.” Alfred became annoyed with Francis’ smug smirk to all his words. “Besides, even if he does think that, it won’t happen. It’s over between Arthur and me. I was young when this all started. Only sixteen. He was the adult. I grew up and began to experience life in a whole new way. It got me thinking about my friends, my relationship, and myself. Things change and Arthur has to know that. He’s a smart man. I can’t see him NOT figuring that out or at least coming to that conclusion.”

Francis shrugged his shoulders again. “Then in your next letter I would tell him that. Blame it on me. Tell him I brought it up, and you just wanted to clarify matters.”

Alfred said nothing but stormed out of the tent, hearing Francis laugh from behind.

//

Ivan had thrown a small get together for Ludwig’s arrival at the manor. Demon nobles and military officials were invited, all of which have some sort of business relation with the Beilschmidt family. Ivan never cared for throwing parties, but with his military status it was necessary. Luckily for him, his mate Gilbert was a social butterfly and did all of the entertaining. Gilbert would mingle with the crowd and report back to him with anything interesting.

Currently, Ivan was more focused on Arthur following around Gilbert ‘attending’ him. It was Arthur’s job here, but Ivan couldn’t take his eyes off the captivating human. Good thing he didn’t for something alerted his attention. He swallowed the vodka in his mouth with a heavy gulp, keeping his violet eyes fixated on the human. Arthur was speaking to Ludwig on more than one occasion, even more so than the half-demon’s brother. To Ivan, it appeared that the two were getting a little too close, and it concerned him. Arthur was speaking to Ludwig with smiles and soft words, so unlike how the human spoke to him. Ivan figured Arthur was attracted to Ludwig because he was half-human with half the attributes of a demon.

For the first time in a long while, Ivan felt threatened by his brother-in-law. Ivan knew if Arthur used the type of alluring ‘power’ he had on Ludwig the half-demon could easily steal him away. Ludwig would play right in to Arthur’s hands, and the human would end up victorious; however, Ivan would not let it come to that. Ivan has already laid claim to Arthur and would challenge the half-demon if necessary. Challenging Ludwig would put a lot of strain on Ivan’s relationship with Gilbert, but he could not let his property get taken away. This new situation would have to be handled very carefully to avoid as many consequences as possible. Ivan still needed Ludwig’s funding for many things other than Gilbert’s well being, but the half-demon didn’t need to know that.

“Toris," Ivan called the demon over with a wave of his fingers.

“Yes, sir?” Toris bent down next to him and Ivan leaned in to whisper.

“What is the status of our ransom letter?” Ivan asked, still not taking his eyes off of Arthur.

“I was told it had arrived, but we still await a reply.”

Ivan twiddled his fingers in the air beside Toris’ head. “See if you can’t speed things along a little bit.”

“Sir? That would require me actually going to a human camp.”

Ivan turned away from Arthur to smile at him. “So? You are simply going there with a message. We have one of their generals. We want a response. Turn it into a spying game if you must.” He suddenly gripped the front of Toris’ military uniform. “Just get them to move faster.”

Toris trembled. “Y-Yes, sir. I’ll get right on that.”

Ivan moved his eyes back to focus on Arthur, keeping a very close watch on him for the remainder of the party.

//

Arthur could feel Ivan’s eyes on him, and it was a chilling stare. He was certain that Ivan has already picked up on the fact that Arthur was paying particular attention to Ludwig. Even though it was part of the plan it made the butterflies in Arthur’s belly flutter madly. Ivan had gotten jealous last night and acted on it in a way Arthur thought he had despised. Either way, the thought of what else Ivan could with him in the name of jealous passion set him on edge. Would he end up in Ivan’s bed or the torture chamber? He should have thought this through more before jumping into Alfred’s harebrain plans.

“You look well,” Ludwig suddenly said to him at the refreshment table. They had managed to get some time alone to talk while Arthur ‘pretended’ to help himself to food.

“I’ve been better.” Arthur took a quick glance around to make sure no one was in earshot. “Anything to report?”

“The war has been silent in our area. Ivan has yet to lead any other arms or send word for attack.”

“Really?” Arthur seemed surprised.

“That’s all thanks to you.”

Arthur’s brows went up. “To me?” He was flattered.

Ludwig popped a grape into his mouth from the fruit bowl. “Ivan told me last night while we played chess. He’s currently focused on you.” The larger blonde glanced in Ivan’s direction. “He’s watching us.”

Arthur forced a smile. “I’m acting like whatever you are saying is witty and funny. So play along. I’m actually so bloody annoyed I could scream.”

“Well don’t. Hold your resolve. Eat a tart.”

Arthur did so, taking a bite of the sweet raspberry treat. “So when do we fully start our little faux love affair? You have to start being softer and not so rigid. Don’t fuck this up because you can’t be hospitable.”

“I’ll do what I can.”

Arthur finished the tart. “And nothing is going to come of this. Just remember that.”

Ludwig gave a soft, irritated sigh. “Yes. Mein gott, don’t keep flattering yourself. You’re not that good.”

Even though Arthur’s jaw wanted to drop to the floor at Ludwig’s uncharacteristic sentence he kept up a pleasured smile.

“I beg your pardon? Is that why you shoved the vending machine guy’s face into the day after? For giving me a free toffee bar?”

Ludwig looked up flatly from his plate of food. “We won’t speak of that moment.”

Arthur put his hands on his hips and smirked. He had to shimmy his shoulders in triumph. “Admit it. I’m fabulous!”

“Please keep your snobbish attitude to a minimum.”

“Right.” Arthur glanced at the table to see Ivan still staring at him. “What about Alfred? How is he?”

“I don’t speak to him much.” Ludwig put another piece of fruit on his plate. “Not after our falling out. I speak to him when it comes to military duties, and that’s all.”

Arthur was aware that the ‘falling out’ part referred to the fistfight Ludwig and Alfred had. It happened while Arthur was sulking in the storage room after the vending machine incident. Good news traveled fast and word got out that Arthur and Ludwig had had sex. The news was quick to reach Alfred’s ears, and in a few short moments they were rumbling in the cafeteria of the military barracks. Arthur heard all hell broke loose and a lengthy argument was held between himself and Alfred. Ludwig did not want to concern himself with the relationship fight. After that, the awkward tension between Arthur and Ludwig began to emerge. The distance between Alfred and Arthur quickly increased. A very hard time befell for all three of them.

Arthur rests his hand on top of Ludwig’s. “I’m sorry for what happened that night.”

“It is partially my fault. I should have pushed you away.”

“Why didn’t you?”

Ludwig used his other hand to pick up a piece of freshly cut raw meat and ate it. “Demon instinct.”

Arthur had never seen Ludwig eat raw meat before. He wondered if the tall blonde did so behind closed doors. He had seen Ludwig’s fangs only a few times during battle and felt them that one night of passion.

“Well, keep your demon instincts in your pants,” Arthur politely scolded him. “And ask me to dance.”

Ludwig almost dropped his plate. “W-what?”

“We have to make this look believable! Ask me to dance!”

“You’re a human slave. I’m a powerful lord. Why on Earth would I ask you to dance?”

Arthur grit his teeth with a smile and said, “Because we are putting on an act, you big dumb brute! How are you going to woo me if you don’t do the things I like to make me like you in return?”

“I don’t dance.”

Arthur rolled his eyes. “Then pour me some rum and take me for a walk away from here.”

“Perhaps water will be best for-“ Ludwig stopped speaking at Arthur’s green glare. “Rum it is.”

Ivan’s eyes narrowed when he watched Ludwig hand Arthur a glass of rum. He drummed his fingers against the armrest while his tail swished madly behind him. Just what was his wealthy brother-in-law planning to do with his human? Arthur was showing an interest in him by the way those green eyes bashfully lowered as he spoke. Was Arthur going to play the sweet and innocent lover to Ludwig but with Ivan the sharp-tongued shrew?

Ivan’s tail stuck out perfectly straight when he saw the two leave the dining hall. Now where were they going? It would be rude for him to leave the hall with important guests present but he couldn’t very well let the two out of his sight. Hissing, he looked around his immediate servants and spotted Raivis standing to the far right of him, holding a tray with a bottle of vodka on it. Ivan smirked and snapped his fingers.

“Raivis, sweetling, come here.”

Raivis quickly trotted over to him. “M-More vodka, sir?” He asked in a trembling voice.

“No, thank you. Little one, I have a special job for you. Do it right, and I will give you the day off tomorrow.”

Raivis’ eyes widened. “W-What k-kind of job, sir?”

“Follow closely behind Lord Ludwig and my human slave, Arthur. They walked off together. I am curious to know what they are doing. Be discreet and follow them. Stay with them until they separate. Should things become intimate between them do everything in your power to cockblock them.”

Raivis blushed profusely but nodded. “Yes, sir, Mr. Ivan! Right away, sir!”

“Report back to me the moment they separate, and you are certain they aren’t together.”

“Yes! Yes, sir!”

Ivan glared at the archway where Arthur and Ludwig had exited. He made sure Raivis was through the archway before calling for another glass of vodka.

Outside in the garden, Arthur and Ludwig walked side by side silently. Ludwig’s demon hearing picked up the sound of someone nearby, possibly behind them. One could only assume Ivan had sent a spy after they had left. Ludwig quickly took Arthur’s hand and leaned in close to whisper. To anyone else it would have looked like a very sweet and romantic gesture.

“We’re being followed.”

Arthur nodded, understanding right away. “So, you are a high lord. How strange that a half-blood could be in control of so many demons.”

Ludwig glanced to the side but saw no one. “I have human connections as well. My mother was human. She would have liked me to be somewhat friendly to the human race.”

“Quite so. How sweet is it that you respect your human mother so much. And it’s very hard to believe that Gilbert is your brother! You’re both so… opposite!” Arthur smiled at Ludwig and linked his arm with the other man. He had spotted the ‘spy’ a short distance to their right.

“Yes, well, Gilbert is not the easiest sibling to have, but he is still by big brother. My human mother cared for him when his demon mother ran off. He has respect for humans.”

“That he does. He took me into his care… saved me from the dungeons and torture chamber.”

Ludwig did not respond to that but continued walking with him.

“You know, Lord Ludwig, I find it very… alluring by how reserved and respected you are. You respect demons and humans alike… I find that attractive.”

Ludwig cleared his throat, seeing the spy dash behind a tree. “You, truthfully, have sparked my interest. I’ve heard so much about you from Ivan and Gilbert that I feel as if I truly know you. They speak of your bravery in standing up to Ivan, which I know can be no easy taste for a human.”

“Not just any human! A ‘general’,” Arthur reminded him. “You know what else?”

Arthur could see the spy hiding behind the roses so it was time to put on his best move. Arthur figured that he would drink himself blind later for what he was about to say.

“What?” Ludwig asked, trying to keep his resolve when Arthur pressed up against him. The shorter blonde wrapped his arms around Ludwig’s neck.

“I’ve had sex with humans. I’ve had sex with a demon. I wonder what a half-blood is like.” Arthur purred, feeling his stomach twist into knots as he was forced to put on such a display.

“You are a slave… I can show you without fear of consequence,” Ludwig responded.

Both men were unprepared for the sudden scream coming from above in the flowering tree. They both looked up just in time to see a body come barreling down towards them. The body landed directly on Arthur, knocking the man down with a heavy ‘oof!’. Ludwig just blinked at the fallen pair, seeing a much smaller and lighter shade of blonde young demon boy. The boy had ended up lying across Arthur’s chest while the Brit appeared dazed. Before Ludwig helped the young boy up he had to wonder how he got from the bush to the tree so fast.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” The demon boy repeated and cried. “I hope I didn’t hurt Mr. Arthur!”

“Uh…I think you should really ask him,” Ludwig said and helped Arthur up from the ground, dusting the man off.

“R-Raivis?! What in the blazes are you doing out here?” Arthur hollered at him once he caught his breath.

“I-I was just taking a rest in the tree! Enjoying the stars! Your voices scared me, and I fell! I’m very sorry, Mr. Arthur!” The boy whined and cried but Arthur only sighed heavily.

“Honest mistake. Just go back inside! Be more careful next time.”

“Yes, Mr. Arthur!” Both men watched as Raivis ran out of the garden and back into the manor.

“Ivan sent HIM?” Arthur whispered.

“Worst excuse I have ever heard for spying.” Ludwig responded softly. “Perhaps I should take you back.” He took Arthur’s hand but the smaller blonde pulled away.

“I can see myself inside, thank you. We’ll talk later.”

“Very well.”

Arthur gave him a short wave before exiting the garden and returning to the manor.

//

“Are you certain that is what you heard?” Ivan looked at Raivis from his spot in the chair.

“Yes, sir.” The boy leaned down closer so Ivan could hear over the activity of the party. “Mr. Arthur said he likes the idea of one being a half-blood since…” The boy blushed brightly. “Since he’s-“

Ivan chuckled. “I get it. No need to let your head pop off from embarrassment, sweetling. You did well. As I promised, take the first few hours of tomorrow for yourself to sleep in. Then back to work.”

“But Master Ivan! You said I could have the whole day off!” Raivis squeaked when Ivan turned hard violet eyes on him. “Yes sir! A few hours only!”

“Good boy. Run along now. Your master has to do some very heavy thinking. Oh, and get me some more vodka.”

Ivan held out his glass so Raivis could refill it. His violet eyes scanned the crowd, looking for the particular blonde shade of hair that was Arthur’s. The human appeared at the archway of the main doors as he came back to the party, alone. Ivan stared at him, trying to spot any signs of passion or mating. Even though Raivis said he has stopped them Ivan still wasn’t fully convinced. Their moment alone together could have been a very deep kiss or a quick fuck. However, Ivan could not sense or see anything about Arthur’s person that suggested there was a mating.

‘Perhaps he is simply playing ‘hard to get’, just as he has been doing since he got here,’ Ivan reasoned to himself. ‘He’s challenging me.’ Ivan’s smile grew. ‘No worries. I think it’s time I up the stakes a little bit. I will Arthur at my side in no time.’

Throughout the rest of the night, Arthur had no more contact with either Ivan or Ludwig. He spent the rest of his night following Gilbert and Matthew around. Eventually, Gilbert had gotten bored of the party and retired early with his grooms. Arthur was always aware of Ivan’s eyes on him as the three left the hall. Arthur knew he had spiked Ivan’s jealousy and curiosity so now it was only a matter to time before the plan could take full effect. He had come to the conclusion that maybe having Ludwig here wasn’t such a bad idea.

However, by the time morning came he was awoken to a very new and strange situation.

“Arthur! Arthur wake up!” Matthew shook him violently. “Arthur!”

“What is it? Stop shaking me!”

“Master Ivan wants to see you! Just you!”

Arthur gave a grunt and looked out the window. “It’s early in the morning…what the hell for?”

“I don’t know. But please, don’t wake up Master Gilbert. He’s still sleeping.”

Arthur knew better than to argue with Ivan’s commands, so he rolled out of the blankets to quickly primp himself. He prayed that Ivan would not want any early morning sex because Arthur did not do mornings. There were many times when Alfred had wanted a ‘quickie’ before work, but Arthur would snap at him. Not to mention the one time Alfred made the mistake of waking him up for sex. If Arthur had been a praying mantis at that moment he would have bitten the other man’s head off.

Regardless, Arthur followed Matthew out of the room until he was lead to the top of a staircase. Arthur couldn’t remember ever having been down this way, so he was curious to see where it led. Matthew spoke little to him; the boy seemed very nervous but more so than usual. Once they reached the bottom of the steps and turned at a lit marble candle stand Arthur noticed Ivan standing outside of a door. The hall was very short, with only two doors and a large painting of something abstract on the wall. The carpet runner in the center seemed plush beneath his shoes but the floorboards it covered seemed very old. Now that he thought about it, this whole area of hall seemed old.

“Ah, good morning, Arthur,” Ivan said with a smile. “Thank you, Matthew.”

Matthew bowed his head and took his dismissal silently. Arthur waited until Matthew was out of sight before walking up to Ivan.

“What’s this all about?” Arthur asked him, arching his hip slightly and crossing his arms.

Ivan just smiled. “Well, it just so happens that I have decided to up your status a little bit. You are no longer a groom to Gilbert.”

Arthur’s eyes widened.

“You are now my mistress and personal groom. You will accompany me when I ask you too. Your new job title is overseer of the garden slaves. And… as my mistress… you are required to do many other ‘things’ behind closed doors.”

Arthur just stood there, dumbfounded. This was something he had not expected during his stay here.

“M-Mistress? Overseer? Ivan… I’m really surprised. What brought all this on?” Arthur asked with a raised brow.

“Simple. Since you have entertained me so much in a last few days I wanted to give you a little something. Change the scene a bit. I would like you to remember that you are still MY human, and I would like to keep it that way.”

Arthur gave him a hard look. “What about Gilbert- your mate?”

“He has no say in this. I am allowed to have whomever I want. Of course, his status and title is above yours, and you will treat him as such. However, any matters of passion or mating are to be taken up with me. Gilbert has no say in the matter.”

“HA! Easy for you to say! You won’t be on the receiving end of his torment!” Arthur pointed out. “Have you forgotten that his little magic power there can kill me in an instant?”

Ivan folded his arms behind his back. “But he won’t. You see, my darling Gilbert likes a challenge. Killing you so quickly like that would bore him. He will find other ways to torment you. If you can't handle yourself with him then you’re free to come and tell me. Then I will take care of it.”

Arthur shook his head. “I can’t see any of good that will come with this.”

Ivan chuckled. “I think once you see your new room you will think differently.”

Ivan opened the door and held his arm out to welcome Arthur inside.

The sight of the small room had Arthur frozen in the doorway. In the center of the room against the far wall was a day bed with an ivory frame. Even though the chosen bed pattern was gaudy Arthur couldn’t resist running over to get a closer look. The comforter was pink tinted silk bisque with a floral rose trellis pattern. It had not one, not two, but three matching pillow shams lining the back frame. Two accent throw pillows of solid bisque completing the décor of the bed. He paid little attention to the bed skirt, which was only a solid shade of pink bisque. The rose pattern is what caught his attention and made his soft gentleman side squeal in delight.

Two gold mirror sconces were mounted on the wall beside the edges of the bed. Arthur did not like the idea that they were candles and not actual light bulbs. In fact, the other lighting sources in the room seemed to be either candle or oil based. On top of the whitewashed end table sat a lamp that could very well contain the usefulness of a light bulb. It wasn’t the hurricane rose lamp he had his eye on in Ivan’s room, but it was close enough. The frosted pink glass shade would give the room a soft glow when turned on. The only outside source of light was a small round window covered in ivy from the outside. Arthur could begin to see the first rays of sunlight peeking through.

“In case you haven’t figured out, this is a room meant for a girl,” Ivan pointed out. “It belonged to my sister when she was little. It was a little getaway for her to read and paint. I took out the vanity and replaced it with a more…manlier bureau. And as you can see, there is a small bookshelf here that is currently empty, but I thought you could pick out books from the library to put here. That white table and chair there is for when you want to have some tea. I figured you were the kind of ‘nook’ guy.”

Arthur just looked at him.

“I know you are fond of roses and while you live with me, I will give you whatever you want. You want roses then you shall have them. After all, you are my precious English Rose,” Ivan said while folding his hands together against his cheek in a cute manner.

“So… I-“ Arthur started but Ivan cut him off.

“Oh! Let me show you your own private bath!” Ivan hurried over to him and took the surprised Arthur by the hand, pulling him from the room. Ivan pushed open the second door in the hall to reveal a small bathroom, complete with tub, toilet, and sink. “It’s not as pretty as the bedroom but it’s all yours! You don’t have to share with Gilbert now!”

“I- I don’t know what to say,” Arthur spoke softly. “It’s… It’s more than I expected. I mean…I am just a slave. Not only a slave but a human, as well. Not too long a go you had me in cage slowly cramping and starving to death! Now you give me a lavish room with …with nice things? What are you trying to pull?” Arthur put his hands on his hips.

“I’m not trying to pull anything.” He leaned his face in close to Arthur’s. “I told you that I like you. I like you a lot. I want you to stay with me for a very, very long time. I enjoy your company immensely and our little courting game isn’t over yet.” Ivan smiled and Arthur frowned.

“Courting game?” Arthur was unprepared for something like this to show up so quickly. “Ivan… I don’t know what to say. For once I’m…I’m actually silent.”

“It’s a lot to think about.” Ivan lightly poked Arthur’s nose.

Arthur looked at the finger cross-eyed, but then quickly thought of an idea that could further lengthen his ploy.

“Ivan,” he pushed the finger away. “I’m not the type of person who takes kindly to possessiveness. I think you’re only doing this because I’m not an easy target and I was hanging around Ludwig last night. I’m sorry, but I don’t love easily, if at all. I’ve never been in love before.”

“It doesn’t have to be ‘love’. That word holds very little meaning. It’s something created by intelligent life but has many different definitions and forms. That is mostly created and endorsed emotion by humans over their eons of existence. You don’t see Gilbert and myself very much in love, do you?” Arthur shook his head. “Because we view it much differently than humans.”

“You mean like animals.”

Arthur was unprepared for Ivan’s lightening fast movement of slamming his slim body against the wall. The blonde made no movement as Ivan’s body pressed hard against his own. Those wings blocked off the world so he could only focus his eyes on Ivan. The larger male forced Arthur’s head up by grabbed his chin and holding firmly. The heat from Ivan’s growing erection could be felt against Arthur’s lower belly and a faint blush spread across his cheeks.

“I’m fairly certain our ideas of love are different. I know I want to make you mine. To hear you say you love and want me only fuels my desire to claim you as my own.”

Arthur shivered in his hold but made no response.

“Perhaps you would do well to learn more about demons.” Ivan let go and stepped away from him. “My library has many text on my race. Read and learn. Use that intelligent brain of yours before I eat it.” He turned to walk away but Arthur shouted to him.

“I won’t ever come to you willing! You will always come to me!” Arthur was flushed now with a hint of anger.

Ivan’s tail swayed back and forth. “Only time will tell.” The demon did not look back at him. “You are very stubborn and so am I. One of us will break, but it won’t be me.”

Arthur stopped him again once Ivan began to climb the stairs.

“It’s obvious I lust after you! I can’t help that!” He shouted with a bright, angry blush. “But that doesn’t count as ‘love’ or ‘mutual feeling’ or anything of the sort! That’s just two wanton bodies answering to nature’s call!”

Ivan’s brows went up in amusement.

“I want a bottle of rum and a rhubarb pie!”

“Whatever for?”

“I’m even more exciting to fuck while roaring drunk and high on sugar!”

Arthur gave a devilish smirk at the shocked features of Ivan as he turned to go back into his room. Ivan’s slow climb turned into a loud heavy one as the demon must have ran up the steps to fulfill the order. Closing the door behind him, Arthur took one look around at his new room and smiled softly. He admitted that it was fairly girly, but he liked it. The room reminded him of happier times as a child when he had very little to worry about. Kicking off his shoes he laid back on the silken comforter, running slim hands across the fabric. It was more than he would ever need, and it just occurred to him that he had forgotten to thank Ivan for the hospitality.

“Ivan… a demon after my own heart, yet I do not want to yield.” He whispered to the ceiling.

Deep down a small part of him wanted to go running to Ivan and leap into his arms, begging the demon to take him away from everything. Even the idea of lying around on his back smoking and drinking like Gilbert appealed to him in a odd sort of way. Arthur could picture how relaxing and calm his life would be if he denounced everything and lived with Ivan. He could have everything at his fingertips; everything he could ever want. From perfect sex to quiet reading in the garden, it could all be his in the blink of an eye.

So why he hesitation?

Arthur had very little hope of regaining his relationship with Alfred, so it couldn’t be the younger human holding him back. Most of it had to do with his status in the military and his hatred of demons. In this situation, Ivan, and even Gilbert for that matter, were the first demons he had ever socialized with in a casual environment. Any other meetings he had with demons were to discuss war terms and the like. Never had he known any so closely before. If he chose to go with Ivan then he would lose all respect of the human race. He would be called a hypocrite and the public would be right. Arthur’s sole purpose was to lead his armies into battles with demons to regain control of their Earth. The Earth belonged to the humans.

Ivan was not only an undefeated war general but a mass murderer as well. He had destroyed human cities and killed their residents. He would let his demon soldiers feast off the dead bodies of Arthur’s fallen comrades. Ivan must have many humans down below the manor in that torture chamber right now. Arthur had experienced only a quarter of what Ivan could deliver with torture and for that he was grateful. Deep down he felt remorse for those humans suffering, but, at the same time, he could tell himself, ‘at least it isn’t me’. It was a cruel feeling but one all humans possess, even if they refuse to believe it. However, on the flipside, Arthur’s race trapped and tortured demons, as well. They treated the demons like mere animals. He was even aware of their labs performing horrible tests and experiments on demons.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Arthur whispered and rolled over onto his side. “But what can be done? What? I can’t stop the war and neither can Ivan. We could run a peace campaign with our topic being ‘equality for all races’ but what good would that do? Many have tried; all have failed. Ivan’s too pig-headed and… and even I am, to a point.” He sat up. “Bloody hell, I’m talking to myself! Damn it all!” He banged his fists to his temples. “Urrrrrrgh! Do I go for what I want or what is best for my race?”

‘Duty and honor,’ came a small voice from inside his head. ‘Your people and race are depending on you.’

“But is there another way that isn’t war?” He asked the voice, but then no answer came. “Didn’t think so.”

Arthur sat very still on the bed and stared at the frosted pink lamp, deep in thought. The plan seemed to be taking an unexpected detour. His duty was to seduce Ivan and then lure him into the open where the demon could get captured. Arthur knew he could still do that by slowly letting go of his pride and pretending to bend to Ivan’s will. It was his spirited will that had Ivan lusting after him in the first place, but he didn’t think softening his exterior would have the opposite effect. Maybe it was time to start playing the lover. Everything would benefit him but would be disastrous for Ivan. Aside from that there was still the fear of accidently falling in love with Ivan if he allowed his heart to be open; act or not.

If he fell in love (or became attached) then how could he lead Ivan into a trap? The humans would likely execute him after lengthy interrogations and tortures. Even if Arthur were to protest the humans would not listen to him. Killing off Ivan would destroy the demon realms largest and most dangerous army. The humans would obtain that territory and massacre thousands. Arthur knew it would be for the greater good of the human race, but could he actually allow it to happen? If he let Ivan go then he would be a traitor and stand before a firing squad. There had to be something that could be done, but he had no one to confide in. He only had Ludwig, and he wasn’t an easy person to open up to. Matthew had no real knowledge of the military, so he would be of very little help. The younger man didn’t even know the full extent of this plan. Alfred was pretty much useless and hated all demons no matter what. He could call on Francis, but the frog would laugh at him or blurt everything out.

There was one person who came to mind but Arthur grit his teeth, shaking his head violently.

“NEVER! NEVER EVER! NEVER, NEVER, EVER! PERISH THE THOUGHT!” He hissed. “I rather gouge my eyes out with a ball-point pen!” Arthur paused for a moment and looked out the vine-covered window. “Maybe as a last, VERY LAST, resort.” The person he was thinking of would most likely have the answer he sought, but pride reared its ugly head again.

He would cross that bridge when he came to it. His first order of business was a fun night with Ivan then move on from there. He would have to let both Ludwig and Alfred know that his new role was going to play ‘lover’. He would ease into it slowly for he was still supposed to be making eyes at Ludwig, which he could still do. Perhaps he should tell Ludwig to start bestowing gifts upon him just as Ivan had done. That way the two could duel it out and keep things going according to plan.

“Maybe things won’t turn out so bad after all. Focus. Focus. Focus.”

Arthur grabbed one of the pretty pillows and held it close, snuggling up into the gaudy decoration that was his new room.

//

“MMMM! Rhubarb pie, my favorite!” Gilbert said loudly as the servant held out the tray containing the pie. The servant had met him outside the room before Gilbert could go in. “What brought this on?”

“It’s from Master Ivan, your grace.” Said the servant. “One is going to Mistress Arthur and Master Ivan thought you would like one too.”

Gilbert’s body froze and he paused in his eating. “Excuse me? Did you just say… ‘Mistress Arthur’?” The servant bowed.

“Yes, your grace. Master Ivan has just announced it. Mistress Arthur now has his very own room in the former lady’s childhood bedroom. Mistress Arthur is now the overseer of the gardens.”

“WHAT THE FUCK!” Gilbert shouted, startling the servant. “HE GAVE ALL THAT TO-“ The white demon froze when he saw another servant carrying a tray with a much bigger rhubarb pie set atop of it. Another servant followed behind with a large bottle of rum. “OH; HELL NO!”

Spreading his wings, Gilbert flew down the halls and to Arthur’s new room. The servants had just gotten there when he arrived, startling them both. He demanded to see Arthur and was quickly greeted with the human coming out of the room. Arthur looked at Gilbert in both concern and surprise. Gilbert had only one facial feature and that was anger.

“Leave us!” Gilbert demanded and the servants placed the tray down before hurrying away.

“Is there a problem?” Arthur asked casually.

“Yeah, you might say there is a problem. There is a big fucking problem! Where the hell do you get off earning the sickening title of ‘mistress’?”

“Your MATE gave it too me. I didn’t ask for it.”

“You should have denied it!”

Arthur glared. “He would have forced me.”

“You would have fought back like you always do!” Gilbert countered.

“Once again you harebrain, you’re blaming ME for the choice YOUR MATE made! You should be yelling at him, not me!”

Gilbert turned bright red with anger, his fists clenched at his sides. “I know it’s fucking petty, but why the fuck do you get the bigger rhubarb pie? I’M IVAN’S TRUE AND LAWFUL MATE!”

Arthur wouldn’t back down, placing his own hands on his hips. “Obviously because I deserve it!”

Gilbert shoved passed him to look at the room. “Are you kidding me? He gave you silk! SILK! I don’t even have silk!”

“You’re acting like a jealous child!” Arthur hissed.

“I’m not jealous!” Gilbert said as he spun around. “You are trying to take my mate away from me!”

Arthur stomped his foot. “I AM NOT! I actually have eyes for your brother, you know!”

“Now you’re after Ludwig? You loose, lying, lousy little Limey harlot!”

“HARLOT?” Arthur nearly screeched. “YOU TAKE THAT BACK!”

“NEVER! IF THE SHOE FITS!” Gilbert smirked and crossed his arms. “Humans are so easy to manipulate! One experience with demon cock, and they’re spreading their legs to beg for more. Just because your love life sucks balls, and human dick doesn’t satisfy, so you turn to something better! It’s pitiful!”

Arthur stormed up to the demon and crushed their noses together. “I will defend my honor! If you’re such a strong and awesome demon as you claim to be then fight me on a human level!”

“Fight you?” Gilbert repeated and then laughed. “I can happily introduce you to some floorboards with only my fists as weapons! You wanna go a round, blondie?”

They were now nose-to-nose and chest-to-chest.

“Fists only. No demon magic or wings or tail!”

“You got it! And once I win I am going to eat that entire rhubarb pie and shit it out on your pretty little bedspread!”

“Don’t you dare touch that pie! I rather give it to the dogs then let you eat it!”

Arthur couldn’t believe how ridiculous this argument was turning out to be but he wouldn’t give in. It was the PRINCIPLE of the issue that had his feathers ruffled! Gilbert would never have that rhubarb pie!

“I will always get the biggest of everything!” Gilbert shoved him.

Arthur shoved back. “I will eat that pie right in front of you and savor every bite! Or maybe I will even bathe in it!”

“Oh, it’s on now!” Gilbert threw the first punch.

//

Ivan and Ludwig were out in the garden discussing business. Ivan had chosen to collect roses for his night with Arthur.

“So I told Mr. Randall that if our needs cannot be met then I will have to decline the offer.”

Ludwig nodded. “A wise choice. We now need to find another-“ He was cut off by the sudden commotion coming from one of the nearby balconies. “What in the world?”

Ivan followed his gaze and smiled when he saw the source of the noise.

Gilbert and Arthur were locked in a hair-tugging brawl, flopping their bodies around aimlessly while the other refused to release their hold. Ludwig just stared at them with a frown. Both could faintly hear what the two brawling men were saying.

“I’m going to shove your face in that pie!” Arthur hissed.

“I will eat that rhubarb pie with Ivan while he’s fucking ME!” Gilbert countered.

“I’LL LET HIM LICK IT OFF ME AS HE’S FUCKING ME!” Arthur shouted before he was slammed into the railing yet his hands never let go of the white hair.

“NOT IF I TIRE HIM OUT FIRST!”

They battled their way back through the balcony doors, disappearing from sight. Ludwig just gave a flat, angry stare at the now vacant balcony.

“They’re fighting over rhubarb pie? Ivan, do you know why they- Ivan?”

Ludwig noticed that the other demon was no longer beside him. He looked around and noticed a large black mass tucked between a rose bush and the trunk of tree. There was a large tail wrapped around the base of the black mound. Ludwig gave a sigh and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Ivan had actually wrapped himself up in his wings to hide.

“Ivan…what are you doing?”

“Shh! I’m hiding!”

“I’m aware of that but from what?”

“I’m in BIIIIIIIIG trouble.”

Ludwig rolled his eyes. “Don’t tell me you had something to do with his ridiculous fight of theirs?”

Ivan’s answer came with a little playful purple-eyed peek from between his wings.

“Oopsie.”

End Chapter 8 TBC
- 8
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- 10
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Darker Than Morning